Basic Basic ReligionsReligions

Common FeaturesCommon Features

of Basic Religionsof Basic Religions

Common Features of Basic ReligionsCommon Features of Basic Religions

Most basic religions have common Most basic religions have common features that appear in some form features that appear in some form in the both the basic religions and in the both the basic religions and in the so called advanced religions. in the so called advanced religions. Some of the common features also Some of the common features also appear in some subtle form in appear in some subtle form in modern culture as well. This slide modern culture as well. This slide show takes a look at each of those show takes a look at each of those features. It will also provide features. It will also provide examples of the feature both in the examples of the feature both in the basic religions and in the so called basic religions and in the so called advanced religions and cultures.advanced religions and cultures.

AnimismAnimism

Animism is the belief thatAnimism is the belief that

nature is alive with spirits thatnature is alive with spirits that

have feelings and can behave feelings and can be

communicated with. It is oftencommunicated with. It is often

believed that the earth itself isbelieved that the earth itself is

alive and has anima (spirit). Asalive and has anima (spirit). As

a result almost any animal onea result almost any animal one

can think of has beencan think of has been

worshiped. Mountains , trees ,worshiped. Mountains , trees ,

and heavenly bodies have alsoand heavenly bodies have also

been worshiped. been worshiped.

Examples of AnimismExamples of Animism

Animism: The Druids were known to revere trees.Animism: The Druids were known to revere trees.

The stone formation at Stonehenge is also anThe stone formation at Stonehenge is also an

example of animism in basic religions.example of animism in basic religions.

AnimismAnimism

Christians useChristians useevergreens inevergreens incelebration of thecelebration of thebirth of Jesus. Muslimsbirth of Jesus. Muslimsmarch around and kissmarch around and kisstheir sacred stone intheir sacred stone inMecca. Hindus bathe inMecca. Hindus bathe intheir sacred river, thetheir sacred river, theGanges. These areGanges. These areadvanced religionadvanced religionexamples of animism.examples of animism.

MagicMagic

Magic is the belief that by Magic is the belief that by performing rituals nature can be performing rituals nature can be forced to act as desired and that forced to act as desired and that God(s) can be influenced to act upon God(s) can be influenced to act upon the behalf of the practitioners of the the behalf of the practitioners of the religion. The most common form religion. The most common form among basic religions is imitative or among basic religions is imitative or sympathetic magic. In this form sympathetic magic. In this form practitioners hope by performing an practitioners hope by performing an act on a small scale that the act will be act on a small scale that the act will be performed on their behalf on a large performed on their behalf on a large scale by nature and/or God(s).scale by nature and/or God(s).

MagicMagic

In Voodoo practitionerIn Voodoo practitioneruse dolls to attempt to do eviluse dolls to attempt to do evilto their enemies. Theto their enemies. ThePueblo Indians performPueblo Indians performa hunting ritual to insure aa hunting ritual to insure asuccessful hunt. A primitivesuccessful hunt. A primitivehunter carries his lucky knifehunter carries his lucky knifeon every hunt. These are allon every hunt. These are allexamples of magic in basicexamples of magic in basicreligions.religions.

The Herd Dance The Herd Dance by Pablita Velardéby Pablita Velardé

• The basic purpose of all animal dances is to maintain harmony The basic purpose of all animal dances is to maintain harmony with the animals to be hunted and to honor them for the food with the animals to be hunted and to honor them for the food and clothing they provide for the Pueblo people. The Herd and clothing they provide for the Pueblo people. The Herd Dance depicts a group of male dancers costumed as deer, Dance depicts a group of male dancers costumed as deer, antelope, and mountain sheep, led by two buffalo dancers. antelope, and mountain sheep, led by two buffalo dancers. The male dancers wear the kilts and feather-trimmed The male dancers wear the kilts and feather-trimmed headdresses common to many ceremonial dancers. With the headdresses common to many ceremonial dancers. With the exception of the buffalo dancers, they carry ornamental exception of the buffalo dancers, they carry ornamental sticks, simulating forelegs, and are bent over in the position sticks, simulating forelegs, and are bent over in the position of four-legged animals. Pablita has painted herself as Buffalo of four-legged animals. Pablita has painted herself as Buffalo Maiden, whose face bears a striking resemblance to her own.Maiden, whose face bears a striking resemblance to her own.

