OPPapers.com Essay Index >> Social Issues >> Mnsqii
We have many free term papers and essays on Mnsqii. We also have a wide variety of research papers and book reports available to you for free. You can browse our collection of term papers or use our search engine.
Mnsqii. What is Religion? Religion is a term which is easily used but not
so easily understood. We all know what it means and have ...
Submitted by mongboy on October 7, 2007
Category: Social Issues
Words: 4827 | Pages: 20
Views: 136
Popularity Rank: 82,429
Average Member Grade: N/A (Add a Comment / Grade this Paper)
What is Religion?
Religion is a term which is easily used but not so easily understood. We all know what it means and have experienced it on some level, yet we find great difficulty in creating a formal definition despite the fact it plays such a key role in the world around us. Perhaps at this stage I should clarify two things about this essay; Firstly I will attempt to reach a definition of what religion is' or is thought to be rather than debating the validity of religion itself, or the existence of God. Secondly it should be noted that I shall try to reach this definition as a philosopher rather than a theologian. Although the questions discussed in both philosophy and theology are similar; what is good? Why are we here? How should we treat each other? There are some real differences between the two;
Firstly only religions have rituals; there are ceremonies for important life events (birth, death, marriage, etc.) and for important times of the year (Easter, Christmas, etc.). Philosophies however do not require a following of ritualistic actions, students are not expected to ritually wash their hands before studying Hegel and professors do not celebrate a Utilitarian Day' every year. Secondly philosophy tends to principally emphasise the use of reason and critical thinking, whereas theology may make use of reason but must ultimately rely on some reference to faith, sometimes using faith to the exclusion of reason.
The final point we should consider is that religions tend to include some sort of belief in what can only be labelled the miraculous' or events which either defy normal explanation or which are outside the boundaries of what we accept occurs in the universe. Miracles may not play a very large role in every religion, but they are a common feature which you do not find in philosophy. Nietzsche wasn't born of a virgin, no angels appeared to announce the conception of Sartre, and Hume didn't make the lame walk...
You must Login to view the entire paper.
If you are not a member yet, Sign Up for free!