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INTRODUCTION TO
WORLD RELIGIONS
Code and Descriptive Title
1st Semester S.Y. 2020-2021
Grade 12
GENERAL ACADEMIC
STRAND
(GAS)
Michelle Anne R.
Bungalon
Instructor
LEARNING MODULE 1
Prepared by:
_Michelle Anne R. Bungalon_
Instructor
TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS
LESSON OVERVIEW:
The course explores the main tenets and practices of major world religions:
Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism,
Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism. It aims to help learners understand the
historical contexts of nine religions, appreciate their uniqueness and similarities and
promote mutual understanding among believers of different faiths. They are
expected to demonstrate understanding and appreciation of one’s faith and that of
others
CONTENT STANDARD:
The learner demonstrates understanding of the elements of Judaism:
a. Founders: Abraham (2000 B.C.) and/or Moses (1391-1271 B.C.)
b. Sacred texts: Torah, Poetry, Prophets, Talmud, Mishnah
c. Doctrines: Ten Commandments, 618 Rules
d. God: Yahweh/Jehovah
e. Sects: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform Liberal
f. Issues: Anti-Semitism, Zionism, Holocaust
PERFORMANCE STANDARD:
a. The learner identifies a story from the Old Testament that demonstrates the
Jewish belief in one God (e.g. Story of Samson).
b. The learner interviews a Christian parent or couple on why they are Christians
and what beliefs and practices they adhere to.
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:
1. Give an example of a belief system or a worldview;
2. Differentiate religion from spirituality, theology and philosophy of religion;
3. Understanding the worldview of each of the world’s major religions is critical
in appreciating their rituals and practices.
LESSON 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND
BELIEF SYSTEMS
UNDERSTANDING BELIEF, RELIGION AND RELATED TERMS
Embarking on a study of world religions and beliefs requires an
understanding of the concepts of faith and belief. Understanding concepts related to
spirituality, religion, and belief systems will enable us to engage the discussions on
world religions effectively, and gain valuable insights from various belief systems.
Each person sees social order through the lenses of his or her own unique identity
groups. These are the lenses of religious belief, cultural background, education,
ethnic orientation, economic status, and gender and life experiences.
Belief refers to a conviction concerning particular ideas. Belief shapes our
ideas regarding our reality, and is influenced by our perception, experiences and
ideas. For instance, we believe that certain such as tables, chairs and trees are real
because we perceive them through our senses. Belief also generally requires proof
or an assurance of a certain degree of truthfulness. Scientific studies are believable
because they use rigorous research processes to acquire data and evidence to
support their claims.
Faith is generally defined as belief that is not based on proof. It also
connotes confidence or trust in a person or thing. In religion, faith refers to the
observance of religious obligations, an attitude of reverence toward entities and
ideas that are considered important in that religion, and an unwavering trust in the
major beliefs of the particular religion.
Belief systems are the stories we tell ourselves or ideas we hold that define
our personal sense of reality. Every human being has a belief system that he or she
utilizes, and it is through this mechanism that he or she makes sense of the world.
Individuals perceive reality through the recognition of a system of signs. These
signs are objects or symbols that have meaning to a person because they are
considered significant by society.
A worldview is similar to a belief system. While belief systems attempt to
explain larger issues of philosophy, fundamental beliefs, and ways of doing things, a
worldview tries to explain and interpret reality, history, and civilization. Major
Worldviews that influence religious belief include monism, polytheism, monotheism,
and atheism.
Monism is a philosophical worldview in which all of reality can be reduced to
one “thing” or “essence”. The view believes that “all is one,” that there are no
fundamental divisions, and that a unified set of laws underlies all of nature.
Polytheism refers to the belief in and adoration of several deities. Typically,
each deity or god is distinguished by a certain function, and often has human
characteristics. This is true for the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose gods and
goddesses were both human in appearance and behaviour.
Monotheism is the faith in a single, all-powerful god. Judaism, Christianity,
and Islam are the major monotheistic religions.
Atheism is the disbelief in gods or the supernatural. Atheist activist Madalyn
Murray O’Hair (1963) defines atheism as the view that accepts reason and aims to
establish a lifestyle and ethical outlook verifiable by experience and scientific
method.
Theology refers to the study of religious, faith, practice, and experience;
especially, the study of God and of God’s relation to the world. Theological studies
are done in a rational, philosophical manner and have given rise to specific schools
of thought such as progressive theology, liberation theology, feminist theology,
Black theology, African theology, and the like.
RELIGION
Religion is defined as the relationship between humans and that they regard
as holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine or worthy of special reverence. It is also
commonly regarded as consisting of the way people deal with ultimate concerns
about their lives and their fate after death. Religion is also seen as a set of beliefs
and practices that relates to metaphysical and transcendental issues. Religious
beliefs are primarily formed within the context of a particular religion and provide a
framework of connectedness to the divine.
The five elements of religion are 1) beliefs, 2) organization, 3) emotions and
values, 4) rituals and ceremonies, 5) sacred objects and spaces.
Beliefs. Religions combine elements of belief systems and worldviews, as
they not only seek to explain the existence of all things, but also have sacred
histories or narratives which are preserved in their scriptures. Various world
religions may have different beliefs, but what they have in common is that the
individuals who adhere to them profess faith and acceptance of these beliefs.
Organization. A religion is an organized set of beliefs, rituals, and emotions.
Every religion has its own structure and function, and every individual member is
expected to perform a certain role. Islam for example, is organized based on
primary tenets of faith known as the Five Pillars of Islam.
Emotions and Values. Religion evokes emotions such as hope, fear,
reverence, and humility. These emotions are traced to the divine and the
individual’s relationship with it. Religious belief also influences values, as religions
may ascribe certain meanings to particular actions, behaviour, and objects. These,
in turn, define ethical behaviour among the faithful.
Rituals and Ceremonies. All religions have their respective rituals and
ceremonies. Most religious rituals mark major events in life such as birth, puberty,
marriage, and death. These rituals and ceremonies are considered rites of passage
that place major life events.
Sacred Objects and Spaces. Sacred objects and spaces are considered
representations of the divine, and are concrete indications of the relationship
between the faithful and the divine. Sacred objects include idols, icons, and images
that represent divine beings.
RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is the science or discipline which uses human reason to
investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles that govern all things.
Philosophy is related to religion since it explores the experiences of humans as they
relate to God.
Philosophy of religion refers to the study of the meaning and nature of
religion. It focuses on the analysis of religious concepts, beliefs, terms, arguments,
and the practices of religious adherents. Philosophy of religion draws knowledge
and views from all major areas of philosophy, as well as theology, history, sociology,
psychology, and the natural sciences.
SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION
Spirituality refers to a broad set of principles that transcend all religions.
Philosophers and religious scholars define spirituality as an integrated view on life
that often transcends religious affiliation. It emphasizes the experience and
expression of the sacred, the search for transcendent meaning, the attainment of
harmony with the universe, and the achievement of sense of purpose and balance
in the face of life’s challenges.
The elements of spirituality are as follows: 1) a holistic or fully integrated
view of life; 2) a search for meaning and purpose in life; 3) a desire to attain
knowledge regarding the sacred; and 4) self-reflective existence.
REFERENCES:
INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS
Victoria Corral, Ed.D. & Genevieve Balance-
Kupang, Ph.D.