The Herd Dance The Herd Dance by Pablita Velardéby Pablita Velardé

MagicMagic Examples of animism inExamples of animism inmodern culture or so calledmodern culture or so calledadvanced religions are: theadvanced religions are: thelucky rabbit’s foot, a good lucklucky rabbit’s foot, a good luckcharm, a religious medallion.charm, a religious medallion.Every one who has playedEvery one who has playedsports knows of some one whosports knows of some one whodid not wash their uniform ordid not wash their uniform orparts of their uniform while theparts of their uniform while theteam was winning. Recently inteam was winning. Recently inbaseball the Anaheim Angelsbaseball the Anaheim Angelswon a pennant with the help ofwon a pennant with the help oftheir Rally Monkey.their Rally Monkey.

DivinationDivination The predicting the future through divination is an The predicting the future through divination is an important function of a priest or priestess in basic important function of a priest or priestess in basic religions. This is accomplished in various fashions. religions. This is accomplished in various fashions. Perhaps through examination of the entrails of an Perhaps through examination of the entrails of an animal, observation of a flight of birds, or the casting animal, observation of a flight of birds, or the casting of bones or sacred dice the holy person can predict of bones or sacred dice the holy person can predict coming events. coming events.

Knowledge was sometimes sought from one whom Knowledge was sometimes sought from one whom the group believed was possessed by spirits. The term the group believed was possessed by spirits. The term shaman comes from this. The original meaning related shaman comes from this. The original meaning related to one who was possessed by the spirits and spoke to one who was possessed by the spirits and spoke their messages to the people. The priest or magician their messages to the people. The priest or magician connotations it has today came much later.connotations it has today came much later.

DivinationDivination Examples of Divination from basicExamples of Divination from basic

religions are:religions are:

In ancient China tortoise shellsIn ancient China tortoise shells

were heated until they cracked andwere heated until they cracked and

then the patterns of the cracks werethen the patterns of the cracks were

interpreted; this later evolved intointerpreted; this later evolved into

what we today call what we today call I ChingI Ching..

In ancient Greece a priestess wasIn ancient Greece a priestess was

suspended over gas fumes at thesuspended over gas fumes at the

Oracle of Delphi and what was saidOracle of Delphi and what was said

after she breathed the fumes wasafter she breathed the fumes was

used to predict the future.used to predict the future.

DivinationDivination

Examples in so called advancedExamples in so called advanced

religions and modern culture are:religions and modern culture are:

In Christianity and Judaism theIn Christianity and Judaism the

Prophets of the Bible predictedProphets of the Bible predicted

the future and Daniel and Josephthe future and Daniel and Joseph

interpreted dreams that predictedinterpreted dreams that predicted

the future.the future.

Many people today consultMany people today consult

psychics and horoscopes topsychics and horoscopes to

predict events.predict events.

TabooTaboo

There are certain actsThere are certain acts in all in all societies and religions that must be societies and religions that must be avoided; these acts are known by avoided; these acts are known by the Polynesian word the Polynesian word tabutabu or or taputapu. . Failure to obey these forbidden acts Failure to obey these forbidden acts could provoke the spirit world and could provoke the spirit world and release harmful effects upon the release harmful effects upon the individual or the group. In modern individual or the group. In modern societies there are also taboos societies there are also taboos which are acts which are considered which are acts which are considered to be disgusting and harmful to to be disgusting and harmful to individuals and the group.individuals and the group.

TabooTaboo In basic societies one doesIn basic societies one doesnot touch the Chief nor enternot touch the Chief nor entersacred areas without greatsacred areas without greatfear. Great harm could comefear. Great harm could cometo any one who violatedto any one who violatedtribal taboos. In some basictribal taboos. In some basicsocieties the birth of twins issocieties the birth of twins isconsidered to be taboo. Soconsidered to be taboo. Sothe twins are either exiled orthe twins are either exiled orkilled. There are also tabooskilled. There are also taboosabout handling the dead,about handling the dead,menstruating women andmenstruating women andcertain foods.certain foods.

