Life’s advancement is fostered by diversity; uniformity merely sustains life in between advances. Originally didn't fit the characteristics of a universal religion; didn't have a god. The guidelines and teachings of the new religion must be logically derivable from its purpose. Some even may force conversion through conquest, as Islam did in the first half of the second millennium AD. 2. Brings people together in communities 1.2. The new religion, for reasons that apply to all institutions, must incorporate defences against being exploited. Everything else in the religion revolves around it. So the first common theme of all religions is: A belief in, love for, and honor of God, however God is conceived. It is the sensation of brain we have beliefs in one God, Dooms day, Angels, Sacred books, good and bad Luck, while Hindus believe in more than one God. The religion’s development cannot end. Only our assumed meta-purpose, if properly composed, should resist the need for change. To survive and guide our way into the future it must be soundly based and have longevity. Beliefs and Believers 1.1. People seek signs and qualities of a true religion… Religion is the state of being grasped by an ultimate concern, a concern which qualifies all other concerns as preliminary and which contains the answer to the question of the meaning of our life. As dynamic, living realities, religions help provide meaning for those who follow them. 4 characteristics of religion (And legislated power should be refereed by the electorate, for it is individuals who contribute to Life’s continuation and evolution, not the state.) Basic Characteristics of Religion Elements of Religion Soteriological (having to do with salvation): Post-archaic reli-gions are schemes of salvation, concerned with the source, nature, and appropriate methods of removal of some evil be-lieved to afflict humans. UNIVERSAL RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY by Dr. Jan Garrett. The Objectification of Religion: Universal Themes. There are a lot of religions in the world, but the main ones - those with the most believers - are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. For an independent study of the same issue, see "Religious Diversity: Some Implications for Monotheism," by Rita M. Gross.. Yet another characteristic of universalizing religions that are rarely found in ethnic religions is the ease of conversion. Characteristics of ReligionMost of the leading religions throughout history have shared characteristics. Most universalizing religions are divided into branches, denominations, and sects. [2] Most universalizing religions' holidays and ceremonies correspond to events in the lives of their founders. West: Christianity In this unit, students define the characteristics of universal religions and explore the spread of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam through elements of society and from one region to anoth-er. The following talk was originally presented at the January 9, 2000, meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bowling Green KY. That’s what makes a religion a religion rather than a secular moral and ethical system. Origins and development. 8:35-39). We have now set the stage for a new view of religion, a view that can help us … Don's Home Religion Common Characteristics of Religions In his book Religions of the World , Niels Nielsen presents 12 common characteristics found in most religions. Come in the form of doctrines and tenets 1.3. "This seems to be favored on the assumption that it helps explain the power religion has to bind a person to a community, culture, course of action, ideology, etc. Just as with family members not every member must have every trait but most have most of the traits. Explaining how the four characteristics of religion interact to create a living religious tradition . Moreover, religion is a cultural universal found in all social groups. The following talk was originally presented at the January 9, 2000, meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bowling Green KY. ), A universal religion would not unite the world to form one nation, just as other religions do not unite individuals to form one entity. Because most universalizing religions operate on a global scale, conversion to universalizing religions is usually relatively easy and highly encouraged by practitioners of the faith. [1] About 62% of the world's population identify with a universalizing religion, with about 24% adhering to an ethnic religion and 14% to no religion in particular. The envisaged universal religion would not replace or usurp existing religions. We are creatures of both worlds, responding to feelings and concepts of spirituality that our body’s emotions generate, as well as to the logic upon which our minds operate and thrive. By establishing a universal world view and a universal approach to religion, we have accomplished a very significant feat. It must, in effect, apply to and connect not just humanity, but all organisms living at any time and in any galaxy, just as some existing religions intimate their ideologies apply. Real and relevant issues must be recognized and addressed in a practical manner. Syncretism Helps Hinduism and Buddhism Spread in Southeast Asia Buddhist priests sailed to Southeast Asia Chiefs wanted to adapt Indian rituals and idea of kinship Loving the neighbor is a key element of all genuine religion Because most universalizing religions operate on a global scale, conversion to universalizing religions is usually relatively easy and highly encouraged by practitioners of the faith. Increase in religious ferment throughout Afro-Eurasia. Sacred Texts and Writings 2.1. Universal religion synonyms, Universal religion pronunciation, Universal religion translation, English dictionary definition of Universal religion. Are there universal characteristics of belief systems that are common across all cultures? Being knowledge-based and rationally structured, its tenets must continuously be amended as our knowledge base enlarges. Definitions of religion tend to suffer from one of two problems: they are either too narrow and exclude many belief systems which most agree are religions, or they are too vague and ambiguous, suggesting that just about anything and everything is a religion. These are the common characteristics or family traits of those members of the category or “family” of religion. From Wikibooks, open books for an open world. It also determines the apex, the purpose to be used when writing society’s governing laws. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. C. Universal religion not essential for creating empires of the mind D. Religion influenced society and culture in other ways E. Religioud beliefs could travel anywhere. Many say the etymology of religion lies with the Latin word religare, which means "to tie, to bind. This list may be impartial, but these are by far the most notable and largest universalizing religions. It took 59 years to collect, evaluate, edit, and translate the first complete Biblical manuscript. It is proposed as an umbrella doctrine, developed to cover gaps that existing faiths may leave open. In crafting our definition of a universal purpose to guide development of a new religion, the definition must assume as little as possible, be as logical as possible, and be based upon the best of current knowledge. Most religions include belief in the supernatural (spirits, gods, God) or belief in some other Ultimate Reality beyond, yet connected to, human experience and existence. In eras past, religions took generations to develop, with emotions playing a large part. Religious Organization. Ways must be found to separate religious power from legislated power, and legislated power must take precedence. Loving the neighbor is a key element of all genuine religion. The religion has to be suited to our times. 1 0. Come in the form of doctrines and tenets 1.3. Democracy forms one corner of civilization’s foundation. There are several characteristics of religion that create a dynamic living religion. Groups can reinterpret universal meanings to make them applicable to their community 2. The population, in democracies, has always placed religion in this position. The Four Characteristics of Religion by Jordan Lyons 1. 1 decade ago. Most religions include belief in the supernatural (spirits, gods, God) or belief in some other Ultimate Reality beyond, yet connected to, human experience and existence. Real and relevant issues must be recognized and addressed in a practical manner. In order to help solve problems of the kind noted earlier, our new religion must possess certain features. Nowadays a sound religion might be rationally grown in a decade or two, via electronic communications. The first seven general characteristics of Universalism include: 1. Universal relgions and common cultures - A. Some universalizi… Return to A Universal Religion, Introduction; Developing A Universal Religion; Footnotes ↑ A religion built rationally might more effectively be sold emotionally. Following are the 7 most basic elements of religion in sociology. Doubtlessly our new religion could have many other characteristics, but the above list should suffice for our purposes. There are many different characteristics of religion that interact to create a dynamic, living religion. As shown in the title of this book, the emphasis is upon the need to develop a universal religion, and where one might look, not upon actually doing so. Understanding the Universal Abrahamic Religion: Bringing Together Ahl al- Kitab and Attracting their Attention to the Need for Unity Text of the speech of Professor Muhammad Taqi Ja‘fari at the conference on Islam and Christianity held in Switzerland on the November 27th, 1995. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. In the study of human geography, a universalizing religion is a religion that attempts to operate on a global scale and to appeal to all people wherever they reside, compared to an ethnic religion which primarily attracts one group of people living in one place. Thus, we cannot, for example, simply proclaim an unfounded “it-is-wrong-to-xxxxx” commandment. The power commanded by a position within the hierarchy serving the needs of a universal religion will always attract some who would position personal gain over Life’s gain. Modern-day living is founded upon knowledge discovered by rational thinking; to begin irrational speculation when developing a religion would simply not be sensible. I. The mental constructs that religions build may overrule logic in the minds of some and create fanatics; it must be made impossible for such individuals to seize control. Characteristics of a True Religion Dr. Asim Naeem The article is about the characteristics of the true religion. If, to guide our moral decision making, a universal purpose is indeed formulated from Life’s “meta-purpose,” then the guidelines we later develop must all emanate from the desire to achieve this purpose. [3], Foundation, Age, and Nature of Ceremonies, Prise de Jérusalem par Hérode le Grand.jpg, https://religion.wikia.org/wiki/Universalizing_religion?oldid=80184. A better way to explain the nature of religion is to identify basic characteristics common to religions. The religion must be rationally based. Religion is a learned universal institution stemming from the fear of the unknown; namely, death. 1. 1. The grace of God and the love of God revealed in Jesus is the usual starting point and foundation of belief in universal salvation. Doubtlessly our new religion could have many other characteristics, but the above list should suffice for our purposes. Some universalizing religions, like Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, diffused through the use of missionaries to travel with the intent of encouraging those met along the way to convert. Brings people together in communities 1.2. 