MODULE 1 FOR RS 2

(RELIGION, RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES &

SPIRITUALITY)

MRS. JOAN CORPORAL-TIRARIRAY

Subject Teacher

Religion is defined as a system of roles and norms that is organized

around the sacred realm and that binds people together in social
groups.

⚫ Religion is a universal phenomenon…

⚫ However, the form that is takes may vary from society to society and may
change within a single society over time.
⚫ Religion exists in many forms because different groups give sacred meaning to a
wide variety of objects, events, and experiences.
⚫ According to sociologists, religion is a social creation.Things take on sacred
meaning only when they are socially defined as such by a group of
believers.Religion is a universal phenomenon…
⚫ However, the form that is takes may vary from society to society and may
change within a single society over time.
⚫ Religion exists in many forms because different groups give sacred meaning to a
wide variety of objects, events, and experiences.

B. Types of Religion
1. Ecclesia
- Ecclesia (or Ekklesia) in Christian theology means both: a particular body of
faithful people, and the whole body of the faithful. Latin ecclesia, from
Greek ekklesia, where the word is a compound of two segments: "ek", a
preposition meaning "out of", and a verb, "kaleo", signifying "to call" - together,
literally, "to call out". That usage soon disappeared and was replaced with
"assembly, congregation, council", or "convocation".

- Characteristics:
a) Claim universality, include all members of the society within their ranks,
and have a strong tendency to equate "citizenship" with "membership"
b) Exercise religious monopoly and try to eliminate religious competition
c) Are very closely allied with the state and secular powers; frequently there
is overlapping of responsibilities and much mutual reinforcement
d) Are extensively organized as a hierarchical bureaucratic institution with a
complex division of labor
e) Employ professional, full-time clergy who possess the appropriate
credentials of education and formal ordination
f) Primarily gain new members through natural reproduction and the
socialization of children into the ranks
g) Allow for diversity by creating different groups within the church (e.g.,
orders of nuns or monks) rather than through the formation of new
religions
2. Denomination
- lies between the church and the sect on the continuum
- come into existence when churches lose their religious monopoly in a society
- is one religion among many
 - Characteristics:

a) similar to churches/ecclesia, but unlike sects, in being on relatively good terms with
the state and secular powers and may even attempt to influence government at times
b) maintain at least tolerant and usually fairly friendly relationships with other
denominations in a context of religious pluralism
c) rely primarily on birth for membership increase, though it will also accept converts;
some actively pursue evangelization
d) accept the principle of at least modestly changing doctrine and practice and tolerate
some theological diversity and dispute
e) follow a fairly routinized ritual and worship service that explicitly discourages
spontaneous emotional expression
f) train and employ professional clergy who must meet formal requirements for
certification
g) accept less extensive involvement from members than do sects, but more involvement
than churches
h) often draw disproportionately from the middle and upper classes of society

3. Sect
- is defined as a newly formed religious group that formed to protest elements of its parent religion
(generally a denomination)
- Their motivation tends to be situated in accusations of apostasy or heresy in the parent
denomination; they often decry/criticize liberal trends in denominational development and
advocate a return to so-called "true" religion
- Leaders of sectarian movements (i.e., the formation of a new sect) tend to come from a lower
socio-economic class than the members of the parent denomination, a component of sect
development that is not yet entirely understood.\
- Most scholars believe that when sect formation involves social class distinctions, they reflect an
attempt to compensate for deficiencies in lower social status
- After their formation, sects can take only three paths - dissolution, institutionalization, or
eventual development into a denomination.
- If the sect withers in membership, it will dissolve. If the membership increases, the sect is forced
to adopt the characteristics of denominations in order to maintain order (e.g., bureaucracy, explicit
doctrine, etc.).
- And even if the membership does not grow or grows slowly, norms will develop to govern group
activities and behavior.
- The development of norms results in a decrease in spontaneity, which is often one of the primary
attractions of sects. The adoption of denomination-like characteristics can either turn the sect into
a full-blown denomination or, if a conscious effort is made to maintain some of the spontaneity
and protest components of sects, an institutionalized sect can result. Institutionalized sects are
halfway between sects and denominations on the continuum of religious development.

