Introduction to World Religions and Belief

Systems

Belief System, World View,

Religion, and Spirituality
First Semester (WEEK 1)
SY: 2022-2023
COMPETENCY:

Differentiate the concept, elements

and characteristics of belief system,
world view, religion, and spirituality.
At the end of the module, you should
be able to:
▶1.1. Give an example of a belief system or
a worldview
▶1.2.Differentiate religion from: a.
Spirituality b. Theology c. Philosophy of
Religion
OUR JOURNEY
▶ Understanding beliefs and worldviews
▶ Kinds of belief system
▶ Definition of Religion
▶ Nature of Religion
▶ Common Characteristics of Religions
▶ Elements of Religion
▶ Exploring Spirituality
▶ Elements of Spirituality
▶ Their Differences
▶ Reflections
▶ Activity
Do you BELIEVE
that there is GOD?
Or there is an
existence of GOD?
▶ Word

▶ Definition

▶ Religion

▶ - is a set of beliefs and practices that is often focused on

▶ one or more deities or gods

▶ Spirituality

▶ - involves the recognition of a feeling or sense or belief

▶ that there is something greater than myself, something

▶ more to being human than sensory experience, and

▶ that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or

▶ divine in nature. (Dr Maya Spencer)

▶ Worldview

▶ - is a collection of beliefs about life and the universe

▶ being held by people.

▶ Theology

▶ - is the study of religious faith, practice, and experience

▶ especially the study of God and of God's relation to the

▶ world.

▶ Eastern Belief

▶ - this includes the East Asian religions (Shintoism, Sindoism, Taoism and Confucianism), Indian religions

▶ (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism)

▶ (Wikipedia)

▶ Western Belief

▶ - religions that originated within western culture. The

▶ term Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, and

▶ Judaism) is often used to refer to this. (Wikipedia)

Activity: MY HAPPY
PILL
▶ Instructions: Looking at the pictures below which are related to faith,
answer the
▶ question “What are you happy about your faith?” Write your answer in your
journal.
▶ Afterwards, answer the processing questions found at the bottom of the
illustrations.
▶ Write your answer in your journal.
▶ Processing questions.
1. What are the things in my faith that make me happy?
2. How does this happiness affect my relationship with others?
Defining Religion
▶Religion commonly refers to an institution that has
a set of organized practices and a structured belief
system shared by and among those who are
members of the institution. Their beliefs, which are
often transcendental, are passed on from members
to converts, and are based on either a formally
documented creed or established cultural practices.
Defining Spirituality
▶ Spirituality is about one's soul and inner self. Being
spiritual involves holding one's personal set of beliefs and
practices and searching for the purpose of life.
Each person's own definition of spirituality can vary
throughout their lifetime, adapting to individual experiences
through personal study and self-reflection. The goal of
spirituality is to realize one's inherent power to combat all of
life's challenges, and connect with something greater than
oneself.
▶A major difference between religion and
spirituality is believing versus being.
Religion emphasizes the content of
followers' beliefs and how those beliefs play out
in their everyday lives. On the other hand, the
focus of spirituality is on the process of
becoming attuned to one's inner self.
▶Where the two overlap is each person's
individual experiences that impact how they
think, feel, and act.
▶Are you more spiritual or religious? We’d love
to hear your answers, so feel free to share your
thoughts in the comment section below.
CONCLUSION
▶ In seeking the divine—whether from a church pew on a Sunday
or on top of a ridge looking at a glorious sunrise— we increase
our feelings of happiness, peace, and appreciation for the life
that we have. Religion and spirituality are neither the same
thing nor completely separate from one another. In spirituality,
one may ponder, “Where do I find meaning in life, and what are
my true values?” Meanwhile, in religion, common questions
might be “What is the truth?” and “What is right and wrong?”
▶
Thank you so much

▶ Sources:
▶ Powerpoint Presentations: Ms. Jo Marie Nel C. Garcia
▶ Youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=30-xQXimYMk