Characteristics of Religion (Introduction to Religion and Belief System)

5. 1.Based on the video, what is religion?
2. Based on the video, what do you think is
the essence of religion to the people?

6. WHAT IS
RELIGION?

7. Worldviews and belief systems are necessary for
religions in order to protect and spread their own
particular belief as a way of “keeping the faith”
through generations. Catholic Christians keep in
their hearts the “Apostles’ Creed”, the Muslims
practice “the five pillars of Islam”, the Shinto
reveres the dead ancestors or “Kami”, the
Confucians hold dearly the necessity of past
traditions, and the Taoists embrace the importance
of being close to nature.(Cornejo et al, 2019). Your
beliefs shape your worldviews but your beliefs and
worldviews are oftentimes shaped by religion.
There is a complex interplay between religion,
belief and worldview.

8. Religion may be defined as “an organized
system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to
worship a god or a group of gods” (Merriam-
Websters Dictionary 2014).


9. Religions have different elements and
characteristics which are non-negotiable.
Members should follow or undergo the
process to become a genuine believer. The
elements of religions written by Maria
Perpetua Arcilla-Serapio lay-down these
basic characteristics at least for the major
religions.

10. Belief in supernatural powers: the power which is
beyond human powers. The human sufferings enable
human being to seek God’s help for their problems.
Belief in the holy or sacred: This is the heart of every
religion. Every religion has sacred books or texts. For
example, Scriptures and the Bible are sacred for the Jews
and so with the Christians, Qur’an for Muslims, and
Tripitaka for Buddhists and Vedas for Hindus. But
something sacred is not just books but also places,
symbols, animals, rocks and many more. Hindus for
example believes that cows are sacred because of their
beliefs in reincarnation.

11. Systems of rituals: these are the different ways each religions
expresses their faith. Catholic Christians have the seven
sacraments which include ceremonies and rituals. For example,
Baptism. A child must be baptized at an early age in the church
with the presence of parents, God parents, priest as celebrator
and the community that supports the child. The most important
symbol of baptism is –water. It symbolizes cleansing from sin.
The child also has to wear white dress to symbolize purity
Sinful acts : usually a violation of the laws
established by God which each members has to
follow. For example the Ten Commandments for
Judaism and Christians and the Five Pillars of Islam
which when violated the believer commits a grievous
sin.

12. The Method of salvation: the belief in the afterlife or
the idea of heaven and hell. If you are a good believer
you will go to heaven but if not, you will go to hell.
Islam went further by believing that if one’s life is
sacrificed against the enemies of Islam, their soul go
straight to heaven.
Mode of worship: each religions has different
expressions of worship which include praying,
kneeling, dancing, singing to name a few.

13. Liturgy and Ideology: Liturgy is described as
public worship. It is a gathering of believers
with ceremonies such as wedding ceremonies,
worship services or bible studies.
Place of worship: Each religion has holy
places which they believe God is present such
as churches, temples, mosques and other
sacred places.

14. The elements or characteristics of religions
mentioned above are necessary for a particular
religion to perpetuate their worldviews and
belief systems.

15. ACTIVITY # 2:
DIRECTION: COMPLETE TABLE BELOW BY PLACING THE
APPROPRIATE WORDS OR DEFINITION.
Elements/ characteristics of
Religion
Definition
System of Rituals
The power beyond human power.
Liturgy and Ideology
The Violation of the laws established by God.
Mode of worship
The heart of religion

16.  Direction: Identify what is asked in the statement.
 ________1. This is the heart of every religion. Every religion has sacred books or
texts.
 ________2. These are the different ways each religions expresses their faith.
Catholic Christians have the seven sacraments which include ceremonies and
rituals.
 ________3. Each religions has different expressions of worship which include
praying.
 ________4. Usually a violation of the laws established by God which each
members has to follow.
 ________5. Liturgy is described as public worship. It is a gathering of believers
with ceremonies such as wedding ceremonies, worship services or bible
studies.

17. ASSIGNMENT:
Direction: Answer the Question Below.
1.Differentiate Religion from Spirituality.