7 Basic Elements of Religion. In a democracy, the direction in which civilization heads is a matter for the population to decide. Universalism The doctrine, held especially by some Christian groups, that all people will eventually be saved. Author. A system that is timeless, universal, perfectly just, consistent, free from contradiction and complete. From the 17th through the early 20th centuries, Christianity was primarily spread through European countries' colonization of places like North and South America and Africa. These theories define what they present as universal characteristics of religious belief and practice. The following talk was originally presented at the January 9, 2000, meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bowling Green KY. What are they and how can they bring us together? Universalizing religions can usually be traced to a single founder, a result of the fact that most universalizing religions are younger than ethnic religions. God’s chief attribute is identified as love and this love is both invincible and inescapable (Rom. Yet another characteristic of universalizing religions that are rarely found in ethnic religions is the ease of conversion. Christians are all over the Universe, making it a universal religion..." - MOST people in the world (about 77%) people in the world are not Christians - 0 verified cases of extraterrestrials affiliated with the Christian religion. Characteristics of Religion 1. The Latin word ‘religare’ from which the term religion is derived means in fact to ‘tie back to’. Universal religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Islam, and others mostly rose between 500 BCE and 600 CE. The religion has to be suited to our times. Religion Is a Form of Communication Between the Spiritual and the Material Realms. The reasons for the spread of Buddhism before 800 CE? Religion is an organization of beliefs, rituals and emotions. Daoism - Daoism - General characteristics: Behind all forms of Daoism stands the figure of Laozi, traditionally regarded as the author of the classic text known as the Laozi, or the Daodejing (“Classic of the Way of Power”). Humans respond to both to varying degrees. (The religion most closely resembles a universal “Hippocratic Oath.” This oath does not prevent any one in the medical profession from being Christian, Muslim, Hindu or otherwise. But beware of loss of integrity, and let rationality be present and dominate at every stage of its presentation. -No concept of elitism by birth -Proximity to God based on merit NOT on skin colour/race/gender/family lineage/social class. Sacred Texts and Writings 2.1. "Catholic" means universal in Latin. Cults exhibit many characteristics of universalizing religions, including having specific founders and a mission to convert. Universalism The doctrine, held especially by some Christian groups, that all people will eventually be saved. The unit addresses the era from the foundation of each religion to 1000 C.E., and addresses Welcome to Talk Classical - A community covering every aspect of classical music! Our new religion cannot be developed by only one individual—there is too much to construct and too much at stake. For example, the major Christian holidays of Easter and Christmas correspond to significant events in the life of Christ, with several minor holidays corresponding to the lives of saints. Cults exhibit many characteristics of universalizing religions, including having specific founders and a mission to convert. That’s what makes a religion a religion rather than a secular moral and ethical system. Although religions aren’t mere moral and ethical systems, all religions do have a system of morals and ethics guiding their followers on how to treat their fellow human beings. An analysis of the links between the consequences of any particular action and the religion’s overall purpose must clearly and logically show why each behaviour is deemed “wrong” or “right.” We are developing an abstract environment which increasingly rational minds in the future will explore to its limits; if not rationally built, then this environment will collapse. Beliefs and Believers 1.1. Some argue that universalizing religions started out as cults and grew to religious status over the years, though others argue that to say such a thing would be to demean the world's largest and most powerful religions. Groups can reinterpret universal meanings to make them applicable to their community 2. These religions can be traced back to their founders because they were established within recorded history, a characteristic of all universalizing religions. What are the universal characteristics of 'sacred' music? These theories define what they present as universal characteristics of religious belief and practice . n. 1. Anonymous. Islam and Buddhism are other large universalizing religions. When disputes arise, such as the economic vs. moral dilemma that patent laws create, the populace must decide how they wish to proceed if democracy is to be preserved.[2]. There are a lot of religions in the world, but the main ones - those with the most believers - are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. UNIVERSAL RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY by Dr. Jan Garrett. Religion is a system of beliefs and moral norms that serve as spiritual guide for the human being; the mythology that composes them and their main characteristics vary between culture and culture. Because most universalizing religions operate on a global scale, conversion to universalizing religions is usually relatively easy and highly encouraged by practitioners of the faith. For instance, in every culture, funeral rites are practiced in some way, although these customs vary between cultures and within religious affiliations. Cults exhibit many characteristics of universalizing religions, including having specific founders and a mission to convert. I will assume this OP means religious belief systems. There is as great a need for singularity among nations as there is for individuality among individuals. Our new religion must embrace and support our emotional needs as well as our rational needs. The religion … Our religion’s vision needs aspects of both dimensions—music, art, feelings, emotions, awe and wonder must heighten and colour, and coexist with, rational truth.[1]. Religion/Characteristics Of A Universal Religion In order to help solve problems of the kind noted earlier, our new religion must possess certain features. Over this 1000 year period, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of East Asia transformed from polytheistic worshiping to believing in a single god or universal philosophy. (For this reason, any universal religion must accept the existence of other “universal religions.” But that is another story—there are no others at the moment, and the future will take care of that need, when the time arises!). By far the most practiced universalizing religion is Christianity. When Emperor Constantine ordered the creation of the Bible, beginning in 325, its purpose was to legitimize the Empire's new (in 385 CE) "Universal religion." Some argue that universalizing religions started out as cults and grew to religious status over the years, though others argue that to say such a thing would be to demean the world's largest and most powerful religions. It says nothing about the afterlife and little about God, but it does say much of what needs to be said about how to conduct oneself in an ethical manner. universal religion and religious diversity For an independent study of the same issue, see "Religious Diversity: Some Implications for Monotheism," by Rita M. Gross. Another notable characteristic of universalizing religions that stems from their having known founders is the nature of their ceremonies. Some argue that universalizing religions started out as cults and grew to religious status over the years, though others argue that to say such a thing would be to demean the world's largest and most powerful religions. Return to A Universal Religion, Introduction, https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Developing_A_Universal_Religion/A_Universal_Religion/Characteristics_Of_A_Universal_Religion&oldid=3519156. Our choice of religious purpose must satisfy the same criteria that all religious purposes must fulfill—universality and timelessness. Yet another characteristic of universalizing religions that are rarely found in ethnic religions is the ease of conversion. Some universalizi… Characteristics of Human Rights: Human Rights are Universal: Human rights are universal because everyone is born with and possesses the same rights, regardless of where they live, their gender or race, or their religious, cultural, or ethnic background. Humans respond to both to varying degrees. Religion plays a pivotal role in the individual and collective affairs of human beings. Sociological and anthropological theories about religion (or theories of religion) generally attempt to explain the origin and function of religion. Most religions are equally concerned "Objectification" is the religious tendency to reduce abstract principles to tangible, visceral objects and rituals. To have ubiquitous appeal it must be universally meaningful and applicable. This page was last edited on 24 February 2019, at 12:48. These being belief and believers, sacred texts and writings, ethics and rituals and ceremonies. All religions are universal at birth, but become ethnic when practiced by certain social groups who understand and apply it in a specific manner. Characteristics of Religion. It should be a statement that lasts forever. The truth will set us free!! n. 1. For example, Christianity can be traced to Christ, Islam can be traced to Muhammad, and Buddhism can be traced to Siddhartha Gautama ("the Buddha"). This paper is a study in the history of religion. Open debate and welcomed questioning, transparency, frequent internal and external audits, auditors that change every few years, leaders that are regularly replaced, and precautionary measures of many other kinds must be developed and maintained. It must begin as it must continue, involving all who want to contribute to the future welfare of the supersystem Life that supports us. In his book Religions of the World, Niels Nielsen presents 12 common characteristics found in most religions.. Dennis McCallum. The Four Characteristics of Religion by Jordan Lyons 1. Beliefs. Understanding the Universal Abrahamic Religion: Bringing Together Ahl al- Kitab and Attracting their Attention to the Need for Unity Text of the speech of Professor Muhammad Taqi Ja‘fari at the conference on Islam and Christianity held in Switzerland on the November 27th, 1995. Universal religion synonyms, Universal religion pronunciation, Universal religion translation, English dictionary definition of Universal religion. In fact, almost all universalizing religions were founded Anno Domini, with the notable exception being Buddhism. A religion built rationally might more effectively be sold emotionally. Religion is a system of beliefs and moral norms that serve as spiritual guide for the human being; the mythology that composes them and their main characteristics vary between culture and culture. Some religions have universal outlook others have limited access. For an independent study of the same issue, see "Religious Diversity: Some Implications for Monotheism," by Rita M. Gross.. Its development must be crafted by many, particularly those who possess relevant knowledge: theologians and scientists, managers and workers, people who practice many disciplines, those who tread many lands, and members of many cultures. The first mention of Laozi is found in another early classic of Daoist speculation, the Zhuangzi (4th–3rd century bce), so called after the name of its author. As an umbrella doctrine, held especially by some Christian groups, that all religious purposes must fulfill—universality timelessness. 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