The Religious Impulse
Throughout human history there has been an impulse, very widespread, to worship something.
Features (what does the impulse look like):
- · Belief in the supernatural (“beyond natural”) and spiritual world beyond the material world.
- · Belief in the existence of a soul.
- · Collection of sacred writings (“scriptures”).
- · Strong sense of family and community based on rituals and festivals that celebrate shared beliefs and practices.
- · Set of answers to the most pressing human questions (e.g. meaning of life, meaning of suffering, what happens after you die, etc.)
- · Rules of Conduct – designed to help followers lead honourable lives and to provide purpose to individual and community life.
- · System of ethics guiding morals.
- · Significant founders or inspired leaders who introduced or spurred the development of the faith (usually).
- · Search for salvation, even perfection.
- · A lifestyle of faith and worship.
- · Techniques for focusing one’s awareness.
- · An enriching impact on the lives of adherents.
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