Religion as one of the forms of culture. "Religion as a Form of Culture"

Religion is one of the most ancient forms of culture, having a huge impact on all other forms of culture. Religion (from lat. religare - bind) - a person's desire for life in unity with supernatural forces (God, the Absolute), embodying the highest perfection, power and meaning of being.

Religion is based on faith, expressed in worldview, attitude, cult (worship of a deity) and in various forms associations of believers (church, community, etc.).

There are various prerequisites (roots) of religion:

· epistemological, associated with the limited cognitive capabilities of a person, his inability to explain any facts and phenomena of reality;

psychological, related to the psychological conditions of human existence (psychological problems, fear, anxiety);

socio-cultural, related to the social conditions of people's lives (for example, the ruling classes are interested in the religiosity of the lower classes, as this helps them defend their interests);

Anthropological, determined by the characteristics of man as a special, unique natural being (for example, a person's desire for the transcendent).

Functions of religion:

¨ mideological function: any religion expresses a certain view of the world, man, society; answers the "ultimate" questions of human existence; the problems it solves are ideological, meaningful;

¨ toaboutmpenator function: religion compensates for the limitations, dependence, impotence of people. In psychological terms, compensation is consolation, hope and pleasure, stress relief;

¨ toaboutmmatnative function realized in communication a) believers with each other; b) believers with God, angels, souls of the dead, saints, etc.;

¨ ReGstITive function: through certain ideas, values,

attitudes, norms, religion affects the behavior of people, groups, communities;

¨ integrating-disintegrating function: Religion unites people who adhere to the same faith, creating single system values; but it also divides people who hold different religious views;

¨ tostbTatRbut-translating function: religion contributed to the development of writing, printing, art, and therefore contributed to the accumulation and transmission of cultural heritage from generation to generation;

¨ leGimitating-delegitimizing function: religion gives the status of legitimacy to institutions, norms, models, or, conversely, asserts their illegality.

Typologies of religions

Depending on people's ideas about God, religions are divided into:

1) monotheistic (belief in one God);

2) polytheistic (pagan religions, Eastern cults - belief in many gods);

3) philosophical teachings transformed into religion (Buddhism,

Confucianism).

In terms of prevalence:

1) world religions (Islam, Buddhism, Christianity);

2) local, national religions (characteristic of one people or region - Judaism, Shintoism, Taoism).

National, local religions are religions that have not gone beyond the boundaries of one country or region.

Hinduism is a historical and cultural tradition of the peoples of India. There are now more than 750 million followers of Hinduism.

The religious ideas of the Indians became more complex over time, from simple anthropomorphic ones they evolved to more abstract views. So

the religious and philosophical system of Brahminism was formed. Its origin is attributed to the X-VII centuries. BC. What does the religious-philosophical system of Brahmanism include? According to Sankhya, there are two actively intertwined principles - prakriti (matter and energy) and purusha (here, unlike the first man of the Rigveda, it is a spiritual principle). The relationship of purusha and prakriti is the root cause of the emergence and existence of the entire phenomenal world.

Doasism. The formation of Taoism in China dates back to the beginning of the Han era (VI century BC), its development and strengthening went in parallel with the spread of Confucianism. Do-Asism and Confucianism constituted two interrelated religious and philosophical trends in the spiritual life of Chinese society. Lao Tzu is recognized as the founder of the philosophical and religious doctrine of Doasism. Researchers suggest that this is a mythological person. This teaching is based on the categories of Tao and Te, fundamental for all classical Chinese thought. Tao (literally - the way) is the Great Law and the Absolute at the same time. Taoists usually speak of two Daos. "Nameless Tao" gives rise to the universe,

"Named Tao" creates concrete things. Tao is inextricably linked with Te (grace). Te is an emanation (outflow) of Tao. It can be said that Tao and Te are correlated as generative and generated principles. "Tao gives birth to things, Te nourishes them, educates them, matures them, cares for them." ("Tao Te Ching", No. 51).

Confucianism is the basis of the spiritual and religious life of China. It originated in the VI century. BC. The combination of religiosity and rationalism in Confucianism allowed this denomination to play the role of a spiritual and ideological regulator of public life in China. The creator of this doctrine is Confucius. In Confucianism, an important place is occupied by the cult of ancestors. The idea of ​​honoring the traditions that developed in antiquity runs like a red thread. In this case, they act in the form of a ritual, a kind of canonical set of rules of conduct.

