Module 1: Introduction to the Study of

Religion
This course is based on introduction to the study of the three Abrahamic Religions
(Judaism, Christianity and Islam). These religions are so called ‘Abrahamic Religions’
because they share a common ancestry in the person of the historical figure known
as ‘Abraham’ in the Ancient Near East (Middle East). However, to ensure easy
comprehension of the terms that may used in explaining the key concepts and
worldviews of these religions, it is important to set a foundation by briefly looking at
some introductory topics in the study of religion. Therefore, the first module of this
course is centered on ‘Introduction to the Study of Religion’, which is discussed under
the following headings:
Meaning of Religion
How did Religion Evolve?
Why are people Religious?
Basic Concepts of Religion
Attributes/Nature of Religion
Social Theories of Religion
What is Religious Study?
Why Study Religion?
Principles of Studying Religion
Meaning of Religion
Religion is one of those subject matters in academics that do not have a consensus
definition by scholars because it subjective and is based on individuals' perception,
experience, background, culture or orientation. There have been several definitions
and understanding of religion, some of which include:

Religion is a set of established beliefs, practices and standards that relates to the
worship and acknowledgement of a personal god or a supernatural being.

It is a body of beliefs on the cause, nature and the purpose of the universe.

It is a solemn relationship between the human person and the supreme being
expressed through an organized set of beliefs, practices and stipulated system of
worship.
The above definitions identify the presence of a supernatural being in religion, which
some has been disputed by some as it excludes some religions that do not recognize
the existence of a divine being, like scientism, atheism, and agnosticism (some
researchers recognize these as religions). Hence, it is imperative at this point to
consider the etymological meaning of religion.

The word ‘religion’ has its root in the Latin which is referred to as ‘religare’ which
means ‘to bind’ or ‘to unite’. This etymological meaning was later made popular by
Augustine of Hippo. Another etymology of religion was traced to Cicero, who derives
religion from the Latin word ‘religere’ which means to ‘go over’ or ‘re-do’. With these
root meanings of religion put together, it is safe to say that religion is that which binds
the human and the divine together in a continuous practice and belief system.
Religion vs Spirituality
It should be noted that religion is different from spirituality. Spirituality has
to do with personal beliefs, worship and relation with a divine being
believed to exist. While religion is a set of beliefs, values, principles and
practices held by a group of people with an organized structure and
system of worship, usually possessing authoritative texts and moral codes
expected to be binding on the people, by which their actions and general
conducts are formed. Spirituality on the other hand is more of solemn
commitment borne out of an individual’s personal experience, encounter
or self-examination, often committed to a perceived or conceived divine
being.
How did religion evolve? and Why are humans religious?
The question of how religion evolved and why are people religious are very related in
terms of their explanation, and so for ease of understanding, they are discussed
together in this section. The origin of religion cannot easily be traced, as it is believed
by some that humans are by nature religious or have the natural tendency to be
religious. Human being find themselves in a world where they are plagued so much
concerns about their existence, the nature of the universe, the reality of good and evil,
the strict order of the universe beyond the control of humans. So, the desire to know
and comprehend the uncertainties of the world around them is mostly considered as
the first instance of the evolution of religious consciousness. This was followed by the
desire to gain control over the order of the cosmos. Also, humans became religious
when the sense of fear, pain and hope for a good life came into human
consciousness.
Therefore, the evolution of religion and reasons humans are religious have both emotional
and intellectual dimensions. The emotional dimension has to do with the feeling of fear,
awe, love and hate. On the other hand, the intellectual dimension stem from the yearning
or quest for knowledge, curiosity to identify the what and causes things to happen in
succession and in perfect order in the universe, which suggests the existence of a master
planner or a thoughtful designer. Lastly, the desire to make sense out of human
experiences and to imagine what will become of the universe and the human person
beyond the physical world.
In a different perspective, the renowned German philosopher and psychoanalyst, Sigmund
Freud in his book titled ‘The Future of Illusion’ describes religion as an illusion. This will be
discussed in further details under social theories of religion. Here, Freud considers religion
as the childlike action of humans constantly seeking help from the being beyond the realm
of human to help solve the immediate problem of humanity.
Basic Concepts and Terms in Religion
Monotheism: This is the belief in and recognition of the existence of one supreme
God.
Polytheism: This is the belief and recognition of the existence multiple Gods that are
co-equal in authority.
Syncretism: This is a religious concept of fusing, reconciling or mixing religious belief
systems.
Faith: This is a firm conviction about the reality of an idea, often without verifiable
evidence. It is an act of trust and confidence in the ability of am object
Creed: A set of established beliefs that summarizes the faith and morals of a religion.
Place of worship: This is a feature of most religions of the world. It is a building
exclusively for the worship and other religious activities.
Syncretism: This is a religious concept of fusing, reconciling or mixing religious belief
systems.
Faith: This is a firm conviction about the reality of an idea, often without verifiable
evidence. It is an act of trust and confidence in the ability of am object
Creed: A set of established beliefs that summarizes the faith and morals of a religion.
Place of worship: This is a feature of most religions of the world. It is a building
exclusively for the worship and other religious activities.
Religious personages/Hierarchy of faithfuls: It is common for most world
religions to have some faithful specially appointed to lead other faithfuls in religious
ceremonies.
Doctrines: This refers to the beliefs and worldviews of a religion on faith and morals,
often philosophical and theological.
Afterlife/Eschatology: Is the aspect of religious teaching that bothers on life after
death or eternity.
Retribution/Judgement: This has to do with the justice of the Supreme Being of
reward for good actions and punishment for sin or evil.
Adherents/Faithful: It is simply the common term used to refer to practicing
members of a religion.
Initiation: This is a process or ceremony of admitting a person to become a practicing
faithful of a religion.
Submission: It is an expectation of adherents to faithfully follow the teachings and
standards of their religion.
Oracle: This is an element or a person believed to possess spiritual powers to guide
the people and give wise sayings.
Shrine: this is a sacred place solemnly dedicated to a god or deity or ancestor, for the
purpose of honor and reverence.
Sects/Denominations: This is a division within a religion often arising from doctrinal,
moral or political disagreements.
Holy Places: Most religions of the world have holy places where significant events in
the history of the religion took place.
Sacrifice: This is a kind of offering or an act of giving to a divine being in form of
money, animal, farm produce, etc.
Mystery: This is an upheld truth by the faithfuls of a religion that is beyond the grasp of
human reason.
Rites and Ritual: It is common for religious institutions to perform an action
repeatedly as required during religious ceremonies.
Scripture: This is the sacred book or authoritative text of a religion containing
traditions, laws, morals and events in the history of the religion.
Totem: An object or creature used as a religious symbol with deep significance.
Taboo: A forbidden action or conduct in a religion.
Iconography: This is the use of images/icons to represent a saint, ancestor of deity
in a religion.
Sacred: Refers to something dedicated or made holy for religious purpose.
Profane: This is the opposite of sacred, referring to something not fit for religious
purpose, but could be for other use.
Deities: This is also called divinity. It refers to a divine being (god) believed to have
lived on earth.
Ancestors/Patriarch: This refers to the fore-members of the religion who are
remembered for their good deeds.