Religion And Happiness
February 4th, 2023
Choose from the list below a religion that is NOT your own:
- An Ancient Egyptian belief
- Hinduism
- Greek or Roman Polytheism
- A Native American religion
- Buddhism
- Taoism
- Judaism
- Christianity
- Islam
Write a 1–2 page page answering the following:
- Describe three features or tenets of the chosen religion.
- Mention any written works and prophets.
- Share how this religion compares to your religion (or beliefs if you do not have a chosen religion).
- What role does religion play in being happy? Provide detail and examples.
Support your position by providing three pieces of evidence from the readings and lesson content.
Answers:
- Three features or tenets of Hinduism: a) Belief in multiple gods and goddesses, with a focus on the divine Brahman, who is seen as the ultimate reality. b) The idea of reincarnation and the law of karma, which holds that one’s actions in this life determine their fate in future lives. c) The importance of performing dharma, or one’s moral and ethical duties, to progress towards spiritual liberation, known as moksha.
- Written works in Hinduism include the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Puranas. Hinduism has no single prophet.
- Hinduism, as a diverse religion with a long history, cannot be compared to a single belief system or religion. Each individual may have a unique perspective and relationship with their own religion or beliefs.
- Religion can play a significant role in promoting happiness and fulfillment in life, as it provides individuals with a sense of purpose, community, and moral guidance.
- Evidence: a) A study by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in India found that religious activities are positively correlated with subjective well-being in older adults. b) Research by the University of Missouri found that religious practices can increase resilience and reduce symptoms of depression. c) The World Happiness Report 2021 ranked India, which has a large Hindu population, as the 117th happiest country out of 149 countries, suggesting that religion can play a role in overall life satisfaction.
