SUPERNATURAL Religion Recognition of belief in some source or power that transcends humans and is capable of assessing or harming them.
A kind of human behavior which can be classified
as belief and ritual concerned with supernatural beings,powers and forces. Control of the universe; means by which man maintains himself in the scheme of things. Response to mans needs for an organized conception of the universe,for mechanism that will allay his anxieties concerning his inability to predict and understand events that do not conform to natural law. Characteristics of Religion Belief in the supernatural, which is powerful
An influence on human behavior.
An explanation for what is unexpected.
Folk Primitive Religion It is not clear to where or how religion started but even the primitive tribes had some kind of religion. American Indians worshipped supernatural beings as did the ancient Filipinos.
The Aztecs of Mexico worshipped a god.
City states of Athens worshiped Athena.
Japanese emperor was considered as
descendant of the sun-god before WWII. Varieties of Religion Religions of different kinds abound in the world today. Christian religions composed of; Roman Catholics Protestants Orthodox Judea Christianity Non-Christian Religions consist of; Islam Buddhism Confucianism Hinduism Animism Shintoism Jewish Beliefs in most societies regarding Religion Religion does things for people It has to do with the power of the universe,the range and intensity of these powers ,and the manner in which they influence the lives of people. There are methods by which these power enlisted in behalf of man that may help man achieve certain ends. Uses and functions of Religion Explain events or situation that defy comprehension. Provide comfort in times of stress and anxiety. Set guidelines for conduct of human affairs and furnish a sense of common purpose for members of a social group. Reinforce and maintain cultural values. Reduce fears and anxiety and give man not only a feeling of security in the uncertain present, but the hope as well as tolerable future. Reflect close and intimate relations with the world of the supernatural and also with animals, plants and other aspects of nature. Support particular culturally defined standards of behavior. Supernatural The spiritual realm beyond human existence that is thought to control the natural world.
The unusual experiences that lack of scientific
explanation or phenomena alleged to the outside of sciences current ability to explain or measure. Supernatural Beliefs Animatism A belief that supernatural is all around you and could be anything. A potential unseen force that can be found all around us Animism, anima (breath or soul) Belief that natural objects, natural phenomena and the universe all possess individual souls. Euhemerism, Euhemerus Idea that a real person can become deity or supernatural immortal being through the constant telling of their stories that leads to the distortion of the actual story. A belief an ancestor or historical being who is thought to have supernatural power but in actual they are a real person who is deified through the stories of his life and after some time the story became the accepted story. Zoomorphism The attribution of animal qualities or characteristics to a God. The act of attributing animal qualities to things that are not animals. Many times is was mistaken for anthropomorphism, which attributing human characteristics or qualities to things that are not human. Educational Implications It is important for every one to have a religion in view of the role that religion plays in ones life.
Since religion influences behavior, one should
choose ones religion wisely. Since the nature and function of all religions are the same, there should be tolerance of all religions.