Running head: ELEMENTS OF RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS

Elements of Religious Traditions For centuries religion served as a guide to find answers to the questions, a way of life, and feel closure to the God. Todays religions can be categorized as either eastern or western religion. For example, Islam, and Christian religion are considered western because of the end of life philosophy. However, Hinduism, and Buddhism are considered eastern because of the there is no end. When one dies, recantation occurs. Elements of Religious Traditions is an attempt to elaborate the different religions and traditions of the world, and relationship between elements of life and nature. In the paper, at least one of the religions from eastern and western religion will be discussed. Born and raised in a Hindu family earns or grants me the Hindu religion. Hinduism is unique and still much closed religion because the religion itself is considered to be sacred. Therefore, one who truly practices Hinduism will not only refrain from eating or touching foods and animals, but also human being of other religions. In Hinduism, there cannot be only one God. Several Gods and dietaries are responsible for the living beings and the universe. For example, the three main Gods are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva who are creator, protector, and destroyer of the creation. Besides the three Gods, there are dietaries representing natural world. For example, sun, moon, wind, rain, earth, dogs, cows, and so on. Hinduism is probably one of the most complex religions that do not necessarily attempts to answer questions. However, instead demands to accept uncertainty as they are because no one has the

ELEMENTS OF RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS

true answers. Christianity is very different from Hinduism. Christianity has an origin. Jesus Christ, son of God is the founder of Christianity. The bible is the scared book and people follow the bible for guidance. Unlike eastern religions, in Christianity there is an end life, and world. According to the prophecy, inn the end Jesus Christ will come save people. Hinduism believes that after end of life living beings are recanted. The recantation may occur in different form of lives and not necessarily in the previous form of life. For example, if a dog dies, the dog may reincarnate as a human being in another life. Buddhism is also an eastern religion because of the reincarnation theory. Yet, Buddhism is very different from Hinduism because Buddhism preaches peace and prayers. The prayers, yoga, and chanting can enlighten human being. The similarity of Buddhism with Christianity is that a human being founded the religion. Islam is one of youngest religion founded on earth. Muslims strictly follow and abide by Quran. The book serves as guidance in finding answers to the questions and wants heaven after death. In Christianity, several different branches have emerged primarily because of how people interpret bible; and the role of Jesus Christ and mother Marry. Islam has been sub-divided primarily into two groups: Sunni and Shia because of the idea that is to consider true religious leader after Muhammads death. In summary, different religions have believes that are similar but different from each other. What is considered sacred for one is not the same for other religions. For example, cow is a sacred animal in Hinduism. However, it is a part of daily meal in other

ELEMENTS OF RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS

religion. Therefore, Elements of Religious Traditions attempted to elaborate the different religions and traditions of the world, and relationship between elements of life and nature. Additionally, the paper, different religions from eastern and western religion were discussed to formulate an understanding of sacred, divine, and philosophy.

ELEMENTS OF RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS

Reference Molloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the Worlds Religions - Tradition, Challenge, & Change (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.