How to Explore the Philosophy of Religion

There is no right or wrong way to explore the philosophy of religion. Some of the many religions of the world pass into history, and new ones are born. Religions have many common roots, and you will find many similarities. In other ways they are very different from one another.

When studying and exploring the philosophy of religion you will find there are basic elements found in most, if not all religions, that serve as a guide for exploration. Ethics, or answering the question of what is right and wrong, is a major element in religious philosophies. Rooted in the idea of right and wrong, most religions have an idea of where evil or conflict comes from and what must be done to resolve it. Religious philosophy also focuses on the nature of reality, which includes the existence of God and the origin of life and the universe. Some type of worship is also a common element among religions. The practice of worship can include prayer, meditation, fasting and celebration of certain holidays.

Here is a fun way to begin your exploration into the philosophy of religion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper and pencil

1. Go to www.beliefnet.com and take the Belief-O-Matic quiz. This quiz will help you to examine your own thoughts, ethics and beliefs.

2. Once you complete the quiz, a list of religions will appear that match your answers the closest. Write this list on your sheet of paper.

3. Click on the religions in your list to examine the philosophies associated with each.

4. Write down the philosophy for each religion that answers the question, "What is the nature of reality?" How does that relate to your own ideas about reality?

5. Write down the ethics for each religion. Compare the ethics associated with each religion to your own.

6. Describe the beliefs held concerning conflicts and conflict resolution. How similar is this to what you believe about conflict and how it should be solved?

7. Record the methods of worship for each religious philosophy. Do you incorporate any of these methods into your own life?

8. Make a list of the religions that interest you the most. Look for religious texts associated with the philosophies you chose, or books that further explore those religions.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit temples, churches or spiritual sites related to the religions you are most interested in knowing more about. This may give you special insight that can't be found in books or texts.

References

• Beliefnet.com
• Belief-O-Matic
• University of North Carolina: Wilmington