Religious Studies • Christian Theology

Religious Studies is the academic, objective study of religion as a historical and cultural phenomenon. It analyzes beliefs and behaviors using sociology, history, and philosophy without promoting any faith. It is derived from the Latin religare which means to bind. Religion is a system of beliefs and practices centered on existential questions like meaning, morality, and the universe.

Belief in the Transcendent

1. Monotheism: Belief in a single, supreme deity (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Judaism).

2. Polytheism: Belief in multiple gods or goddesses (e.g., Hinduism, ancient Greek religion).

3. Non-theism: Focus on a spiritual path, cosmic law, or state of being rather than a creator god (e.g., Buddhism, Jainism).

4. Animism: Belief that natural objects, animals, and geographic features possess a spiritual essence.

Major Religious Traditions in India 

1. Christianity

God: The Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

Rituals & Rites: Sunday worship, Baptism, Holy Communion.

Scripture: Holy Bible.

Symbols: Cross, Ichthys.

Traditions: Christmas, Easter.

2. Islam

God: Allah (Strict Monotheism).

Rituals & Rites: Five daily prayers, Ramadan fasting, Nikah (marriage).

Scripture: Quran, Hadith.

Symbols: Crescent moon and star.

 Traditions: Hajj pilgrimage, Sufi gatherings.

3. Hinduism

God: Brahman (Ultimate Reality); manifested as deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti.

Rituals & Rites: Daily puja, Samskaras (sacred rites).

Scripture: Vedas, Bhagavad Gita.

Symbols: Om, Swastika.

Traditions: Diwali, pilgrimages.

4. Sikhism

God: Ik Onkar / Waheguru (One Formless Creator).

Rituals & Rites: Daily prayers, Amrit Sanchar (initiation), Anand Karaj (marriage).

Scripture: Guru Granth Sahib.

Symbols: Khanda, 5 Ks.

Traditions: Langar (community kitchen).

5. Buddhism

God: Non-theistic (No creator God; focus on Buddha's teachings and Nirvana).

Rituals & Rites: Meditation, chanting, monastic ordination.

Scripture: Tripitaka.

Symbols: Dharmachakra (Wheel), Lotus.

Traditions: Buddha Purnima.

6. Jainism

God: Non-theistic (No creator God; "God" is a liberated soul / Tirthankara).

Rituals & Rites: Repentance, Diksha (monastic initiation).

Scripture: Agamas.

Symbols: Jain Emblem (Hand with wheel).

Traditions: Paryushana (fasting), vegetarianism.

7. Tribal Religion

God: Nature spirits and supreme deities like Singbonga or Dharmesh.

Rituals & Rites: Nature/ancestor worship, shamanic healing.

Scripture: None (Oral traditions and folklore only).

Symbols: Totems, Sarna (sacred groves).

Traditions: Animism, eco-festivals like Sarhul.

Memory Verse: Acts 17:27

From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us.

BD Freshers Orientation 

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