Introduction to world religions

1. WELCOME
TOPICS IN RELIGION

2. Introduction to World religions
• Religion – comes from Latin word Religio,
meaning fear or awe one feels in the presence
of a spirit or god or a supernatural power.
• In modern western culture it is
A set of beliefs having to do with gods
Through that a moral system is developed
Questions can be raised with this kind of
understanding
Paul Tillich says it is the “ultimate concern”

3. Introduction to World religions
Important factors which are considered
for a religion
• Deals with people’s relationship with the
unseen supernatural world.
• Developed myths and rituals in
connection to the unseen supernatural
world for various purposes.

4. Introduction to World religions
• Developed a system of organized rituals, place
of worship, religious functionaries and
sometimes scriptures.
• Usually have some statements, in some form,
about life after death
• Developed code of conduct or moral order
• Attracted a large following either in the
present or in the past
• Normally there is a founder

5. Introduction to World religions
Theories of the origin of religion
Animistic theory: Suggested by Tylor and
improved by Bishop Codrington. Spirits
are every where and so they need to be
communicated. Bishop introduced the
word Mana – a supernatural power.
Nature worship theory: Suggested by
Maxmuller. The power of nature made
people to worship it.

6. Introduction to World religions
Theory of original monotheism: Suggested by
Wilhelm Schmidt. Every primitive group
believed in a high god who became distant
and therefore polytheism and idolatry came
into existence.
The magic theory: Smart individual first
developed magic to manipulate the
supernatural and slowly gave birth to religion.
Projection of human need: Man is not created
in the image of God but god is created in the
imagination of man. Karl Marx is one of them.

7. Introduction to World religions
Different types of religions
Basic religion: unorganized, no written form like
Animism, Totemism etc.
Religions originated in India: Hinduism,
Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism
Religions originated in China & Japan: Taoism,
Confucianism, Shintoism etc.
Religions originated in Middle East:
Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Baha'ism,
Islam.