4. Cult
- cult" has lagged behind in the refinement of the terms that are used in analyzing the other
forms of religious origination. Bruce Campbell discusses Troeltsch's concept in defining cults
as non-traditional religious groups that are based on belief in a divine element within
the individual. Cults are inherently ephemeral/temporary and loosely organized. There is a
major theme in many of the recent works that shows the relationship between cults and
mysticism.[7] Campbell highlights two major types of cults - one mystical and the other
instrumental. This analysis can divide the cults into being either occults or metaphysical
assemblies
He gives three ideal types of cults:

1. a mystically-oriented illumination type

2. an instrumental type, in which inner experience is sought solely for its effects
3. a service-oriented type that focuses on aiding others

C. Theistic & Non-theistic Religion

1. Theistic – a.belief in the existence of a god or gods, especially belief in a personal 
God as creator and ruler of the world
b. essentially involves an attitude to life and death that includes belief
in a supernatural being and order which determines a person's way of
life, values, expectations and fears.
-- Religion and the public good: a philosophical appraisal-
2. Non-Theistic Religion -which are religions that do not focus on belief in god(s).
- Some nontheistic religions could also be called 'ethical religions' because they revolve
around ethics instead of a god such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism

D. Types of Religion

1. Polytheism - belief in and worship of many gods. The roots of this word are poly- ('many') and
-theism ('gods').
- Gods would be organized in a Pantheon, or a collection of all of the gods of a group of people.
Some examples would be the Norse Pantheon, Greek or Roman Pantheon, Egyptian Pantheon, etc.
However, you have to be careful with the Roman Pantheon because it was also a building.
- Ancient polytheistic religions are often referred to as mythology, a term that reduces them from
the religions that they once were. For example, the Greek Mythology of Zeus, Hera, Athena, Ares
and others was once a religion, with priests and priestesses, prophets and followers. But now it has
been relegated to fantasy stories of the past.
2. Monotheism

- belief that only one God exists

- Mono meaning “one” and “theism” meaning God
- ex: Judaism, Christianity, Islam where these faiths worship only one God.

3. Atheism

- Atheism is not an affirmative belief that there is no god nor does it answer any other
question about what a person believes. It is simply a rejection of the assertion that there are
gods. Atheism is too often defined incorrectly as a belief system. To be clear: Atheism is
not a disbelief in gods or a denial of gods; it is a lack of belief in gods.

4. Animism
- belief in innumerable spiritual beings concerned with human affairs and capable of helping
or harming human interests
- Animistic beliefs were first competently surveyed by Sir Edward Burnett Tylor in his
work Primitive Culture (1871), to which is owed the continued currency of the term.
- While none of the major world religions are animistic (though they may contain animistic
elements), most other religions—e.g., those of tribal peoples.

5. Totemism
- Derived from the term "ototeman" in the Ojibwe language, meaning "brother-sister
kin/relative," 
- Totemism is an aspect of religious belief centered upon the veneration of sacred objects
called totems.
- A totem is any animal, plant, or other object, natural or supernatural, which provides deeply
symbolic meaning for a person or social group.
- In some cases, totems may imbue a particular person with a feeling of power and energy. In
other cases, a variety of totems can serve to demarcate particular groups or clans subsumed
within larger tribes. Often, totems are seen as representative of desirable individual qualities,
or the natural power from which a given social group has descended. Thus, totems help to
explain the mythical origin of the clan while reinforcing clan identity and solidarity, and as
such, killing, eating, and even touching a totem is often considered taboo

MODULE 2
Types of Theistic Religions

1. Polytheism - belief in and worship of many gods. The roots of this word are poly- ('many') and
-theism ('gods').
- Gods would be organized in a Pantheon, or a collection of all of the gods of a group of people.
Some examples would be the Norse Pantheon, Greek or Roman Pantheon, Egyptian Pantheon, etc.
However, you have to be careful with the Roman Pantheon because it was also a building.
- Ancient polytheistic religions are often referred to as mythology, a term that reduces them from
the religions that they once were. For example, the Greek Mythology of Zeus, Hera, Athena, Ares
and others was once a religion, with priests and priestesses, prophets and followers. But now it has
been relegated to fantasy stories of the past.

2. Monotheism
- belief that only one God exists
- Mono meaning “one” and “theism” meaning God
- ex: Judaism, Christianity, Islam where these faiths worship only one God.

