A study of Development of Religions.

1. Religion and World View

2. Religion:
“Religion is the socially defined patterns of
beliefs concerning the ultimate meaning of life;
it assumes the existence of the supernatural.”

3. Characteristics of Religion
Most of the leading religions throughout history have
shared characteristics. The chief characteristics
include:
1. Belief in a deity or in a power beyond the
individual
2. A doctrine (accepted teaching) of salvation
3. A code of conduct
4. The use of sacred stories, and
5. Religious rituals (acts and ceremonies)

4. • Belief in a deity
Three main philosophical views
regarding the existence of deity:
a. Atheist believes that no deity
exists.
b. Theists believe in a deity or
deities.(Monotheist and
Polytheist)
c. Agnostics say that the
existence of a deity cannot be
proved or disproved.

5. • A doctrine of salvation
- They stress that religion is a highest goal of the
faithful and one that all followers should try to
achieve salva. tion
Salvation is being saved or protected from harm or
being saved or delivered from a dire situation.
In religion, salvation generally refers to the saving of
the soul from sin and its consequences.
The academic study of salvation is called soteriology.
Themajor religions

6. • A code of conduct
- This is a set of moral teachings
and values that all religions have
in some form. Such a code or
ethic tells believers how to act
toward the deity and toward one
another.

7. • Religious rituals
- They include the acts and
ceremonies by which believers
appeal to and serve God, deities, or
other sacred powers.

8. Functions of Religion
1.Religion serves as a means of social control
2.It exerts a great influence upon personality development
3.Religion allays fear of the unknown
4.Religion explains events or situations which are beyond the
comprehension of man.
5.It gives man comfort, strength and hope in times of crisis and despair
6.It preserves and transmits knowledge, skills, spiritual and cultural
values and practices
7.It serves as an instrument of change
8.It promotes closeness, love, cooperation, friendliness and helpfulness
9.Religion alleviates sufferings from major calamities
10.It provides hope for blissful life after death

9. Development of Religions:
E.B.Tylor’s three stages of religions:
i) Animism:
 It is the belief about supernatural's.
ii) Polytheism:
 Myths and worldview.
 Myths are the stories that recount the deeds of
supernaturals and cultural heroes of the past.
iii) Monotheism. .
 Rituals and Symbols

10. Theories of Religion:
I) Intellectual and Cognitive Approach:
The theory that religious beliefs provide explanation for
puzzling things and beliefs.
II) Psychological Approach:
The theory that religion primarily provide emotional
satisfaction.
III) Sociological Approach:
The theory that religion maintains social institutions and
satisfies social needs of people.

11. Supernatural Explanation of Misfortune:
i) Sorcery:
Performance of rights and spells intended to cause
harm to others.
ii) Witchcraft:
iii) Myths:

12. Varieties of Religious Organizations: