Popular Definitions of Religion ======================= Some scholars hold that a set of doctrines is essential to religion; while others believe that religion may exist as a purely emotional attitude without any beliefs. Again, for some, belief in God is the life-blood of religion—but others reject this view and cite as instances Buddhism and other atheistic religions. However, let us examine a few representative definitions of religion, hoping to find some element common to them all which serves as the clue to a comprehensive definition: * Religion is (subjectively regarded) the recognition of all duties as divine commands (Kant). *Religion is to take everything individual as a part of the whole, everything limited as a representation of the infinite (Schleiermacher). *That which expresses the innermost tendency of all religions is the axiom of the conservation of values (Hoffding). * William James holds religion to be the feelings, acts and experiences of individual men in their solitude, so far as they apprehend themselves to stand in relation to whatever they may consider the divine. Calverton takes a different view of religion, Magic and religion he affirms, evolved as (a) means whereby (man) believed he was able to acquire power (over his environment) and make the universe bend to his wishes. *Whiteheads considered opinion on the nature of religion is stated more fully and clearly in the following passage which occurs in his Science and the Modern World: Religion is the vision of something which stands beyond, behind, and within, the passing flux of immediate things; something which is real, and yet waiting to be realized; something which is a remote possibility, and yet the greatest of present facts; something that gives meaning to all that passes, and yet eludes apprehension; something whose possession is the final good, and yet is beyond all reach; something which is the ultimate ideal and the hopeless quest. * Professor G. Galloway says, Mans faith in a power beyond himself whereby he seeks to satisfy emotional needs and gain stability of life, and which he expresses in acts of worship and service. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please chose which definition is close to your rational an advise your comments. BE SURE QURAN / ISLAM IS NOT RELIGION. IT IS A WAY OF LIFE TOWARDS PEACE.
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 08:47:43 +0000
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