What Is Religion And Do You Understand It Essay Example

    Traditions of a given community have contributed to the type of religion that develops around them, and the influence it has on their daily lives (Van, 2007). For instance, Asian countries have different religious practices from those of the Western world as evidenced by predominant Buddhism, in Asia, and Christianity, in Western countries. Their religions were entrenched early at the beginning of their cultures and traditions. This made it easier for their type of religious beliefs to be accepted earlier, in the life of each individual as the normal way of life and existence (Van, 2007). Religious scriptures have played a key role in shaping and spreading different religions around the globe. Scriptures are written documents like the Bible or the Quran that the believers of these religions believe contain sacred messages and guidelines on how to attain the ultimate goal in their respective religions (Van, 2007). Different religions around the world have different scriptures that they use to strengthen their beliefs and as sources of inspiration for their followers. Some religious denominations have a single scripture like the Quran, in Islam, and others have numerous scriptures attesting to the same religion as the Tao (Van, 2007). Scriptures are used in various ways by different religions. For example, some use the scripture as a form of evidence for authenticating their religious beliefs, others give them the ultimate authority in that religion and all that is written in them are termed as holy and sacred. In some religions, some scripture teachings might seem dictatorial to an outsider, but within the religion itself, it is believed to be the truth and the only way to attain their goals of a better life here on earth, or in the afterlife as some belief (Van, 2007). For written literature to be holy or sacred, it must be accepted by the followers of that religion to attain the required stature of being termed as a holy book (Van, 2007).