Shintoism. Shinto (literally - the way of the gods) is the national religion of the Japanese people. Already in the I-III centuries. AD In Japan, there were objects of worship and rituals characteristic of Shinto. Shintoism is tolerant of other religions, fully allowing the worship of both "one's own" and other gods at the same time. In practice, the purpose and meaning of Shinto is to assert the identity ancient history Japan and the divine origin of the Japanese people. Shinto contains the idea of ​​the blood unity of the Japanese and the idea of ​​the divinity of political power, which united the people into one family, a single state.

Judaism is the first monotheistic religion. Judaism is sometimes called the religion of Moses, after the spiritual and political leader of the Jews. In the religious consciousness of the Jews, Yahweh takes on the image of the Creator of the world, the bearer of all things and

the patron saint of the Jews - the "chosen people". Torah and Talmud - "holy books"

World religions - these religions have gone beyond one country and covered many countries.

Buddhism is a world religion. It arose in the VI century. BC. The founder of this teaching is Buddha Gautama. Philosophical foundations of Buddhism: there is no idea of ​​God - the creator of the universe and the provider of world events. Real things and events are considered in Buddhism to be a manifestation of a huge number of dharmas - peculiar elements of the psychophysical world. In Buddhism, there are five initial requirements: do not kill any living being, do not take someone else's, do not lie, do not commit adultery, do not drink intoxicating drinks.

Christianity is a world religion, originated among the Jews in the 1st century BC. AD The founder of Christianity is Jesus Christ. There are three denominations in Christianity: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism.

1. Orthodoxy. In the interpretation of the dogma of the Trinity, the focus is on God the Father, and only from him is the procession of the Holy Spirit recognized. The traditions of the seven sacraments are observed. The main rituals of the cult: prayers, the sign of the cross, the baring of the head in front of the icon, kneeling, listening to teachings, participation in the service. The main holiday of Orthodoxy is Easter.

2. Catholicism (translated from gr. - ecumenical). The dogma of Catholicism, in many respects close to Orthodoxy, has some peculiarities. In Catholicism, a peculiar understanding of the Trinity was established: the procession of the Holy Spirit is recognized not only from God the Father, but also from God the Son (“filioque”). Hence the increased attention to the human way of Jesus, the main holiday is Christmas, the main symbol is the crucifixion. Such an understanding of the triune essence of God laid in Catholicism a huge humanistic potential, which is manifested, in particular, in the sublime veneration of the Virgin Mary.

3. Protestantism. In the XVI century. Europe was swept by the Reformation - a movement to transform the church in the spirit of evangelical ideals. Protestantism orients a person towards personal communion with God. Hence the right of every person to read and discuss the Bible. The main worship services are Bible reading, preaching, individual and collective prayers, singing of religious hymns. Rejected the cult of the Virgin, saints, icons and relics.

Islam is a world religion. Translated from Arabic, "Islam" means obedience. Islam originated in the 7th century. AD The merchant Mohammed is the founder of Islam. The Quran and Sunnah are the "holy books" of Muslims. Islam recognizes five religious rules of faith: ash - shahada - confession of faith; as - salad (prayer) - prayer; as - saum

Fast; az - zakat - a tax in favor of the poor; hajj - pilgrimage.

Poll 1. What is science? 2. 3 meanings of science. 3. Features science as a system of knowledge 4. For scientists, an important ethical problem is associated with 1) the use of scientific discoveries in education 2) the use scientific achievements in business 3) using scientific achievements for inhumane purposes

Survey 1. Science as a field of activity of scientists engaged in scientific research 2. The term technopark means 1) an entertainment center using the latest achievements 2) collections of scientific papers 3) modern research and production associations 4) commercial organizations selling patents for scientific discoveries 3. Features of science as a system of organizations and institutions

Answer the test question. Are the judgments about modern science correct: A) Modern society requires the development of technical ideas from science B) modern science develops only in connection with the development of technology 1) Only A is true; 2) only B is true; 3) A and B are correct; 4) both judgments are wrong.

Increasing role of modern science (72-74, question 5) What are the functions of science? 1. Cultural and ideological - forms a worldview, scientific ideas are part of general education, culture 2. Cognitive and explanatory - science becomes a factor in the production process, the development of technology is increasingly dependent on the success of scientific research 3. Prognostic - science data are used to develop plans and programs social and economic development, to manage cultural processes

The concept of religion (r.t.assignment 1) 1. What is religion - a set of spiritual ideas based on the belief in the existence of God, gods, supernatural forces, as well as the corresponding behavior and specific actions approach to defining the meaning of the concept of religion: Relegere – “treat with special respect” Religare – “to bind, connect” What features of the concept of religion affect each of the approaches?

