Understanding Differing Belief Systems Unit 1: What is Religion?

Religions vary from country to country, city to city, and village to village. Yet, in Canada we live in a multicultural society where religion means many different things to many different people all in one place. Since differing belief systems and worldviews are quite diverse, understanding this diversity is essential for Western culture. Understanding where other’s gain their own comprehension, by sharing thoughts, values, and spirituality with others will help guide each of us into accepting that we are all unique individuals with the same goal yet differing beliefs.

Understanding Differing Belief Systems Monotheism: is the belief in the existence of one deity or God, or in the oneness of God. The concept of monotheism has largely been defined in contrast with polytheistic religions. The word monotheism is derived from the Greek word meaning "one" and meaning “god”.

Polytheism: is belief in or worship of multiple gods or deities Polytheism: is belief in or worship of multiple gods or deities. The word comes from the Greek words poly theo, literally means "many gods". Ancient Greek and Roman religions were polytheistic. The belief in many gods does not necessarily preclude the belief in an all-powerful, all-knowing supreme being, as the ruler and parent (often king and fathers) of gods and humankind.

Humanism: is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people. This philosophy is based on the ability to determine right and wrong by appeal to universal human qualities, particularly rationality. Humanism entails a commitment to the search for truth and morality through human means in support of human interests.

Materialism: is the simplest explanation of reality Materialism: is the simplest explanation of reality. It is the belief that all that exists is the physical. There are no higher realities, no psychic, or spiritual truths independent of the physical world. Materialism itself is a specific, culturally determined way of thinking about reality.

Secularism: is generally the assertion or belief that certain practices or institutions should exist separately from religion or religious belief. Alternatively, it is a principle of promoting secular ideas or values in either public or private settings.

A creed: is a statement or confession of belief which is usually religious belief or faith. The word derives from the Latin credo meaning I believe. It is sometimes called symbol, signifying a "token" by which persons of like beliefs might recognize each other.

Questions: 1. “I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth”. a) Materialism b) Monotheism c) Creed d) Secularism

answer (c) CREED A statement of belief, a declaration of faith.

2. Greek Mythology is my forte. a) Polytheism b) Monotheism c) Humanism d) Secularism

Answer (a) POLYTHEISM In Greek mythology, there is a devotion to multiple gods and goddess, each for their underlying belief.

3. The better looking you are, the more likely you are to get a job 3. The better looking you are, the more likely you are to get a job. a) Materialism b) Humanism c) Creed d) Monotheism

ANSWER (a) MATERIALISM Places emphasis on physical appearance, and therefore results in possibly getting hired for a position.

4. Help that old lady cross the street 4. Help that old lady cross the street! a) Polytheism b) Creed c) Materialism d) Humanism

ANSWER (d) HUMANISM Places emphasis on someone’s rationality and ability to relate to their personal qualities. It differentiates right from wrong and establishes what is best to do in a given situation.

5. I love those jeans. Are they “Guess” 5. I love those jeans! Are they “Guess”? a) Materialism b) Monotheism c) Humanism d) Secularism

ANSWER (a) MATERIALISM Emphasis is placed on brand name clothing, therefore setting the stage for an individual’s place in society.

6. This is our company philosophy, “work hard and make money” 6. This is our company philosophy, “work hard and make money”. a) Secularism b) Creed c) Polytheism d) Monotheism

ANSWER (a) SECULARISM The company has its own philosophy which is separate from religion and faith. Faith does not have a place in a corporation. Work and religion are two separate entities.

7. “Yeah, I stole that, what’s the big deal?” a) Polytheism b) Monotheism c) Humanism d) Secularism

ANSWER (c) HUMANISM Determines human qualities of an individual. The individual does know the difference between right and wrong; however, does not use rationality to display remorse.

8. He has blessed us with a beautiful child. a) Materialism b) Monotheism c) Polytheism d) Secularism

ANSWER (b) MONOTHEISM The belief is that God blesses individuals with special gifts. Individuals worship and pray to God who gives them the gift.

9. “Politics has nothing to do with how I pray” 9. “Politics has nothing to do with how I pray”. a) Monotheism b) Polytheism c) Secularism d) Humanism

ANSWER (c) SECULARISM An individual’s personal opinion or position in society should not coincide with religion, faith, and beliefs.

10. “He is seated at the right hand of the Father and born of the Virgin Mary”. a) Secularism b) Monotheism c) Polytheism d) Creed

ANSWER (d) CREED A statement of belief or a declaration of faith.

Worldviews Worldview refers to the framework that governs our judgements including our moral decisions. It is the general view of life that guides our daily thoughts and actions. An individual’s worldview answers several essential questions that people have pondered since the dawn of humanity.

What is the meaning of humankind’s journey on earth? Is it all there is? Is this life in preparation for another? Do we “come back” after we die? What makes us human? Are people good or bad? Do we have free will or is our course pre-determined? Is there a God or Ultimate Reality? Is God a personal entity or an impersonal force? How did the world/universe come into existence? Is the natural world ordered? How are humans supposed to relate to the natural world? What is moral and immoral? How do we define the “good life”? Is it defined by pleasure? Love? Service? Justice? Freedom? Our responses to these questions govern the way we think and live thus creating our individual worldview.

Different Worldviews Religious Worldview: People who have a religious worldview include the Sacred in their answers to what is worldview. In other words, their search for meaning is rooted in the Sacred. Sometimes the Sacred is given various names (Great Spirit, Allah, Braham, and Supreme Being). We know it as God. In general, there are two types of religious worldview.

Linear Worldview: Time has a definite beginning and it will have a different end. The universe was created once and it will eventually come to an end. Humans experience one earthly lifetime, one birth and one death. The linear worldview is usually associated with Western religions like Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Cyclic Worldview: Time has no definable beginning and no end. The universe is routinely created and destroyed in a continuous cycle. Humans may experience multiple earthy lifetimes, there is no continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The cyclic worldview is usually associated with eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

Secular Worldview The term secular relates to individuals who are concerned with worldly affairs rather than spiritual matters. People who have a secular worldview believe that the five questions are best answered by considering various academic disciplines. In other words science and technology can answer everything where God’s presence is not required.