Essay on Why Religion Is Important - 1017 Words

You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself. -- Swami Vivekananda I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isnt, than live as if there isnt and to die to find out that there is. -- Albert Camus In this essay, I will explore the religious experience in general and some of its variations around the world. The focus will be on the types of religious beliefs and religious leaders, especially in small-scale societies. An exploration of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any other major religion is beyond the scope of this essay. The approach taken is that of cultural relativity--religious practices or beliefs are not evaluated in terms of their correctness or sophistication but,†¦show more content†¦At the heart of this experience is a sequence of traditional ritual acts that symbolically represent aspects of the life, teachings, and death of Jesus. Most religious rituals are performed in special places and under special conditions, such as in a dedicated temple or at a sacred spot. This is an intentional separation between the secular and the sacred. By being removed from the ordinary world, the sacred acts are enhanced for the believers. The separation makes the rituals more effective. Only allowing initiated people to participate in religious rituals also can have the same effect. Religious ritual reinforces the basic tenets of religion. For instance, the partaking of the host in the Catholic mass is a symbolic participation in the last supper of Jesus and, by extension, an affirmation of the acceptance of his teachings. Rituals are often charged with high emotions. The exalted feelings people experience during rituals provide positive reinforcement for continuing them. When rituals make people feel good, they reinforce the belief that their religion is the correct one. Non-Religious Rituals Not all rituals are religious. Brushing your teeth every morning in the same place and in the same way is a non-religious ritual. Like religious rituals, it also can make you feel good, which reinforces your continuance of the practice. However, it rarely involves a belief in supernatural beings orShow MoreRelated Why Is Religion Important?995 Words   |  4 PagesThis is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. -- Dalai Lama In a world where religions plays such a major role in people’s lives, it is not surprising why it is such a major focus in the way choices and decisions are made. There are many religions throughout the world. Some are faiths with a very concentrated following in specific geographic areas, while others span the entireRead MoreEssay on Why Is Religion Important?1417 Words   |  6 PagesIn this essay we will discuss the importance of religion in society. 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