Primal Religions

The study of the world’s religions is an important discipline because besides the knowledge it instills in a person, it promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation for the other religions that differ from our own. This study may also bring unprecedented changes in a person and make them to have a change of heart towards themselves.

A person gets to appreciate their origin and practices and with the study of religions, use the different aspects of their religion to promote their spiritual growth and wellbeing (Zinnbauer, Kenneth, and Allie, 1999, pg 889-919). Despite the benefits that can be reaped from studying the different world religions there are risks that come with it. With the variation in culture and religious practices, we may abandon our own religions for others that we think are better and more fascinating than ours. On the other hand, we may end up being critics of other religions because of their contradictory beliefs and practices. This may lead to segregation or worse, animosity amongst ourselves. We consider some practices inferior and the fact that a religion may be using them for their rituals, can lead to negative change of heart. On rare occasions, students have been known to use their knowledge of religions to create others that are considered cults. The fact that many religions have almost similar practices is also tempting to discard the belief in many religions and decide there is no use for the separate religions.

The study of world’s religions is essential for the purpose of historical comprehension. The many art museums we come across all over the world have a relation to religion and the people practicing it. Shrines and temples in Asian countries are good work of art which host monuments, canvas paintings, collectibles, earthenware and effigies which provide an understanding of the underlying religion (Kostof,1995). Their stories, hopes, dreams, fears and beliefs have been expressed in a form of art or put down on manuscripts. This way it is easier to understand the human history. Interdisciplinary understanding of the humanities is also key, and this is found through study of various religions. You get to understand the past, current and future changes in disciplines such as sociology and political science.

Thanks to globalization, there has been a healthy interaction between people of different faiths and religions in learning institutions (Csordas, 2009). We are surrounded by Muslims, Indians, Buddhists and many more. This has promoted an understanding among the different people making them more culturally sensitive. Only challenge here is the integration and prevention of discrimination. Every religion has its code of conduct and as a member living by it, will promote better coexistence. The acquisition of important life skills through the study of religions is inevitable, preparing one for the global community. Virtues are instilled in the students making them even more socially responsible beings.

The study of different world religions has opened up my mind on the practices affecting both the body and mind and how I can use them in the making of myself a better person. It has also answered the many questions I had about history and other faculties of life and provided a connection between them making it easier to comprehend and appreciate. Religion is no longer a mystery but part of a people and with this, the life anonymities have been explained. Top of all the other types of intelligence, I have gained spiritual intelligence and can make better decisions on the type of leaders to emulate.

As we have seen, the study of the different religions of the world is of importance because it shapes you as a person in all the ways possible. It strengthens your faith and beliefs and gives you inner peace. Religion plays a very significant role in the curriculum in nurturing the student and should be taken with seriousness. It is also vital to guide the students so they are not affected by the possible side effects that could come with the learning of the different world religions.

References.

Kostof, Spiro. "A history of architecture: settings and rituals." New York: Oxford (1995).

Zinnbauer, Brian J., Kenneth I. Pargament, and Allie B. Scott. "The emerging meanings of religiousness and spirituality: Problems and prospects." Journal of personality 67.6 (1999): 889-919.

Csordas, Thomas J. Transnational transcendence: Essays on religion and globalization. Univ of California Press, 2009.