Religion and Theology

The process of worship and development of rituals remains to be an important factor shaping the development of religious beliefs. Here, it focuses on establishing meaning of faith through various symbolisms and application of tenets of a particular religion. Given the diversity of these methods, it then creates a sense of identity among believers as they find common grounds wherein they can share their ideals and principles altogether. Such dynamics then reinforces the process of religion and promotes its transcendence through the constant shaping of new customs and beliefs.

Analyzing my own sense of what worship means, it corresponds to ones ability to exercise the appreciation of belief towards oneself or to a group of people. This constant interaction with this spiritual aspect of mine shapes my ability to perceive and develop new means to identify myself and also hone my values and principles in life. At the same time, it also infuses common perspectives concerning how I relate to my environment and promote better means for both adaptability and growth. In essence, my idea concerning worship seeks to supplement and apply my faith to my interpersonal realm and to others as well.

Applying this in terms of ritual actions, I see the value of using this as supplemental tools towards reaching out and developing my faith. These actions serve to complement my aspect of worship because of its capacity to allow interaction with reality and ascertain value towards specific objects, persons, or even emotional experiences. Seeing this, collaborating both worship and rituals altogether can indeed shape new levels of appreciation as it generates better means for expanding and widening my view not only with my religious beliefs but of my faith.

In relation to the customs and practices of the Islamic tradition, the way they see worship also corresponds to the manner of actively surrendering oneself to the will of Allah. Here, they see their purpose through a holistic manner of mind and body in constant interaction and collaboration towards good. Here, Islam Religion points out that worship has a unique role in Islam, and through worship, a person is regarded as a true Muslim who accords his entire life to the Will of God (p.1).  Due to this, the idea of Muslim worship then seeks to strike the balance between its customary traditions with that of personal feelings and values towards another.

Similarly, this can be seen with the sacrament of Holy Eucharist within the Catholic customs and rituals. Here, it tries to specify the value of collaboration among believers who receive communion and commemorate the actions of Jesus Christ (Religious Facts, p. 1). With the usage of different rituals such as reading of gospels, transubstantiation of bread and wine, and the actual partaking (communion), it supplements the totality of Catholic view concerning the practice of faith - one that is communal and equally shared by all members. This then justifies one aspect in the promotion of faith.

Lastly, for the part of Judaism, their capacity to exercise prayers throughout the day showcases their ability to utilize a personalized view and experience of worship. Here, their rituals remain to be facilitative of tradition but the aspect of application still remains on the part of the doer. By effectively catering to these ideas accordingly, it helps generate an appreciation of faith and exercise of reverence and sanctity towards what they do. All these in turn seek to justify how they value meaning towards their religious services may it be Shacharit (morning prayer), Mincha (afternoon prayer), and Maariv (evening prayer) (Religion Facts, p.1). Such directions then show how they value their prayers as part of the Judaist custom and adherence to specific principles.