What is Religion?
Definition and Conceptual Questions: 1. Introduction Defining “religion” is a central problem in religious studies, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy. There…
Category: Religion
What Are the Main Purposes of Religion in Society?
Definition and Conceptual Questions 1. Introduction The purpose of religion in society is a multi-dimensional question studied across sociology, anthropology,…
How is Religion Different from Spirituality?
Definition and Conceptual Questions 1. Introduction The distinction between religion and spirituality is a major theme in contemporary philosophy, psychology,…
What Are the Major World Religions?
Comparative Religion Questions 1. Introduction The term “major world religions” refers to religious traditions with substantial global influence, historical depth,…
How Are Monotheistic Religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) Similar and Different?
Comparative Religion Questions 1. Introduction Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, often termed the Abrahamic religions, share historical and theological roots yet…
What Are the Core Beliefs of Eastern Religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism)?
Comparative Religion Questions 1. Introduction Eastern religions encompass diverse traditions with complex philosophies and practices. This analysis summarises the core…
What Are Indigenous and Tribal Religions, and How Do They Shape Culture?
Comparative Religion Questions 1. Introduction Indigenous and tribal religions represent the oldest spiritual systems of humanity, deeply embedded within specific…
Does Religion Explain the Meaning of Life?
Philosophical and Existential Questions 1. Introduction The question of whether religion explains the meaning of life is foundational in philosophy…
Is Religion Necessary for Morality?
Philosophical and Existential Questions 1. Introduction The question of whether religion is necessary for morality addresses foundational issues in ethics,…
Can Humans Live Well Without Religion?
Philosophical and Existential Questions 1. Introduction The question of whether humans can live well without religion engages philosophical anthropology, ethics,…
Do All Religions Lead to the Same Ultimate Truth?
Philosophical and Existential Questions 1. Introduction The question of whether all religions lead to the same ultimate truth is central…
Is Religion Compatible with Science?
Scientific and Rationality Questions 1. Introduction The compatibility of religion and science has been a central philosophical and theological question…
How Do Religions Explain Creation and the Origins of Life?
Scientific and Rationality Questions 1. Introduction Religions across cultures present diverse accounts of creation and the origins of life, reflecting…
Does Science Disprove Religious Beliefs or Can They Coexist?
Scientific and Rationality Questions 1. Introduction The relationship between science and religion has been characterised by conflict, independence, dialogue, and…
How Does Religion Shape Culture, Traditions, and Identity?
Social and Cultural Questions 1. Introduction Religion is a foundational force shaping culture, traditions, and individual or collective identity. It…
Does Religion Promote Social Cohesion or Division?
Social and Culture 1. Introduction Religion’s role in society is ambivalent: it has historically united communities through shared beliefs and…
How Do Religious Rituals and Symbols Influence Daily Life?
Social and Culture 1. Introduction Religious rituals and symbols are core to spiritual expression, cultural identity, and social cohesion. They…
Why Do Religious Dietary, Dress, and Purity Laws Exist?
Social and Culture 1. Introduction Religious dietary, dress, and purity laws are integral to many faith traditions, shaping daily behaviour…
What is the Role of Religion in Government and Law?
Political and Legal Questions 1. Introduction The role of religion in government and law has been a central issue in…
Should There Be Separation of Religion and State?
Political and Legal Questions 1. Introduction The question of separation of religion and state lies at the heart of modern…
How Do Religious Laws (e.g. Sharia) Interact with Secular Law?
Political and Legal Questions 1. Introduction In pluralistic societies, religious laws such as Sharia, Halakha, or Canon Law coexist with…
How Does Religious Freedom Work in Pluralistic Societies?
Political and Legal Questions 1. Introduction Religious freedom is a foundational principle in pluralistic societies, protecting individuals and groups to…
Why Have Many Wars Been Fought Over Religion?
Conflicts and Violence 1. Introduction Throughout history, many wars have been framed as religious conflicts. The causes, however, are complex.…
Does Religion Cause Violence or Is It Used to Justify Pre-Existing Conflicts?
Conflicts and Violence 1. Introduction The relationship between religion and violence is complex and highly debated. While some argue religion…
How Do Religions Promote Peace and Reconciliation?
Conflicts and Violence 1. Introduction While religion is often associated with conflict, historically and doctrinally, religions also promote peace and…
What Do Religions Teach About Gender Roles?
Gender and Social Justice 1. Introduction Religions worldwide articulate beliefs about gender roles—defining appropriate behaviours, responsibilities, and social positions for…
Are Religions Oppressive or Liberating for Women and Minorities?
Gender and Social Justice 1. Introduction Religion plays an ambivalent role in the lives of women and minorities. It has…
How Do Religions Approach LGBTQ+ Issues?
Gender and Social Justice 1. Introduction LGBTQ+ issues pose significant theological, ethical, and social challenges for religious traditions. Responses vary…
Why Are Many People Leaving Organised Religion Today? (Secularisation)
Modern Challenges: 1. Introduction Across Western societies and increasingly elsewhere, significant numbers are leaving organised religion, identifying as religiously unaffiliated…
Religious Responses to Modern Ethical Issues: Cloning, AI, and Climate Change
1. Introduction Modern technologies and global crises pose profound ethical questions. Religions worldwide have developed diverse theological, moral, and practical…
How Do Religions Interact with Globalisation and Multiculturalism?
Modern Challenges: 1. Introduction Globalisation and multiculturalism are two defining forces of the modern world. They shape economic, political, and…
Is Religion Declining or Transforming in the Modern World?
1. Introduction The question of whether religion is declining or transforming is central in sociology, anthropology, and theology. The secularisation…
Will New Religions Emerge in the Future?
1. Introduction Religious history is marked by continuous emergence, adaptation, and evolution of beliefs and systems. This analysis examines whether…
Technology and Digital Impact on Religious Practice and Belief
Technology and Digital Life 1. Introduction The relationship between technology and religion has evolved from ancient tools for ritual to…
Can there ever be a universal religion or will diversity remain?
Future of Religion 1. Introduction The idea of a universal religion – a single faith embraced by all humanity –…