Religious characteristics and beliefs among Earth's inhabitants

¶ … Religious Life of Planet Earth

This report seeks to establish if planet Earth is a religious planet. In so doing, the report will primarily outline the criteria used to determine if the inhabitants of the planet are religious and the various beliefs and behaviors they exhibit in line with the criteria. Further, the report will also highlight the function of religion (as it appears to be) on the planet under consideration.

To establish whether or not Earth is indeed a religious planet, the very nature of religion on the planet must first be understood. This can be accomplished using a number of approaches. On of the most effective approaches in this case has got to do with evaluating the primary characteristics of religion. This is the criteria the report utilizes in an attempt to determine if the inhabitants of planet Earth are indeed religious.

Characteristics of Religion: What Religion Looks Like on Planet Earth.

In general, there are many characteristics of religion. Some of those taken into consideration in this undertaking included:

Belief in a Deity

As Hinde (2009) notes, "belief in the supernatural is the essence of religion." This is more so the case given that a majority of religions are theistic. Thus evidence of belief in supernatural beings can be taken as an indicator of a religious belief system.

Performance of Religious Rituals

In the opinion of Hinnells (2009), an action of a religious nature can be viewed as a ritual if and when "something significant is understood to have transpired in the act…" The author also notes that the result in this case should either be negative or positive i.e. A curse or a blessing. Religious rituals include but they are not limited to the performance of elaborate religious ceremonies and acts.

Evidence of Accepted Salvation Teachings

Yet another critical element of religion is the doctrine of salvation. In basic terms, any form of religion is based on the promise of salvation. In this case, salvation is regarded the utmost goal for all those who subscribe to a certain religious belief. As Gogerty (2001) points out, "each religion has faith that they are moral and that their beliefs will lead to eternal rewards."

Presence of a Code of Conduct Whose Origin is Considered Supernatural

All religions have values derived from certain religious teachings. These values ideally govern how those who subscribe to a certain religious belief relate between themselves and with others, conduct their lives etc. As Gwynne notes (2011), "each religion has its own list of core principles, whose content are remarkably similar in essence."

The Function of Religion on Earth Based on My Observations

Based on my observations, religion in addition to acting as a tool of social control also offers most inhabitants of the planet both emotional and mental peace. This is more so the case given the uncertain nature of human life. Religion hence in a way offers some kind of shelter to human beings. As a tool of social control, religion largely regulates the activities as well as associations between people.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence presented above, planet Earth can be regarded a religious planet. In addition to believing in a deity or deities, the inhabitants of the planet also regularly carry out some rituals of a religious nature. They also observe various religious codes of conduct.