Religion knows neither frontiers nor geographical barriers with the exception of tribal religions which, though differing from one another in form and ritual, all seek to explain the mystery of life by insisting that nature is animated by spirits, most religions have, for one reason or another, spread beyond the lands of their origin.
Religion has been defined differently by various scholars. In the 18th century, Friedrich Schleiermacher defined religion as “feeling of absolute dependence”—absolute as contrasted to other, relative feelings of dependence.
William James called religion as “the enthusiastic temper of exposal”. Such definition appears to be more usually applicable to primitive Asian religions than belief-oriented ones.
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Otto defines the essence of religious awareness as awe, a unique blend of fear and fascination before the divine.
The main characteristics of religious life are:
(i) Traditionalism,
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(ii) Myth and symbol,
(iii) Concept of salvation,
(iv) Sacred places and objects,
(v) Sacred actions (rituals),
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(vi) Sacred writings,
(vii) The sacred community (monastic order), and
(viii) The sacred experience.
Religion, like language, is a symbol of group identity and a cultural rallying point. All societies have value systems—common beliefs, understandings, expectations, and controls—that unite their members, and set them off from other different cultural groups.
Such a value system is termed as a religion when it involves system of formal or informal worship and faith in the sacred and divine.
A religion may involve prescribed patterns enunciated in the ancient book of Manu. Ethics of conduct and human relations rather than religious rituals are central to the Confucian tradition of China, while the Sikh Khalsa, or holy community, is defined by various rules of observance, such as prohibiting the cutting of one’s hair.
The non-religious values like Marxism also affect the man and environment relationship. The Russian political ideologies (communism), for example, have a quasi-religious role. They have many of the elements of a religion, including a set of beliefs, ethical standards, revered leaders, an organization and a body of literature akin to Holy Scriptures.
In addition, the adherents of communism may display an almost religious zeal and-fervor in their desire to proselytize (convert non-believers) and to root out heretical and orthodox beliefs and practices. Even the societies that are officially atheistic, however, are strongly influenced by traditional values and customs set by predecessor religions in days of work and rest.
Thus, beliefs mould the mode of life of people, their exploitation and management of resources, consumer behaviour and their interaction with natural environment.
The food habits, clothing, shelter and higher needs of peoples are also closely influenced by religious beliefs.
For example, religious restrictions on food and drink may affect the kinds of animals that are raised or avoided, the crops that are grown, and the importance of those crops, cattle and animal in the daily diet.
The occupational assignment in the Hindu caste system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Sudras) is religiously supported. In many countries, there is a state religion, i.e., religion and political structures are intertwined. Buddhism, for example, has been the state religion in Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand.
By their official names, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran proclaim their identity of religion and government behaviour, including regular prayer; special rites marking birth, puberty, marriage and death; and the obedience to doctrine established by a religious hierarchy, by tradition, or by sacred texts.