Introduction
Religion is one of the paramount aspects of the human life in the whole planet earth. It usually is defined differently depending on the belief system that people follow. Theodore & Gabriel (2007) defines religion as any belief system concerning deity and which often involves ethical code, rituals as well as having a certain philosophy concerning life.
Criteria for determining whether people are religious on earth
It would be a profound shock if someone came from another planet. In order to establish whether people are religious, it would be appropriate to come up with an effective criterion. The criteria that I would use include belief in supernatural being, practicing of rituals, myths, social sacrifice as well as beliefs.
Beliefs
In the verge of establishing whether people are religious, it is very paramount that an individual evaluate people’s beliefs. Religion can be considered to be a way of thinking and it is often passed on through generations. People’s belief would serve as the best criterion for establishing people’s ascription to a particular religion. Most often, individuals believes in the existence of a deity. Generally, human beings forms religious beliefs as a philosophical system expressed through the way they construe their origin to have been, their purpose as well as destiny. All this revolves around the existence of a supernatural being that shapes people’s destiny.
People explain their creation based on the religious views which they have been socialized to at their early stages of life. In most cases, people have their own beliefs that explain life after death. Individuals who believe that a deity is their maker are religious in nature and based on such beliefs, it is possible to find out whether they are religious (Daniel, 2006).
Religious practices
People’s practices as well as rituals are other criteria that I would use to determine whether they are religious or not. Religion involves the use of various practices that makes people stand out from the rest. In most cases, people who believe in the existence of a certain deity have a way of appreciating their creator. Rituals are often performed by people as an honor to the supernatural being. Individuals who are religious often gather at a specific place on a particular day in order to praise their maker.
Myths, prohibitions and taboos
Religious people have myths, prohibitions and taboos. For instance, people who have myths concerning their creations as well as other religious matters could be termed as religious. Religious people have certain aspects that are prohibited whereas others are a taboo. These prohibition acts as a way of guiding behaviors of the followers.
Behaviors and belief meeting the criteria
It is very essential to understand that it is through people’s behaviors that one can understand the how religious people are. People on earth perform various practices such as offering sacrifices to their supernatural beings. There are people who offer burnt offerings to their gods while others offer harvests from their crops in honor of their deity. Sacrifices are also a way of thanksgiving to the Supreme Being (Mircea, 1993).
People on earth use meditations, prayers as well as chanting as a way of communicating to their creators. Some people pray while kneeling down while others pray while closing their eyes. There are those who often pray while lifting their hands up. In most cases, people on earth pray facing specific places. There are some who pray facing the mountains and they seem to believe that their creator resides on them while others look up due to belief that their maker is in heaven.
People on earth have communal cerebration. For instance, the group called Christians usually celebrate charismas which they commemorate the birth of their savior. During such celebrations, people gather at a common place and pray and afterwards they eat and drink to mark the celebration.
Functions of religion on earth
They have a transmission function. Religion on earth acts as a way of imparting various generations with a sense of identity via shared rituals, having common customs as well as enhancing history continuity.
Religion on earth serves a transaction purpose. It establishes as well as maintains morals and codes of ethics. Children are socialized to the dos and don’ts of their religious grouping and they are expected to behave accordingly. This guides their behaviors and ensures that people respect each other.
Transformation function is a very important aspect. Religions act as a way of transforming individuals to be of good characters as well as to respect the laws. Individuals who do not have good morals are often transformed through religion. This is often done by the religion leaders who push for changes in individuals lives so that they would follow codes of ethics that have been stipulated by the society (Wickersham, 2000).
Transcendence function is very important. Religion generally prepares individuals for future. Beliefs about life after death serves the purpose of ensuring people that there is continuity of life and that life does not end when one dies.
Basically, religion cannot be discussed in terms of something else beside its function. It is appropriate to mention that religion functions shows society’s intentions to bring order among its people.
Conclusion
Religion is an aspect that has been practiced on earth. There are various criteria that could be used to establish whether people are religious on earth. People on earth are religious and this is noted in the way they have different beliefs concerning the existence of deity, their behaviors and practices among others.
References
Daniel, A. S. (2006). Encyclopedia of Religion, Communication, and Media. New York: Routledge. Web.
Mircea, E. (1993). The Encyclopedia of Religion. Ed. New York: Macmillan. Web.
Theodore, P. & Gabriel C. (2007). Understanding religion. New York, NY: Universe press. Web.
Wickersham, J. M.(2000). Myths and Legends of the World. New York: Macmillan. Web.