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    Ethnic Religion Group 4

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    Jacel Ann
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    Ethnic Religion Group 4

    Uploaded by

    Jacel Ann
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    Ethnic Religion Group 4 (2)

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    5 views7 pages

    Ethnic Religion Group 4

    Uploaded by

    Jacel Ann
    finalized

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 7

    NARRATIVE REPORT

    Ethnic
    Religion
    Submitted by:

    Ballida, Diaz, Dojillo, Dumagay, Guillermo,


    Lios, Macabago, Macabangun ,Orandang, Paciente, Pacunla, Ponce
    Suarin

    Submitted to:

    Rhea G. Monterde
    October 2024
    ETHNIC RELIGION
    -Is a religion or belief associated with a particular ethnic group” Nawareg (2002).
    -A religion that is identified with a particular ethnic or tribal group and that does not seek new
    converts” Marsh and Alagona (2020)
    - deeply rooted and exclusive to particular ethnic or racial communities. They consider the
    culture, customs, convictions, and ideals of a specified group to create an incomparable
    faith system that reflects their cultural identity.
    Most religions that have come and gone in human history were ethnic religions. Religious beliefs
    typically developed within communities of people striving to make sense of their own particular
    landscape and their role in it. What we now call Greek myths were once the religious beliefs of
    the Greeks, just as Egyptian myths were once the religious beliefs of the Egyptian people.

    What are the five main ethnic religions in the world?

    Hinduism- is the dominant religion of India, emphasizing dharma (duty/righteousness) with its
    resulting ritual and social observances, and often includes mystical contemplation and ascetic
    practices
    Judaism- is a monotheistic religion developed among the ancient Hebrews, characterized by a
    belief in one transcendent God who revealed himself to Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew
    prophets, and by a religious life in accordance with Scriptures and rabbinic traditions
    Chinese folk religion-also known as Chinese popular religion, includes a range of traditional
    religious practices of the Han Chinese, involving the worship of local deities, ancestors, and
    spirits, often outside the canonical scriptural traditions of China
    Shinto- the indigenous religion of Japan, involves the worship of kami (spirits or deities) and emphasizes
    purity, harmony, family respect, and subordination of the individual before the group

    Vodun- is a syncretic religion originating in West Africa, particularly among the Fon and Ewe
    people of Benin and Togo, encompassing the worship of spirits, ancestors, and a supreme deity,
    often incorporating elements from Christianity and other traditions
    Examples of Ethnic Religion

    1. Zoroastrianism is an ancient Persian religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster (also


    known as Zarathustra) around the 6th century BCE. The religion teaches monotheism,
    believing in one supreme God, Ahura Mazda, who represents truth, justice, and goodness.
    Zoroastrianism emphasizes the dualistic struggle between good and evil, with the
    ultimate goal of each individual being to choose the path of righteousness. Key practices
    include fire worship, daily prayers, and rituals such as the Navjote initiation ceremony
    (Min, 2010).
    2. Yoruba religion is the traditional belief system of the Yoruba people, primarily found in
    Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. It is a complex system of myths, rituals, and beliefs centered
    around the worship of various gods and goddesses known as Orishas. Each Orisha is
    associated with a specific element, such as water, fire, or air, and has its own set of rituals
    and ceremonies. Key practices include divination, ancestor veneration, and using sacred
    objects like beads and drums (Geering, 2015).
    3. Santería, also known as Regla de Ocha or La Regla Lucumí, is an Afro-Cuban religion
    that combines elements of Yoruba religion, Roman Catholicism, and indigenous
    Caribbean traditions. This syncretic religion emerged during the transatlantic slave trade
    as African slaves in Cuba sought to preserve their religious beliefs while adapting to their
    new environment and the imposed Catholic faith. It is centered on worshiping Orishas, a
    pantheon of gods and goddesses, each representing different aspects of nature and human
    life. The practice of Santería involves rituals, ceremonies, divination, and offerings to
    communicate with and seek guidance from the Orishas (Lewis & Tøllefsen, 2016).
    4. Romuva is a Baltic pagan religion primarily practiced in Lithuania, focusing on the
    worship of nature and ancestral spirits. Rooted in ancient Baltic traditions, it emphasizes
    the interconnectedness of all living beings and the reverence for the natural world. Rituals
    and ceremonies in Romuva often include offerings, prayers, and the celebration of
    seasonal festivals to honor deities and ancestors. The religion experienced a revival in the
    late 20th century, following Lithuania’s independence, as a symbol of national identity
    and cultural heritage (Lewis & Tøllefsen, 2016).
    5. Sikhism, Ffounded by Guru Nanak in 1469 CE, it includes elements from both Hinduism
    & Islam, typically involving a strong devotion towards one god – Waheguru – whilst
    rejecting caste distinctions & idolatry. Sikh men typically cover their heads with turbans
    & refrain from shaving their beards/cutting their hair which symbolizes respect for
    oneself & commitment to respecting all creature’s life, no matter how insignificant they
    may seem (Min, 2010).
    Universalizing vs. Ethnic Religions

