Abstract This paper discusses beliefs and religion, with particular focus on how an individual's beliefs can make up a religious beliefsystem. The paper looks at how one acquires a religious beliefsystem and the benefits and disadvantages of having such a system. The paper then looks at the role of tradition in one's religious beliefsystem. In addition, the paper discusses the writer's particular beliefsystem.
Table of Contents:
How Your Beliefs Make Up A Religious BeliefSystem How You Acquired Your Religious BeliefSystem The Benefits And Disadvantages Of Having Your Particular BeliefSystem The Role Of Tradition In Your Religious BeliefSystem The Conclusive Role of Tradition in General
From the Paper "Tradition is the foundation and infrastructure upon which religion is built, as without it religion would not be possible. Tradition is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom), or also a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical although they are not verifiable. The entirely of religion is founded upon the concept of tradition. In regards to Christianity as with other religions and belief systems as mentioned above, the tradition is based upon a textual document or scripture. In Christianity this document would be the Christian Bible, which has become a more prominent topic in recent decades due to its role in defining religious traditions in the United States. (Hoffmann, Bartkowski 1245) Tradition is that which regulates the performance of the belief system or religion, and is the basis upon which they are constructed, oftentimes taking the form of a textual document or scripture such as the Bible , the Qur'an, or even non-religious belief systems such as those in business, for example Six Sigma, or even a concept such as democracy and the document upon which it is based, that of a Constitution."
Abstract This paper examines the statement: "Considering that Hinduism lacks a uniting beliefsystem, what makes up the Hindu religion?" It argues that because Hinduism has a looser beliefsystem than other religions, it is sometimes perceived to have no uniting beliefsystem. The paper also looks at cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated and Hinduism's desire for liberation from earthly desires.
From the Paper "Hindu scholars say that Hindu is a guide for life. Each person follows his or her own path. That path will be different for each person, because each person's soul needs to learn different lessons before being reincarnated again (Subramuniyaswami, 2000). While most religions have rules to follow, such as the Ten Commandments or the rules laid down itne Qu'ran, Hindu does not have such rigid rules. In Hindu, each person is supposed to study and pray and develop the wisdom to choose his or her actions wisely (Subramuniyaswami, 2000)."
Abstract This paper focuses on an individual's personal beliefsystem and what are the values that he holds on to. The author believes that man is accountable for the mistakes that he has made and although he can not undo them at least he should try to stop others from making them. Man knows that he must help his society in some way and that's just what he is trying to do in this paper.
Abstract This paper examines how superstitions have firmly stood their place in the life of modern man. It points out that, unlike the unexplained signs we have come to associate with superstition, the Chinese have developed an age-old beliefsystem, the Feng Shui, which hinges on tradition and nature. The paper asserts that, although much literature has been published on the subject, scholars are still left baffled by the reliability of this unstructured science. The paper then takes a look at some common beliefs and discusses how such superstitions have a foothold on logic. To conclude, the paper muses whether the gods are really behind this effective beliefsystem of Chinese geomancy, which has turned into a lifestyle practiced by everyone, everywhere.
From the Paper "Feng Shui is a system of beliefs supported by experts. However, it is important to note that its principles are essentially practical and can be observed by anyone. This means that the knowledge and practice of Feng Shui is not the exclusive prerogative of the Feng Shui master. Feng Shui can be learned and applied by ordinary individuals. In fact, the Chinese consider it as a way of life. It is also viewed as a fusion of art and science which has shaped Chinese palaces, villages, and cemeteries. Moreover, they consider it as an active force in the environment. They believe that aligning our activities with its flow, which is also the flow of the universe or Tao, will cause good fortune in the form of health, prosperity and happiness. Extreme steps need not be taken in order to achieve this harmony. Something as simple as having as an appropriately positioned door or an aquarium filled with goldfish can be enough to improve your fortune. In fact, most Feng Shui principles are anchored in practicality and are thus easy for anyone to follow. This means that the knowledge and practice of Feng Shui is not the exclusive prerogative of the Feng Shui master. Its practicality is among the main factors behind Feng Shui's wide reach beyond China."
Abstract This paper explains the term "dreamtime" as it relates to the Aboriginal religion and beliefsystem. According to the Dreamtime belief, all life, including humans, animals, and plants, are all apart of an organized network which can be traced back to the original spirits of Dreamtime. This paper briefly explains how Dreamtime dictates the spiritual, religious, and social aspects of almost all Aboriginal culture, directly reflecting these people's beliefs, values, and ideas.
From the Paper "The tie to Dreamtime is so strong and unique in the everyday lives of the tribes, that the creation of earth is enacted during rituals of dance and celebration. As the name may suggest, Dreamtime is practiced personally through revelations, visions, and actual dreams each Aborigine have (aboriginalart.com). For the Aborigines, these personal religious practices are what explain the meaning of life and answer the question of why they are on this earth."