Features of religious faith (textbook 76-77) 1. What is faith? Faith is a personal, emotional attitude of a person to some information that he is ready to recognize as true (or false) without evidence and justification (communication, knowledge). 2. What is characteristic of religious consciousness (RT, task 2).

Features of religious faith (76-77). 1) conviction in the existence of supernatural forces 2) conviction in the impact of supernatural forces on a person’s life and society as a whole, a person experiences love, fear 3) conviction in the possibility of a person’s contact with supernatural forces Rite - actions, each element of which is filled with a deep religious meaning Prayer - direct verbal appeal of a person to God

The role of religion in the life of society (77-78). The functions of religion and their essence 1. Regulatory - regulates the behavior of people in society, believers must follow certain rules, perform religious actions 2 Educational - encourages the development of certain positive qualities 3. Worldview - gives an answer to eternal human questions: how did the Earth arise? 4. Psychological (compensatory)

The functions of religion and their essence 4. Psychological (compensatory) - relieves a person’s difficult psychological state 5. Communicative - can save a person from loneliness, expand his social circle 6. Integrative - religion, religious leaders united society to solve some significant problem

Religious organizations and associations. Their signs. 1. Church - unites followers of any creed 1. A clear division of believers into clergy and laity 2. Church hierarchy 3. The presence of religious leaders 4. Development of a system of immutable foundations of dogma (dogmas), rituals.

Religious organizations. Their signs. 2. Sect - arises as a result of separation from the church of part of the laity and clergy, opposing the rest of the believers 1. Limited numbers, the division into laity and clergy is eliminated 2. The idea of ​​​​equality of all members of the organization 3. Claim for the exclusivity of religious attitudes, intolerance of dissent 4. Rigid control over the lives of their adherents, depriving them of the opportunity to dispose of property.

Freedom of conscience, freedom of religion (80-81) 1. Freedom of conscience - the right of the individual to form and defend their convictions, life principles. 2. Freedom of religion - the exclusive right of a person's free religious choice, which religion to profess or to abandon religion altogether, standing on the position of atheism.

How is the principle of freedom of conscience implemented in our country? (80-81) 1. Equality of citizens, regardless of their attitude to religion 2. The state guarantees all believers the opportunity to freely practice their worship 3. The church is separated from the state, religious organizations should not interfere in government issues 4. Equal access for representatives of all religions and atheists to receive a basic secondary, vocational education.

Answer the test question Are the judgments about freedom of conscience correct: A) freedom of conscience is a person's right to independence of spiritual life B) the right to freedom of conscience is enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation? 1) Only A is true; 2) only B is true; 3) A and B are correct; 4) both judgments are wrong.

Religion as one of the forms of culture Subject: social studies, Grade 8. Lesson type: lesson of studying and primary consolidation of new knowledge Aims and objectives of the lesson:  To generalize and systematize the knowledge about religion obtained earlier in other subjects.  According to age cognitive opportunities students to reveal the functions of religion.  Describe the main types of religious organizations (church, sect, etc.).   Explain to students the content of articles 14, 28 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. To promote the education of schoolchildren of such qualities as respect, tolerance, tolerance. Equipment:  Multimedia equipment (computer, projector, screen);  Presentation on the topics: “Religion as one of the forms of culture”  Textbooks “Social science”, grade 8, under. Ed. L.N. Bogolyubova, 2015. Lesson plan (main questions for learning new material):  What is religion (updating knowledge).  Features of religious faith.    The role of religion in the life of society. Religious organizations and associations. Freedom of conscience, freedom of religion. Answering the questions at the beginning of the paragraph (the heading "Remember"), we update knowledge about religion, about the history of its occurrence. Lesson progress What is religion?   a set of spiritual ideas based on the belief in the existence of God or gods, supernatural forces, as well as appropriate behavior and specific actions (see dictionary); a certain system of views, due to belief in the supernatural, which includes a set of moral norms and types of behavior, rituals, religious actions and the unification of people in organizations (church, religious community). When did the first religions appear? The origin of religion took place many centuries ago (about 40 thousand years ago, early religious ideas arose). Scientists believe that in this way people tried to explain to themselves how and why they were born, what their purpose was, etc. Ancient people tried to appease the mysterious forces, "to conjure luck." They tried with the help of various rituals (songs, dances, drawings, ritual actions) to influence nature. Magic, witchcraft, belief in good and evil spirits among primitive people testify to the emergence of religious beliefs, the beginnings of religion. Which modern religions have the largest number of believers?

