Lesson 1 - Nature of Religion
Lesson 1 - Nature of Religion
Lesson 1 - Nature of Religion
• Religion comes from the Latin verb, Religare, which means in English, to bind.
• Etymologically, religion means binding of oneself with the absolute being.
• Religion is a belief in a supernatural power, or it refers to the performance of practices which binds
together or links human beings with the hidden superpower.
• The etymological meaning of religion, that is, to bind oneself with God, is not enough to make
up what religion holistically means. Several elements constitute a religion.
THE FF. ARE THE ELEMENTS THAT ARE COMMON AMONG RELIGIONS.
1. Sacred texts. – (e.g. Holy Bible, Holy Qur’an)
2. Rituals – express praise to God, gods, or a revered teacher or prophet.
3. God of Supreme being – (e.g. Jesus Christ, Buddhist God)
4. Place to Worship – (e.g. Church, Mosque, Temple, Synagogue)
FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION
1. Do you think it is possible to believe in God, without
religion?
2. Do you think it is possible to belong to a religion without
God?
3. Why do you think people embrace a religion?
THE FF. ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION: