Abstract The author explains how recent world events have highlighted the plight of women in several given societies with many atrocities still occurring against women in the name of religion. He contends that while some religions embrace the contributions of women, others completely ignore or forbid it. In some religions, women are encouraged to participate fully in the activities of the church, in others; women are not even allowed to enter places of worship. In addition, the social treatment of women differs according to the religion embraced by each particular society. While women are regarded as equals to men within some religious cultures, other cultures view the woman as little more than a slave and piece of property. To depict the realities of the statements made above, two religions and the way each regards and treats women are covered in this paper: Hinduism and Sikhism. Toward this end, the basic tenants and beliefs of each of these religions is provided.
From the Paper "The Hindu religion has developed over the last four thousand years, and lacks the organizational hierarchy found in many other religions. Unlike Western religions, Hinduism is a mixture of many beliefs and aspects, including that of magic, nature worship, animal veneration, and an unlimited number of deities and idols. In other words, the Hindu's find religion in almost everything, such as places like the Himalayan where they believe the God's live. The basic tenants of the religion hold that, "the multiplicity of gods and goddesses in its pantheon as manifestations of the one divine spirit, Braham" (Smart 70). According to Hindu?s, Braham is the "ultimate level of reality, a philosophical absolute, serenely blissful, beyond all ethical or metaphysical limitations" (Kussman and Jain, 83). In Hinduism, the basic view of God is one of "infinite being, infinite consciousness and infinite bliss" (83). Another important aspect of the Hindu religion is that of rituals. In Hinduism, these rituals include such activities as the lighting of incense, bathing, eating, and marriage ceremonies, all of which are meant to show that God is in everything (Smart 71)"
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses how the mystery religions influenced the religion of Christianity. The writer explores a number of the ancient mystery religions. The secret rituals of these mystery religions as well as their similarities are discussed. Most importantly, the writer examines the impact of these religions on Christianity and discusses why they are no longer practiced.
From the Paper "By the end of the first century small communities of Christians could be found in many of places in the Greco-Roman world. According to Jeffrey Sheler, writing for U.S. News World Report as the movement expanded during the second and third centuries, it proved to be anything but simple to deliver a consistent message. The early Christian church was torn by persecution and internal division as Christians struggled to understand and apply the meaning of Jesus' life, death and resurrection in the religious ... "
Tags: mystery religions and their impact on Christianity, historical context, Isis
Abstract The paper looks at magic and religion in Roman Egypt. In general, the paper explores religion in Roman Egypt. It looks at how Rome was a multi-religious empire and the Egyptians tended to use a lot of magic in religion. The paper explains how Christianity combined with the Egyptian religion to create the Coptic religion.
From the Paper "The Roman Empire was one of the greatest empires of the ancient world. According to Chris Brazier in "The No-Nonsense Guide to World History," "From about 275 BC to 50 AD Rome created a massive empire that included the Mediterranean region, most of Europe and parts of the Middle East" (Brazier 35). As this empire expanded it encountered countless cultures that were eventually assimilated into the Empire. Although these cultures were conquered they did not cease to exist. The cultures continued to survive within the Roman Empire, they were just somewhat repressed."
Abstract Religion plays a key role in the works of both Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx and a close look at their respective views on religion are therefore very important. With that in mind, this paper argues that, while both Durkheim and Marx are not strong advocates of religion, Marx is especially sharp in his denunciation. In particular, whereas Durkheim does see some salutary effects associated with religious practice - such as the promotion of social solidarity as well as a collective moral code - Marx views religion as being basically an appendage of the capitalist establishment. More than that, Marx's vision of both religion and of capitalism is so unflattering that he compares the former to an ancient Near Eastern religious sect which favored the sacrifice of children to an obscure deity.
