Similarities between Beliefs and Philosophies from the World Essay Example For Students

Similarities between Beliefs and Philosophies from the World Essay Religion has always amused me. I have always been curious about the ways of life in a particular religion and their beliefs about God. Point of view has always been important and is supposed to be respected. I was myself involved in many of the family rituals conducted and that always amused me. I come from a family possessing a religious background. I would credit my grandparents for teaching me the Hindu way of life and for teaching to respect other religions and their beliefs, thus giving me a hint of inner spirituality and omnipresence of God. I choose the topic â€Å"Belief Systems† because this is the topic which suits me the most. Clash of ideologies can also cause riots of different beliefs and philosophies. This mostly happens in when a person is fanatic and does not accept the point of view of another person. Clash of different ideologies cause riots in different communities which can lead to various problems, even bloodshed. I majorly focus on the similarities betwe en beliefs and philosophies which may ‘unite’ ideas and create a mutual understanding between communities of different faiths. Introduction: Many religions of the world were formed when people developed various civilizations. Man has always tried to make sense of the world around. One ended up with the result of a supreme power controlling the whole world. Different myths and legends established various legends in different parts of the world accordingly. Later established religions spread across the world. One major cause for the spread of religion was of trade and missionaries. QUESTION: What are the various beliefs held in my community and how do they influence an individual on a minor and a major scale plus what happens when ideologies clash? What are the solutions? International Perspectives: Different belief systems: Belief systems are influenced by the different stories, legends, myths etc. Beliefs differ from place to place, for example majority of the world is dominated by Christians in the Americas and Europe; Muslims dominate most of the Middle East and some parts of Asia; Hindus are distributed in southern part of Asia and Buddhists are scattered through the different are of Asia. Belief system is actually a set of mutually supportive beliefs. The beliefs of any such system can be looked at as religious or as philosophical and are influenced accordingly. Belief systems differ from place to place or country to country. Majority of the world’s population follows different religions and beliefs. Beliefs are mostly linked to spirituality and moral values. Belief Systems held in different in countries Religious beliefs and philosophies differ from country to country. It influences its people, culture, political systems and almost everything. Here is an image showing the distribution of various religions around the world. Religions followed in different countries/ Places: Christianity The Americas and Europe Islam Middle East, Africa and Oceania Hinduism Southern Asia Buddhism East Asia Christianity is followed in majority parts of the world due to its vast influence by the missionaries. It is the most followed religion in the world and thus stands first. Islam is mostly followed in the Middle East and northern Africa as Middle East (Mecca and Medina) is the origin of Islam. Islam is closely linked with Christianity and upholds many similar beliefs accordingly. Majority of the Hindus live in India. It was originated in India and has deep roots in the Indian soil. Hinduism later gave rise to Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism as an offshoot. Buddhism is mainly followed in the east of Asia. This includes the China and Tibet. Buddhism is divided into Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Both of them divide areas accordingly and are scattered throughout the Asian continent. Religions followed across the world Buddhism: India And The United States EssayBeliefs influencing a country’s political system and culture: A religion or belief can strongly influence a country according to its population and the religion that the population follows. For example religion influences a majority of the Middle East. Islam is followed here and the countries follow the Islamic law. Even the culture and heritage here is influenced by the religion. As one moves to Europe, most of the area is dominated by sects of Christianity as the Catholic Church is located here. Even here everything is affected by religion and so in the East. Examples of countries where beliefs/religion influences political system: Country Description Afghanistan Islamic law American British Law after invasion Egypt Islamic law is ensured in Article 2 of the Egyptian constitution. The Gambia English common law, Islamic law and customary law Ghana Based on English common law Iran Shia Islamic law Libya Islamic law Mauritania mix of Islamic law and French Civil Codes, Islamic law largely applicable to family law. Morocco mix of Islamic law and French Civil Codes, Islamic law largely applicable to family law. Nigeria Sharia in the northern states, common law in the south and at the federal level. Oman Sharia and tribal custom laws Saudi Arabia Islamic law Sudan Based on Islamic law Vatican City Based on principles of Italian and canonical law Yemen Islamic law Source: Wipipedia.org Local/National Perspectives: The community where I live am open minded and conflict-free. We have families from different religions and live in harmony with each other. But this is on a minor scale. In a greater perspective or even national or international perspective, riots often break out. This can even affect a peaceful community of different beliefs. In my community, respect is shown to all religions and the people who follow them. This can be a result of globalization, tolerance and open-minded thinking. In India, though riots break out often. This can be a result of the clash of different ideologies. Religious groups often promote themselves through this and try to suppress the other. If a person doesn’t live in harmony, this leads to extremism and is unfruitful for the person and even for the community. Family/Personal Perspectives: I come from a religious Hindu family, the beliefs in my family do not differ from person to person but are the same as a result of living in a civilized society where one’s beliefs are respected, be it even a person from other religion. The society where we live consists of different religions. Beliefs of a person are respected in the society to maintain peace and prevent fights. As a result of globalization, my own beliefs have changed overtime. Open-minded thinking has strongly influenced my beliefs and this makes me show respect to one’s beliefs. The same beliefs are kept by my mates as we are being bought up in the same environment. Though sometimes, one’s belief or ideology clashes with the other and there rises an effective and sometimes even a productive dialogue. This helps the members of the parties to come to a conclusion and change their thinking. But the opposing party must be mature enough to deal with the matter; otherwise the dialogue taking place may be pointless, thus giving the parties an opportunity to waste time. People do have different belief systems; they follow their beliefs and propagate it, but propagation of religion into a community with different beliefs causes clashes. I have seen religious clashes, but people must try to understand one’s beliefs and not be stubborn. REPORT: On basis of my research and the community where I live in, the impact of religion is strong but does not lead to extremism. The various systems do influence ones behavior.