The largest (in terms of the number of followers) religion in the world is Christianity; throughout the 20th century, the share of Christians in the total population of the Earth practically did not change, remaining equal to 3334%. Islam is considered the second world religion (23% of the world's population). The number of unbelievers and atheists is highly debatable and is estimated by various studies at 1116% of the world's population. A significant proportion of the world's population are Hindus (14-15%), Buddhists (7%) and supporters of traditional beliefs. Peculiarities of Religious Faith Answering the questions of the “Let's Think” section (Why does a person believe in the influence of supernatural forces on his life and the development of society? Why does the active development of science and the dissemination of scientific knowledge not reduce the number of believers?), we reveal the features of religious consciousness. Working with concepts. Analysis of religious faith. Faith is a personal, emotional attitude of a person to some information that he is ready to recognize as true (or false) without evidence or justification. Religious faith is confidence in the real existence of supernatural beings, special qualities in individual objects. Religious faith is certain experiences, feelings of a person (for example, love, reverence, fear) manifested in relation to God (or other supernatural forces). The role of religion in the life of society We systematize and enrich with theoretical knowledge the personal social experience of students. Working with paragraph text (p. 9798). We define the functions of religion.   Regulates people's behavior (regulating); Educates a person (educational);  Gives an answer to eternal human questions (worldview);   Removes the severe psychological state of a person (psychological / compensatory); Able to save a person from loneliness (communicative);

 Unites society or generates enmity (integrative). Religious organizations and associations    church; sects; organizations built around a vibrant religious leader. ! Pay attention to the differences between sects and the church. Freedom of conscience, freedom of religion Work with the concepts and materials of the Constitution of the Russian Federation. Conscience is the most important internal controller of human behavior, evaluating our actions from the standpoint of the ideas of good and evil accepted in society. Freedom of conscience is the right of every person to some independence of his spiritual life from society and the state. Freedom of religion - the right to independently choose which religion to profess, or to abandon religion altogether, taking the position of atheism. Atheism is a system of views and beliefs that denies the existence of God, any supernatural forces. Article 14 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation 1. The Russian Federation is a secular state. No religion can be established as a state or obligatory one. 2. Religious associations are separated from the state and are equal before the law. Article 28 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation Everyone is guaranteed freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, including the right to profess individually or jointly with others any religion or not to profess any, freely choose, have and disseminate religious and other beliefs and act in accordance with them. We conclude:   everyone in our society is free to decide which religion to profess or be an atheist; we must respect everyone's choice. Summing up the lesson and consolidating the knowledge gained. Filling in the table for correlating terms and their definitions. The term Faith The definition of the right of every person to some independence of his spiritual life from society and the state Freedom of conscience is confidence in the real existence of supernatural beings, special qualities in individual objects Atheism is a set of spiritual ideas based on the belief in the existence of God or gods, supernatural forces, as well as appropriate behavior and specific actions Religion is a personal, emotional attitude of a person to some information that he is ready to recognize as true (or false) without evidence and justification

Religious faith a system of views and beliefs that denies the existence of God, any supernatural forces Reflection Each student chooses 12 sentences and completes them orally or in writing in a notebook: that… I learned… I was able… it was interesting to know what… surprised me… I wanted to… etc. Information about homework  Item 12, questions after the paragraph on page 101;  individual tasks: o Pg. 101 questions 4 “In class and at home” (separate sheet); o Page 103 question 5 “Questions for repetition” (oral) Material used 1. Baranov P.A. Social Studies. Full express tutor. - Moscow: Astrel, 2013. 2. Social science. Grade 8: textbook. for general education organizations, ed. L.N. Bogolyubova, M. : Education, 2015. 3. Social science. Lesson developments. Grade 8: textbook. allowance for general education. Organizations / L.N. Bogolyubov, N.I. Gorodetskaya, L.F. Ivanova and others - M .: Education, 2016.

Detailed solution Paragraph § 12 on social science for students of grade 8, authors Bogolyubov L. N., Gorodetskaya N. I., Ivanova L. F. 2016

Question 1. What is religion? When did the first religions appear? Which modern religions have the largest number of believers?