Abstract By first examining religious phenomena, Durkheim's emphasis on the individual aspects of religion is outlined in this paper. This follows an examination of the typical functionalist ideal: That in order to understand a society, you must first examine its parts. It explains that Marx does not examine the facets of society, but this is because Marx is a materialist. Thus, Marx focused on the material foundation of religion, this being its economic origins. The paper then examines how Durkheim and Marx are very similar, as they both believe religion was created by society. It shows that, despite the differences in their respective paradigms, Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim's sociologies of religion are very similar.
From the Paper "There are many different paradigms within the study of sociology; each leads to a different conclusion regarding society. Two of these paradigms are evident in the work of Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx. Durkheim was a functionalist, Marx, a realist. The functionalist perspective can be defined as "The doctrine that the function of an object should determine its design and materials"(Functionalist, 2002). Thus, in order to understand society, one must examine its parts and their functions. Materialists, on the other hand believe "that physical matter is the only reality and that everything, including thought, feeling, mind, and will, can be explained in terms of matter and physical phenomena" (Materialist, 2002). These opposing theories are evident in much of their respective works, as Durkheim's description is more detailed and functional, and Marx's is more purposeful. However, with regards to the sociology of religion, these differences are only skin-deep. Contrary to common belief, their underlying arguments are actually quite similar as will be proved subsequently."
Abstract This paper goes into detail regarding the religion of Santeria. It discusses different aspects of the religion, the similarities it has to other religions, and includes problems it faces in today's society.
From the Paper "Religion, in some ways, confuses me. They all claim to be so different yet, when one takes a close look at them, they all have striking resemblances to each other. I was raised in a Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox household. Although both had some differences, anyone could see all the similarities that they possessed. All religions pick, choose, and blend from other religions and form a new version. A type of creolization if you will. Different aspects of two similar religions (Catholicism and Yoruba) were blended together to form what we now know as the worldwide religion of Santeria. In this paper I will be discussing the origins of this fascinating religion, what it entails, and a couple of the problems that people who practice the religion face."
Abstract The writer of this paper details how in the face of advanced science, people still turn to religion as their savior. This paper explores at length how religion affects personality while also analyzing the two forms of religious behavior, which have been recognized in recent research and are known as intrinsic and extrinsic. This paper also explains that religion, the conviction-faith of the personality, can triumph over despair born in the unbelieving material mind. Differing cultural views and religions are discussed and reviewed as well.
Relevant sections in this report include:
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
Bibliography and References
From the Paper "The effect of religion on an individual comes at two planes: the societal plane and the individual plane. At individual plane, it varies from the extremely benign to psychotic. Without generalization, one can say that the final influence of religion, how it molds a personality and how its ultimate effects on the personality turn out, depends a lot on the way religion is treated by the individual. In most cases, the effect on personal lives of people is benign. The people who are religious, are more likely to be, family men, more adjusted, more balanced in their outlook, more 'normal' in most senses, provided they are not extremists, not given to illusions of grandeur, not suffering from prejudices and jaundiced views about specific groups and specific ideas, and are not predisposed to hate followers of other faiths. This may look like a long list of 'ifs' but it all boils down to one thing: a middle approach."
Abstract This essay critically assesses the contribution of cultural sociology to the understanding of religion. It does this by first examining and summarizing how three "classical sociological theorists" (i.e.: Weber, Durkheim and Marx) see the nature of religion as a cultural form. It then looks at various recent theories of religion under globalization. The author then assesses the contribution that these cultural theories give to the understanding of real religious phenomena through examining whether they can help in an understanding of Islamic fundamentalism in general, and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Algeria specifically. The paper includes extensive use of quotes from the three theorists.
From the Paper "In fact, according to Giddens, Marx believed that religion is the "opium of the people" (Giddens, 1996, p464). In other words, Marx believed that religion defers happiness and rewards to the afterlife, teaching the acceptance of existing conditions in this life. This means that attention is diverted away from inequalities and injustices in this life by promising a better future in the Afterlife. In addition to this, Budd believes that Marx thought religion not only reflected the suffering of the working class, but offered a "fantasy escape" from that suffering (Budd, 1973). Marx believed that religion had a very powerful ideological element, and that religious beliefs and values often provide justifications of inequalities of wealth and power (Giddens, 1996). He further claims that religion often has ideological implications which serve to justify the interests of the ruling class at the expense of other subordinate classes (Giddens, 1996)."
