Background Information
When studying the different religions of the world we tend of focus on the distinctions between these religions
and understanding what makes them unique, however it is important to note that although these religions are
distinct and unique in their own way, there are common themes and structures that can be applied to them.
Some of the common elements present in the different religions that we will be studying this semester are:
– Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Writings
o Divinely inspired writings that contain origins of the religion, essential beliefs, and major
teachings. Some religions also revere writings of prominent figures throughout their history
who have contributed to expounding the theology of the religion (ex: writings of the
Christian saints)
– Beliefs and Practices
o Tenets of the religion that unify its community of believers on a variety of topics ranging
from their relationship with the divine, soteriology, creation, eschatology, anthropology, etc.
– Prayer and Worship
o Liturgical practices that believers of the faith participate in throughout their daily lives. Some
liturgical practices and rituals of prayer are performed in conjunction with the celebration of
religious festivals at particular times of the week (ex: Sabbath) or times of the year (ex:
Christmas)
– Morality – Code of Ethics
o Guiding principles that adherents of the faith abide by throughout their lives informed by the
theology of the religion
– History
o Understanding how the religion was established and the advances of the religion throughout
human history that shape the global image of the religion today while also recognizing
changes in theology that have occurred throughout history due to major historical events
Report Instructions
In your readings of Chapter 1 – Beginning Your Study of World Religions and Chapter 11 – Encountering
Christianity: The Way of Jesus Christ you have gained a better understanding of what a religion is and how it is
classified as well as the various aspects of a religion and you have seen how those aspects of a religion are
understood in light of Christianity. You will now use the information gleaned in these chapters to expand upon
particular elements of Christianity enumerated below:
1. Christian Symbols – ½ page
a. Identify and a common Christian symbol and explain its significance
i. Consider the following:
1. History/Origins of the symbol
2. Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement
with it
3. How the symbol is utilized by Christians today?
a. Is it used during prayer/worship?
b. Worn as an outward sign of faith?