Religion is a special form of understanding the world, due to belief in the supernatural, which includes a set of moral norms and types of behavior, rituals, religious actions and the unification of people in organizations (church, religious community).

Religions appeared in the form of various beliefs (which at that time did not have a clear organization similar to the modern one) almost simultaneously with the appearance of mankind.

According to the current knowledge of the Paleolithic period, at least towards the end of this era, ancient people developed what we might call religion or spiritual relationships. This is indicated by their ritual burial customs and rock paintings in caves that they had by that time. People probably believed that the natural world was inhabited by gods or deities, or even that various objects and places, such as rocks or groves, were themselves alive. Religious beliefs and practices - as we might imagine them - have shaped the social structure, as it were, linking communities together and making them more efficient.

Under world religions it is customary to understand Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. In order for a religion to be considered global, it must have a significant number of followers around the world and, at the same time, must not be associated with any national or state community. In addition, when considering religion as a world religion, its influence on the course of history and the scale of distribution is taken into account.

Question 2. Why does a person believe in the influence of supernatural forces on his life and the development of society? Why does the active development of science and the dissemination of scientific knowledge not reduce the number of believers?

A person must believe in something, without faith his life will be empty, devoid of hope, meaning, confidence in the future, etc. When a person has some kind of seemingly hopeless situation, and there is absolutely no one to turn to, he turns to God, i.e. to supernatural forces, sincerely asks, and help comes, it would seem, from nowhere. So how can you not believe in miracles after that? Naturally, we believe that someone from above sees everything and controls us. For evil deeds, a person is punished, for good deeds, a person is rewarded. The law of balance works, in my opinion, this is fair.

Because, although science is strong, it cannot explain many things. There are cases that you can’t call other than miracles, they contradict all laws, all known truths. That is why the number of believers does not decrease and will never decrease.

Question 3. Why, according to the philosopher, evidence of the existence of God cannot be reliable? How do you understand the idea of ​​gradual development of religious experience and religious thinking?

All this evidence cannot give unconditional reliability. Like existence outside world, so the existence of the Divine principle for reason is only probabilities or conditional truths, they can be affirmed only by faith.

Question 4. What is religion?

Religion is a special form of understanding the world, due to belief in the supernatural, which includes a set of moral norms and types of behavior, rituals, cult actions and the unification of people in organizations.

Other definitions of religion:

The doctrine of the reunion of man with God.

One of the forms of social consciousness; a set of spiritual ideas based on belief in supernatural forces and beings (deities, spirits) that are the subject of worship.

Organized worship of higher powers.

Spiritual formation, a special type of a person's attitude to the world and himself, due to ideas about other being as a reality dominating in relation to everyday existence.

The belief in the existence of some invisible order and that the highest good is to harmoniously fit into this order.

Question 5. What is characteristic of religious faith?

Any religion assumes the existence of a mysterious connection between man and God (or other supernatural forces), the worship of these forces, the possibility of human interaction with them.

Religious faith is always associated with the belief in the presence of some supernatural forces that influence in one way or another the fate of a person, the life of society. The supernatural, according to religious people, does not obey the laws of the surrounding world, but it does not belong to the realm of fantasy.

Religious faith is also certain experiences, feelings of a person, manifested in relation to God (or other supernatural forces).

A religious person is convinced of the reality of contact with God, that God in one way or another affects the fate of individuals and entire nations, and that a believer has channels of communication with him, for example, by saying a prayer or making a sacrifice. The believer believes that God imposes certain requirements on his behavior and can call to account for their failure, although most religions allow the possibility of establishing a good relationship between man and God and a chance for a person to propitiate a deity. To do this, a person performs certain actions - rituals, each element of which is filled with deep religious meaning and reflects the fundamental ideas of religion. The pinnacle of ritual actions is prayer - the direct verbal appeal of a person to God.

Question 6. What is the significance of religion in society?

Religion performs a number of significant social functions.

It regulates the behavior of people in society. First, believers must observe certain rules, perform established religious activities. Secondly, religion combines the moral experience of generations of people and creates certain general principles coexistence in society.

Religion not only imposes requirements on human behavior, but also encourages him to develop certain positive qualities, such as kindness, mercy, moderation.

Religion is not only the rules of behavior, but also a certain view of the world, the essence of man and his place in the world.

