Alavi Karim
Tue 03/27/07

We started our first class with a discussion on defining ‘religion’. Students expressed different views, as every individual perceives the concept of religion differently. Few said that it is something uncontrollable that is required to explain things which logic alone cannot do whereas others argued that it provides us with comfort/security, a sense of social unity, spirituality and helps to maintain order in ones life. In my opinion, it would be rather difficult to define religion with a set of rules because I personally think that it varies greatly from one individual to another. Every religion in the world, be it Islam, Christianity, Hinduism etc may all have certain similarities but they also have some obvious differences that separate them from each other. All the words from our discussion that were put up on the board about religion may be applicable to some religions but not to others. So then how can we have only one general definition? Yes, we can certainly define religon but I believe there has to be a separate one for each as opposed to just one for all.

Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God whereas Muslims believe that he was one of the Prophets that God sent to deliver His message. If there are such great differences in what two individuals from different religions believe then I find it rather difficult for one definition to be applicable to all. It does not even have to be individuals from two separate religions but even within the same, we still find differences. Some may manipulate the rules in their respective Holy Book (Quran, Bible etc) to suite their needs because they may not be as strong believers like others. Therefore, his or her definition of religion will obviously differ from someone who ‘goes by the book’. We also discussed how culture and upbringing influences the strength of ones belief. Having fellow believers of the same religion around you will strengthen your belief whereas being a minority, say in a particular neighborhood, may or may not have adverse effects.