DR. FILEMON C.

AGUILAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF LAS PIÑAS

Golden Gate Subd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Tel No. 403-1985, 478-8671, 519-1960

Course Code: GE 110

COURSE TITLE: Religions, Religious Experiences, and Spirituality
Module 1 – What is Religion and How Will We Study It?
Professors:
Prof. Senen Vergel Villanueva

Prof. Esther J. Villar

Prof. Soledad S. Escritor J.D.

Introduction:
Religion is a form of worship. It includes a system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices; these may be
personal, or they may be advocated by an organization. Usually, religion involves belief in God or a number
of gods; or it treats human objects, desires, or forces as objects of worship. Much religion is based on a
human study of nature; there is also revealed religion. There is a true religion and false.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Determine the meaning of religion.
2. Understand people’s different problems and point out how to solve them.
3. Grasp the significance of the Bible’s viewpoints.

Pre-Assessment:

Direction: How much do you know about God? The Bible reveals who He is. Read the following Bible verses
below and find out what they say about Him or His character. On the numbered spaces provided below,
enumerate what you found out about God.

Bible Verses:

1. John 4:24 6. Psalm 86:15 11. Psalm 90:2 16. Psalm 147:5
2. Revelation 4:11 7. 1 Chronicles 29: 11-12 12. Matthew 19:26 17. Psalm 89:14
3. Psalm 34:8 8. 1 Timothy 1:11 13. Malachi 3:6 18. Proverbs 15:
4. Psalm 83:18 9. Ephesians 1:6 14. Jeremiah 32:27 19. Psalm 86:15
5. Leviticus 19:2 10. Jeremiah 23:23-24 15. 1 John 4:8 20. Isaiah 40:28
 DR. FILEMON C. AGUILAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF LAS PIÑAS
Golden Gate Subd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Tel No. 403-1985, 478-8671, 519-1960

GOD IS…

1. ________ 11. _______

2. ________ 12. _______
3. ________ 13. _______
4. ________ 14. _______
5. ________ 15. _______
6. ________ 16. _______
7. ________ 17. _______
8. ________ 18. _______
9. ________ 19. _______
10. ________ 20. _______

Lesson Presentation:
We are living in a world with too many problems
and far too few answers. Many millions regularly
go hungry. Increasing numbers are addicted to
drugs. More and more families are breaking up.
Incest and family violence are constantly in the
news. The air we breathe and the water we drink
are slowly being poisoned. Meanwhile, more and
more of us are victimized by crime. Do you think
problems like these will ever be solved?

Why Read the Bible? In addition, we live in an age

of hard choices. Many, for example, are implacably
opposed to abortion, calling it murder of the
unborn. Others feel just as strongly that women
have authority over their own bodies and should
decide such a matter for themselves. Many views homosexuality, adultery, and premarital sex as rank
immorality. Others believe these practices are a matter of personal choice.

Who is to say who is right and who is wrong? 2 Thessalonians 6:15 The Bible offers guidance in matters of
morality, and it describes effective solutions to the problems of crime, hunger, and pollution. The trouble is
most people no longer view the Bible as an authority in such matters. At one time, it was listened to with
respect — at least in the West. Although the Bible was written down by humans, in the past the majority in
Christendom accepted it as the Words of God and believed that God himself has inspired its contents. 2
Tim.3:16-17; 1 Thess. 2:13.

Today, however, it is fashionable to be skeptical about everything: customs, ideas, morals even the existence
of God. Especially, people doubt the value of the Bible. Most seem to consider it out of date and irrelevant.
Few modern intellectuals view it as the Word of God. Most people would rather agree with scholar James
Barr, who wrote, “My account of the formation of the biblical tradition is an account of human work. It is
man’s statement of his beliefs.” Is this your opinion? Do you think the Bible is God’s word or man’s?
However, you answer that question, consider this point: If the Bible is merely man’s word, then, logically
there is no clear answer to mankind’s problems. Humans will just have to muddle through as best they can,
hoping somehow to avoid poisoning themselves out of existence or blowing themselves up in a nuclear war.
 DR. FILEMON C. AGUILAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF LAS PIÑAS
Golden Gate Subd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Tel No. 403-1985, 478-8671, 519-1960

But, if the Bible is the Word of God, it is the very thing we need to get us through this difficult time.
Reinforcement/Assignment:

Essay - Answer in 3 to 5 sentences.

1. What modern problems show that mankind needs guidance?

2. How do many today view the Bible?
3. Why is it vital to know whether the Bible is inspired by God or not?

References:
Bible, any translation Reasoning from the Scriptures, Religion p. 322 Copyright (c) 1985 by Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society, International Bible Students Association, Brooklyn, New York, USA The Bible
God’s Word or Man’s, 1989, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., Brooklyn, New York,
USA Mankinds Search for God, 1990, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, All rights
reserved