TabooTaboo

In modern culture taboos are acts In modern culture taboos are acts which violate socially acceptable ways which violate socially acceptable ways of behaving and are usually illegal. Two of behaving and are usually illegal. Two well known modern taboos are incest well known modern taboos are incest and cannibalism. and cannibalism.

TotemsTotems

1818thth century colonists in what is today the century colonists in what is today the United States first discovered Totems. United States first discovered Totems. Totems were being used by Native Totems were being used by Native Americans. Later it was recognized that Americans. Later it was recognized that various cultures through the world have various cultures through the world have used Totems. The word totem is a used Totems. The word totem is a corruption of the corruption of the OiibwaOiibwa word word ototemanototeman. . Totems are based upon a feeling of Totems are based upon a feeling of kinship that humans have with animals kinship that humans have with animals and objects of nature. Generally it involves and objects of nature. Generally it involves a form of identification with a form of identification with characteristics or traits that the object characteristics or traits that the object has.has.

TotemsTotems During prehistoric times manyDuring prehistoric times many

clans adopted an animal as itsclans adopted an animal as its

totem. A Bear Clan would nottotem. A Bear Clan would not

hunt bears but would hunt otherhunt bears but would hunt other

animals; they would consider animals; they would consider thethe

bear sacred.bear sacred.

Native Americans have manyNative Americans have many

stories about animals. Thestories about animals. The

animals often take great interestanimals often take great interest

in human affairs and intervene toin human affairs and intervene to

assist those deserving help orassist those deserving help or

punish those who do wrong.punish those who do wrong.

Sometimes the animal acts as aSometimes the animal acts as a

spiritual guide or messenger.spiritual guide or messenger.

TotemsTotems In the Northwest US, NativeIn the Northwest US, Native

Americans produced TotemAmericans produced Totem

Poles.Poles. Totem Poles are carvedTotem Poles are carved

from cedar trees, painted andfrom cedar trees, painted andplaced near the house or inplaced near the house or inthe forest. The poles are madethe forest. The poles are madeto:to:• Tell a family story or legend Tell a family story or legend • Honor the dead Honor the dead • Commemorate a birth or Commemorate a birth or

eventevent• Honor or dishonor some Honor or dishonor some

oneone

TotemsTotems MEANING OF FIGURESMEANING OF FIGURES• Thunderbird - most powerful of all Thunderbird - most powerful of all

the spirits; it the personification of the spirits; it the personification of "chief." "chief."

• Wolf - revered as a good hunter Wolf - revered as a good hunter and associated with the special and associated with the special spiritual necessary to become a spiritual necessary to become a good hunter. good hunter.

• Killer Whale - legend says that Killer Whale - legend says that whales could capture a canoe of whales could capture a canoe of people and drag it to an people and drag it to an underwater village. Here people underwater village. Here people would be transformed into whales. would be transformed into whales.

• Raven - A cultural hero of the Raven - A cultural hero of the Coast Indian peoples who had Coast Indian peoples who had magical powers and could change magical powers and could change himself into anything. himself into anything.

• Grizzly Bear - here it represents Grizzly Bear - here it represents the clan of the people who made the clan of the people who made the totem pole. Attributed with the totem pole. Attributed with many human-like qualities and many human-like qualities and much power. much power.

TotemsTotemsTOTEM POLES TOTEM POLES HOW COLOR WAS MADEHOW COLOR WAS MADE

The three traditional colorsThe three traditional colorsare red, blue-green, andare red, blue-green, and

black. Paint was made fromblack. Paint was made fromnatural materials andnatural materials and

mixed with salmon eggsmixed with salmon eggs

• RedRed: Iron oxide or red : Iron oxide or red ochre clay ochre clay

• BlackBlack: Cedar and : Cedar and charcoal charcoal

• Blue-GreenBlue-Green: Copper or : Copper or clay clay

Totem Pole Myths:Totem Pole Myths:MythMyth: Totem poles are a recent introduction to the Northwest Coast. : Totem poles are a recent introduction to the Northwest Coast. FactFact: Native Northwest Coast oral histories tell us that tall carved : Native Northwest Coast oral histories tell us that tall carved

poles have been made on the Northwest Coast since ancient poles have been made on the Northwest Coast since ancient times. The earliest European explorer's drawing of a Northwest times. The earliest European explorer's drawing of a Northwest Coast house frontal pole was made at Dadens village on Haida Coast house frontal pole was made at Dadens village on Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands) in 1791. The size and number Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands) in 1791. The size and number of totem poles did grow during the 1800s. of totem poles did grow during the 1800s.

