- While all religions have some unique features, they share many similarities. These
include, among other things, speculation about the meaning of life, sacred writ-
ings, rituals, and ethics. - The six most prominent religious traditions are Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hindu-
ism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. These traditions present their members with defi-
nitions of reality, counsel on how to live life, and explanations about death. - Developing religious tolerance has increased in importance in the twenty-first
century.
Activities
- Working with others, answer the following:
Why has religion been relevant to humankind
for more than ten thousand years? Also, ask
those you are working with why religion has
been shadowed by so much violence for thou-
sands of years. - Go to YouTube and search for videos that show a
religious service inside a Catholic church, an
Islamic mosque, and a Buddhist temple. Make
note of the rituals, messages, art, music, and
space that you deem offer insight into each reli-
gious tradition. Also, what do these services have
in common, and how do they differ?
3. Working with others, discuss the following ques-
tion: How does my view of death compare with
the beliefs found in the six great religious tradi-
tions? As part of your discussion, include observa-
tions on how a person’s perception of death might
influence his or her behavior.
4. In a group, identify and discuss the common prin-
ciples and practices you see among all of the major
religions.
5. Working in a group, discuss the following ques-
tion: Do religious scriptures, in the same manner
as the U.S. Constitution, need constant reinter-
pretation with each generation?
Concepts and Questions
- Do you believe that globalization will have a pos-
itive or a negative impact on the world’s religious
institutions? - Explain how its religious views are linked to a
culture’s lifestyle. - Explain the statement:“Religion is only one kind
of worldview.”
4. What common set of ethics can you identify from
the six religious traditions discussed in this
chapter?
5. Since religion touches all aspects of human life,
should it be separated from government?
6. What role might religion play in an intercultural
communication encounter?
160 CHAPTER 4•Worldview: Cultural Explanations of Life and Death
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