1. World Religions - Common Shared Features

2. Religious Commonalities
Sacred Space
Sacred Stories
Sacred Writings
Rituals
Symbolic Dance
Religious Drama / Events

3. Sacred Space
An established “center” in space that is sacred, holy, or more religious
Space is separated from ordinary areas
Further you go from sacred space the less holy
Can include buildings or natural spaces which may or may not have been manipulated by man

4. Sacred Stories
Typically tell the story of the life of a people, belong to a community rather than an individual, are treated with reverence and care
Usually passed down through generations
Two main types – myth & epic

5. Sacred Stories
Myth – a story dealing with supernatural beings that represents the worldview of a people, not intended to convey false or unimportant stories by using myth
Epic – a narrative poem celebrating the acts of a traditional hero
Protagonist vs antagonist; values, fears, hatreds joys of a people are expressed; can become sacred to a peoples

6. Sacred Writings
Books or texts written by divinely guided humans that record either the written or spoken word of God; can be spoken by teachers
Scriptures – sacred writings revered above all other written works
Often the basis of law, rituals, and ethics
Only writings needed for faith and practice

7. Rituals Rituals – prescribed religious ceremonies
Actions that are repetitive, prescribed and ceremonial
Could include fishing, hunting, gathering, fighting, dancing as either secular or sacred
Ritual history usually traced to a sacred person, event, or time
Changing of seasons also common origin

8. Rituals
Rite of Passage – a ceremonial act marking the transition from one stage in life to another
Birth, adolescence, marriage, and death are usually accompanied

9. Symbolic Dance Used as an expression of spirituality
More common amongst “native” groups around the world
Often paint their faces, wear masks, or costumes to transform into deities, demons, gods, or animals
Dancers are transported to the time of their ancestors or to the future
                               

10. Religious Drama / Events
Religious calendars around the world are marked by significant events
Common themes include changing seasons, episodes in the lives of founders or organizers, devotion to followers
Incorporate sacred stories, writings, and performing art to reflect a particular world view
Most dramas are open to all, even visitors to a religion

11. Religious Commonalities
Sacred Space
Sacred Stories
Sacred Writings
Rituals
Symbolic Dance
Religious Drama / Events

12. The End