It enables us to look at these differences objectively, thus earning a better understanding of people and their behavior. William A. Graham I was asked to consider the question "Why study religion in the twenty-first century," and, in a moment of weakness, I agreed to try to tackle it, massive as it is. I find that other religious people have much of value to say. ... but as a committed Christian I have been helped by studying other religions, particularly in the area of prayer. My name is Annika and I'm going to be writing about why it is important to study other religions. He knew paganism quite well, however, and he used that knowledge in his evangelism. One important one, is, I think, to learn respect for others, to learn to love strangers (even enemies) as we love our neighbors, our families, and ourselves. Women can get married to women, men to men, men can be women, and women can … A good way to start learning from other religion is to study the basics. In this way studying religion invites us all to think in a more interdisciplinary and integral way about the world and our place in … Knowing this, our evangelism efforts in North America necessarily include sharing what God says about himself, about the nature of the world, about humanity, about right and wrong, and a host of other things that nonbelievers do not share in common with Christians. The Study of Other Religions: Its Necessity and Problems however, a much more important issue in our openness and response to other religious traditions. Smaller majorities of most other religious groups say religion plays a very important role in their lives. The reason why it’s so important to study other religions: You understand the background and why they believe what they believe. The point is not to make the gospel easy, or tame, or comfortable. Most of the people and followers of a specific religion or denomination think that their religion or sect is the true religion and all others are false! Man does not live by knowledge alone. Religion is everywhere and always integral to human cultures. 4 Answers. The Importance Of Religion In Society January 15, 2016 October 10, 2017 Kaylin Cantor Religion. Shared religious beliefs bind people together. 23 Answers. It has emerged as the single most important means of communication for those interested in critical approaches to the study of religion. Image Source: kentuu.org. Anonymous. 9 years ago. Hello. Religious education emphasises respect for others, regardless of their beliefs, race or social status. And learning about religions and religious cultures will contribute to the moral, intellectual, emotional, and yes even spiritual self-knowledge of students in this most critical time of development. In modern times, there is a growing realization of the importance of the scientific study of social phenomena and the means of promoting what Prof. Giddings calls human adequacy (human welfare). These are: (1) Religion explains individual suffering. Studying the world’s religions is very important and exciting. I think it is important to learn other religions still so I can understand what they think. Empathy is especially important when comparing religions across cultures, and not just for the sake of respecting other … The language that we use in articulating the gospel now, therefore, should assume that our audience lacks the biblical foundation for their understanding of reality. Comparative religion studies can be an important way to understand the values and beliefs of different religious movements, but is it okay or even beneficial for Christians to study what other religions believe and practice? Religion is important because it shapes people’s morals, customs, traditions, beliefs, and, ultimately, behavior.. It arises out of an imbedded curiosity to study the nature of religions and there mystery traditions. The Study of Other Religions: Its Necessity and Problems. Yet, on studying other religions, I find that they have different focuses on life and have come to more indepth understanding in some elements of life than I have found in my own system of beliefs. Yet, on studying other religions, I find that they have different focuses on life and have come to. Hinduism has the concept of being born again, yet a Hindu thinks of that word in terms of reincarnation, not regeneration. If we do not study religion, we are not studying what is important about ourselves in the world." Empathy is essential for maintaining academic integrity. Religion Addresses Social Issues. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Here is a good list of various religions: ... that religion is very important in the human race not going insane or wondering to much because if we truly believe it controls our wonderings from the infinite number we could have for what started it all and how can we be in such an advanced world. For example, in Titus 1:12, he quoted Epimenides of Crete and even called him “a prophet of their own.”. Zane Pratt serves as vice president of training at the International Mission Board. is head of religious, moral and philosophical studies at Robert Gordon's College in Aberdeen, Scotland. The study of sociology can help us increase our acceptance of the differences in cultures, religions, and values. Menu. “If we want to communicate the gospel clearly, it is entirely necessary to study the worldviews of those we are trying to reach—and worldview includes religion.”