MythMyth: Totem poles can be read just like a book. : Totem poles can be read just like a book. FactFact: While it is sometimes possible to identify different animals, : While it is sometimes possible to identify different animals,

such as bears, ravens, eagles, it is not possible to interpret what such as bears, ravens, eagles, it is not possible to interpret what the pole really means without knowing the history of the pole and the pole really means without knowing the history of the pole and the family that owns it. the family that owns it.

MythMyth: The "low man on the totem pole" has the lowest status. : The "low man on the totem pole" has the lowest status. FactFact: There is no universal significance to the order in which : There is no universal significance to the order in which

figures are placed on poles. Many times the lowest figure is the figures are placed on poles. Many times the lowest figure is the most important figure. Occasionally "ridicule" figures were carved most important figure. Occasionally "ridicule" figures were carved to shame or embarrass a rival. to shame or embarrass a rival.

TotemsTotems

In modern culture Totems are stillIn modern culture Totems are still

used today. The US uses the eagleused today. The US uses the eagle

as a symbol, China, the dragon, and as a symbol, China, the dragon, and

Russia, the bear. Sports teams alsoRussia, the bear. Sports teams also

use totems; look at the local teamsuse totems; look at the local teams

logos on this page.logos on this page.

SacrificeSacrifice Sacrifice is one of the most common practices in all Sacrifice is one of the most common practices in all religions throughout the world. Since the beginning of religions throughout the world. Since the beginning of history people have offered sacrifices of every history people have offered sacrifices of every imaginable material to their God(s), spirits, demon(s) and imaginable material to their God(s), spirits, demon(s) and ancestor(s). On rare occasions humans have been ancestor(s). On rare occasions humans have been offered as sacrifices. Human sacrifice is usually regarded offered as sacrifices. Human sacrifice is usually regarded an extreme but effective method of persuading the gods. an extreme but effective method of persuading the gods.

The act of sacrifice has a variety of meanings. Originally The act of sacrifice has a variety of meanings. Originally it was a method of feeding the residents of the spirit it was a method of feeding the residents of the spirit world. At other times the sacrifice was a gift of some sort world. At other times the sacrifice was a gift of some sort to the spirit world. Sacrifice establishes a bond of some to the spirit world. Sacrifice establishes a bond of some form between the giver and the spirits.form between the giver and the spirits.

SacrificeSacrifice In ancient times animals wereIn ancient times animals were

often sacrificed; usually theyoften sacrificed; usually theywere slaughtered and thenwere slaughtered and thenburned or cooked and eatenburned or cooked and eatenbefore the gods. Water, winebefore the gods. Water, wineor milk were poured over graveor milk were poured over gravesites to appease the deceased.sites to appease the deceased.Other items were left in sacredOther items were left in sacredplaces to try to win the favor ofplaces to try to win the favor ofthe gods. All these actionsthe gods. All these actionswere to try to establish a bondwere to try to establish a bondbetween God(s) and humans.between God(s) and humans.

SacrificeSacrifice Sacrifice is also a part ofSacrifice is also a part ofthe modern period ofthe modern period ofreligion. In Islam one is toreligion. In Islam one is togive alms to the needy andgive alms to the needy andfast on Ramadan. Judaismfast on Ramadan. Judaismand Christianity also haveand Christianity also havefasting and giving alms andfasting and giving alms andoffering as a part of theiroffering as a part of theirfaith. Jesus in Christianityfaith. Jesus in Christianitysacrificed himself to paysacrificed himself to payhuman believers’ debt ofhuman believers’ debt ofsin.sin.