3. Atheism
- Atheism is not an affirmative belief that there is no god nor does it answer any other question about
what a person believes. It is simply a rejection of the assertion that there are gods. Atheism is too
often defined incorrectly as a belief system. To be clear: Atheism is not a disbelief in gods or a
denial of gods; it is a lack of belief in gods.

4. Animism
- belief in innumerable spiritual beings concerned with human affairs and capable of helping
or harming human interests
- Animistic beliefs were first competently surveyed by Sir Edward Burnett Tylor in his
work Primitive Culture (1871), to which is owed the continued currency of the term.
- While none of the major world religions are animistic (though they may contain animistic
elements), most other religions—e.g., those of tribal peoples.

5. Totemism
- Derived from the term "ototeman" in the Ojibwe language, meaning "brother-sister
kin/relative," 
- Totemism is an aspect of religious belief centered upon the veneration of sacred objects
called totems.
- A totem is any animal, plant, or other object, natural or supernatural, which provides deeply
symbolic meaning for a person or social group.
- In some cases, totems may imbue particular person with a feeling of power and energy. In
other cases, a variety of totems can serve to demarcate particular groups or clans subsumed
within larger tribes. Often, totems are seen as representative of desirable individual qualities,
or the natural power from which a given social group has descended. Thus, totems help to
explain the mythical origin of the clan while reinforcing clan identity and solidarity, and as
such, killing, eating, and even touching a totem is often considered taboo

B. Examples of Theistic Religions

1. Judaism
a. History
• Judaism is one of the oldest world religions.
• People who follow the Jewish religion are called Jews.
• The Jewish religion started in Israel around 1812 BC, during the Bronze
Age.
• It began when God promised Abraham he would protect him and his
descendants and give them the land of Israel. In return for this they
promised to obey God.
• The Torah is the main religious book used by the Jewish people.

b. Beliefs
• Jews believe that there is only one God and that he created the universe.
• They believe that everyone can have an individual and personal
relationship with God.
• They believe that God continues to work in the world, affecting everything
that people do.

c. Important people

1. Abraham is the father of the Jewish people. Jews see Abraham as a symbol of
trusting and obeying God. Abraham is also important to followers
of Christianity and of Islam.The story of Abraham is told in the Book of
Genesis in chapters 12-25.
2. Moses, is also an important figure as he gave the Jews the Torah around 1250
B.C. The Torah contains the laws of God. Moses is the leader who freed
them from slavery in Egypt. Moses protected the Jews from the wrath of
God, and negotiated with God on their behalf.

d. Jewish symbols
1. The symbol or emblem of the Jewish people is the Magen David (Shield of
David), also known as the Star of David.
2. The Menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. It is a
candelabrum with seven candle holders displayed in Jewish synagogues. It
symbolizes the burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Sinai.
3. A mezuzah is found on doorposts in Jewish homes. It is a little case,
containing a tiny scroll. The writing on the scroll is from the bible. It is in
Hebrew and it says that Jewish people should love God and keep his rules.
 e. Where do Jews worship
1. Jews worship in Synagogues.
2. Men and women usually sit separately in the Synagogues.
3. Men must cover their heads.
4. The Jewish spiritual leaders are called Rabbis.

f. The Torah
 The most holy Jewish book is the Torah which means ‘teachings’.
 The Torah contains the five books revealed to Moses by God on Mount Sinai.
Five Books
 Genesis 
 Exodus
 Leviticus
 Numbers
 Deuteronomy
 The Torah is stored inside the Ark in each Synagogue. This is the holiest place
in the Synagogue.
g. Holy Days
 The most important day of the week is the Sabbath (Shabbat), which is a day,
made holy by refraining from weekday work.
 Sabbath starts at sunset on Friday and continues until sunset on Saturday.
During the Sabbath, observant Jews will do nothing that might be counted as
work. Among the things that they can't do are driving and cooking.
 At the beginning of Shabbat Jewish families share a meal. They eat special
bread called hallah. On the Sabbath, Jews attend services at the synagogue,
often led by a Rabbi.
h. Special clothing
 On their heads Jewish men wear the Kippah to remind them that God is
always above them. It is a reminder to always follow the laws of God at all
times and in all places.
 Before beginning to worship or pray Jews will often put on a tallit. The
fringes on the shawl remind them of the many commandments of the Torah.
i. Special ceremonies
 There are two special ceremonies where Jewish boys (aged 13) and girls
(aged 12) can become adults in the eyes of the Jewish religion.
 Bar mitzvah is for boys and means Son of the Commandment.
 Bat mitzvah is for girls and means Daughter of the Commandment.

