- "Religion is a range of social-cultural systems, including designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that generally relate humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements."
An examination of the beliefs and practices of different religious traditions, including rituals, myths, symbols, and sacred texts.
Definition of religion: This topic involves a conceptual discussion of the meaning of religion, as well as its purpose, scope, and functions.
Theories of religion: This topic covers various theoretical approaches to the study of religion, such as functionalism, structuralism, symbolic interactionism, and feminist theory.
Religious experience: This topic explores religious experiences, including visions, dreams, trance states, and altered states of consciousness, as well as the role of emotion and affect in religious belief and practice.
Religious rituals and symbols: This topic examines the significance of religious rituals, symbols, and rites of passage, such as initiation, marriage, and death rites.
Myth and folklore: This topic examines the role of myths, legends, and folktales in religious belief and practice, as well as their relationship to cultural identity and social organization.
Religious institutions: This topic covers the organization and structure of religious institutions, such as churches, temples, and mosques, and their role in shaping and maintaining religious belief and practice.
Religion and society: This topic explores the relationship between religion and society, including the ways in which religion has influenced social and cultural norms, values, and beliefs.
Religious diversity: This topic examines the diversity of religious beliefs and practices across cultures and historical periods, as well as the ways in which religions have interacted and influenced each other.
Religious change and transformation: This topic covers the process of religious change and transformation, such as religious conversion, revitalization movements, and the emergence of new religious movements.
Religion and politics: This topic examines the influence of religion on political systems and structures, as well as the ways in which political power has been used to regulate and control religious belief and practice.
Animism: Animism is the belief in the existence and animating force of non-human entities, such as objects, animals, and natural phenomena, which possess spiritual qualities and can influence human affairs.
Polytheism: Polytheism refers to the belief and worship of multiple gods or deities within a religious system.
Monotheism: Monotheism refers to the belief and worship of a single, supreme divine being.
Pantheism: Pantheism is a religious belief that views the entire universe as divine and worshippable, perceiving God or a divine essence as inherent to all things.
Henotheism: Henotheism is the belief in and worship of one primary god while recognizing the existence of other gods.
Dualism: Dualism in the context of Anthropology and Religious Belief and Practice refers to the philosophical or religious belief in the existence of two opposing and separate fundamental entities or forces.
Non-theistic religions: Non-theistic religions refer to belief systems and practices that do not involve worship or belief in a personal deity or supreme being, emphasizing ethical and philosophical principles instead.
Shamanism: Shamanism is a spiritual practice involving a practitioner, known as a shaman, who communicates with the spirit world and acts as an intermediary between humans and the spiritual realm.
Totemism: Totemism is a religious belief and practice that involves the symbolic identification and spiritual connection between a group of people or individuals and a particular animal, plant, or object deemed sacred.
Magic and supernatural beliefs: The topic of Magic and supernatural beliefs in Anthropology and Religious Belief and Practice explores the belief and practice of magical rituals and supernatural entities within various cultures and religions.
Divination: Divination refers to rituals, practices, and techniques used across various cultures to gain insight or foretell the future through supernatural means.
Sacrifice: Sacrifice in Anthropology and Religious Belief and Practice refers to the ritualistic act of offering objects, animals, or sometimes humans to a higher power, often seen as an expression of devotion, appeasement, gratitude, or seeking divine favor.
Rituals: Rituals in the context of Anthropology and Religious Belief and Practice encompass symbolic actions, gestures, and behaviors that hold cultural and religious significance as they are repeated and performed within specific contexts.
Mythology: Mythology refers to the collective stories and narratives that shape and explain the beliefs, values, and origins of a particular culture or religious group.
Mysticism: Mysticism in Anthropology and Religious Belief and Practice refers to individuals' pursuit and exploration of direct experiences or connections with the divine or supernatural through contemplation, meditation, or altered states of consciousness.
Asceticism: Asceticism refers to the intentional self-discipline, renunciation of worldly pleasures, and pursuit of spiritual goals observed within religious beliefs and practices.
Millenarianism: Millenarianism refers to religious beliefs and practices that revolve around the expectation of a future utopian or apocalyptic event, such as the coming of a messiah or the end of the world.
Apocalypticism: Apocalypticism refers to belief systems and practices centered around the anticipation of a catastrophic event or divine intervention leading to the end of the world.
Sects: Sects refer to distinct religious groups or movements that have emerged within an existing religious tradition with their own unique beliefs, practices, and often a charismatic leader.
Cults: Cults refer to religious or social groups that have deviant or extreme beliefs and practices, often surrounding a charismatic leader.
New religious movements: New religious movements refer to contemporary religious groups emerging outside of mainstream traditions, typically characterized by unique belief systems, charismatic leaders, and alternative practices.
Secularism: Secularism refers to the separation of religious institutions and activities from the governance, laws, and public life, emphasizing a neutral or atheistic approach.
Atheism: Atheism refers to the lack of belief or denial of the existence of a deity or deities.
Agnosticism: Agnosticism is a philosophical position that asserts the belief that the existence of God or any ultimate reality is unknown and cannot be proven or disproven.
Humanism: Humanism is a worldview that emphasizes human agency, reason, and ethics, while rejecting supernatural explanations and focusing on the well-being and potential of humanity.
Rationalism: Rationalism in anthropology and religious belief and practice refers to a perspective that prioritizes reason and logical analysis in understanding and explaining religious phenomena and behaviors.
Naturalism: Naturalism in the context of Anthropology and Religious Belief and Practice refers to the worldview that seeks to explain religious phenomena through natural rather than supernatural forces or entities.
Ecumenism: Ecumenism refers to the movement promoting unity and cooperation among different branches of Christianity or different religious denominations.
Universalism: Universalism, in the context of Anthropology and Religious Belief and Practice, refers to the belief or concept that all individuals, regardless of their cultural, ethnic, or religious background, will eventually attain salvation or spiritual enlightenment.
Syncretism: Syncretism refers to the fusion or merging of different religious beliefs, practices, or traditions, often resulting in the emergence of a new and distinct religious system.
Religious syncretism: Religious syncretism refers to the blending or merging of different religious beliefs, practices, or traditions into a new hybrid form.
Ethno-religion: Ethno-religion refers to the study of the intersection between ethnicity and religious belief and practice within a particular cultural group.
Animatism: Animatism refers to a worldview based on a belief that natural objects and forces possess supernatural powers and should be revered and placated.
Fetishism: Fetishism in Anthropology and Religious Belief and Practice refers to the attribution of supernatural powers or significance to objects or material possessions.
Ancestor worship: Ancestor worship refers to the veneration and reverence of deceased ancestors, believed to possess the ability to influence the lives of their living descendants, practiced in various cultures around the world.
Communalism: Communalism in the context of Anthropology and Religious Belief and Practice refers to the ideology and practice of communal living, in which individuals participate in a shared community or group with collective ownership and decision-making.
Personalism: Personalism is a philosophical framework that emphasizes the value and dignity of individual persons and their subjective experiences in understanding religious belief and practice.
Deism: Deism is a theological belief system that posits the existence of a creator based on reason and natural laws, while rejecting organized religion and the belief in divine intervention or revelation.
Gnosticism: Gnosticism refers to a diverse set of belief systems and spiritual movements in the ancient world that emphasize acquiring spiritual knowledge of the divine realm to achieve salvation or liberation.
Zoroastrianism: Zoroastrianism is an ancient monotheistic faith that originated in ancient Persia and is focused on the dualistic struggle between good and evil forces led by the supreme deity Ahura Mazda.
Buddhism: Buddhism is a philosophical and spiritual tradition originating in ancient India that emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment through introspection, meditation, and the teachings of the Buddha.
Christianity: Christianity is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion centered on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as outlined in the New Testament of the Bible.
Confucianism: Confucianism is a philosophy-based system of social ethics and moral values originating from ancient China, focusing on the cultivation of personal virtues, family bonds, and harmonious social relationships.
Hinduism: Hinduism is a complex and diverse religious tradition originating in the Indian subcontinent that encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and deities.
Islam: Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad that emphasizes submission to the will of Allah and follows the teachings of the Qur'an.
Jainism: Jainism is an ancient Indian religion characterized by its emphasis on non-violence, asceticism, and belief in the cyclical nature of the universe.
Judaism: A monotheistic religion with roots in ancient Israel, Judaism encompasses a complex system of beliefs, rituals, and practices that guide the spiritual, ethical, and communal life of Jewish individuals and communities.
Shinto: Shinto is an indigenous Japanese belief system centered around the worship of kami (spirits) and the sacredness of nature.
Sikhism: Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in 15th-century India, emphasizing the equality of all people, social justice, and the importance of meditation and selfless service to others.
Taoism: Taoism is a Chinese religious and philosophical tradition that centers around the concept of Tao, meaning "the way," emphasizing balance, harmony, and living in accordance with nature.
Vedism: Vedism refers to the ancient religious and ritual practices found in the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism.
Paganism: Paganism is a belief system and practice that encompasses diverse nature-centered, polytheistic, and pantheistic traditions outside of the major world religions.
Wicca: Wicca is a modern pagan witchcraft tradition influenced by nature worship, witchcraft, and ceremonial magic.
Odinism: Odinism is a modern pagan religious movement that reconstructs and worships the traditional Norse beliefs, centered around the god Odin and other deities from the Norse mythology.
Druidism: Druidism is an ancient Celtic religious belief and practice centered on the worship of nature, spirits, and ancestor reverence.
Heathenry: Heathenry, also known as Germanic Neopaganism, is a contemporary religious movement that seeks to revive and practice the pre-Christian polytheistic beliefs and traditions of the Germanic peoples.
Hermeticism: Hermeticism refers to a set of philosophical and religious beliefs and practices rooted in late antiquity, centered around the mythical figure Hermes Trismegistus, emphasizing the pursuit of divine knowledge, spiritual transformation, and the unity of the cosmos.
Theosophy: Theosophy is a religious and philosophical movement that emphasizes the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and the unity of all religions.
Spiritualism: Spiritualism is a belief system based on the communication with spirits of the deceased and the belief in the existence of a spiritual realm.
Rosicrucianism: Rosicrucianism is a mystical and esoteric philosophical tradition that emerged in Europe during the early 17th century, blending elements of Christianity, Hermeticism, and alchemy.
Freemasonry: Freemasonry is a secretive fraternal organization with symbolic rituals and ceremonies, known for promoting moral values, brotherhood, and personal growth.
Scientology: Scientology is a controversial religio-philosophical system founded by L. Ron Hubbard, encompassing a unique set of beliefs and practices centered around self-improvement and the pursuit of spiritual freedom.
Rastafarianism: Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement that emerged in Jamaica, emphasizing the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and promoting African pride, social justice, and the sacramental use of marijuana.
Neo-paganism: Neo-paganism is a contemporary religious movement that draws inspiration from pre-Christian pagan beliefs and practices.
Satanism: Satanism is a religious belief and practice that revolves around the veneration or acknowledgement of Satan as a central figure, often challenging mainstream religious norms and embracing individualism and skepticism.
Thelema: Thelema is a religious and philosophical system developed in the early 20th century, focusing on individualism, self-fulfillment, and the pursuit of one's true will.
Eckankar: Eckankar is a spiritual movement that explores personal experiences, dreams, and spiritual exercises for self-realization and understanding of the divine.
Humanistic Judaism: Humanistic Judaism is a modern Jewish movement that emphasizes Jewish culture and identity while rejecting supernatural beliefs and focusing on human experiences and ethical values.
Unitarian Universalism: Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious movement that emphasizes individual freedom, inclusivity, and the search for truth and meaning.
Universal Life Church: The Universal Life Church is a religious organization that promotes individual spiritual freedom and provides online ordination for individuals to become legally recognized ministers.
Scientology.: Scientology is a religious belief and practice system that focuses on the spiritual development and self-improvement of individuals through auditing and the study of teachings laid out by founder L. Ron Hubbard.
- "Although there is no scholarly consensus over what precisely constitutes a religion."
- "Religious practices may include rituals, sermons, commemoration or veneration (of deities or saints), sacrifices, festivals, feasts, trances, initiations, matrimonial and funerary services, meditation, prayer, music, art, dance, or public service."
- "Religions have sacred histories and narratives, which may be preserved in sacred texts, symbols, and holy places, that primarily aim to give life meaning."
- "Religions may contain symbolic tales that may attempt to explain the origin of life, the universe, and other phenomena; some followers believe these to be true stories."
- "Four religions—Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism—account for over 77% of the world's population."
- "92% of the world either follows one of those four religions or identifies as nonreligious."
- "The religiously unaffiliated demographic includes those who do not identify with any particular religion, atheists, and agnostics, although many in the demographic still have various religious beliefs."
- "A portion of the world's population, mostly located in Africa and Asia, are members of new religious movements."
- "The study of religion comprises a wide variety of academic disciplines, including theology, philosophy of religion, comparative religion, and social scientific studies."
- "Most definitively including the Abrahamic religions Christianity, Islam, and Judaism."
- "Nearly all of them have regionally based, relatively small followings."
- "Traditionally, both faith and reason have been considered sources of religious beliefs."
- "Scholars have indicated that global religiosity may be increasing due to religious countries having generally higher birth rates."
- "Both faith and reason have been considered sources of religious beliefs."
- "Religious practices may include rituals, commemorations or veneration (of deities or saints), sacrifices, festivals, feasts, trances, initiations, matrimonial and funerary services..."
- "Although there is an estimated 10,000 distinct religions worldwide, nearly all of them have regionally based, relatively small followings."
- "Religion is a range of social-cultural systems that generally relate humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements."
- "Different religions may or may not contain various elements ranging from the divine, sacredness, faith, and a supernatural being or beings."
- "Religions have sacred histories and narratives, which may be preserved in sacred texts, symbols, and holy places."