Religion Is Not Be Rational - 1923 Words

Many people have a rough idea of what religion is, but as soon as a discussion ensues, people on opposing sides discover that a definition of the same is imminent. There is a way in which religion can be viewed as subjective, that is, it can be defined by the things someone associates and identifies as religious behavior. These things may vary from person to person and thus the subjective nature. However, is that all religion is about? Does that mean then that religion cannot be rational (Oxtoby et al.)? When the task to define religion is presented, one soon realizes that it is quite the task because, in the world, religion is manifested differently, even though most religious people believe in the existence of God. There are exceptions to this (such as some forms of Buddhism) though which would further prove the rule. Take Buddhism for example, educated Buddhists do not see the importance of a god while a peasant Buddhist will find God necessary in their lives and go on to worship even some them. Therefore, when one is defining the Buddhist religion, they would need to give a distinction between the two forms even though to each of those practicing, that is religion. Among the definitions that have been given over time are such as; religion being the complete set of beliefs and practices that form the basis of the morality of a community, to which all members adhere. The duties and responsibilities that are identified as divine and doctrines that are passed down either byShow MoreRelatedThe Impact of the Rationalization Process on Culture1283 Words   |  5 Pagesbureaucracy. These organizations are dedicated in the achievement of defined goals by calculated, systematically administered means, all of which is very carefully thought out. So these social organizations dismiss all types of beliefs b ased on ‘magic’ or religion, and purely rely on that of beliefs based on science and what has been proven scientifically correct and explained through science. Application of Weber’s theory, the ‘rationalisation of society’, to contemporary South Africa. As South African societyRead MoreThe Evolution of Religion1318 Words   |  6 Pagesand interpretation of religion by individuals within society. In the following pages I will discuss this metaphor, as well as Rudolf Otto and his theories on the creation of religion, Peter L. Berger’s theory of â€Å"the sacred canopy,† and finally the intermingling of these two theories in the evolution of religion. RUDOLF OTTO AND RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE In The Idea of the Holy, Rudolf Otto begins by explaining the difference between the terms â€Å"rational,† and â€Å"non-rational.† He states quite simplyRead MoreThe Role of Women in Religion: An Investigation774 Words   |  3 PagesAbstract This document investigates the role of women in religion. It highlights religions that are dominated by women, where they are leaders and formulate theology. In addition, the paper analyses the present role of women in religion as well as giving prediction of their future roles based on the rational choice theory. The Women Religions There are few known women dominated religions in the world today. One of them is the Womans Church. This church was founded in 1993 and is independentRead MoreReligion Is Not Dogma, By Paul Tillich828 Words   |  4 Pagestheologian, Paul Tillich argues that religion differentiates from the concept of what theologians and scientist have asserting as true. He says religion gives a key to â€Å"ultimate concern† which contributes to holy. However, Rudolph Otto, another German theologians and philosopher of his time, has a different statement about the religion and â€Å"God†. He sees religion as a rational essence. Yet both agree that religion is not dogma, on the other hand, is rational, their concept of understanding variesRead MoreRationality in Religious Belief Essay560 Words   |  3 Pagesof any value, the information collected has to be reliable, and one does not seem to doubt the reliability of evidence because they believe it to be logical, unless they are a sceptic. Some say that religion is something we cannot prove because we acknowledge religion through our feelings, mainly our feeling of trust, or of wonder and awe – sensing that there must be a high being or creator. Religious belief is to have an immense faith, but religious faith is dependantRead MoreGod Is No Proof That God Exists?953 Words   |  4 Pagesbeliefs rational if there is no proof that God exists? I’ve met many people who believed in God but not in Hell. In the Bible, Hell is only mentioned a total of five times. Is it irrational to believe in God, Heaven, or Hell? Classical evidentialists would say yes if they believed existence or the design of the universe to be evidence in support of the existence of God. They would say no if they did not see these things as evidence. Reformed epistemologists would say that it is rational to believeRead MoreTilich, Marx and Feuerbach637 Words   |  3 Pagesis definitely not the creation of the will. Therefore, faith is not an independent act of having a â€Å"will to believe.† This argument derives from Tillich’s belief that faith is the state of being ultimately concerned. Faith requires both rational and non-rational elements. Although faith is ecstatic, there must be a certain amount of awareness. The individual must be aware that there needs to be truth and ethical value associated to their belief. Indeed, man is the only living being that â€Å"has spiritualRead MoreTOK - Does all knowledge require some kind of rational basis?1658 Words   |  7 Pagesthe knowledge issue. Rational basis (i.e. reason) is a way of knowing in which one compiles historical information about similar situations in the past, and extrapolates to find certainty. In my exploration of this knowledge issue, I will refer to all areas of knowledge, and to the area of self awareness. I will refer to reason, and emotion to expose the elusive truth behind this question. What I will explore is the idea that knowledge doesn’t have to be formed on a rational basis, but it can beRead MoreThe Ethics Of Belief By William James972 Words   |  4 Pagesin a religion without prior evidence of its truth. William James was a well-distinguished philosopher as well as a psychologist and a physician. He with a few other philosophers like Charles sanders Pierce and John Dewey were fundamental in establishing modern philosophy in America and are thought to be the founding fathers of pragmatism. James taught at several universities including both Brown and Yale where he often had arguments and lengthy discussions with his students about religion. In hisRead MoreThe Catholic Church s Belief System880 Words   |  4 PagesRepresenting the Jewish Faith in today’s society, it was fascinating to read in particular about the differences between two forms of Christianity. I used to think that Christianity was one religion, but it is fascinating to find out that it takes many forms and has many different belief systems, just like Judaism. While I do not necessarily â€Å"agree† or â€Å"conform† to either of the faiths, I feel that the if I am purely choosing a faith based on our previous learning, I would take the choice of favoring