Religion And Cosmogony: Origin Of The Universe And Na 835019

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Religion cosmogony encompasses diverse beliefs about the origin of the universe, the nature of the divine, human nature, morality, salvation, the afterlife, and associated practices and rituals across various faiths. These perspectives shape cultures and influence the ways communities understand their existence, moral responsibilities, and spiritual goals. Exploring indigenous religions, as well as major world religions like Islam and Sikhism, reveals both unique and shared themes in their theological and cosmological views.

Indigenous religions generally present creation stories where a Creator or Great Spirit brings about the earth, animals, and humans, often emphasizing a close relationship with nature. These religions tend to be polytheistic and pantheistic, perceiving the divine as manifest throughout the natural world. They often hold that maintaining a right relationship with spirits and natural forces is essential for harmony and survival. Such religions see humans as capable of good or evil, influenced by spirits, curses, or rituals, with a focus on balance and respect for nature through practices like dances, ceremonies, and rituals designed to honor spirits or ancestors. Rituals aim to ward off evil or seek blessings, and celebrations are often tied to seasonal cycles or significant life events (Fisher, 2014).

Major world religions like Islam offer comprehensive cosmologies and theological frameworks. Islam teaches that Allah is the sole Creator of everything, fostering a belief in absolute monotheism. The universe was created by Allah's command, emphasizing His omnipotence and omniscience. Humans are believed to be inherently inclined towards good but can easily be swayed by temptation or evil unless guided by divine law (Qur'an, 112). Salvation in Islam involves submission to God's will, adherence to the Five Pillars, and seeking forgiveness, with the aim of achieving paradise after death. Muslims believe in an afterlife where righteous souls are rewarded in Jannah, while others face punishment (Esack, 2010). Ritual practices include prayer (Salat), fasting during Ramadan, charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), with festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha marking significant religious occasions (Esposito, 2011).

Sikhism, founded in the 15th century, presents a distinct view on the origin of all things and the nature of the divine. It emphasizes a universal creator, Waheguru, who is beyond human comprehension yet immanent in the universe. Sikh teachings reject idol worship and emphasize devotion, honest living, and equality among all humans (Mishra, 2019). Human nature is viewed as inherently pure but vulnerable to distraction and ego, which must be overcome through moral discipline and spiritual practice. The concept of salvation is about union with God through devotion and righteous living, emphasizing the importance of meditation, community service, and honest work (Maharaj & Singh, 2012). After death, Sikhs believe the soul reunites with Waheguru after cycles of rebirth, seeking liberation (Mishra, 2019). Practices include daily prayers, recitation of scripture (Gurbani), and ceremonies like initiation (Amrit Sanskar), with festivals such as Vaisakhi celebrating the founding of the Khalsa and harvest seasons (Maharaj & Singh, 2012).

New Religious Movements (NRMs) represent contemporary spiritual groups often characterized by novel teachings or reforms of traditional beliefs. Their views on the origin of the universe vary widely but often focus on individual spiritual enlightenment, mystical experiences, and alternative understandings of divine. NRMs may interpret the divine as a higher consciousness, cosmic energy, or personalized deity, differing from traditional monotheistic or polytheistic frameworks (Almond & Seager, 2008). Human nature in these movements often emphasizes the potential for spiritual awakening and transformation, with salvation seen as enlightenment, self-realization, or freedom from material concerns. Practices are diverse, including meditation, rituals, and community gatherings, with festivals aligning to specific teachings or seasonal cycles (Brux, 2014). Beliefs about the afterlife are often fluid, emphasizing personal growth rather than eternal reward or punishment, and rituals aim to foster personal harmony and spiritual development (Hood et al., 2018).

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The origin of the universe, the nature of God or divine principles, and concepts of human morality and salvation vary considerably across different religious and spiritual traditions. Indigenous religions typically portray the universe as created by a supreme being or forces through mythic narratives emphasizing harmony with nature, spirits, and ancestors. These religions often focus on maintaining right relationships with natural and spiritual forces, emphasizing balance and respect as means of ensuring community well-being (Fisher, 2014). Their cosmogonies usually involve a Great Spirit or Creator, with many practices aimed at appeasing spirits through rituals, dance, and offerings.

In contrast, Islam presents a monotheistic worldview where Allah is the sole creator of all things, emphasizing the importance of submission to divine will. The universe's creation is an act of divine decree, and human beings are considered moral agents responsible for righteous behavior. The Islamic view of good and evil revolves around obedience or disobedience to Allah’s commandments, with the hope of salvation achieved through faith, good deeds, and divine mercy. Believers anticipate an afterlife in paradise, where the righteous are rewarded, and rituals such as prayer and fasting serve to deepen spiritual connection and obedience (Qur'an, 112; Esack, 2010).

Sikhism offers a distinct perspective, emphasizing a universal creator, Waheguru, who is beyond human understanding yet accessible through devotion. Human nature is seen as inherently pure but susceptible to ego and material attachment, which must be transcended to attain union with God. Salvation in Sikhism is achieved through devotion, righteous living, and community service, with the cycle of rebirth broken by spiritual union. Practices like daily prayers, recitation of Gurbani, and participation in festivals like Vaisakhi exemplify their spiritual path and community focus (Mishra, 2019; Maharaj & Singh, 2012).

New Religious Movements, emerging in contemporary contexts, tend to adopt eclectic or innovative views about the universe’s origin, often emphasizing personal spiritual experience over traditional doctrines. Their concepts of divine vary widely, sometimes focusing on cosmic consciousness, higher self, or universal energy. Human nature is viewed as capable of profound spiritual awakening, and salvation is often interpretive, related to enlightenment or authentic self-realization. Rituals are flexible, including meditation, vision quests, or communal gatherings aimed at fostering inner harmony and spiritual growth (Brux, 2014; Hood et al., 2018). Beliefs about the afterlife are more personal and varied, with a focus on preparing the soul for transformation rather than fear of punishment or promise of reward.

References

• Almond, G. A., & Seager, R. (2008). The Politics of Religion. Princeton University Press.
• Brux, J. M. (2014). Understanding New Religious Movements. Routledge.
• Esack, F. (2010). Qur'an, Liberation and Pluralism: An Islamic Perspective of Interreligious Solidarity. Oxford University Press.
• Hood, R., Hill, P. C., & Spilka, B. (2018). The Psychology of Religion, Seventh Edition. The Guilford Press.
• Maharaj, S., & Singh, G. (2012). Sikhism: An Introduction. Routledge.
• Mishra, S. (2019). Understanding Sikhism. Oxford University Press.
• Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living Religions (8th ed.). Pearson.
• Esposito, J. L. (2011). What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam. Oxford University Press.