Religion. Basic Notions.

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 352.

TEXT 1

RELIGION: ITS HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

UNIT 1.

Religion —sometimes used interchangeably with faith or belief system—is commonly defined as belief concerning the supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions and rituals associated with such belief. In its broadest sense some have defined it as the sum total of answers given to explain humankind's relationship with the universe. In the course of the development of religion, it has taken many forms in various cultures and individuals. Occasionally, the word "religion" is used to designate what should be more properly described as "organized religion" – that is, an organization of people supporting the exercise of some religion, often taking the form of a legal entity. There are many different religions in the world today.

Various religious symbols