PHILO 12

Ong, Jared Darren S. Mr. Agustin Rodriguez

Section H July 15,
2020

Individual Introduction of the Mindmap

Religion has evolved as a social construct that provides significant solutions to any needs or
challenges that humans encounter in various situations. An early example of this was
animism, but since it focused on the unique features of locations, it fails to meet the criterion
that defines a religion. As kingdoms expanded, the needs of people for entities with more
power also grew. This is where polytheistic religions entered, which believed that the world
is controlled by a group of Gods that represent forces of nature or ancestral principles, and
these Gods were subject to an even higher power. The existence of an even higher power than
the Gods eventually opened up two conflicting ideas. One of these is monotheism, wherein
they strive to embrace both the good and bad, but are unable to define the presence of evil in
the world. The other one is dualism, or the belief that everything that happens in the world is
a struggle between the two forces, but it does not explain order. Overall, monotheism is a
hodgepodge of all animist, polytheist, monotheist, and dualist beliefs. All these beliefs focus
on a belief in God and other supernatural beings, but Buddhism on the other hand, believes
that the superhuman order governing the world is the product of natural laws. It does not
deny the existence of Gods, but rather that they have no influence on the law of suffering.
Another type of belief is humanism, with three rival sects: two founded on monotheist beliefs
and the other influenced by the theory of evolution. 

It is important to discuss and reflect on religion because the reading mentions it being
considered as a source of discrimination, disagreement, and disunion in today’s time.
Religion has always been adapted by people to meet their needs, and it has become a way of
life. It is weaved into the histories of even our earliest civilizations, and it will continue to
exist in the succeeding times. Although it is true that a lot of religions have surfaced over the
years, some even having conflicting ideas, it has helped enrich our lives in various ways. It
not only continues to provide stability in our society through shared beliefs, but modern
religion has allowed us to choose what we believe is right or wrong.  It also allows us to
become more compassionate and respectful towards one another, ultimately leading to the
goal of salvation for oneself and others.