7 Feb 2023

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Ancient Religions: A Comprehensive Guide

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Academic level: College

Paper type: Research Paper

Words: 560

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The poor souls of the 24 th century will find relief in three religions of the medieval worlds that include the Ancient Egyptian religion, Buddhism, and Islam. The basis of the Ancient Egyptian religion was a system of polytheistic beliefs and rituals. The Egyptians interacted with many deities who, according to the Egyptians, were in control of the world. Buddhism, on the other hand, is based on the four noble truths which include the truth of suffering, cause of suffering, end of suffering, and the path leading to the end of suffering. The Islam religion on its part is based on five pillars that include the creed, prayer, purification, fasting, and pilgrimage. 

Frankfort, (2012) noted that the religion of Ancient Egypt primarily centered on the pharaohs, the bona fide rulers of Egypt at that time. They were regarded to possess the divine power based on the virtue of the position they held. They also acted as intermediaries between the gods and the people. They oversaw rituals and offerings to ensure that that the gods were appeased. In Islam, the individuals that have the role of acting as the intermediary are the angels also known as "Malaika." Their role is to appear before men and convey the message of God. The religion is endowed with many angels each of whom has a different role. In Buddhism, the monks and priests were charged with performing the intermediary roles. 

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It is also crucial for the 24 th -century individuals to understand the rationale or philosophy behind these religions. Buddhism was founded by Buddha. One is regarded to have reached the ultimate point in their religion if they have received enlightenment. Human beings must always thrive to attain the state of enlightenment also known as "Nirvana." The word can be translated to mean extinguishing three fundamental problems including hatred, ignorance, and earthly suffering. In Islam, reaching the epitome of the religion is through salvation. Salvation can only be acquired through repentance because God is merciful. In the Ancient Egypt religion, the climax of the religion happens when one appreciates a concept known as "maat." The pillars of this religion include order, justice, truth, and fairness. Practicing these essential virtues makes one closer to god (Frankfort, 2012). 

In the Ancient Egypt religion, prayer was performed in the temple. Different pharaohs invested in building large temples where people could pray and give petitions to their gods. As civilization continued, the temples existed in almost all the major towns. In Islam, people pray in the mosque. However, they perform a majority of their prayers at home because God instructed them to pray five times a day. For the Buddhist, they primarily pray in the temple. They are required to pray while facing the image of the Buddha. Their feet are required to face away from the Buddha. For all these religions, the place for worship is regarded as holy. However, divisions based on gender remains a fundamental aspect because women were not allowed to pray near their male counterparts (Clarke, 2013). 

Lastly, an essential concept that the 24 th -century people can take from the religion regards the institution of the afterlife. The Ancient Egypt religion believed in a concept referred to as the "Ka." According to religion, the body was comprised of the flesh and the spirit. However, after death, the two separate and the body remain on earth with the spirit ascending to the sky and stars. Clarke, (2013) asserted that the Buddhists believe in a cycle of birth and death known as “samsara.” Death sets a center-stage for rebirth through the reincarnation of the spirit. Islam also holds similar sentiments as death is regarded as the termination of the worldly life and the beginning of a new one in the form of a spirit. 

References 

Clarke, M. (Ed.). (2013). Handbook of research on development and religion. Edward Elgar Publishing. 

Frankfort, H. (2012). Ancient Egyptian religion: an interpretation. Courier Corporation. 

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StudyBounty. (2023, September 14). Ancient Religions: A Comprehensive Guide.
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