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are not the same. Jalalul-Din Rum defined religion asserting, The lamps are different,
but the light is the same. Ultimately, though having some variations, all religions are
identical.
Every religion has three key elements. First, practices which help provide an
understanding of life as well as death. Practices can give guidance using sacred texts,
commandments, and knowledge of an afterlife. Second, beliefs provide the makeup for
religion. Beliefs can aid one with comfort. Without faith, religion does not exist. Last,
religions benefit spiritual well being. By assisting with self-fulfillment, individuals can
feel overall more happiness. These three components are present in each religion.
Practice:
Practice, the first element, gives understanding to life as well as death. Using
scripture, rules, and consequences, practice explains how to cope with day-to-day life.
Religion can provoke questions. Practices within religion can ease these concerns
for individuals and give guidance as how to cope with life. The Bible, for Christians, and
the Quran for Muslims provide teachings and establish rules in which to follow.
Comparably, Buddhists try to follow the Noble Eightfold Path, a group of 8 practices that
action, and intention. All of these texts yield a correct way in which to follow.
In each religion obeying the commandments or rules of sacred texts will lead to
accomplishment of an overall goal. Sacred texts also provide knowledge and facts.
Teaching the 4 Noble Truths, Buddhism provides the truths of suffering. These explain
the cause as well as how to end distress. Similar to Buddhism, Christianity has a belief of
how pain came about. The majority of Christians understand Adams transgression to be
the reason for suffering. Many claim that we are born with sin and through correct
God, Buddhists argue that death is only a step in a cycle of rebirth/reincarnation. This
cycle is called the 6 Realms of Existence. By correctly following practices, Buddhists can
can include altruistic love, which is practiced by Christians. Christians believe that love
and service are key practices in reaching salvation. Muslims are in accordance to this by
observing charity. Charity is one of the 5 Pillars of Islam. Other pillars include: faith,
prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. When following these, one may be blessed or receive
good karma.
Beliefs:
Faith or beliefs are prevalent in every religion. Without belief there would
essentially be no religion. Muslims profess that our senses dont reveal all that is real.
spiritual apprehension rather than proof (Google). Even with no solid evidence,
believing that a religion is true gives individuals a feeling of comfort as well as a place to
belong.
evident, this can provide peace by accepting there is a higher power. Despite the fact that
these two religions both understand that there is only one God they oppose each other in
the understanding of what a single God deity means. Christians recognize that God is
Triune, accepting that the Trinity consists of three coexistent, coeternal persons who are
God but not necessarily coequal. These persons being: God the Father (creator), Jesus
Christ (the Word/Son), and the Holy Spirit (love/comfort). Muslims believe there is one
god that they call Allah. Though understanding God in variation, Muslims and Christians
God but instead an all-pervasive energy of the universe present in all things, Buddhism is
Brahman is in all living things, Buddhists can perceive harmony in the universe.
Sacred texts can also create a sense of unity with knowledge of the history. Many
of the texts originate from stories that have been passed down. Buddhists as well as
Christians and Muslims believe in sacred texts. Each text or scripture explains different
practices and beliefs, but without faith in them individuals belonging to these religions
would not practice the religion. The Bible talks about Jesus Christ. Christians believe he
preformed many miracles. Without believing that these miracles happened many stories
Stories are written or verbally passed down because there is faith that they are
real. Believing a man can be raised from the dead or that one can receive revelation from
a higher energy or power creates a sense of comfort. It can also create a feeling of
belonging. Accepting stories or sharing the same belief as another helps create
connections and bonds that again can bring comfort. Islams main teaching is unity.
Spiritual Fulfillment:
reached through religion. Religions promote better well-being. Following practices and
Similar to meditation for Buddhists, Christianity and Islam also preform acts to
have self-fulfillment. These acts include service and love for others. Christians believe
that altruistic love is a key practice to feel satisfaction. Love and service for others helps
one feel at peace. It can also provide clarity or awakening, as Buddhists would call it.
Charity also makes one accountable for their actions. Muslims believe that one
must be accountable. This is reinforced by Buddhists, professing that ones actions in this
life will determine the next. While making one accountable, humanitarian acts can also
Religion also gives individuals goals. When attained these goals can provide
of a sacred text. Islam is defined as complete and trusting surrender to God. This is a
specific goal for them. The ultimate goal for Christians is attaining salvation. While not
received in this life, as a Christian believes and practices the commandments needed to
attain this goal, they can have a sense of success. If able to reach Tantra, a Buddhist can
also feel this success of fulfillment. All of these help individuals feel happiness.
Through goals, love for others, and meditation one can feel satisfaction and belonging
with life.
Counter Opinion:
Contrary to this evidence, many would argue that no two religions are the same.
Expressing that there are different beliefs and goals. E. B. Tylor describes religion as,
belief in spiritual things. Studies have shown that belief in the divine is beneficial
(Pettinger, 2014). Opposing this, some would like to eradicate religion all together.
Insisting that religion is detrimental for society. Though many assert that religions have
varied views and faiths or that religion is destructive to the public, all religions subject an
Conclusion:
Religion would not exist without belief. This gives an individual a sense of peace.
Belief promotes practice, which helps with knowledge of life and death and how to
approach situations. Through practice and belief many individuals feel satisfaction.
Despite the diversity in faith and actions, religion of all denomination has the same three
elements.
Practice, belief, and the fulfillment one receives support the concept that all
universe and how to cope with it through practice, giving people comfort in belief, and
Http://web.pdx.edu/~tothm/religion/Definitions.htm