MODULE 3
ISLAM
● Islam- means surrender to the will of God
 ● “The religion of Islam is the acceptance of and obedience to the teachings of God
which He revealed to His last prophet, Muhammad.” BIGUI, 45
● “Islam” and “Muslim” are derived from the Arabic word for “submission,” not the
similar word for “peace.”
● Muslims- Followers of Islam
● Qur’an (Quran/Koran)- Holy book which means “recital” and for all Muslims, is the
final authority in matters of faith and lifestyle
● Mosque- Islamic place of worship
● Holy day is Friday

THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD

● He was born in Makkah in present-day Saudi Arabia (570 C.E.)
● 622 C.E.- Muhammad flees Makkah, which marks the beginning of the modern
Islamic era.
● Madinah Compact- Stated that all Muslims were to place their loyalty in Islamic
communities, above individual tribes
● Allah- Term for the one true God

MUHAMMAD’S LASTING ACHIEVEMENTS

● Formation of a religious community based on carefully preserved sacred writings.
● His life serves as an example or interpretive guide for Muslims to follow.
● Despite social and political changes throughout history, Islamic beliefs and practices
remain remarkably stable throughout the century.

5 PILLARS OF FAITH
Each pillar represents an act which demonstrates a Muslim’s faith in the religion.

1. There is no God above Allah

⚫ Monotheistic religion
⚫ Reminds all Muslims of the importance of Muhammad’s role as God’s prophet.
⚫ The willful acceptance of this statement is a declaration of faith or a confession of
faith.
⚫ Seen as a prerequisite for the afterlife

2. All Muslims Must Pray 5 Times Daily

3. Muezzin- Summons Muslims to pray by chanting.
4. Must be facing in the direction of Mecca.
5. Muslims are expected to go to a mosque on Friday to pray.
3. Fasting During Ramadan
- Ramadan- Muslim holy month.
- No food or drink from sunrise to sunset.
- During Ramadan, gifts are exchanged between family and friends.
4. CHARITY
h) All Muslims are required to give alms to the poor.
i) Designed to help the poor and needy of the community.
j) Also, discourages Muslims from being greedy and keeping more than what they need.
k) Obligatory Alms
l) “Giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy
people”
m) The percentage on money is 2.5%
n) People may also give as much or little as they wish in the form of voluntary alms or
charity.
o) BIGUI, 66
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca
i) Hajj- Every Muslim must make a pilgrimage (Holy journey) to holy city of Mecca
j) At least once during their lifetimes
k) In Mecca, Muslims circle the Kaaba seven times and perform other rituals
l) Reminds Muslims of the unity which binds them together-Islam

SOME BELIEFS OF ISLAM

4. Belief in God
5. Belief in the Angels
6. Belief in God’s Revealed Books
7. Belief in the Prophets & Messengers of God
8. Belief in the Day of Judgment
9. Belief in Divine Predestination
10. “Muslims believe in one unique, incomparable God, Who has no son nor partner, and
that none has the right to be worshipped but Him alone.” BIGUI, 45
11. Thus the deity of Jesus is rejected. Most Muslims believe the Christian Trinity
consists of God, Mary & Jesus.

Ritual Prayer
● “Muslims perform prayer fives times a day. Each prayer does not take more than a
few minutes to perform.” BIGUI, 66
● Prayers are performed at:
Dawn
Noon
Mid-afternoon
Sunset
Night

Sharing with Muslims

● Use God’s Word
● Be much in prayer
● Be a genuine friend
● Ask thought-provoking questions
● Listen attentively
● Present your beliefs openly
● Reason, don’t argue
● Never talk down Muhammad or the Qur’an
● Respect their customs
● Persevere

Use God’s Word

● Muslims respect the sacred books:
Law of Moses
Psalms
Gospel
Qur’an
Let the Word speak for itself
Start with the Gospels, Matthew & Luke
Be Much in Prayer
● It is God, the Holy Spirit, who changes hearts and wins people to Jesus.
● Seek God’s guidance, wisdom and power as you present the Word.
Be a Genuine Friend
● Saying “hello” isn’t enough.
● If you really care, show it by:
● Inviting them into your home
● Sharing your time
● Helping them with their problems