What Is Religion? Religion Is A Universal Human Experience

What Is Religionreligion Is A Universal Human Experience That Is Very

What is Religion? Religion is a universal human experience that is very difficult to define. Webster’s Dictionary (p. 1134, 1988) defines religion as: 1) “Belief in a divine or superhuman power or powers to be obeyed and worshiped as the creators and rulers of the universe” and “expression of such a belief in conduct and ritual.” 2) “Any specific system of belief and worship, often involving a code of ethics and a philosophy.” A good working definition of religion is presented by Vincent Mulago, who writes about the “primacy of religion”—its role in supporting psychological and sociological equilibrium, enabling individuals to understand and value themselves, put things in perspective, accept life situations, and control anguish. Essentially, religion provides the ability to transcend the duality between the visible and invisible worlds, fostering unification of the two (459). According to the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Religion (p. 3008, 1979), the comparative study of religion entails “a comprehensive understanding of religion as a phenomenon of mankind.” This study explores human beliefs, attitudes, ideas, and practices across various cultures, often identifying common elements such as sacred rituals, sacrifices, prayers, sacred places and objects, holy days, mythological or scriptural texts, ethical rules, meditation practices, sacred truths, charismatic leaders, and elements of magic. Faith is a central feature of religion; acceptance of religious beliefs often depends on faith rather than empirical evidence. St. Augustine famously stated, “Credo ut intelligam”—I believe in order to understand. All statements about deities or divine entities are expressions of belief, whether affirming their existence or denying it (atheism). Belief or faith forms the core of religious experience and understanding, as discussed by Compton’s Encyclopedia (1997), which emphasizes that religion’s teachings cannot be supported by accessible scientific evidence—a hallmark that distinguishes faith-based knowledge from empirical science. Religions primarily aim to answer fundamental questions: the origins of the universe, the purpose of human life, the afterlife, the problem of evil, and moral conduct. Hence, religion offers a framework for making sense of existence and understanding one’s place in the cosmos. Each religion encompasses a mythological dimension, transmitting stories of creation, divine beings, and historical events that embody spiritual truths. There are various types of myths—creation myths, hero myths, and stories about gods and the afterlife—originating in oral traditions and later written scriptures. The doctrinal and philosophical dimensions articulate core beliefs and worldviews, shaping moral standards and notions of the universe. The ethical and legal dimensions establish moral values and laws, such as the Ten Commandments in Judaism or precepts in Buddhism. The social and institutional dimensions govern religious practice and community life, involving leaders, denominations, and societal institutions. The material dimension includes religious architecture, artifacts, sacred sites, and natural features imbued with sacred significance. Understanding religions enhances our comprehension of diverse human experiences and broadens our perspective on spiritual realities, which are often invisible but deeply impactful. Huston Smith argued that understanding religion enriches our worldview, offering a wider angle of vision (Smith, 1997). The religious experience involves personal encounters with the divine, spiritual insights, and emotional responses like awe, love, hope, gratitude, fear, and humility. These profound experiences often foster a sense of empowerment and meaning, helping believers connect with a higher purpose. Smith emphasizes that religious experience is primarily about meanings rather than empirical facts—what religions signify about human existence and the divine (Smith, 2009). Recognizing the diversity of faiths and spiritual perspectives is crucial for fostering mutual understanding and respect among individuals of varying beliefs. As scholars and students, it is important to approach religion with an open mind, seeking insights into its role in shaping cultures and individual lives, without the need to adopt specific beliefs. This understanding can deepen one’s own spiritual awareness and promote compassion and tolerance in a pluralistic world. Therefore, studying religion involves not only examining doctrines, myths, and practices but also appreciating the personal and collective ways in which humans seek meaning, hope, and connection with the sacred. A comprehensive appreciation for religion's multifaceted nature reveals its enduring relevance in addressing the fundamental questions of human existence and societal cohesion.

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Religion stands as an intrinsic and universal facet of human life, embodying a complex system of beliefs, practices, and symbols that connect individuals with the divine or the sacred. Defined in broad terms, religion encompasses belief in a higher power, rituals of worship, ethical codes, mythologies, and communal institutions—all serving to address fundamental questions about existence, purpose, and morality (Smart, 1997). Its universality lies in its capacity to help humans make sense of life’s mysteries and provide comfort amidst uncertainty, suffering, and moral dilemmas. The multifaceted nature of religion can be appreciated through the lens of Ninian Smart's seven dimensions, which collectively reveal its depth and variety.