MythMyth All religions both the so called advanced religions and All religions both the so called advanced religions and basic religios use mythology. The word myth has in modern basic religios use mythology. The word myth has in modern cultures the connotation of a lie, but in the study of cultures the connotation of a lie, but in the study of religions it has another definition. Almost every religion religions it has another definition. Almost every religion has stories of God(s) dealing with humans. These stories has stories of God(s) dealing with humans. These stories are called myths; they are a poetic way of telling a great are called myths; they are a poetic way of telling a great truth. Myths are a way of thinking in pictures as opposed truth. Myths are a way of thinking in pictures as opposed to thinking in abstracts. Thus myths become a way of to thinking in abstracts. Thus myths become a way of explaining beliefs from one generation to the next.explaining beliefs from one generation to the next.

Religious myths are often etiologic; in other words Religious myths are often etiologic; in other words religious myths explain the “hows” and “whys” of religion. religious myths explain the “hows” and “whys” of religion. So a myth may explain the origin of a group by tracing it So a myth may explain the origin of a group by tracing it back to creation through a story.back to creation through a story.

MythMythThere are many myths in basicThere are many myths in basicreligions. The story of Apolloreligions. The story of Apolloriding across the sky in ariding across the sky in achariot explained the rising andchariot explained the rising andsetting of the sun. The Nativesetting of the sun. The NativeAmerican story of “Wooing Wohpe”American story of “Wooing Wohpe”explains how the four winds areexplains how the four winds arerelated to the four directions. Thisrelated to the four directions. Thisstory can be found in the textstory can be found in the textfollowing the chapter on Nativefollowing the chapter on NativeAmerican religions or in the book,American religions or in the book,Lakota Myth Lakota Myth by James R. Walker. by James R. Walker.

MythMyth An example of a modern mythAn example of a modern mythis the story of “The Little Trainis the story of “The Little TrainThat Could”. It is the story of aThat Could”. It is the story of alittle train that does not think itlittle train that does not think itcan make it up a very high hill. can make it up a very high hill. The little train does make byThe little train does make byreciting over and over: “I think Ireciting over and over: “I think Ican; I think I can.” This storycan; I think I can.” This storyteaches children that they areteaches children that they arecapable of reaching theircapable of reaching theirdreams if they keep a positivedreams if they keep a positiveattitude.attitude.

RitualRitualss

Every religion has rituals. These rites range Every religion has rituals. These rites range from the very simple to the complex. A simple from the very simple to the complex. A simple meal time prayer is an example of a simple meal time prayer is an example of a simple ritual. Other rituals may require years of ritual. Other rituals may require years of study by a priest(ess) who performs the study by a priest(ess) who performs the complex ritual. A Catholic wedding ceremony complex ritual. A Catholic wedding ceremony is an example of this type of ritual. is an example of this type of ritual. Sometimes rituals are a reenactment of Sometimes rituals are a reenactment of religious mythology. By acting out the story religious mythology. By acting out the story the participants of the religion identify with the participants of the religion identify with the divine characters in the story.A the divine characters in the story.A reenactment of the Birth of Jesus would be a reenactment of the Birth of Jesus would be a modern example of this.modern example of this.

RitualsRituals An example of a ritual fromAn example of a ritual from

a basic religion would be thea basic religion would be the

Sun Dance which wasSun Dance which was

performed by various Plainsperformed by various Plains

Indian tribes. Dance is anIndian tribes. Dance is an

important element of manyimportant element of many

basic religion rituals. Thebasic religion rituals. The

Navajos perform “TheNavajos perform “The

Blessing Way” which is aBlessing Way” which is a

healing ceremony which canhealing ceremony which can

be adapted to other religions.be adapted to other religions.

RitualsRituals An example of a ritual in theAn example of a ritual in theso called advanced religionsso called advanced religionsis the marriage ceremony,is the marriage ceremony,baptismal ceremony, or abaptismal ceremony, or afuneral ceremony. Both arefuneral ceremony. Both arerituals performed by almostrituals performed by almostevery religion. Each can beevery religion. Each can bevery simple or very complexvery simple or very complexdepending upon what isdepending upon what iscustomary and what iscustomary and what isdesired by the participants.desired by the participants.

