Senior High School

Introduction to World
Religions and Belief
Systems
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Understanding the Nature of
Religion

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS

Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems – Grade 11
Quarter 3 – Module 1: Understanding the Nature of Religion
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in
any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for
exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things,
impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective
copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use
these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors
do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Compiler/ Contextualizer: Joan E.Tomarong, Jerime M. Pestaño

and Rowena L. Bajo
Editors/Reviewers: Alice Ganar, John Paul Kapuno
Daisy Von Dy, Gilda Galvo
and Florinda Geyronzaga

Management Team: Dr. Rhea Mar A. Angtud, Ed.D

Schools Division Superintendent

Grecia Bataluna
Chief, Curriculum Instruction Division

Dr.Luis Derasin Jr.

EPS-Araling Panlipunan/ Division SHS Coordinator

Mrs. Vanessa Harayo, LLB.

Division EPS In Charge of LRMS

Department of Education – Schools Division of Cebu City, Region VII

Office Address: New Imus Road, Day-as, Cebu City, Philippines

Telefax: ____________________________________________
E-mail Address: ___________________________________________

0
 11
Introduction to
World Religions
and Belief
Systems
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Understanding the Nature of
Religion

1
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Module on

Understanding the Nature of Religion!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators from
public institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping the learners
meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal,
social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to the Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Module on

Understanding the Nature of Religion!

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

2
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity, or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

3
At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.
The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

Second Semester
MODULE 1, WEEK 1
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF RELIGION

Content Standard : The learner demonstrates an understanding of

belief system or worldview, Religion, Spirituality,
Philosophy of Religion and Theology.
Performance Standard : The learner prepares character sketches of a person
who is spiritual but not religious and a person who is
religious but not spiritual.
Learning Outcomes : Upon completion of the module, the student
is expected to explain how religion is viewed by various
people in relation to their outlook on God
Competencies : Differentiate the concept, elements and
characteristics of belief system, world view and
spirituality.
Competency Code : HUMSS-WRB II-I/IIa.1.1

4
 What I Know

Let us try to check how far you have known about religions and belief systems in
the past by answering these few questions. You may write your answers in any size
of paper. Just write the letter of your correct answer.

1. The five pillars are in which religion.

A. Buddhism B. Christianity C. Islam D. Judaism

2. Characteristics of Religion, EXCEPT.

A. Beliefs B. Psalms C. Ritual D. Sacred Text

3. This means denial of the existence of God.

A. Atheism B. Monotheism C. Polytheism D. Theism

4. The belief that God’s existence is unknown and unknowable.

A. Agnosticism B. Monism C. Monotheism D. Polytheism

5. In Hinduism ___is the creator whom they believe controls karma.

A. Abraham B. Allah C. Brahma D. Buddha

6. The belief in many principal gods among whom no one is supreme.

A. Agnosticism B. Monism C. Polytheism D. Theism

7. Collections of beliefs about life and the universe held by people.

A. Belief B. Faith C. Spirituality D. Worldview

8. The systematic study of the existence and nature of the divine ______.
A. Religion B. Spirituality C. Theology D. Worldview

9. The beads of rosary are used for counting prayers offered in devotion to____.
A. Abraham B. Brahma C. Buddha D. Mary

10. Spirituality is derived from the Latin word spiritus/spirare which means to___.
A. Breathe B. Live C. Praise D. Pray

11. The belief that there is no genuine distinction between God and the universe.
A. Agnosticism B. Monism C. Polytheism D. Theism

12. A belief in the existence of one God viewed as the creative source of the human
race and the world________.
A. Monism B. Monotheism C. Polytheism D. Theism

7
 13. Relating or affecting the human spirit or soul that is one’s personal integrative
view on___________.
A. Religion B. Spirituality C. Theology D. Worldview

14. The belief that there is only one God who could have designed and created
the universe.
A. Monism B. Monotheism C. Polytheism D. Theism

15. An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies and rules used to worship a god
or a group of gods.
A. Belief B. Faith C. Religion D. Worldview

What I Need to Know

Welcome Senior High School students to this module…your journey towards

understanding the concept of religion and spirituality. This module will guide you to
broaden your perspective on matters concerning diversified religious convictions and
belief systems, which will help you realize the value of respect to other people’s
beliefs.
Isn’t it exciting, right? So, for you to further understand the entire lesson of
the module, let me share to you the learning objectives of this module.
At the end of this lesson, you can:
▪ explain the ways of defining religion.
▪ differentiate religion from spirituality; and
▪ discuss the concept, elements, and characteristics of belief system

What’s In

It is time to know your specific religion. I would like you to write about your
understanding of your own religion by answering the following basic questions:
1. What is your religion?
2. What do you really know about your religion?
3. How many religions can you name?
4. What is the most widely practiced religion?

Your answers to those questions would tell your personal views of what a
religion is. But, do you really know more about basic concepts of religion? Let us
start your journey towards differentiating religion from spirituality. Write your
answer in a separate paper.

