Diversity Of Religion
DIVERSITY OF RELIGION
Diversity of Religion Across the Globe
Jerry Stanfield
Abstract
This paper explores the diverse religions of the world. My efforts included a description of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism is given. Discrimination caused by varied religious beliefs is explored. This paper concludes with a discussion of globalization and religion.
Diversity of Religion Across the Globe
It is not an easy task to define religion. One widely accepted definition is religion is an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies and practices. This is a very broad definition which would include many groups most do not recognize as a religion. The Western world was the first to divide the world into “world religions”. They only recognized three religions: Christians, Jews, and pagans. Pagans included all others that did not fit in the Christian or Jewish category. There are numerous facets to religion. A short list of these differences is: some worship one God, some revere numerous Gods. Simply a belief in a supreme being is the philosophy of many. Many do not observe organized religions. Millions choose to practice their religious beliefs in there own individualistic manner. Eight of the major religions of the world can be separated in to two categories. Hinduism, Taoism and Shintoism developed over many centuries. They cannot be traced to a founder. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Confucianism can be traced to the teachings of one individual. There message was spread by their followers. (Scholastic Update, 1996) All eight of these are diverse; however they all attempt to answer the same questions: How did the world come into existence? What is our purpose on earth? Why do some people suffer more than others? How can we achieve a more peaceful and fulfilling life? (Scholastic Update)
Christianity originated in Palestine in the first century A.D. Christians hold as their central tenet...
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