Six Aspects of Religion
Alexander Vennes
Quest for Meaning
Six Aspects of Religion Smith states that every religion has six undeniable definements. These ideals are relevant from Christianity to Hinduism. He goes onto say that the only religion that is not defined by these ideals is Buddhism.
The first definement is Authority. This is authority that God has over us in most religions and the authority that priests have over worshipers. Buddha rejected this and called for a void in authority and allowing people to have a personal faith.
The second definement is Ritual. Ritual has everything to do with the origin of the religion and the rituals are used to celebrate the founding of the religion. Buddha rejected this as well saying ritual should be voided saying that they would bind us to this earth.
The third definement is Speculation. Speculation is the awe that we share for life and everything we have on this earth. The Buddha rid himself of speculation in thinking our thoughts shouldn’t be of the outward world but understanding our inner selves.
The fourth definement is Tradition. Tradition encompasses the actually religious practices and the institutions of religions. Buddha voided tradition based on the fact that you don’t need to follow what is handed down to you, but forge your own path and discover yourself on the way.
The fifth definement is God’s Transcendence. The transcendence of God is believing in God or gods existence and prevailing power during our daily life. Buddha was opposed to
God and gods and taught to void ourselves of God and use meditation on the self to find the truths in life.
The sixth and last definement of religion is Mystery. Mystery envelopes everything magic, the mysticism, and miracles of the religions. Buddha taught to toss mystery out and rid ourselves of it because if you are focusing on the mystery then you are not focusing on discovering your true self. A Bodhisattva is someone who is awakened or enlightened. Buddha was the
Quest for Meaning
Six Aspects of Religion Smith states that every religion has six undeniable definements. These ideals are relevant from Christianity to Hinduism. He goes onto say that the only religion that is not defined by these ideals is Buddhism.
The first definement is Authority. This is authority that God has over us in most religions and the authority that priests have over worshipers. Buddha rejected this and called for a void in authority and allowing people to have a personal faith.
The second definement is Ritual. Ritual has everything to do with the origin of the religion and the rituals are used to celebrate the founding of the religion. Buddha rejected this as well saying ritual should be voided saying that they would bind us to this earth.
The third definement is Speculation. Speculation is the awe that we share for life and everything we have on this earth. The Buddha rid himself of speculation in thinking our thoughts shouldn’t be of the outward world but understanding our inner selves.
The fourth definement is Tradition. Tradition encompasses the actually religious practices and the institutions of religions. Buddha voided tradition based on the fact that you don’t need to follow what is handed down to you, but forge your own path and discover yourself on the way.
The fifth definement is God’s Transcendence. The transcendence of God is believing in God or gods existence and prevailing power during our daily life. Buddha was opposed to
God and gods and taught to void ourselves of God and use meditation on the self to find the truths in life.
The sixth and last definement of religion is Mystery. Mystery envelopes everything magic, the mysticism, and miracles of the religions. Buddha taught to toss mystery out and rid ourselves of it because if you are focusing on the mystery then you are not focusing on discovering your true self. A Bodhisattva is someone who is awakened or enlightened. Buddha was the