Christianity vs. Baha'I

Elements of Religion: Christianity vs. Baha’i

Jennifer

DeVry University – HUMN 448

May 12, 2012

Abstract

This paper explores the Christian and Baha’i faiths and how they differ when it comes to the 8 elements of religion. The 8 elements of religion are: a belief system, community, central myths, rituals, an ethical system, emotional experiences, material expressions of religion, and sacredness. This paper highlights what is important in the different faiths, what they believe in, and what their ultimate goals are.

Elements of Religion: Christianity vs. Baha’i

The 8 elements of religion are: a belief system, community, central myths, rituals, an ethical system, emotional experiences, material expressions of religion, and sacredness. Each religion has different beliefs, stories, traditions, and ceremonies, but they all serve a purpose that is near and dear to what they stand for and believe in. Christianity believes in a single God and they believe that Jesus will rise again and that he died for our sins. Baha’is believe in world equality. They want us to live in a world with only one country, one language, one religion, and one government.

I would have to say that my religious beliefs don’t follow the 8 elements of religion as much as they used to. Before I got ‘turned off’ by my church and their endless fund raising, I was making my religion a huge part of my everyday life. The most important elements of my religion back then were community and my belief system. I would attend Sunday services every week, I would go to all of the status meetings, and I would go to at least one Bible study each week. I felt like I belonged, and the sense of community was strong. I was committed and I really felt like the Christian life was the life that was meant for me.

Fast forward a couple of years and all of that’s changed. I would still consider myself of Christian religion, but I don’t practice it like I used to. I haven’t been to church in many years, and...