An Introduction to Religion

An Introduction to ReligionWelcome to Chapter 7 :)What is Religion?Geographers Robert Stoddard and Carolyn Prorak define religion as, a system of beliefs and practices that attempts to order life in terms of culturally perceived ultimate priorities. Who Practices a Religion?All types of people participate in religion! There are several thousands of religions and some philosophers surmise that there is a religion out there for everyone whether it is atheism to deism, there is something for everyone!

Why do people join a religion?Religions bring people with similar beliefs together and help them network with each other. Some religions do good works for the common good and others spend extensive time helping people conform their behavior to moral standards.

What Does a Religion look like?Religion is an omnipresent facet of society: its influences are seen just about everywhere! These series of slides will show examples and pictures of what kinds of roles that religion plays in culture.Example 1: DressCertain religions may dictate what its believers may wear or not wear.Ex: Islam

Example 2: FastingSome religions require fasting and feastingExamples include Ramadan and Lent

Example 3: CelebrationsSome religions celebrate certain holidays for their ReligionEx: Christianity: Christmas and Easter

Judaism: Hanukah Jews choose to celebrate Hanukah instead of Christmas

Taoism and Buddhism: Chinese New YearMany Asian religions celebrate the Chinese New Year

Example 4: Cultural LandscapeShrines, churches, mosques, cemeteries, statues, and symbols are seen just about everywhere! Religious institutions have made their mark in our economies and physical landscapes through their buildings and structures.ShrinesOn right: a Japanese Shrine On left: Catholic Shrine

Churches

Mosques

StatuesGreek statues and Roman Catholic statues

Symbols of ReligionSome religions use symbols for easy recognition of their beliefs

ArtMany artists were funded by the Church and painted pictures of religious figuresThe Renaissance

Example: Medieval Times- Life during the middle ages centered heavily on the Church and unity and were reflected through the art of the time

Example 5: Our HistoryReligion has impacted several major paradigms of history. The Crusades, Reformation, and Great Awakenings were all spurred by religion are reflected in the way our government acts today.The Crusades

The Reformation

The Great Awakening

. Moving on!Now that you know the basics, get ready to learn about how and where religions originate and diffuse!Citationshttp://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/history/chm/events/shaw2009/events/religionandsexualhealth/http://kibology.com/http://lautjenny.blogsome.com/2006/10/03/shopping-muslim-fashion/http://islam-hijab.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.htmlhttp://www.randomthoughtz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ramadan.jpg&imgrefurlhttp://www.fishofadifferentcolor.com/2010/02/16/a-baptist-bent-for-lent/http://www.sikhnet.com/files/news/2010/September/religious-symbols.png&imgrefurl

Citations Continuedhttp://remembergeraldgardner.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=40079766http://thejoyfulcatholic.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/regarding-fasting-for-lent/http://touchreviews.net/5-must-have-christmas-special-iphone-games-apps/http://www.myspacebrand.com/myspace_graphics/easter/1http://tammybruce.com/2009/12/happy-hanukkah-everyone.htmlhttp://www.mrpoma.com/christmas.htmlhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/global-jet/2256338278/http://islaminchina.wordpress.com/2009/01/25/happy-new-year-2/http://www.ourladyandstanne.org.uk/shrine.htmhttp://www.khulsey.com/travel/japan_kyoto_inari-shrine.htmlhttp://cfact4families.com/mediac/450_0/media/Churches$20-$20Main.jpgCitations Continued http://avslaw.com/images/churches.jpghttp://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcShRF2YVU9oSKdlhhLDruRi-pCrMF740QkNifd1RgO4XTYpgVCZhttp://www.travelggg.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Egypt_Cairo_mosques.jpghttp://freelargephotos.com/000208_l.jpghttp://www.worldofstock.com/slides/ADT2050.jpghttp://thevillagegallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Renaissance_Art.jpghttp://www.parrishrelics.com/lj/saintdorothymedieval.jpghttp://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/art/pictures/giotto2.gifhttp://www.concordianews.org/kids/2007/reformation/reformation.jpgCitations Continuedhttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSiKQOZ3Y3AbW7ZtbcFxcPnycqciVxuvZ9PRWZEUhsRqBT9-dmAhttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfYCHpM-7RJ9a-KprVf_lqbpi--huX-rzvkmLTfdhlxKHaV3_Ihttp://www.historyofjihad.org/crusades13.jpg