Tuesday, September 25, 2007

My Definition of Religion

In class, we have discussed the definition of religion. As part of our study of this, we read the blog by Chris Bateman called Defining Religion, and talked about his views on the matter. According to him, religion is a belief system comprised of a central mythology (or narrative), metaphysics, and ethics, usually relating to a transcendent experience. We talked over all of these aspects, and a few others that he left out, in our efforts to create a personal definition of religion.

My own Catholic-Christian beliefs have been with me for so long that this wasn't a question that I had pondered much previously. Since our class discussion, I have reflected on what I think that religion is and have come up with a definition that seems to fit well for me. In its most basic form, religion is one's beliefs in regards to an ultimate reality and the metaphysical domain. The other aspects that we observed are undoubtedly important to growing in, recognizing, explaining, and expressing these beliefs, but I feel that they are not what religion is.

This definition of mine may be overly simple, but it is my definition all the same. It will probably change over time, as my understandings change. For the time being however, it should serve its purpose. I am, of course, open to other opinions and views on the subject if anyone is willing to share them.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Support for Muller's Theory on the Origins of Religion

Friedrich Max Muller's work on determining the origin of religion was done primarily by comparing religions. He sought to show how religions stemmed from one main concept. This process of comparing religions, however does have its limitations, but perhaps it did provide Muller with some insight into the matter.
According to Muller, religion began in the human mind. He claimed that we, as humans, have always had some suspicion or sense of the Divine. What I find most interesting about this theory, is that there are recent scientific studies to support it. There are some scientists who claim to have found a gene on the human DNA that relates to a person's ability to believe in a higher power. Whether this claim is correct or not, I cannot say but it certainly raises some controversy. There are many who feel that such a gene would completely undermine having faith. Others (myself included) would view this as evidence that God exists and desires us to seek Him. In either case, as carriers of this DNA, we would surely feel dependent upon a higher power, as Muller suggested.
The question of how religion began, like many others in this world, is one that we will probably never be able to answer definitely. Yet the search for answers continues perpetually. We are on a never ending journey to answer life's deepest questions.