Elements of Religion and Alternative Paths - Essay Example

Elements of Religion and Alternative paths It would not be a mistake to suggest that religion plays an important role in the development of humanity. That is why any research of this peculiar notion sheds light on the true nature of the people. It is suggested that there are several elements that all the religions have in come. Indeed, they form some kind of a set of coordinates that might be used by a person to make an objective judgment about a particular spiritual practice. This paper will provide results of examination of my own religion belief against these elements as well as one of the so-called “new religions”, namely Wicca and Druidism. To begin with, one should point out that I consider myself to be a Christian. That is why I participate in some of the rituals that are characteristic to this religion. For example, I was baptized. In spite of the fact that I was too young to do make a conscious decision about it, at the present moment I consider this to be an important even in my life. I also go to services from time to time which means that I participate in rituals that were established by my religion. In addition to that, my religious belief manifests itself in a widely developed ethical system that allows me to find correct ways to behave in some of the most difficult situations. Indeed, whenever I am faced with a choice which involved many different aspects to consider, I judge the decision that I would like to make against ethical guidelines that are preached by my religion, determining if I will be able to comply with them in case I make a particular decision. I would like to note that there were many instances when my religion allowed me to choose the best option. Finally, it would not be a mistake to argue that community as well as the sense of it plays an important role in my religion. Thus, I primarily see the latter is a shared ground for different people to unite and work out a common understanding of the world that can hardly be explained in a one dimensional way. If one takes a close look at my religious belief, one will be able to see that some of elements of it outweigh other. For example, I put big emphasis on practical (ethical system) and social aspects (community), while the central myths that are promoted are not as important for me since I acknowledge that their major function is to create symbolic value. In other words, I am far more interested in elements that are able to help be on a daily basis, rather than some abstract notions that differ my religions beliefs for other. Now, it may be quite suitable to turn to the analysis of the “new religion”. The one that will be analyzed is called Wicca and Druidism. Speaking of the elements that can be identified in it, one should point out the rituals. Indeed, when it comes to understanding these spiritual systems, one can not overestimate the significance of rituals (Sabrina, 2001, 96). For example, Wiccan rituals involve feasting which engaged people in a large number of activities through which the religion knowledge is passed. As one can clearly see, the notion of community is also extremely important for Wicca and Druidism (Drew, 2003, 230). Just like any other religious system it may experience some opposition for the public; so, the gatherings of the adepts primarily serve to reinforce the position of it in the social environment. For example, if one would like to gain a true experience of Wicca, one would have to visit the above mentioned feasts since this would be the only way to see the religious belief in question being practiced so explicitly. Finally, the material expression of religion is also quite important, especially when it comes to practicing one that has been a subject of criticism from the point of view of the religion that is dominant in the social environment. Thus, followers of Wicca may identify themselves as such through wearing pendants with a pentagram or using Scandinavian runes (Cunningham, 1993, 118). In this case the pendant serves a role that is similar to the cross that Christians wear. It must be noted that followers of Wicca often engage other folk symbols at their own discretion. As one can easily see, some of the elements of a religion weight more than others in case of Wicca and Druidism, namely the community, which can be easily understood by the fact that Christianity is thought to dominate the spiritual life of the West; so, people who willingly choose to practice a different religion may feel strong opposition from the public. As a result, being a part of a community provides them with a safe place to articulate their belief and satisfy their spiritual needs. That is why the majority of the so called “new religions” are oriented at building a community bound. Nevertheless, one should also point out that some of the elements that are characteristic to religions are not fully present. It is obvious that one can not say that they are totally absent; however, the approach towards them is different if compared to the traditional religions. For example, in Wicca and Druidism, the idea of sacred has been re-evaluated. For Christians, there are certain sacred places in the world that are being associated with the earthly life of Jesus Christ. Contrary to that, Wiccans argues that there may not be anything more sacred than nature, so any tree or forest might become sacred for them. Having examined all the evidence, one might come to a logical conclusion: different religion systems, no matter whether they are widely spread or have emerged recently share some elements. However, the value that is attributed to these elements may be different as this is largely conditioned by the circumstanced in which these religions are developed and practiced by the people who adopted their moral guidelines. References Cunningham, S. (1993). Living Wicca: A further guide for the solitary practitioner. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications. Drew, A. (2003). A Wiccan Bible exploring the mysteries of the craft from birth to summerland. Franklin Lakes, N.J.: New Page Books. Sabrina, L. (2001). Exploring Wicca the beliefs, rites, and rituals of the Wiccan religion. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books. Read More