8
 What’s New

Before you discover your views on religion, I would like you to discover more
first by doing this first activity entitled “Religious or Not religious”. Just follow the
instructions given below on the next page.

The following are different photos of personalities, events, or activities that

may or may not be associated with religion. Identify these photos by writing whether
they can be considered religious or not. Write your answer on a separate paper.

Image 1. Image 2.

Image 3. Image 4.

What Is It

Not all people have religion because millions of them don’t have any belief in a
god. Atheists deny the existence of God. Agnostics believe that God is unknown and
probably unknowable. However, that does not imply that they are people without
principles or ethics, any more than professing a religion means that one does have
them. However, according to The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, if one accepts
religion as being “devotion to some principle; strict fidelity or faithfulness;
conscientiousness; pious affection of attachment,” then most people, including

9
atheists and agnostics, do have some form of religious devotion in their lives. With
vast religions, the world gets smaller and smaller by virtue of ever faster travel,
communication, and technology. Whether we like it or not, the impact of various
faiths is felt globally.

Majority of the world’s religious population comprise Catholics. In Catholic

countries, people pray in churches and cathedrals in devotion to the crucifix and
saints. A rosary is used to memorize praying. The beads of the rosary are used for
counting prayers offered in devotion to Mary. And it is not difficult to identify nuns
and priests, wearing distinctive black or white dress.

In countries where Hinduism is practiced, you will often see people doing puja-
a certain ceremony that may include making offerings to their gods, in the form of
coconut, flowers, and apples. Each year millions flock to the Ganges to bathe and be
purified by its waters.

In countries with Islamic belief, they view the Holy Qur’an (Koran) as their
Islamic book of scripture. The Qur’an was believed to be revealed by God and was
given to the prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel in the 7th century C.E. On the
streets of many Buddhist lands, the monks of Buddhism, wear saffron, black, or red
robes as a sign of devoutness. Ancient temples with the serene Buddha on display
are evidence of the antiquity of the Buddhist Faith. In Japan’s way of life, Shinto
entered into daily life with family shrines and offerings to ancestors. The Japanese
feel free to pray for the most common things, believing that their ancestors would
hear their prayers. And very common in Protestant countries, chapels and churches
flourish, commonly known for having not so big edifice of worship. During Sundays,
the special day of worship, parishioners usually put on their best attire and come
together to hear sermons and sing hymns. Often their clergy wear black suit and a
distinguishing clerical collar.

The Need for Spiritual Food

This great worldwide variety of religious devotion only indicate that for
thousands of years, mankind has had a spiritual need and yearning. It only depicts
that has man yearns for physical and literal food that could enhance his health, it is
only necessary to nourish his mind and spiritual being of healthy spiritual food.

Religious feelings have been expressed in many different ways as people have
turned to God or their gods, seeking blessings and solace. Man has lived with his
trials and burdens, his doubts, and questions, including the mystery of death.
Through different religion man tries to address the great questions on humanity
about the purpose of life and mankind.

Logically, you would ask yourself, “How did religion come about?” according to
Geoffrey Parrinder in the book World Religions-from Ancient History to the Present,
the study of different religion or belief doesn’t imply unfaithfulness to one’s existing
faith, but it is a way of seeking reality and enriching the mind through various

10
search. Knowledge leads to understanding, right? That’s why to know and
understand the different beliefs may bridge the gap between different viewpoints.

Belief Systems/Worldviews

Monistic

RELIGION
Monotheistic

Polytheistic

Agnostic

Atheistic
Figure 1.

Theism, is often used as a synonym to monotheism, is defined as “a belief in

the existence of one god viewed as the creative source of the human race and the
world who transcends yet is immanent in the world”.(Meriam-Webster Dictionary
2014).

Monotheistic religions claim that there is only one God who could have
designed and created the universe or may have directed all events that led to the
creation of everything (Hick 1990). Modern-day examples of monotheistic religions
include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

On the other hand, Polytheistic religions that are common among early
people recognize many principal gods among whom no one is supreme.

Monism asserts that there is no genuine distinction between God and the
Universe.

Furthermore, while atheist deny the existence of God, agnostics deny the
possibility for man to acquire knowledge of the existence of God.

11
Elements of Religion

reflects an effort to elevate their

whole self to a higher dimension
of existence
a framework of transcendent
beliefs

text or scriptures

rituals

sacred spaces e.g. church,

temples, mosque, synagogue

Figure 2

Exploring Spirituality

Spirituality is derived from the Latin word spiritus, its verb root is spirare
which means “to breathe” literally.
In the study of religion, there are basic concepts that need to be understood
such as Theology, philosophy of religion, and spirituality., which include
Philosophy of religion deals primarily with issues concerning religion, which
include analysis on the existence of a divine being or on sacred texts. Theology
involves the systematic study of the existence and nature of the divine. Spirituality
can be described as one’s integrative view of life and involves a quest for the meaning
and ultimate value of life as opposed to an instrumentalists or materialistic attitude
to life. Hence, one can be spiritual without being religious.

