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Religion
ive heard about a lot of different religons, and most of them i dont understand. could u guys list some religions with the basic belief/definition of that religion? (even one religion with a def. gets a
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Maybe give some free advice about: Spirituality?
OK, there are a LOT of named religions, so I'll give you a real brief definition of a few commonly recognized ones, and a more in depth definition of the most recognized...here goes. The most prevalent religions in the world (where at least 75% of a country follows the religion) are Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, Judaism, and tribal religions. Three other influential religions that don't fall into the 75% category are Sikhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.
OK, before I start, it is important to point out that these definitions are really broad. For instance, I define Buddhism in general. In reality, there are several types of Buddhism, such Mahayana, Theravada, Chan, Zen, Tantric, Pure Land, etc. It, unfortunately, isn't possible in this sort of forum to really give good definitions of all major religions branches.
Overall, tribal religions believe that the universe has many friendly and unfriendly spirits. In different parts of the world, this religion may or may not have a high god. Many don't believe in creation, they simply believe that the world always was. They believe that humans are the children or demigods from long ago. They commonly believe that we are reborn into this world, often in a "same spirit, different form" sort of manner.
Buddhism is hard to define. Buddhism teaches that reality is unity. Ultimate reality is the unconditioned reality beyond everything, called Nirvana, or the Void. The universe goes through cycles with no beginning or end. There is no individual, but rather a process of cause and effect. There is no self, the true realization of this lack of self is the goal of Buddhism. We suffer unending lifetimes in this world and others according to karma, until we break through to Nirvana. One who practices Buddhism is expected to do good, to commit good religious and moral works to gain good rebirth, and to seek Nirvana.
Hinduism teaches that the universe is profoundly one. The high god is Brahman, the "One Mind" or "Life", which is the one reality. It is a flame that takes many shapes. The world goes through endless cycles of creation and destruction, therefore there is no true beginning or end. Humans also have no beginning, as we were never created. We go through countless lifetimes, determined by karma. Our lifetimes take us through many places, including heavens and hells, until we transcend reality through our own realization. Hinduism follows the Vedic scriptures. People who follow Hinduism are expected to follow dharma (rituals, behaviors, deeds) to seek moksha (liberation) through yoga and devotion under the guidance of a guru.
Confucianism says that universe is a unity under the heavens, of which we are an important part. Family and society are our links to the universe. Ultimate reality is "heaven" or Tian, which regulates the world and moral order. The world originates from heaven and develops through interactions of Yin and Yang and the five elements. There isn't too much stress on the afterlife, other than ancestrism. We are to try to live a good life in this world through family and society, and that is all that really matters. Someone who practices Confucianism is expected to honor their parents and ancestors, exercise kindness and benevolence.
In Daoism, the universe is one, which always moves and changes. Ultimate reality is the Dao, the great Way through which the universe moves. Creation and the end of the world are simply expressions of the Dao. Humans are another expression of the Dao, though one may become immortal by mastering the Dao. One who practices Daoism is expected to live spontaneously, live close to nature, and to perform rights that draw one closer to immortality.
Shinto follows many gods. Nature, humans, and gods are very closely related. The world was created by the gods, and humans are descended from the gods. It is possible that after death we either become gods or merge with already existing gods. We are expected to celebrate the existence of the gods, remain pure and sincere, and enjoy life.
Zoroastrianism teaches that the universe is a great battleground between good and evil. God, Ahura Mazda, is all good, and fights against the evil force, Ahriman. The world is a trap for the evil force created by Ahura Mazda. Once evil is defeated, the world will be remade anew, as a pristine paradise. Humans were created by Ahura Mazda with free will. After death we are judged according to our life, sent to paradise or hell, and resurrected at the end of the age into the new world. In hell we are punished only in proportion to our crimes, and never any more. One who follows Zoroastrianism is expected to do good, do right, keep pure, and maintain the faith. Interesting note: this religion was the first monotheistic religion, that is the first religion to believe in one god. In fact, the ancient Hebrews first developed their beliefs in one god, judgment, resurrection, and heaven and hell until they came into contact with the Zoroastrianists in Persia.
Now enter Judaism, which (broadly) teaches that the universe is made by God for humans to live in with free will in cooperation with God's guidance. There is one sovereign, personal, all-good God. The world was created by God, and will be led by God through time until a messianic age brings it to a paradise state. Humans were and are created by God. Through God, humanity will become better and better until paradise is reached. Judaism follows the Torah, or "Law" and its interpretation in the Talmud. Our responsibilities are to honor and serve by following the law of Moses. There are many types of Judaism, including Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative.
The fundamentals of Christianity, in all its aspects, are that we live in a world made by God, but that we fell from harmony with him. Jesus is our bridge between God and humanity. There is one all-good god, who created the world and humans. At then end of time we are to be judged and the world will be remade into a paradise by God. We are expected to seek and worship God, and practice love and ethics. Christianity has many incarnations, including Calvinism, Lutherans, Anglicanism, Quakers, Catholicism, and Protestantism, each of which I really should define separately, but not right now.
Now to Islam, which says that the world is for humans, but only under the absolute rule of God. There is one sovereign, personal God who guides humanity. God created humans and the world, which will be destroyed on the day of judgment. Humans will be judged on the Last Day, and be rewarded or punished in the Second Creation. Islam follows the Quran. One who follows Islam is expected to worship and serve God and observe the five pillars of Islam (statement of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fast of Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca).
I could go on, but I think that's good for now.
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I know that all religions teach you to be good.
Well, if you look at buddhists, Buddhist practices such as meditation are means of changing oneself in order to develop the qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom.
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christianity
n 1: a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior [syn: Christianity, Christian religion] 2: the collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia); "for a thousand years the Roman Catholic Church was the principal church of Christendom" [syn: Christendom, Christianity]
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