Religion is typically experienced within a social institution with commonly shared tradi-
tions, sacred texts, beliefs, and worship practices. Religious institutions usually have a gov-
erning structure with designated leaders. Spirituality, on the other hand, is part of each
person that searches for purpose, meaning, worth, and wonder, often in quest of an ultimate
value or the holy.^25
From the few lines above, you can observe that spirituality is a personal search for
finding the answers to life’s essential questions. Followers of this worldview adhere to
some of the following guidelines:^26- Accept the idea that spirituality is divine and without rules.
- Self-discovery is important. Think not only about what you are but also about
what you choose to be. - Learn to value silence, solitude, and quiet meditation. These will give you inner
peace. - Practice mindfulness. Learn to live in the moment and observe your environment
and how you behave when you are in that environment. - Engage is creative self-expression. Connect yourself to activities such as yoga,
dance, music, and other such activities. - Seek simplicity in your lifestyle.
- Remember that spirituality is individuality.
- Spirituality transcends all and makes you true to yourself.
This brief analysis of spirituality should demonstrate that it contains a number
of notions that are general and difficult to pin down, which for some people is part
of its appeal. However, you should notice that spirituality has many of the same
goals found in organized religions (inner peace, a link with nature, and a search
for meaning in life, among others). The
major difference is that spirituality uses
some atypical methods of achieving
those goals and places emphasis on the
individual being part of the “discovery
process.”
Religion as a Worldview
Some Africans say,“There is no distinction between religion and the rest of life. All
of life is religious.”Although that might be an overstatement, it is true that as a
worldview religion is an important part of life for billions of people. Roberts makes
the connections among worldview, religion, and culture clear:“A distinguishing char-
acteristic of religion is that it provides a worldview.”^27
Perhaps at this point in the chapter, you may have asked yourself,“Why am I
studying religions in a course dealing with intercultural communication?”Such a
query merits an answer, and our reply comes in three parts. First, religion, as just
noted, supplies the worldview for billions of people throughout the world. Second,
religion, perception, and behavior are inextricably intertwined. Finally, never in the
history of civilization has the behavioral dimension of religion been so widespread,
relevant, and volatile. Let us explain those three ideas in more detail before we exam-
ine the world’s six major religious traditions.REMEMBER THIS
One of the main functions of religion is to assist people with
living their lives and preparing for the end of that life.108 CHAPTER 4•Worldview: Cultural Explanations of Life and Death
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