Research Proposal on "Christianity Beliefs System"

Research Proposal 4 pages (1406 words) Sources: 3 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Beliefs

Everyone has certain beliefs that they consider to be true. This, of course, does not guarantee that these beliefs actually are true, but the person is convinced they are. Beliefs normally come in groups, one building on another over time. They reinforce each other and create complex structures. The beliefs are not acquired arbitrarily, but fit into a consistent pattern. These groups of beliefs are called a belief system. These belief systems help people grapple with some very difficult concerns, such as "How did life evolve?," or "Why are we here?" Or "What takes place when we die?" This belief system is a way that individuals can better understand the many unknowns in their life.

Once these beliefs are formed, they are very difficult to eliminate, even when trying as much as possible. They have strength, especially when they were established in the formative childhood years. Most people will develop their beliefs as they are growing up, since family members and others who are close exert a great deal of influence. As children get older, their beliefs are either strengthened or altered by their peers. By the time of adulthood, these beliefs are quite firmly established.

John Stuart Mill stated, "One person with a belief is equal to a force of 49 who have only interests." (Mill as quoted in Robbins, 1986) From a positive standpoint, beliefs can guide people in the right direction. When believing something as true, a persona will act in that direction. These beliefs can be a very positive force in life. For example, is someone believes that it is possible to continue learning throughout life, he/she will be driven to continually acquire knowledge. If someone believes that all people should have the same opportunities to develop and grow, he/she will act on this belief in how people are treated. Unfortunately, not all beliefs are that positive and supportive. Believing that people lose the capacity to learn as they get older, someone who is aging may decide that it is no longer possible to gain new knowledge and understanding. People who are biased and prejudiced against certain individuals because they believe they are inferior, will treat them in that way. These positive or negative beliefs are found in all belief systems, including religion.

Religion, according to Johnstone (1992, p. 14) "is an institutionalized system of symbols, beliefs, values and practices by which a group of people interprets and responds to what they feel is sacred and that provides answers to questions of ultimate meaning." Something that is "sacred" is believed to be holy, placed above all else, and commemorated by special rites and rituals. It is distinct from the "profane," or what Emile Durkheim defined as something that is "everyday." Religion goes beyond beliefs and even a system of beliefs. It is an institution, or a pattern of organized societal actions centered around these beliefs and rites. As do all belief systems, religion explains something that is unknown. It deals "with the whole of human life and death," (Bowker, 1997) that goes beyond human: It believes in a supreme being or god.

My personal religious belief system is based on Christianity. I grew up as a Christian and went to church with my family on a regular basis. I do not do this as often now, but still have a strong Christian belief. My religious beliefs gave me strength as I was growing up; when I did not understand why certain things happened, I could turn to my religion as a help and guide. My family's religion also gave us traditions, or a way to continue our set of beliefs from one generation to the next. These traditions include beliefs, practices, and doctrines, which as all belief systems, can be a positive or negative force in the world. As part of my religious system, I believe in God or higher power and his son, Jesus Christ, who provided his followers with a set of moral codes and practices for worship. This code provides direction on how to treat others and how to live one's life to the fullest. There are many different forms of Christianity in the world today, but they all believe in Jesus and his teachings.… READ MORE

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