Huston Smith´s The World's Religion

　　There are many books on religion that try to break down each with enough facts to get the reader to understand. Though books are filled fact after fact and at times, slight biases, they sometimes forget to include values and reasons why people follow them. Because of this, students can miss out on a chance to get a deeper understanding of religion and the people that follow it. Huston Smith’s The World's Religion, Revised & Updated is that book that can broaden students’ viewpoint of all religions.

“This world is a prison for the faithful, but a paradise for unbelievers”(Muhammed). One in every five persons on this earth firmly believes that the Prophet Muhammad is the last Messenger of God. He was a Muslim and there are more than 1.3 billion such Muslims today. Not only individuals but entire countries take pride in declaring their allegiance to him. There are 54 such Muslim states today, ranging from those as large as Indonesia and Bangladesh, with populations of 200 and 125 million. The prophet Muhammad has influenced a huge portion of the world’s population; in addition, he still has impacts on Islamic and Western world till this day this day. Therefore, this research paper will focus on muhammad’s biography, early life, early social changes under Islam, appearance, Family(backgrounds, traditions and ect….), legacy, Muhammad’s view on Jihad, and Muhammad’s last four years.

Religions in southwestern Asia focus on a supreme deity, seem to be more doctrinaire, and not as flexible in interpretation. Through the use of religious texts, man can be guided by a supreme authority. In Document 2, the Islamic faith stresses that man’s existence is solely based on pleasing a single god through their actions. Although Document 5 discusses the reason for existence is to manage God’s creations, it still focuses on the fact that the center of control lies with a supreme power, rather than a sense of balance between nature and mankind. This contrasts with the belief systems of south and east Asia. In Document 6, the meaning of the “Word” is vague however a central power given designated to a supreme being is still in effect. The point of view also remains that of the infallibility of religious texts. Finally in Document 8, the reason for mankind existence is again, to emulate the path prescribed in the writings of religious texts. Human actions are watched, monitored, and eventually judged by one god. It is the responsibility of the supreme power to provide the path for mankind, and it is the responsibility of the individuals on Earth to follow the teachings of the religious texts

Religion is a fundamental element of human society. It is what binds a country, society or group of individuals together. However, in some instances it destroys unity amoungst these. Religion is a belief in a superhuman entity(s) which control(s) the universe. Every religion has its differences but most strive for a just life and the right morals. The three major groups are the primal regions which consist of African, Aboriginal and Native American religions, Asian which consist of South Eastern Asian religions and Abrahamic religions which consist of Middle Eastern religions. The foci of this essay are the differences between the Abrahamic religion, Christianity, and the Asian region Buddhism as well as making reference to the Islamic

This intends to show and remind us how important it is to learn how people interpret these religious beliefs because it is the way that people act, speak and think. The different kind of changes that we will see from people will come from the political and religious differences. This chapter convinces the readers to try to look at the different religious views without really getting influenced by the preconceived notions of these. The big picture is to try to understand other’s traditions and

Throughout society, there is an immense amount of religious organizations and groups. Though some may have been derived from ancient times, one may ask what is it that makes these groups exist so strongly today? In this paper, I will explain the components within religious groups and organizations and relate it to a contemporary example.

The Islamic vision of reality and truth, which is a metaphysical survey of the visible as well as the invisible world including the perspective of life as a whole, is not formed by gathering of other cultures. Moreover,

There are many religions that people currently practice. In some cases, one religion is practiced among different cultures, such as Islam. Islam is a religion that is constantly expending and increasing in numbers of believers. It is known, that this religion is practiced not only in Arabic countries, where is originally came from, but we can find its worshipers in America and Europe as well. In this project, I will explain what Islam is, I will review the teachings of this religion with emphasize on object of human creation, view of faith, and beliefs. Next, I will describe how Islam is practiced and who Muslims are among different countries, such as Great Britain and America. Also, I will go over the interaction between Muslims and non-Muslims and briefly describe similarities and differences between both groups. In addition, I will explain how Islam is contrasted with Christianity and Judaism.

Curiosity, acceptance, family, honor, idealism, independence, order, physical activity, power, romance, saving, social contract, eating, status, tranquility, vengeance. These are sixteen basic human desires, that Professor Steven Reiss claims are present in every human (Reiss). For some people to achieve these desires, they turn to fellow groups of people who share the same morals and values. Religion is an outlet for these people to come together and support one another in their belief systems. Religion comes with the concept of deity, a higher power, who some believe to be a God. God comes in many shapes and sizes in many different religions. In defining religion, it is necessary to explore the basic beliefs and interpretations of God in the numerous religions and sects of the world. The different denominations of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism will be the main aspects of this paper in order to define religion.

The statement purposely outline different perspective, to provide meanings and guidance in the lives of religious believers. The characteristics of religion is able to help the society understand the message that is appoint. The understanding based on humanity and goodwill with a disguised message, is comprehensible to adherents. Although they understand the message, they do not realise that it is also a guidance in the way of living. These guidance is presented through the religious beliefs of Christianity and Buddhism.

The world today is composed of many religions. Some shared something in common but others have significant differences. I know my religion; however it is imperative for me to know other people’s religion to understand people behavior better. It is very important to be knowledgeable about people’s beliefs and attitudes toward religion. If all people learned about other religions, they will understand more about how religion ties into the world's events. As a business professional, knowing other people’s belief system helps us to communicate better to people of different beliefs.

The religion of Islam is a religion with deep roots that have now expanded out from the Middle East and touch all corners of the world. While there is no doubt that Islam’s oldest roots lie in the birthplace of the religion, the Arabian Peninsula, the religion’s culture, customs, and laws have been carried out from here and impact millions worldwide. However, with the spread of Islam into the world comes the spread of the world into Islam. Meaning that as Islam’s roots grow far and wide it must face the challenging idea of modernization into what many people would now define as our “global society”.

What both Western and Islamic theory share is an emphasis on individual reason and the fundamental refusal of arbitrariness and vagueness for the risk of falling into a state of nature or not discovering the one true path. This is emphasized in the second standard, but remains relevant across

The Quran is a holy book that has had a remarkable influence in shaping world’s religious, political and geographical structure. . Indeed, Allah says in the Holy Quran, this is a Book full of Blessings that we have revealed unto you so people ponder upon its verses and men of intellect may reflect. Therefore Muslims attach a great importance to understanding the Quran since it contains timeless information. Quran being the word of God contains infinite wisdom and is a dynamic source of knowledge. It contains secrets inherent in its structure, and, above all, in its self, internal world and its relationship with the exalted heaven. It insists upon a journey to all parts of the earth, on the observation of the vestiges of those gone by and the inquiry about the nations, human societies and their history. Thus it invites to a study of natural and mathematical sciences, philosophy, literature and all the branches of knowledge accessible to humanity, the learning of which is in the interest of humanity and brings happiness to humanity. The Quran invites to these branches of knowledge on condition that people are guided by this knowledge

recommendation as to how to best view reality in order to advance one’s religious aims, a tool to assist one in realizing the Middle Way.” (Page 12)