Abstract This paper considers the belief that countries where religion has a major influence in governance, tend to develop slower than those where religious beliefs are not a main influence or consideration. The role that each of the four major monotheistic religions play in impeding the development of a country is examined and several third world countries are used as examples to support this claim.
From the Paper "The four major monotheistic religions in the world all tend to bar changes in one's life. Their faith or lifestyle does not involve material acquisition and is even hostile to it. They are bound to the wiles and stated will and preferences of an unseen Deity. Their happiness consists precisely in denying their own progress and contentment, the furthering of their blessings and potential. India is a supreme example of this. But this blind adherence to brutal fate and faith is also taken advantage by some opportunists, such as in the case of terrorists and dictators."
Abstract Religion has been a driving force in the lives of human beings since time began. Modern moral decline signals the failing of modern religion to uphold a significant value system and outlet for man's craving for something to believe in. This paper details a new religion, "Spirituality for Souls and Communities in the New Age", that by incorporating traditional religious teachings and practices with spiritual and intellectual freedom would meet the needs of individuals in today's world.
Abstract This essay discusses Eric Fromm's view of religion. Fromm sees religion as something that can help people achieve self-fulfillment and understanding. He also sees religion as serving a positive force in society.
Abstract This paper considers the various ways Augustus used religion and religious beliefs to strengthen the position of his regime during the period 43 BCE - 14 CE. Focus is placed on the role of religion as an agent of social inclusion, especially for the disenfranchised social groups produced by the Augustan social and Moral Legislation. The Emperor's position and the centre of state religion and how this was achieved is also assessed, as is the impact of a number of these religious changes, notably the significance of the changing role of priesthoods.
From the Paper "Religion, religious belief and religious imagery are all core components of the Augustan regime's rise to power and exploiting such beliefs enhanced Augustus' position considerably. As with almost every aspect of the Augustan settlement with the state it is effectively a piecemeal activity and thus it is difficult for one to discuss the religious policy of Augustus, however, consideration can be given to a number of events and decisions which show the various ways Augustus used religion and religious ideas to enhance his position."
Abstract This paper examines the archaeological, anthropological and historical context of the emergence of religion. The author points out commonalities in these religions, ancient and most modern. The paper looks at the differs regarding the issues they address and the human needs they satisfy.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine religions of the world from the ancient period to the present day. The research will set forth the archaeological, anthropological and historical context out of which the origins of religion emerged and then discuss ..."
Abstract This paper discusses Karl Marx's criticism of religion and idealism and explains how this criticism takes shape in his theory of religion as a tool of class domination. The paper also explains Marx's view of religion and its relationship to the oppressed individual experience.
From the Paper "The point of view that Marx uses to criticize religion on one hand and Feuerbach's idealism on the other is materialist. In "The German Ideology" he criticizes religion for constructing phantoms that are sublimates of the material life process, which means that the religious focus on what is immaterial or invisible diverts human beings' attention away from their direct experience of material reality or the unfolding process of existence. That diversion is a form of alienation because it blocks human consciousness from owning itself."
Abstract In this essay, the writer examines the role of religion and nationalism in the origin and development of the India-Pakistan and Arab-Israeli conflicts. The writer discusses religion and nationalism as exacerbating factors in the conflicts. The writer also considers the prospect that religion and nationalism will continue to be factors in wars in the future.
From the Paper "States go to war for a variety of reasons, but two that have proven particularly effective in generating mass mobilization are religion and nationalism. Unlike other reasons for war, such as control of a trade route or more broadly even economic prosperity, these reasons are capable of motivating large numbers of people on a deeply emotional level even when they do not stand to share in any material gains from victory. By the same token however, once brought into ... "
Tags:religion, nationalism, islam, hinduism, judaism, india, pakistan, israel, arabs, palestinians