. According to A. It's is important to study the major religions of the world because it allows you to understand the way other people live, and can make you more tolerable of those different than yourself. Studying doctrine allows us to live out the Christian faith with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Find common ground … Yes, doctrinal truths are often presented with unfamiliar and complicated terminology. For instance, although Christianity has somewhat to say about materialism and self discipline, Buddhism has explored the issues in much more depth. If we simply say, “Jesus is the Messiah,” Muslims will agree—but what they mean by that is very different from what the Bible means. I believe that the only way to get to Heaven is through Jesus Christ. To Weber, capitalism grew in the Protestant nations like England, … If I want to be a benefit to others, I need to understand their world view. Religious education is important because it equips students with cultural, social, moral and spiritual knowledge that aids in mental and physical development within society. In other words, religion is so diverse and nuanced a subject that it’s nearly impossible to encapsulate all of the world’s major religions in just a few words. And what can be more powerful than greater self-knowledge to a 20 year old? Firstly it would be important to have an understanding of what the SACE code conduct and the National policy on religion and education stands for in order to complete an essay that requests whether the one supports the other. Why Study the Major Religions of the World? Though the religion is a highly personal thing, yet it has a social aspect and social role to play. By Staff Writer Last Updated Mar 31, 2020 6:52:51 AM ET. Religion is one of the primary disciplines for investigating the boundary questions of life and death, of love and hate, that characterize the human condition. Its uses are recognized widely today. Study of religion - Study of religion - Basic aims and methods: The growth of various disciplines in the 19th century, notably psychology and sociology, stimulated a more analytic approach to religions, while at the same time theology became more sophisticated and, in a sense, scientific as it began to be affected by and thus to make use of historical and other methods. Empathy is especially important when comparing religions across cultures, and not just for the sake of respecting other people. Studying Religion in the Twenty-First Century Religion has always been a controversial subject and it always will be. Favorite Answer. This includes 64% of Muslims, 58% of Catholics and 53% of mainline Protestants. If I am concerned about others, I will be interested in their lives. Understand the similarities and differences between religions. Find common ground with other cultures. We do not study it to compromise with it or to seek to blend it with biblical faith. If there's any universal truth or common teaching across various religions, it's probably the golden rule: Treat others as you would want to be treated yourself. If I am concerned about others, I will be interested in their lives. (6) Religion controls economic life. heyitshannahlynn. David Evers/Flickr. If I am concerned about others, I will be interested in their lives. [1] By Michael Molloy . In the New Testament, the apostle Paul provided us with a great model to follow here. It's is important to study the major religions of the world because it allows you to understand the way other people live, and can make you more tolerable of those different than yourself. Kenneth Primrose. Some attempts to help an individual that hold different beliefs may actually be taboo in their religion. Until our own time and in many places in our own time, religion is the center of human life. Three-quarters of U.S. adults say religion is at least “somewhat” important in their lives, with more than half (53%) saying it is “very” important. Religious Studies is personally meaningful because it raises fundamental questions of purpose and value along with developing important life skills; it offers students training in a unique … Let's now consider some additional pleasures and rewards of studying religions. Can I be of any benefit to them if they reject me? Societal religions vary throughout the world, with some worshiping one god and others worshiping many. On the contrary – religious education is more important now than it has probably ever been. Relevance. Yet, on studying other religions, I find that they have different focuses on life and have come to more indepth understanding in some elements of life than I have found in my own system of beliefs. 4. For starters, it’s good to study religions so you know more about them, even if you don’t agree with them. Relevance. One thing all these religions have in common is the ability to bring people together. Chapter 1 in the student book notes the importance of empathy in the study of world religions. It will even give you a better chance of being a missionary, for Christianity, all you have to do is study up on your KJV (King James Version) Bible. Greater religious literacy leads to more work for the common good. The answer is yes. Add a Comment. My religion, thanks to my lovely boyfriend, is Episcopalian. It also helps to be prepared to respond to the objections or disagreements the other person is likely to have. He referred to a pagan altar as a connection point for his sermon on the Areopagus. Connection is made when I understand another person's point of view. [1] By Michael Molloy . This attitude rises from inscience and illiteracy that somebody have. Something similar is at work within Islam. 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