    Universalizing religions are those that seek to spread their message and teachings to people of
    all ethnic backgrounds, whereas ethnic ones are those with specific cultural ties and practices
    unique to a particular group or culture.
    Universalizing religions such as Christianity, Islam, or Buddhism strongly focus on
    proselytizing and converting others to their faith (Johnson & Johnson, 2007).
    - They often actively seek out non-believers from different backgrounds, regardless of
    ethnicity, to bring more followers into the religion.
    - Such religions tend to emphasize belief in one god or higher power and moral codes,
    which may be interpreted differently for different cultures.

    - On the other hand, ethnic religions are usually practiced within a certain ethnic group due
    to cultural beliefs and values which connect them closely to their ancestral roots (Lewis
    & Tøllefsen, 2016).

    - These religions often involve the worship of local gods and goddesses, spirits, ancestors,
    and other supernatural beings, incorporating various rituals passed down from generation
    to generation through tradition as an integral part of cultural identity.
    -
    - Examples include Indigenous Religions such as Native American spirituality, African
    Traditional Religions such as Yoruba or Akan, Hinduism in India, Chinese Folk Religion
    in China, Judaism in Israel, etc (Lewis & Tøllefsen, 2016).

    Diffusion of Ethnic Religions

    Diffusion of ethnic religions occurs when these beliefs and practices spread to new areas and
    cultures. It is often due to people migrating to different parts of the world or contact between
    cultures during war or conquest (Cipriani, 2017).
    For example, many Indigenous Religions that originated in North America were gradually
    adopted by European settlers who later merged these beliefs with their own Christian traditions
    over time. This is a key type of cultural diffusion.
    Similarly, Traditional African Religions have become more widespread due to the large-scale
    movement of people from Africa to places such as South America and the Caribbean during the
    Transatlantic Slave Trade (Cipriani, 2017).
    The diffusion of Hinduism has also had a major impact on global societies today. It was
    originally practiced in India, but it was eventually brought to Southeast Asia, East Africa, and
    other parts of the world through trade or colonization.
    - Diffusion of ethnic religions has had a major impact on the development of global
    societies due to human migration, conquest, and other forms of contact. It has spread new
    beliefs and practices to different areas, often merging with existing traditions

    Conclusion

    Ethnic religions play a significant role in the cultural identity of various communities worldwide.
    It provides a sense of belonging, continuity, and connection to one’s heritage and ancestry.
    Although they may not be as widespread as universalizing religions, ethnic religions continue to
    shape the lives and beliefs of countless individuals, preserving cultural heritage and enriching the
    global tapestry of diverse spiritual traditions.

    Importance of Studying Ethnic Religion

    Ethnic religions play a significant role in the cultural identity of various communities worldwide.
    Although they may not be as widespread as universalizing religions, ethnic religions continue to
    shape the lives and beliefs of countless individuals, preserving cultural heritage and enriching the
    global tapestry of diverse spiritual traditions.
    Reference:

    Merriam-Webster Dictionary

    Sus, V. (2023, July 27). 10 Ethnic Religion Examples (2024). Helpful Professor.

    Ethnic Religions: Definition & Example | Vaia. (n.d.). Vaia.

    Cipriani, R. (2017). Diffused religion: Beyond secularization. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Lewis, J. R., & Tøllefsen, I. B. (2016). The Oxford handbook of new religious movements.
    Volume II. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Geering, L. (2015). Tomorrow’s God. London: Bridget Williams Books.

    Johnson, D., & Johnson, J. (2007). Universal religions in world history: Buddhism, Christianity,
    and Islam. McGraw-Hill Humanities.

    Köck, S., Scheid, B., & Pickl-Kolaczia, B. (2021). Religion, power, and the rise of Shinto in
    early modern Japan. Bloomsbury Academic.

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