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you are here: > Self > 4. Religion and SELF
| 4.3 |
The common components to all religions
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| There are so many religious texts and so many different words, symbols and methods used by different religions that sometimes it seem very difficult to make sense of it all. | ||
| The problem of simply comparing the different names, customs and beliefs of religions is that we study the differences rather than the similarities. There are many fine books that study the differences between religions. In this section, I want to focus on the common components to all religions | ||
| The meaning of the word religion provides the answer to the common components | ||
| The implications embedded in the concept of religion provides the best starting point for understanding the common components for all religions. These are the things that all religions share, even if written in different languages over different time periods and individuals. | ||
| The common components are the underlying framework and ideas that flow from one religion to another, whether we realize it or not. | ||
| The common components of all religions | ||
| Regardless of religious belief, all religions share the following common components: | ||
| Central deity | ||
| Ancestral religious heritage | ||
| Sacred covenant/agreement | ||
| Messiahs/saints | ||
| Sacred texts | ||
| Sacred symbols | ||
| Sacred locations | ||
| Sacred objects | ||
| Sacred rituals | ||
| Church administration | ||
| Fundamentalists/fanatics | ||
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