RELIGION
Religion refers to a system of believes in God or any other supernatural power. It is derived from man’s myths o beliefs that are handed down from generation to generation. Such beliefs may be taken to be true or false, but one may ask-from whose perspective? If societal members believe, so to them it is real and it becomes social representation.
Religion is often viewed as a product of fear of the unknown supernatural powers that are tought to control human life. Once people carrry out the necessary rituals it becomes insurance and assurance against any impending dangers, thus ensuring human survival. Both primitive and modern forms of religion have been found to costitute some mythological background. Myths are subject modes of experience tht have value only as psycological and cultural phenomena that reflect the uncritical emotional life and imagination. Myth has been taken to be a n expression of man’s conviction or belief that the origin and purpose of the world in which he live in are o be sought not within it, but beyond it-rather in therealm of a world full of mistery. This reflects a human being who is dominated by forces from which he has to be delivered.
Religious beliefs are propelled by the emotional need for authority and protection. Man also seeks secutirity just like a young child does. Man is the constant conflict with self and others and self and nature and, therefore seeks an answer in religion. Most nations have different religious groups,that believe in a god same kind. Christians believe that Jesus can save them from their sins. Others believe that biblical miracles do really happen. Belief in life after death is very common. Such a belief reduces anxiety about what is going to happen after deathfor fear of death is common among humanity.
Due to various beliefs, differnt people develop different religious attitudes. There are two types of religiou attitudes which are intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic religious attitudes are internal to the individual and have less to do with specific groups of people. For example, it is an intrinsic attitude to consider prayers that one says alone are more meaningful and emotional that those said in a group. Extrinsic attitude have something to do with other people. For instance, one may believe that one cannot live or survive in the community without belonging to a religious group. This could be based on people’s belief and realisation that religion offers support and comfort in times of misfortune. For example religious groups come together and give material and moral support when one of their family members dies.
Religious rituals are standardised patterns of behaviour (verbal or non-verbal) that are symbolic. Symbols are used to perform rituals include prayers, lighting candles, pouring traditional beer on the ground, to mention but a few. They serve an important function. They enable the people concerned to feel that a change of condition has taken place. This then may result in psychological stability. Rituals therefore, have the emotive power that is important in bringing about psychological issues like changed attitudes, cognition, and patterns of behaviour. These rituals depend on the belief of a given religious group.