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Religion

What is religion? Religion is generally considered a spiritual practice, a set of beliefs based on faith on a supernatural power that governs the universe. It is mostly concerned with issues of how we should live our lives and providing explanations to things that we don't fully understand or cannot measure. Where does the word "religion" come from? Possibly Middle English religioun, from Old French religion, from Latin religio, religion-, perhaps from religare, to tie fast. and maybe be associated to the word rely"

Defining religion is quite difficult as it can mean different things in different contexts ( or situations) . Although most often religion refers to organised religions. Here are two defintions: function-based - any set of beliefs and practices that have the purpose of dealing with fundamental questions of human nature and the existence of the Divine (if any). This broad definition encompasses all systems of belief, including those that deny the existence of the Divine. form-based - makes claims that lie beyond the realm of scientific observation, according to some authority or personal experience with the Divine Wikipedia Reference

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Why is religion important? Religion is important as a way for people to come to terms with questions like "Why should I lead a good life?" "What is my purpose?" An understanding of the principles of various religions may help to be aware of the reasons why people behave or act in the way that they do.   The technology of religion would be considerations of the tools specially created and used for practicing religions. For example candle lighting, incense, books, special bowls, or cups (challices) for food and water with special religious significance.

Religion is important in contributing from other perspectives or aspects such as... Cultural aspects of society by creative arts through religiously inspired music, poetry, and religious writings. The nature of religion - can religion be studied scientifically? This is a contentious issue. As the methods may undermine the point of religion. One interesting area is something called neurotheology, this is an attempt to locate brain circuits that relate to intense religious or spiritual experiences.

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News about religion Religion is often reported in the news. Often religious groups are reported to be in conflict with each other but also religion is important news in terms of particular practices, eg religious festivals are often reported too. Try a search on Google News for the lastest headlines on Religion

There are only about 5 major organised religions in the world today Christianity - eg Easter Judaism Islam Buddhism Hinduism There are of course other religions and the BBC provides a useful overview to the major world religions

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How does does religion work? Religion works in a number of different ways. But one way of understanding religions in a general sense is by considering two major aspects of any religion: Litergical formality - This is basically the formal aspects of the religion, how often followers should practice a religion under what circumstances. For example details about priesthood, prophets etc Spiritual aim - This is the philophical aim for the basis of behaviour in this life to the afterlife. Some examples include: Worshippers are a chosen elitewho deserve to dominate. Worshippers will be saved from some imminent disaster. Reincarnation with a karma doctrine in which a person next level is based on how devoted in this life. Reincarnation by personal choice and is based on personal character strength Statistical Reincarnation is where the new form is essentially random but how you face each life ultimately leads to a distant afterlife. Worpshippers will be received into paradise when they die or avoid a place of eternal damnation.   There are other spiritual aims which related more to attitudes to life from Epicurean attitude of Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die to nihilism in which people believe there is no point to life at all.

Types of religion There are generally quite a wide range of world(universe) views in various religions ranging from pantheism ( everything is God) to polytheism ( many Gods) to Monotheism and Aethism(no God) God Views Animism - all natural objects are inhabited by spirits. Polytheistic animism - only particular natural phenomena are linked with gods. Polytheism - Multigods with their origins in animism. Rational polytheism - a number of gods are actually a few gods of only a special gods Dualism - one good and one evil god struggle Interactive Monotheism - a single God that is interested in individuals on a daily basis. Influential Monotheism - God only interacts at crisis moments with an individual. Crisis Monotheism - God only interacts with people at key points in history. Remote Monotheism - God exisits but very rarely interacts except in exceptional circumstances Deism - God created the universe but takes no further part in mortal affairs. Pantheisim - everything is god and god is everything. Agnosticism - It is impossible to know if there is a God or not. Rational Atheism - Rejection of God based on science or logical reasoning. Skeptical Atheism - rejection of God based on personal belief "faith" Atheism - outtright rejection of God Philosophical Atheism - A failure to understandeven the concept of God, religious beliefs are meaningless. Reference: World Builders Handbook GDW- Digest Group Publications 1989.

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What is the history of religion? The first forms of religion probably developed from hunter gather societies as a way of explaining the natural forces of the world and providing meaning to feelings about the world.

According to Wikipedia article on religion, there are a number of theories that discuss how religion may have formed. Some of these include Dogma Selection Model Opium of the Masses Model Theory of Religion Model, Baha'i Prophecy Model

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The future of religion Religion appears to be aone concept that is a defining quality of being human. Having some level of spirituality is likely to be around for as long as humanity exists. How particular specific religions will remain to be seen. The specific litergical formalities of religions may change but overall spirtual aims are likely to remain similar.

Religion in space? Humans in the far future are likely to travel to the planets and the concepts of religion will follow. A colony on Mars for example would be likely to have buildings for worship. It is even possible that alien civilisations have concerns about religious or spiritual issues. Although it is unlikely we would knoww much about them. Computers and religion? The sci-fi movie 'The Matrix' gives us a bit of an indication as to how religious concepts may be linked with computers. For example could a computer have a soul and would they become concerned with religious or spiritual issues?

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