Running Head: WORLD RELIGION 1

World religion

Name of student

Name of professor

Course

Date
WORLD RELIGION 2

Definition of religion

My own definition or a religion is that a message from our god that was translated and

brought up first by a profit to people in order to take them out from darkness to light and

make their blind hearts to see. Religion is how god wants us to live by making us equal to

each other without any different and apply what the holy book comes with this religion into

real life. Religion I believe is the huge test from god to us weather we pass or not that will

determine where we will be in the second life after we die by going to heaven or hell.

Judging from the text by Livingstone and the discussions in the discussions board; it

is clear to say that religion is one thing that many describe in so many different ways.

Similarities between the definition presented by other students and my definition include the

existence of a being who is much greater than us humans and goals for example; a much a

much better life in the future. My definition would not change, but it might contain less as

compared to people's interpretation of the same. To justify the similarity in these definitions;

many believe that there is a more significant being at work hence conform to the belief of

theism, and all want great and everlasting life only that it is not all who believe in life after

death. These goals have been set, and in every definition of religion, it is clear that there is a

set of instruction set to attain these objectives. In general, both the statements on the

discussion board and the text by Livingstone have encouraged a particular modification to my

original definition. If you take a look at Martineau’s, Schleiermacher’s, and Melford E.

Spiro’s definition from the Livingstone text together with the given definition below:

When defining religion, I think that I would define it as something that only happens with

enough followers and people who help lead in religious worship, there is typically an

entity/person/God who is the focal point of the religion that provides many teachings and

beliefs for their followers to follow when thinking about life events or other things that
WORLD RELIGION 3

happen in one's life, and finally, the end of one's life usually leads to someplace that is better

than earth and is the end goal and reason why people choose what to do with their lives in

order to reach something greater; an example of this would be heaven and for some religions

the main goal is to get there but the way to do that is in how one worships and how one

makes life choices.

It is evident that religion is very open and actually depends on three things one's belief on a

supreme being, doctrines put in place to follow and lastly goals set as a price for following all

that is needed of a believer.

Furthermore, if we take a look at the religions in the East which are Buddhism,

Taoism, Hinduism, and Confucianism; all these have goals set as and it takes a lot of

dedication to realise them. To attain these goals, there are teachings of respect, hard work,

integrity, and many other life virtues. This brings us back to our definition and tweaks it a

little bit in a manner which we have its description being beliefs which human conform to so

that they can get a clear picture of the importance of life and how to go about it in a manner

which they cannot undergo the hardship with which it comes with. Religions from the east

show some aspect of dependence; they see religion as a way of liberating humanity from its

unruly behaviours.

My new definition of religion is; belief, dependence, and an acceptance of our

weakness to face each and everything that comes our way hence the need for guidance and

protection, nonetheless, failure to conform to one's religious ideas results to some severe

consequences. The change of definition has been greatly influenced by the fact that people

much depend on religion to have a meaningful life in that if things do not work out for then,

they tend to give up on life.

Religious survey of Americans

Many people in the United States do not identify with a specific religion. They are what

many can describe as free-spirited as any convention does not constrain them. Using well-

constructed questions, they can as well be placed in specific religion depending on how they

answer the questions; the target groups being Theravada Buddhists and Confucianism. When

targeting Buddhism, we will have the following

items;

1. Do you agree meditation is a better way of solving one’s problems compared to

asking for help from a supernatural being in regards to religious beliefs?

2. What is it that dictates the salvation of man, is it the man himself or following what

the religion has set as dos and don'ts?

As for Confucianism, the following questions will apply;

1. Do we need to look at what our ancestors did to change this society for the better or

would that be outrageous as times have changed?

2. What is the most important part of your religion; causality or salvation?

The questions mentioned above require straightforward answers, and they can quickly

point us towards a specific direction concerning what the target religions are. Theravada

Buddhism does not believe in the existence of a supernatural being to help sort out problems

in the world, but instead, they believe in the utilization of meditation to provide some

enlightenment on what they are undergoing. In this same religion, they deem causality as one

of their most fundamental aspect. It is the most basic teaching where they believe in a given

cause under given conditions and always expect consequences for any wrong doing.

Confucianism is a religion driven by the idea that society should consist of people who

respect each other, and their existence is very much dependant on how they relate and abide

their moral values. The religion tends to copy and try to emulate what their ancestors did to
WORLD RELIGION 5

have a guide on issues about their moral values. It highly castigates selfishness as part of their

custom expects every one of their individuals put their families and society first before any

individuals. In a nutshell, Confucianism tries to pass the message of generosity in everything

that they do, and it acts as one of their core values.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

The book is one among many written concerning Buddhism with the title "Zen and

the Art of…" Going through the book and reviews done by Robert M. Adams and Mathur R

which is an American book review magazine; has been of help in the quest which involves

trying to understand and put into perspective what the author, Robert Pirsig's, was trying to

convey using the piece mentioned above (Mathur, 2016).

The book comprises of two protagonists who are the same person. The narrator takes

a motorcycle trip with his son and friends to San Francisco. It is during this trip that he

notices that he as an alter ego which he names, Phaedrus. He enters a ride which requires him

to solve this schism, which if not addressed, could ruin him and the relationship he has with

the son. Nonetheless, he somehow manages to surmount this situation and, in the end, helping

him have a better relationship with the son. The other characters are highly isolated from the

story as the author tries to bring out his core message, which is based solely on spirituality

and intellect (Pirsig,1999).

Buddhism teaches of peace with oneself, and they believe that when one encounters

any problem; then it can be solved by merely meditating and trying to understand the

problem from various angles hence come up with suitable solutions which can effectively

mitigate the problem. The religion also explains the importance of inner peace as being one

of the prerequisites for a peaceful existence among humans. The author successfully finds a

relation between zen and non-zen activities. He talks of a glass door which separated the
WORLD RELIGION 6

inmates from the family during his shock therapy; and from this, he asks himself why he did

not open the door as a way to signify the act of letting his family in and sharing whatever

they were going through as it would strengthen their relationship. The other non-zen activity

is the stuck screw where the narrator explains some significant problems facing society and

states that it is not the lack of technology and solutions or having lots of the latter and former

but failure to unite the technological and emotional aspects of life. With a clear mind, it is

possible to solve problems in society since you see things clearly.

I believe that the utilization of a religious idea to a non-religious view is not wrong. It

should be like that as religion is just a guide which people need to understand and apply in

their daily lives. Religion encompasses everything around us and everything that happens in

our life. Some may think that it is sacrilegious but it I don’t think so. A human’s existence is

dictated by a lot of things and every human always wants a good life. However good life

differs in various religions but at least it should be favourable. These non-religious activities

form a big part of our lives hence it would be prudent to carry them out in a way that does not

affect with our beliefs and also maybe learn from them as experience and an eye for details

has always been a key factor to ensure a smooth existence.

Conclusion

Religion has several definitions. It is because of its complexity and vastness that no

one can come up with an accurate and most appropriate description. It is based on beliefs and

things that many cannot actualize. It is better that one firmly understands his or her religion

and follow its ways, and if one doesn't identify with any, it is okay as no one knows which

one is the true religion.

References

Mathur, R. (2016). Book Review: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Pirsig, R. M. (1999). Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance: An inquiry into values.

Random House.