Abstract This paper asserts that the ancient Egyptian sage Imhotep has two unique claims to fame: 1) he provides historians with the best documented instance of the deification of a man, and 2) he is the first known individual of genius. In a truly ironic fashion, the mortal man who designed the Great Step Pyramid as a tomb for the godlike Pharaoh Djoser was transformed into a god almost 2,000 years later and became the Egyptian god of healing. This paper provides an overview of the sage and vizier, Imhotep, the Great Step-Pyramid and its reflection of the beliefsystems in place at the time. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion. The paper includes a photograph of the pyramid.
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Imhotep
Step Pyramid of Djoser and Its Reflection of the BeliefSystem Personal Reasons for Selecting This Topic
Conclusion
From the Paper "In sum, it is certainly not an exaggeration to describe the Step Pyramid as a one of the most remarkable architectural works produced by the ancient Egyptians. "That later generations regarded it with exceptional esteem is dear, not only from the veneration which they accorded to Imhotep, but also from hieratic graffiti on the passage walls of the southern building, which record the admiration felt by some Egyptians who visited the monument more than a thousand years after it was built" (Edwards 1955:63). In fact, no other known pyramid has been found with the same quantity of imposing buildings designed specifically to supply the needs of the king in his after-life. In their stead, the kings who ruled two dynasties later were satisfied with pictorial representations simply carved in relief."
Abstract This paper represents the author's personal goals and objectives within the context of his personal system of beliefs and perceptions. He discusses personal competencies that are beneficial in the organizational setting. Further, beliefs and values are explained in respect to their influence on the author's self-concept. His personal propositions form the latter sections of the document.
From the Paper "Many of my goals are focused on improving both my academic and long-term professional employment. I consider improving my communication skills to be one of my most important goals. There are courses where communication skills can be addressed by sensitivity training offered through the colleges and universities and I intend on taking one. Communication skills are extremely important in today's interconnected society and economy. Not only are individuals the world over now able to communicate instantaneously with each other without much effort or expense but organizations now have the ability to create teams and workgroups that communicate seamlessly with each other across regions, time zones, and other barriers. These developments have elevated the importance of communication as a skill, a competency and a goal for individuals to achieve because it is now considered a necessity rather than a nice attribute."
An insight into the Native American religious system. The paper discusses six bases of religion and shows how religion has influenced the people and societies who support it.
Abstract Since the beginning of time religion has played an important part in people's lives. How people worship can be as varied as the lands they live in. The Native American Indians are a group that have many beliefs and rituals. This paper discusses how their religion is based on spirits and the belief of a higher power and that the ceremonies they perform can range from ones concerning harvest and giving thanks to Ghost Dances and Death rituals.
From the Paper "The Indians believe in Spirits and the supernatural. The Hopi Indians describe Spirits as a being that ?may have greater than human powers (Geertz).? They feel these powers can be evil or be able to accomplished great things. They believe kachinas are powerful because they can make it rain. A kachina is a powerful supernatural being, or one who possesses the being during a religious ceremony. The Hopi also believe that there are those who are invisible and help them with knowledge. They consider these spirits to have superhuman strength. Some such spirits which perform many feats in their tales are the Old Spider Woman and her grandsons, and the Sun god. The Hopi ask each being to help them in their lives using their own special gifts (Geertz)."
Abstract This paper looks at Chinua Achebe's novels "Things Fall Apart" and "No Longer at Ease". It briefly details the life of the author, then breaks down the numerous subplots in both novels, both pre-colonial and colonial, in order to show the damaging effects of trying to find a balance with two totally opposite beliefsystems and relate this to America today. It concludes with the author's own view on what is like to be an African-American today.
From the Paper "Things Fall Apart is the story of a man, Okonkwo, who rises from obscurity to greatness and, because of faults mainly of his own, he falls back down to obscurity. Things Fall Apart precedes No Longer at Ease, which continues the story of Okonkwo by describing the life of his grandson, Obi Okonkwo, and his largely identical path with his grandfather. The power of these books, though, lie in the numerous subplots that each presents. These subplots present the Igbo tribes, and Nigeria as a whole, with structure and stability within their government and themselves in Pre Colonial times and confusion and chaos during Colonialism..."
Abstract The following paper discusses the meaning and causes of homophobia which is defined as any beliefsystem which supports negative myths and stereotypes about homosexual people and examines how social workers may advocate for others by addressing homophobia and identifying and impacting the negative consequences of homophobia. The writer also outlines how homophobia impacts individual development, increases suicide rates, invalidates individual feelings, and damages families. Lastly, this paper concludes with recommendations for how social workers may address issues associated with homophobia.