Removes the difficult psychological state of a person, allows him to feel relief, an influx of strength. Of course, religion is not able to solve many real problems of a person (illnesses, financial difficulties, family troubles), but it is able to change the attitude of a person to these problems, give him new guidelines and life incentives.

Religion is also able to save a person from loneliness, to expand the circle of his communication. A person interacts with other believers within a religious community, he can find himself.

Question 7. List and briefly describe the main types of religious organizations.

Religious organizations include the church, sects and organizations built around a prominent religious leader.

The church unites the followers of any religious creed, jointly conducting divine services. It is characterized by a clear division of believers into clergy (clergy) and laity (ordinary believers), and the clergy themselves occupy an unequal position in the church hierarchy. Most churches have official religious leaders, such as the Pope for catholic church, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia for Russian Orthodox Church. Many churches have a certain territorial structure, for example, in a number of Christian churches, dioceses have been allocated, headed by archbishops and bishops. Any church develops a system of immutable foundations of doctrine and rituals.

A sect usually arises as a result of the separation from the church of a part of the laity and clergy, who oppose themselves to the rest of the believers. The number of members of the sect, as a rule, is limited, and the division into laity and clergy is eliminated, the ideas of equality of all members of the organization are proclaimed. An important feature of the sect is the claim to the exclusivity of its religious attitudes, the conviction of the "chosenness of God" and absolute intolerance of dissent. Sectarians seek to isolate themselves from other religious organizations, to leave worldly life. In addition, sects quite tightly control the lives of their adherents, sometimes depriving them of the opportunity to dispose of their property, act freely, think, communicate, and create.

Religious organizations of the sectarian type can be built around a prominent religious figure. The head of such an organization proclaims himself and is recognized by its participants as God (a new incarnation of God) or a representative of God (some supernatural power) and the bearer of absolute truth. It is the head of the organization that is the most important object of religious worship of its members.

Question 8. What is the principle of freedom of conscience? How is it implemented in our country?

Freedom of conscience is usually understood as the right of a person to independently form his own convictions and express them openly, without prejudice to the freedom of other people and society as a whole. These beliefs can relate to various areas of human life: religion, attitudes towards people, work, creativity, the state. We can say that freedom of conscience is the right of every person to some independence of his spiritual life from society and the state.

IN Russian Federation There are representatives of many of the most widespread religions in the world. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and other religions are an integral part of the historical heritage of the peoples of Russia.

The Constitution of the Russian Federation in accordance with the norms international law guarantees the implementation in our country of the principle of freedom of conscience, freedom of religion. All religions on the territory of our country are equal, there is no state, official religion. The state guarantees all believers the opportunity to freely practice their worship. Young people who are liable for military service (i.e. subject to military conscription) can perform alternative civilian service if military service is contrary to their religious beliefs.

In modern Russia, the church is separated from the state, that is, the state does not interfere in the internal life of religious organizations, does not finance their activities, and does not promote some of them. Religious organizations, in turn, should not interfere in matters of state administration.

Russian legislation provides equal access for representatives of all religions and atheists to basic, secondary and vocational education. In addition, it is prohibited to promote any religion or atheism in mandatory classes in public educational institutions.

Question 9. Compose short message about the main ideas and symbols of the most widespread religions in your region.

Christianity is an Abrahamic world religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament. Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. Christians do not doubt the historicity of Jesus Christ.

Christianity is the largest world religion both in terms of the number of adherents, which are about 2.3 billion, and in terms of geographical distribution - in every country in the world there is at least one Christian community.

The largest currents in Christianity are Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Protestantism. In 1054, the Christian Church split into Western (Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox).

Christianity arose in the 1st century in Palestine, which at that time was under the rule of the Roman Empire.

Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic world religion. The word "Islam" is translated as "giving oneself to God", "submission", "submission" (to the laws of Allah). In Sharia terminology, Islam is complete, absolute monotheism, submission to Allah, His orders and prohibitions; removal from polytheism and giving partners to Allah.

Islam originated in the 7th century in the sermons of Muhammad, who is a prophet for Muslims. According to the teachings of Islam, the prophets and messengers, including those previously sent by Musa (Moses) and Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus Christ), went to different peoples to instruct peoples on the path to monotheism, however, over time, people began to fall into error, and some began to distort the faith by introducing their own views into the scriptures.

Adherents of Islam are called Muslims. The language of worship is classical Arabic. In the world at the moment there are, according to various estimates, from about 1.2 to 1.57 billion Muslims.