Elements of Spirituality

b. quest for
a. holistic ( fully c. quest for the d. suggest a
meaning (
integrated view sacred ( beliefs self-reflective
including the
to life ) about God) existence
purpose of life )

Figure 3

12
 What’s More

Activity 1: RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL!

Identify the following as to being religious or being spiritual. Write your

answers in a separate paper.

1. Feeding the hungry.

2. Hearing mass regularly.
3. Giving alms to the poor.
4. Joining in civic activities.
5. Praying while commuting a bus.
6. Reciting the Holy Rosary Prayer.
7. Donating blood to the blood bank.
8. Participating in Church disinfecting.
9.Observing and participating in church worship.
10. Observing appropriate attire while in religious activities.

What I Have Learned

Use the Venn diagram below to differentiate philosophy of religion, theology,

and religion and write your answer in a separate paper.

Religion

Philosophy
of Religion Theology

13
 What I Can Do

Given Situation: An interfaith gathering of religious leaders of various religions

of the world will be held in Cebu for two weeks from now. As one of the leaders of
your religion, you will deliver a three-to-five-minute speech in front of religious
leaders of world religions such as Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism
Jainism, Confucianism and Shintoism. The content of your speech should include:
the value of having a religion and its role in the world today: concrete contributions
your religion has imparted to alleviate suffering in your community; suggestions on
how to promote respect and peaceful dialogue; and a discussion on how your belief
system will help overcome a certain pandemic problem today. You will be graded
based on the following: organization, support and development of ideas and purpose
of speech. Write your speech essay in a separate sheet of paper.

Assessment

INSTRUCTION. Read and analyze each item and carefully select the correct
answer by writing the letter on a separate paper.

1. Characteristics of religion EXCEPT.

A. Beliefs B. Psalms C. Rituals D. Sacred Text

2. The five pillars are in which religion.

A. Buddhism B. Christianity C. Islam D. Judaism

3. The protestants special day of worship.

A. Tuesday B. Thursday C. Saturday D. Sunday

4. It is known as the sacred book of Islam.

A. Agamas B. Holy Bible C. Qur’an D. Vedas

5. This means denial of the existence of God.

A. Atheism B. Monotheism C. Polytheism D. Theism

6. The belief that God’s existence is unknown and unknowable.

A. Agnosticism B. Monism C. Monotheism D. Polytheism

7. The systematic study of the existence and nature of the divine.

A. Religion B. Spirituality C. Theology D. Worldview

14
8. It comprises the majority of the world’s religious population.
A. Buddhism B. Catholics C. Islam D. Taoism

9. Collections of beliefs about life and the universe held by people.

A. Belief B. Faith C Polytheism D. Worldview

10. In Hinduism __ is the creator whom they believe controls karma.

A. Allah B. Abraham C. Brahma D. Buddha

11. The belief in many principal gods among whom no one is supreme.
A. Agnosticism B. Monism C. Polytheism D. Theism

12. The belief that there is no genuine distinction between God and the universe.
A. Agnosticism B. Monism C. Polytheism D. Theism

13. The term spirituality is derived from a Latin word spiritus which means to.
A. Breathe B. Endure C. Love D. Worship

14. The beads of the rosary are used for counting prayers offered in devotion to_.
A. Abraham B. Brahma C. Buddha D. Mary

15. The belief that there is only one God who could have designed and created
the universe.
A. Monism B. Monotheism C. Polytheism D. Theism

16. It is an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies and rules used to worship a

god or a group of gods.
A. Belief B. Faith C. Religion D. Worldview

17. A belief in the existence of one God viewed as the creative source of the human
race and the world.
A. Monism B. Monotheism C. Polytheism D. Theism

18. Relating or affecting the human spirit or soul that is one’s personal integrative
view on.
A. Religion B. Spirituality C. Theology D. Worldview

19. Spirituality involves one’s integrative view of life that is more personal while
affecting the human___.
A. Dreams B. Freedom C. Mind and Body D. Soul

20. The following are elements of spirituality, EXCEPT______

A. Holistic C. Quest for meaning
B. Quest for power D. Self-reflective

15
 Additional Activities

I am proud of the way you worked today! You are almost done in Module 1.
After knowing the nature of religion in this module, you are instructed to create
character sketches of the following and write it on a separate sheet of paper

1. A person who is spiritual but not religious

2. A person who is religious but not spiritual

16
 References

Books:

Atim, Ben Carlo N. (2016). Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems.
Makati City, Philippines: Diwa Learning Systems Inc.

Ong, Jerome A. and Jose dl., Mary Dorothy 2016. Introduction to World
Religions and Belief Systems. Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Group, Inc.

Cornelio et.al 2016.Introduction to World Religions and Belief

Systems.Quezon City,Philippines: REX Book Store Inc.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph

17