The practical and ritual dimension involves actions such as prayer, sacraments, sacrifices, and ceremonies that express devotion and create a sense of community and continuity with tradition (Eliade, 1987). These practices are often accompanied by sacred spaces and objects, emphasizing the tangible aspects of faith. The experiential or emotional dimension captures the profound personal feelings associated with religious encounters—visions, conversions, feelings of awe, love, hope, or fear—fostering inner transformation and reassurance (Huston Smith, 2009). Music, dance, and other communal rituals often deepen these emotional experiences, reinforcing communal bonds and individual spiritual growth.

The narrative or mythic dimension manifests through stories that explain the origins of the cosmos, human beings, and cultural values. Myths such as the Genesis creation story or hero myths serve as foundational narratives that transmit spiritual truths through symbolism and allegory (Eliade, 1987). These stories are oral or written and provide a shared sense of identity and purpose. The doctrinal and philosophical dimensions involve articulated beliefs and worldviews, encompassing doctrines that define sacred truths and philosophical frameworks that interpret existence, morality, and the nature of reality (Smith, 1999). For instance, Christian doctrines of salvation or Buddhist teachings on enlightenment serve as guiding principles for adherents.

The ethical and legal dimensions codify moral standards and laws that regulate individual conduct and social order. The Ten Commandments in Judaism and Christianity or the precepts of Buddhism exemplify how religion shapes moral behavior and societal norms (Küng, 2009). These standards often underpin legal systems and influence cultural values. The social and institutional dimension examines how religions organize themselves within societies, encompassing religious leadership, denominations, and community practices, fostering social cohesion and identity (Roof & McKinney, 1987). Religious institutions often serve as centers for education, charity, and moral guidance, impacting societal development.

The material dimension encompasses religious architecture, icons, artifacts, and sacred geographical features raised or revered in religious traditions. Examples such as the temples of India, churches of Europe, or sacred rivers like the Ganges and Jordan symbolize divine presence and spiritual significance (Lings, 2012). These external symbols often serve as focal points for worship and pilgrimage, reinforcing the tangible connection to the divine realm. Understanding these dimensions reveals that religion is not merely a set of beliefs but a dynamic phenomenon that encompasses practices, emotions, stories, ethics, society, and material culture. As Huston Smith emphasized, the ultimate goal of studying religion is to broaden one’s perspective and foster a deeper appreciation for the spiritual dimension of human life (Smith, 2009).

The religious experience, as described by Huston Smith, entails personal encounters with the divine, which can evoke feelings of awe, love, hope, and humility. These experiences form the core of religious life, providing empowerment and a sense of meaning that transcends empirical evidence. While doctrines and myths articulate the beliefs and stories of faith, it is these inner, emotional experiences that often sustain individuals through life's challenges (Smith, 2009). Different religions conceptualize the divine and the spiritual differently; some see the divine as a personal deity, others as an impersonal force, and some as a complex interplay of both. Regardless, these experiences reinforce the belief that religion addresses the fundamental human quest for purpose and understanding.

Understanding religion in its diversity and depth is essential not only for academic inquiry but also for fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual respect. In our interconnected world, recognizing the significance of different faith traditions helps promote tolerance and compassion. As Smith (2009) noted, the primary aim of engaging with religion is to expand our “wider angle of vision”—to see human life through the spiritual and cultural lenses of others. This broadened perspective can inspire personal growth, societal harmony, and a more profound appreciation for the mystery at the heart of human existence.

References

• Eliade, M. (1987). The Sacred and The Profane: The Nature of Religion. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
• Küng, H. (2009). The Age of the Laity: Society, Spirituality, and the Church. T&T Clark.
• Lings, M. (2012). What is Religion? The Revised Edition of The Sacred Art of Living. The Golden Thread.
• Roof, W. C., & McKinney, W. (1987). American Mainline Religions. Rutgers University Press.
• Smart, Ninian. (1997). The World's Religions: Old Traditions and Modern Transformations. Cambridge University Press.
• Smith, Huston. (1997). The World's Religions. HarperOne.
• Smith, Huston. (2009). The Spirit of Place: A Contemplative Journey into Nature and the Human Heart. HarperOne.
• Encyclopedic Dictionary of Religion. (1979). Macmillan.
• Compton’s Encyclopedia. (1997). Compton’s Reference Book.
• Webster’s Dictionary. (1988). Merriam-Webster Inc.