Question 10. Imagine that your friend asked you for advice on the choice of religion. What arguments could you give to justify caution in this matter? What elements of religions would you advise to pay special attention to?

Everyone can find a religion to their taste. If you advise something, you must be aware of the customs, use the character of a friend, his outlook on life in choosing, because each religion has its own philosophy. You need to pay attention to the people professing this religion, to bring out the common features of these people. After all, if he/she follows this religion, sooner or later he will acquire these qualities.

Question 11. Visitors to one of the Internet sites were discussing an article by a journalist that religion, with its miracles and supernatural powers, is leading young people away from studying physics, biology and other natural sciences. Express and justify your attitude to the journalist's opinion.

The state and society should be interested in educating not religious, but deeply and comprehensively educated citizens who own modern scientific knowledge and technologies, active, creatively oriented individuals with a purposeful will, a consciousness of personal civic responsibility for what is happening in the country, capable of providing social, spiritual and the economic progress of the nation.

Question 12. The writer V. Nabokov said: “It is not guided tours that come to God, but lonely travelers.” How do you understand these words?

Everyone comes to faith on their own, having come a long way before that. No one ever leads someone by the hand to decisions, we ourselves make a moral choice.

The reasons for the emergence and features of the functioning of religion in

society. The role of religion in modern world. Religion and Morality. Religion and science. Variety of religions. world religions.

Religion(Latin religae - to bind) - it is a system of teachings, beliefs and cult actions associated with the unity of a person with a supernatural and sacred being called God or the Absolute, the Creator of everything that exists on Earth and controls the thoughts and actions of people.

The essence of religion is Faith in God. And as the Gospel says: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the certainty of things not seen" . She realizes herself:

- in a cult (veneration of the deity by a system of established rituals and ceremonies);

- in associations of believers (church, religious community);

- in the worldview, worldview of believers.

The origin of religion is connected with the dependence of man on the natural forces surrounding him, with the impossibility of ancient man to rationally subdue and take control of the conditions of his existence. Since the creation of human society, religion has been a kind of means of protecting people from the elements, in many ways contributing to the processes of knowledge and awareness of society.

The role of religion in society is characterized by the presence of functions , among which are:

- ideological , which creates a religious picture of the world and explains nature, society and man from the point of view of religious understanding. The religious worldview forms the purpose and meaning of their existence among believers;

- compensatory , relieving social and mental stress, helping a person overcome the state of impotence, weakness, suffering, illness. Thus, the disunity of people is replaced by brotherhood in Christ in the community, and the actual impotence of man is compensated by the omnipotence of God;

- educational preaching high moral values ​​and norms and calling a person to worthy behavior. As a normative system, religion in a certain way organizes the thoughts and actions of people and thereby regulates their behavior in society;

- communicative , contributing to the rapprochement and communication of believers both among themselves and with God and with clergymen.

Religious culture is an integral part of the general culture, formed from the religious needs of people and designed to satisfy them. Religious culture includes:

Religious morality;

Religious philosophy;

Religious art;

Religious educational and educational institutions (seminaries, Sunday schools, libraries, etc.).

At the end of the 20th century, the positions of religion and the church in the world were significantly strengthened. This is due to the social upheavals (revolutions, world and regional wars, acts of brutal terrorism, the consequences of the scientific and technological revolution, ill-conceived reforms, etc.) that humanity has endured, revealing at the same time all the fragility of its existence. People tired of social disasters are looking for peace of mind in God , in the church, in religious faith. And religion helps a person to find:

Peace of mind and independence from external circumstances;

The inner fullness of one's own life.

However, in modern religious activity there is a significant share of fanaticism and extremism, rejection of dissidents and believers. All this does not at all contribute to the consolidation of people, but, on the contrary, stimulates their aggressiveness, pushing them to disunity and confrontation (for example, the activities of Islamic fundamentalists).

Religion is inextricably linked with morality embodied in the values ​​and norms that govern human life. Faith inspires to serve the Good, which lies beyond the limits of practical calculation and immediate expediency, gives a person strength for this service. It is in religious thought that the thesis about the moral significance of every human person, about the universal nature of moral and ethical values, is persistently repeated. In addition, both in religion and in morality, the emotional-sensual sphere of people occupies a significant place.

