Religion is a term used to describe a belief system or social structure. Despite this broad definition, some sociologists argue that the term is misleading and that organisations that facilitate social integration are not necessarily religious. In a broader sense, religion refers to a belief system that gives meaning to a person’s life.
Evolution
The relation between evolution and religion is often not clear, especially for those who do not hold a religious conviction. However, many studies have demonstrated a correlation between religion and acceptance of evolution, particularly among Christians.
Social construction
The social construction of religion is a theory that argues that some aspects of religious belief are not objective and are based on social constructions. Specifically, social constructionism argues that what is a fact is based on a group’s collective way of thinking and representing the world. As a result, certain facts aren’t objective but rather depend on how people interact with one another.
Monotheism
Monotheism is the belief in a single, universal God. Monotheism is found in a wide variety of religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism. Other monotheistic religions include Sikhism and the Baha’i Faith.
Totemistic religions
Totemism is a religion derived from a primitive tradition. It explains the conception and childbirth of children by the ancestor spirit. Totemism also explains how a woman feels a child in her womb. She associates it with the object that was closest to her when the child was in her womb. That object is regarded as the deserted receptacle of the spirit. According to this philosophy, all the spirits of one particular totem congregate in a certain place. Totems are recognized in tribal rituals, and the natives often know the totems of their ancestors.
Restorationism
Restorationism is a Christian movement with strong ties to biblical teaching. Its origins date back to the 1970s when a coalition of churches, known as the Fort Lauderdale Five, emerged. They were associated with leaders like Dales-Downs Bible Weeks, Bryn Jones, and Terry Virgo, and were characterized by ideological precision and tight relational structures.
New age religions
Many New Age religions view the last and greatest “Christ,” or Lord Maitreya, as the savior of mankind. This person will fulfill the prophecies of all religions and lead the world from the “age of Pisces” into the enlightened age of Aquarius. These beliefs are contrary to biblical teaching, but many people find them appealing.