Joe is very faithful and forthright in his beliefs. He holds that all things come from the volcano he has named “Ed.” Every so often Ed erupts and changes things. Joe feels that these eruptions are normal and bring balance to the world. He believes that balance is lost when people expect Ed to erupt more often or less often than Ed desires. Joe believes that we can become one with Ed after our lives end by tossing our bodies into the lava. This will help keep things in balance. Joe is the only believer.
Choose ONE of the following options for definitions of religion and determine whether or not Joe follows a religion. In addition, point out, from the definition you chose, what is missing if Joe does NOT follow a religion. Finally, what would it take for Joe’s beliefs to be a World Religion?
Option A: “Religion is human transformation in response to perceived ultimacy.” (Young, The World’s Religions eText, Fourth Edition)
Option B: “Religion is 1: the service and worship of God or the supernatural; and 2: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance.” (Religion as defined by Merriam-Webster.com)
Option C: “Religion literally means: “to link back.” The word is related to ligaments, the connective tissue of the body. So, by definition, religions need to “link” to something…a founder, usually, or a form of religious writing but something that links them “back” to something else.” (John, Lecture Materials)