The historical relationship between religion and science were very contradictory. If science in its comprehension of the world focuses on reason and rational knowledge, then religion tries to explain the world based on intuition, sensory knowledge and faith. At the same time, faith and reason are not mutually exclusive ways of knowing. On the contrary, uniting in a person, they become the basis of his spiritual life and contribute, in the full sense of the word, to the cultural development of mankind.

Religion exists in many forms. The most famous original forms of religion were:

- totemism (English, totem from the language of the Indians meaning "his family") - the worship of a clan, tribe - an animal, plant, object or natural phenomenon, which is considered its ancestor;

- animism (Latin anima - soul) - belief in the existence of spirits, in the presence of an independent soul in people, animals, plants;

- fetishism (French fetiche - amulet) - belief in the supernatural properties of special objects;

- magic(Greek mageia - magic) - belief in the effectiveness of special rites on the surrounding reality in order to change it (it can be love, harmful, agricultural, etc.).

In addition to the preservation of early religious forms today, they profess national religions:

- Judaism (religion widespread among the Jews; arose at the end of the 2nd millennium BC);

- Hinduism (religion most significant in modern India; originated in the 5th century AD);

- Confucianism (one of the religions of China, developed in the 5th century BC);

- Shintoism (medieval religion of the Japanese; from 1868 - to 1945 - the state religion of Japan), etc.

National religions are largely associated with a certain people, ethnic group, nation. The reasons for this kind of national isolation can be geopolitical conditions, a pronounced ethnic identity of culture.

Among the variety of religions, there are fundamental, called world ones. There are in the world three world religions : Buddhism, Christianity, Islam.

Buddhism- the earliest world religion in time of creation (includes two main areas: Hinayana and Mahayana). Buddhism originated in the 6th century. BC e. in India and is named after its legendary founder, Prince Siddhartha Gautama (623-544 BC) , later named Buddha(enlightened). According to Buddhism, everything in the world is impermanent, transient, and therefore full of sorrow and dissatisfaction. The central idea of ​​this religion is the doctrine of the four noble truths :

- the truth of suffering , existing throughout life;

- the truth about the causes of suffering that occur due to the selfish desires of a person;

- the truth of freedom from suffering , which consists in liberation from desires, one's own "I" and life itself;

- truth is the only way to end suffering is the noble eightfold path, consisting of eight stages-steps.

Having traveled this path, a person reaches nirvana (Sanskrit - fading, cooling) - that is, complete detachment from the outside world, the absence of any desires. One of the most important precepts of Buddhism is principle of non-violence , love and mercy to all living beings: people and animals. The main Buddhist ritual is meditation replacing prayer. Meditating, a person moves away from the outside world, concentrates and plunges into his Self and connects with the spiritual world.

Christianity arose in the 1st century. in Palestine. Considered the founder of Christianity Jesus Christ who was martyred for the happiness of mankind. The foundations of the Christian faith are found in the Bible. The main ones are:

The concept of the sinfulness of man as the cause of all his misfortunes;

The idea of ​​atonement for sins through courage, a strict life (austerity), an example here is Jesus Christ, who atoned for the ancient "original" sin of mankind by his death on the cross;

Teaching about the deliverance of a person from sins through prayer and repentance;

Belief in the afterlife reward of the human soul (the righteous will go to Paradise, the sinner - to Hell);

The idea of ​​human life as patient, humble, forgiving, etc.

In the XI century, Christianity split into two independent directions: Orthodoxy and Catholicism . In the 16th century, a broad anti-Catholic movement in Europe - Reformation - contributes to the emergence of the third main direction of Christianity - Protestantism . In turn, each denomination has different directions, currents, sects.

Islam, Muslim(Arabic - humility) - the third world religion, (has two main directions: Sunnism and Shiism), arose in the 7th century in Arabia. Considered the founder of Islam Muhammad , which, according to legend Allah (God) has chosen as his prophet. The teachings of Islam are set out in Koran . There are five main tenets here:

Monotheism (there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet);

Pray (pray) five times a day;

Observe fasting (uraza);

Make a Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca at least once in your life;

Giving alms (zakat).

Islam transfers the search for human happiness to heaven and reinforces the inseparability of spiritual and secular power, politics and the state.

The emergence of world religions is the result of a long development of economic, political and cultural ties between different countries and peoples. Despite the difference in the systems of explanation of the world, all world religions offer believers practically common code of conduct for all , which can basically be reduced to the Ten Commandments of Moses.

The world religions had much in common, which allowed them to step over national borders and spread quite widely throughout the globe.