InstructionsRead the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
What is religion? A very complex question! We know religion and we live religion. But, how do we explain or define religion? Religion is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable aspects of human life from the very beginning. Thought it looks simple, it is not a simple reality to be easily defined or explained. There are many theories proposed regarding the origin of religion as a result of the development of speculative, intellectual and scientific mind. However, in spite of the differences in the understanding of this important element, it is confirmed that it is purely a human activity and it has become an inevitable aspect of human life. In the West, under the influence of the inherited tradition of Judeo-Christian tradition, religion was understood more theistically while in the East, it was mostly a response to the experience of the natural powers that are beyond human control and also to the inner urge for an ethical and moral reference.
Etymologically, the word 'religion' is derived from the Latin root 'religare' and it means 'to bind fast'. Then 'religion' has certainly a strong emphasis on community aspects. It is something that binds fast the members of it together. When we start thinking seriously on religion , naturally we fall upon thoughts of the definition of religion. There are numberless definitions of religion, The meaning and definition of religion differs according to the socio-cultural and psychological background of the person who reflects upon it. Even the political setting inserts its influence on the understanding of the meaning of religion. Some of the definitions are phenomenological and try to expose the common elements that we see in the acknowledged world religions. For example, the human recognition of a superhuman power entitled to obedience and worship. Some others are interpretative definitions.
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