Research PaperNovember 28, 2009IntroductionSince the beginning of time, mankind has been searching for the answers to life's biggest questions. "What is Ultimate Reality? What is the Nature of the World Around Us? What is a Human Being? What Happens to a Person at Death? Why is it Possible to Know Anything at All? What is the Meaning of Human History or Time?" (Ferguson, Fall 2009). Humans have come to know that religion(s) have the answers to these questions and much more. The purpose of this paper is to take a deeper look into two of the three dominate religions within the Western cultures that have spread to the rest of the world. To compare, contrast, and reflect upon the religions of Judaism and Christianity. How do they affect the lives of the believers and societies under these religions? How do the seven dimensions of religion apply to each of the religions? What all these two religions have in common? In what aspects do these two religions have opposing views?Basics Facts of ReligionThere are many definitions around the world for what religion is.
Stained glass at St John the Baptist's Anglican Ch...
Professeur Ninian Smart (May 6, 1927 – January 2...
English: ubuntu for human beingsOne definition of religion is that "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs." (dictionary.com, 11/28/09). Another definition of religion is "Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that provide values to give life meaning and coherence by directing a person toward transcendence." (Ferguson, Fall 2009). The meaning of transcendence is "the quality or state of being above and independent of the material universe; being used of the Deity." (dictionary.com, 11/28/09). "There are eight elements that religions originate from; which are...