Religious beliefs and practices

Religious Beliefs

Monotheism refers to the belief in a single, all-powerful deity. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam fall under this category.
Polytheism is a religious belief that accepts multiple deities. Hinduism is a prime example of a polytheistic faith.
Atheism is the lack of belief in the existence of any god or gods.
Agnosticism is the perspective that the existence of god or gods is unknowable.
Pantheism is the belief that everything is god or forms an all-encompassing, immanent god.
Dualism is the belief that the universe is ruled by two opposing powers, such as good and evil. Zoroastrianism exemplifies dualistic faith.
Examining the Problem of Evil - a philosophical conundrum questioning the existence of an omnipotent and benevolent god in a world where suffering exists.
Understanding the concept of divine intervention, where a deity directly influences or changes the natural order of the world.

Religious Practices

Prayer is a common religious practice that involves communication with the divine through words or thought.
Sacraments or rituals play integral roles in many religious traditions, formalising life’s significant events or milestones.
The practice of fasting is common in many religions, used as a method of purification, surrender, or demonstration of faith.
Pilgrimage - many religions have sites or places considered sacred where believers are encouraged to visit, such as the Hajj in Islam.
Charity and Almsgiving - acts of charity and generosity toward the less fortunate are seen as fundamental practices in many religions.
Worship and Reverence - religions often have specific manners and places of worship, like churches, synagogues, temples, or mosques. Worship can be individual or communal.
Recognizing the role of religious symbols as a means of expressing faith and identity.
Understanding meditation as a spiritual practice used to focus the mind and cultivate mindfulness. Prevalent in Buddhism, but found in many other religions too.

Ethical Considerations

Religion and Morality - understanding how religious faith shapes moral thinking and actions.
Examining the role of religious laws or commandments, such as the Ten Commandments in Christianity or the Five Pillars of Islam, in guiding ethical decisions.
Exploring the concept of religious tolerance and pluralism, and how different faiths perceive and interact with one another.
Discussing issues of gender and sexuality in religion, including varying interpretations and controversies surrounding these topics.
Engaging with contemporary moral dilemmas through a religious lens, such as euthanasia, abortion, and capital punishment.
Understanding just war theory and its implications on the religious view of warfare.
Critiquing the role of religion in social justice movements and causes.