What are the 8 Aspects of Religion?
1. Beliefs
Beliefs are articles of faith that are thought by adherents to be true or evident. In saying so, the particular set of beliefs create the foundation of a religion, ruling out myths, stories, rituals, laws and behaviours. The belief creates the identity of a particular religion. The most common of beliefs include such focus on powerful unseen beings and powers for example the world of God/s, Spirits, Angels, Demons, Ancestors etc. 2. Myths and Other stories
Relate in imaginative detail a believed truth, such as that conveyed by historiography, legends, edifying parables and folklore. Many myths and stories are aimed to educate one of a religions belief/s and faith. Some can be told through physical movement such as dancing or painting. They can also be expressed in abstract statements of creeds. Myths representing stories from the beginning, and legends representing stories important to the religions faith. Parables are stories about ordinary people, one of which we can imagine ourselves as, these parables are usually short but are meaningful in experience. |
3. Sacred texts
Sacred texts are those complications or oral and written literature in which the essential parts of the religious tradition are recorded. They are essential a religions beliefs as they are composed of stories, ethical principles, moral codes of behaviour, creeds, prayers, history, literature etc. Some well known examples of Sacred Texts include the Bible, Scrolls, Canons, Books, Songs, Dances and Art. All of these which are used to enhance and practise one's faith. Some sacred texts are cited as the textual basis of a religion, referred to as evidence. |
4. Rituals
Rituals are the religious or other formal ceremonies that consist of a series of actions , sayings, prayers, contemplative practices, dances or painting that are performed according to a prescribed order. They hold a symbolic meaning and are considered sacred and are usually practised through ceremonies or traditions. Rituals play a major role in the life a religion, some religions may merely rely on the rituals one takes to be an adherent of the faith. Many rituals are those of which represent different stages of life such as birth, coming of age, marriage and death (Rites of Passage). In order to be a fully committed member of the religious traditions one must practise the rituals on a consistent basis. 5. Symbols Symbols are abstract principles by which a person, action or thing can strand for something else. These can be sings, objects, actions or places that acquire a special meaning or power, which can be held sacred to a religion. All religions have a symbol, in which the public nature can recognized one's particular faith, they are basically a visual summery of the whole religion, capturing what is held most important of beliefs. 6. Social Structures Social structures are established social models to which society conforms, which often places religious leadership at near the top of society. They can be an intrinsic part of society, supporting it's structures, nobility kings, queens and chiefs. Within some religions itself, also stands a structure between positions of power, who have the ability to teach and do certain practises within the faith . 7. Ethical Principles and oral or written codes of behaviour They are visionary ideals or specific attributes of a perfect world from which comes all morality, laws, norms and ideas about what adherents 'ought' to do; this is synthesised into specific advice or lists of qualities, values or laws that would bring about the ideal. In short terms, they are the codes of behaviour approved by moral conduct. - Living out your faith by ethical principles and conducts 8. Religious Experiences and Spirituality Life events that can be had in religious and non religious can be held in religious and non-religious contexts to which religious meaning is attached by leadership, participants and witnesses; certain sacred practices that facilitate access to Ultimate Reality and affirm beliefs for adherents. Ultimately, a person's religious identity is the sum total of all their religious and spiritual/emotional experiences, their comprehension of those experiences and their psychological state. |
Photos used under Creative Commons from mikecogh, Lawrie Cate, visualpanic henjsmi