From the Paper ?Few issues have the potential to affect each and every single individual, whether directly or indirectly. Even fewer issues actually do impact each and every single member of society, whether directly or indirectly. Homophobia is one of the few issues which has both the potential to and which actually does impact each and every single individual, whether directly or indirectly. What makes homophobia so perturbing is that it has spawned numerous forms of oppression for gays and lesbians, both within the United States and in foreign countries. Within the United States, same-sex eroticism is still illegal in nearly half the states with penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment. In addition, there are no national laws protecting the rights of gays and lesbians, and homosexuals are legally excluded in many states from employment protections, housing discrimination, immigration, inheritance, police protection, public accommodations, and rights of adoption and/or child custody. Likewise, gays and lesbians cannot be legally married to each other (outside of Amsterdam, Hawaii, and Vermont) and are thus not accorded insurance, medical, pension, and tax advantages that are accorded heterosexual marriage partners.?
Examines his life, work, theological beliefsystem, theory of salvation and the primacy of Scripture, historical context, impact of his ideas on Protestant Reformation and the transition from the Middle Ages to Renaissance.
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 13 sources, 1999, $ 111.95
Abstract Examines his life, work, theological beliefsystem, theory of salvation and the primacy of Scripture.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the life, work, and theological belief system of Martin Luther (1483-1546) regarding his vision of scripture as the way to salvation. The plan of the research will be to set forth the historical and theological context in which Martin Luther became a pivotal figure in European Christianity and the Protestant Reformation and then to discuss the pattern of ideas that emerged out of his experience, as well as the details of and means by which the articulation of these ideas exerted influence on the shape that European thought assumed as the medieval period made a transition toward the Renaissance.
When the late medieval period of the thirteenth century began to merge with the revival of classical learning and opened, by the time of the sixteenth century, into the Renaissance, a whole ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the nature of atheism and psychology in a multi-cultural background. By demonstrating the ramifications of the beliefsystem, the writer seeks some of the psychological evaluations and studies that have been done in recent times.
Abstract This paper examines Malcolm X and Friedrich Nietzsche's rejection of Christianity and their paths toward an alternate ideal, as well as the reasons behind the rejection of Christianity for each individual. The paper explores the history of each man's choice and then compares and contrasts them, especially with regard to the criticisms that Malcolm X had of Nietzsche and the commonalities between the two men's beliefsystems.
From the Paper "Malcolm also directly criticized Nietzsche as spending excessive amounts of time arguing about irrelevancies; although Malcolm never states whether or not he agrees with Nietzsche's basis for rejecting the Christian religion, he does assert the importance of immediate issues facing the oppressed black race. While Malcolm did not agree with the amount of time that Nietzsche spent contemplating issues which he believed were unimportant to the immediate quality of life, it is possible that Nietzsche would have respected the reasons behind Malcolm's rejection of Christianity and his focus on the "will to power" found in Malcolm's political activism and his sense of social justice rooted in the dignity of the individual."
Abstract This paper examines the arguments for and against the various philosophical understandings of the composition of human beings and whether or not consciousness exists. It looks at how the question of how to consolidate an understanding of our (physical self) body with our (immaterial self) soul is not a new discussion and how an understanding of how these aspects of our humanity interact fuels our beliefsystem and our worldview, about subjects as diverse as life after death, stem cell research, the value of therapy for the brain injured and whether or not to pull the plug on an individual in a coma.
From the Paper "The study of consciousness has become more popular recently. Its interdisciplinary focus further highlights the problem of definitions since, for example, a psychologist, a physicist and a philosopher would not use the word in the same way. Beichler defines consciousness as the "growing 'entanglement' or awareness of 'life,' 'mind' and the interconnections of all things in the universe via the fifth dimension" (p. 110). Physicists would argue that for consciousness to exist something must be alive, meaning that it is first necessary to determine whether something is alive or not. It is also important to consider whether this living thing has "self-motivation". I agree with Beichler when he suggests that while we detect our world in three or four dimensions there could in fact be more, within which an understanding of consciousness and intuition could be found. "
Abstract This paper discusses how the religious views of the Mesopotamians, Egyptians and Hebrews all had important implications on each culture's unique view of life and death, including the afterlife. It looks at how each religion developed according to the history and reality of the people living during their time. It examines how the Egyptians and Mesopotamians developed a polytheistic religious outlook, while the Hebrew people developed a monotheistic culture. It considers how the Hebrew religion is much more similar to the Egyptian religion considering its positive outlook and affiliation with a God or gods, unlike the Mesopotamian beliefsystem which may be considered very negative. It shows how ultimately, though each of these religions are different, they developed as a result of the physical and cultural influences of the people living during ancient times.
From the Paper "The religion of the people of Mesopotamia was all encompassing, the center of daily life (fortunecity, 2003). The Mesopotamian views on religion include a belief in gods that represent the good fortunes of life. The Mesopotamians also believed that their did not exist any all-powerful king or god, but rather that power should be shared among many small government systems, and that kings, as they were mortal, were ultimately subject to the will of the gods (fortunecity, 2003). The Mesopotamian also lived by the code of Hammurabi, to be discussed further. Like the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians also believed in worshiping many "gods" and attributed the good things that happened in life to the appeasing of their gods. The Egyptians, much like the Mesopotamians, relied on the gods for their good fortune, and those in some sense perhaps lived their lives in an effort to appease the gods."
