Religion and Theology

As the author suggests, the study of religions in a comparative and historical sense is not done so as to validatedisprove them or to strengthen our belief. It is done to get a deeper understanding about religions and to understand the way people experience in each religion.

When these religions are studied, it is recognized that there are patterns in the way religions are followed. There is extensive history attached to most of the religions. These religions are in continuous process of change where the change is influenced by historical events, technology, and shift in culture or even government influence. This process of understanding leads us to identify patterns of similarity and difference in religion. Following is the description of those patterns as identified

First Pattern Focus of Beliefs and Practices - As a part of this pattern, three basic orientations are exhibited by religions in the world. Firstly, the sacramental orientation which emphasizes the importance of carrying out ritualsceremonies correctly as a path to salvation. For e.g. making the Catholic sign of the cross where one touches the forehead first and then on the chest followed by touching the shoulder from left to right.

Secondly, the prophetic orientation which emphasizes the contact with the sacred. It implies that the human being is the intermediary between the believer and the sacred. For e.g. a prophet will speak to believer on behalf of the sacred. Thirdly, the mystical orientation which seeks unity with someone greater than ones self like with God, nature or universe. There are techniques like Yoga or meditation that help an individual experience a greater unity than ones own self.

These orientations may be present in all religions with one of the three being dominant and rest of the two aligned to a different purpose.

Second Pattern Views of the World and Life - As there is a great variety in the views people have, it is evident that each religion will define sacred reality, universe, and human purpose differently. Religions have a different view towards the use of words as an expression of the sacred. Different views on these concepts will give a deeper understanding of the religions around the world.

Sacred Reality at times is viewed as being within nature and human beings. It is viewed as if it has personal attributes while otherwise it is seen as impersonal. Some believe that universe was begun by a supreme creator who continues to direct the universe. Other religions believe that the universe has no beginning or end. Some religions believe nature as an evil force that has to be won over where as others believe it to be sacred. In some religions, human beings are treated as an entity of a cosmic plan with each one being unique. This cosmic plan is viewed as a struggle between forces of good and evil with the human at the center while the forces work within. Other religions place more emphasis on individual maintaining harmony with the whole. Words as forms of scriptures, music, and art in some religions are found to be sacred whereas others find languages to be limited in expressing the reality.

Third pattern Views of Male and Female - Gender is an important part of being human. In the most prominent religions today, male is considered to be sacred. However, there is evidence that female deities once played an important role in religions and cultures as she was associated with mother-hood and fertility. This study of comparative religion has been able to showcase the religions of the past in which the goddesses were worshiped and women played leading roles while being widely accepted.

This comparing of patterns in religions makes an intriguing study and this interest in underlying patterns has brought attention to structure behind religious tales, rituals, and other beliefs etc.