Rites of PassageRites of Passage Rites of passage is another universal feature of Rites of passage is another universal feature of religions. Certain rituals are established and are to be religions. Certain rituals are established and are to be performed at key points in an individual believer’s life. performed at key points in an individual believer’s life. The key points which are usually recognized are: birth, The key points which are usually recognized are: birth, puberty, marriage, and death. Rituals carried out at these puberty, marriage, and death. Rituals carried out at these points the separation from a former status and transition points the separation from a former status and transition to the new status; they recall myths of the culture and to the new status; they recall myths of the culture and establish incorporation in a new group. Birth is establish incorporation in a new group. Birth is important because the new born is recognized as a important because the new born is recognized as a member of the community. Puberty marks the beginning member of the community. Puberty marks the beginning of adult life in the community. Marriage is a celebration of adult life in the community. Marriage is a celebration of fertility rituals which assure to continuance of the of fertility rituals which assure to continuance of the community. Death is important to assure proper burial community. Death is important to assure proper burial and recognition of the deceased’s accomplishments.and recognition of the deceased’s accomplishments.

Rites of Rites of PassagePassage

Native American youthsNative American youths

Often marked the rite ofOften marked the rite of

Passage from youth toPassage from youth to

adulthood by living alone inadulthood by living alone in

the wilderness for a period ofthe wilderness for a period of

time and a vision quest. time and a vision quest.

Other basic religions andOther basic religions and

older cultures required anolder cultures required an

ordeal of some type for aordeal of some type for a

child to pass into adulthood.child to pass into adulthood.

Rites of Rites of PassagePassage

Rite of passages exist inRite of passages exist in

modern culture and religionmodern culture and religion

as well. Examples for modernas well. Examples for modern

culture are earning a driver’sculture are earning a driver’s

license at age 16 or graduatinglicense at age 16 or graduating

from high school. Example forfrom high school. Example for

religions are marriagereligions are marriage

ceremonies, funerals, baptism,ceremonies, funerals, baptism,

Mitzvah, and confirmation. Mitzvah, and confirmation.

Ancestor VenerationAncestor Veneration Ancestor Veneration is the final common feature of Ancestor Veneration is the final common feature of basic religions. Many students of the origins of religion basic religions. Many students of the origins of religion believe that ancestor veneration began when some believe that ancestor veneration began when some prehistoric people dreamed of the deceased and prehistoric people dreamed of the deceased and thought that that the dead were not truly gone, but lived thought that that the dead were not truly gone, but lived in another form on another plane. The dead therefore in another form on another plane. The dead therefore could either help or hurt the living. It became important could either help or hurt the living. It became important to prevent the dead from returning and doing harm. So it to prevent the dead from returning and doing harm. So it became necessary to not speak the names of the dead became necessary to not speak the names of the dead and sometimes even burn their homes to discourage and sometimes even burn their homes to discourage their return. Since the dead could also help the living their return. Since the dead could also help the living great efforts were made to appease them. Their great efforts were made to appease them. Their possessions and sometimes even spouses and possessions and sometimes even spouses and servants were buried with them in elaborate tombs.servants were buried with them in elaborate tombs.

Ancestor Ancestor VenerationVeneration

In ancient Egypt elaborateIn ancient Egypt elaboratetombs were prepared for tombs were prepared for the Pharaohs that includedthe Pharaohs that includedareas about them for areas about them for servants and possessions. servants and possessions.

In ancient China graveIn ancient China gravemounds were rebuiltmounds were rebuiltannually and offerings ofannually and offerings offood, drink, flowers, andfood, drink, flowers, andBlankets were left toBlankets were left toappease and comfort theappease and comfort theDead.Dead.

Ancestor VenerationAncestor Veneration In modern cultures theIn modern cultures thefamily places flowers uponfamily places flowers uponthe grave. There are manythe grave. There are manymake shift memorials atmake shift memorials atthe site of tragic accidentsthe site of tragic accidentsor horrific crimes; theor horrific crimes; thestreet near where the Twinstreet near where the TwinTowers were in NYC isTowers were in NYC issuch a site. There are alsosuch a site. There are alsobeautiful memorials likebeautiful memorials likethe Vietnam Wall In DCthe Vietnam Wall In DCwhere people rememberwhere people rememberand honor the dead.and honor the dead.

Common Features of Common Features of Basic Religions The Basic Religions The

EndEnd