Report on the Religious Life of Planet Earth Essay - 1

Report on the Religious Life of Planet Earth - Essay Example Furthermore, examples in relation to a descriptive analysis of behavioral actions in tandem with the religious characteristics will be incorporated. Belief and Reverence in the Supernatural Beings The basic and fundamental aspect of religion foremost entails a belief and reverence in the Supernatural beings (Bowker, 1997). These include belief in gods, spirits, and God in humans express acknowledgment and reverence to the existence of supernatural beings within an ultimate reality world. Examples depicting belief in supernatural beings is evident among religious groups such as the Hindus that acknowledge the existence of 330 million gods under a single the sole Ultimate Reality of the Brahman, which supersedes all forms and names (Bowker, 1997). Among the Christians, there is the monotheist belief in one supreme and Supernatural God. However, it should be noted that the practice of theism should not be mistaken for religion as is normally the case. Evidently, theism can exist beyond the confines of religion and similarly some religions can be classified as atheistic. The existence of supernatural deity is non-existent with non-religious mandarins. Ritual Actions directed at Sacred Objects, Places and Times Religious persons normally exhibit ritualistic practices that involve reverence to the sacred entities (Haught, 1990). Evidently, such ritualistic practices contribute towards the uniting of members of the religious cohort with their descendants and also ancestors. The ritual acts a pertinent role in the social relations of religious groups. It is pertinent for the ritual acts to happen in sacred places, sacred times and accompanied by sacred objects. Examples of such ritualistic acts are evident through the celebrations or reenactment of sacred stories that are symbolized through ritual rites that occur annually. For example, the celebration of Christmas Day among Christians is sacred ritual undertaken every year while Idd ul Fitr is a ritual synonymous amon g the Muslims. Distinction between the Sacred and the Profane Places, Objects, Time It is a common aspect among religion to offer a distinction between the sacred and the ordinary or profane objects, places or time (Bowker, 1997). Evidently, this distinction enables believers to exercise devotion on the hidden supernatural and transcendental values of the world. A perfect example depicting this aspect is the distinction placed upon Mecca as the holiest place for the Muslims compared to other places of the world. This evident through the ritual prayers, five times a day, conducted by Muslims while facing the direction of the holy land of Mecca. Furthermore, this is evident through the annual pilgrimage known as Hajj conducted by Muslims annually to the holy place to offer devotion. Evidently, this takes place within the Muslim calendar in the month known as Dhu’l-Hijja. On the other hand, the Christians exhibit reverence and recognition of sacred days such as Easter and Christ mas within the Christian calendar. Evidently, the sacred places, objects and times provide recognition that there is more meaning to life than what is visually perceived in the physical world. The Recognition of Ethical Principles or Moral Code The practice of ethical principles or moral