Firstly, the concept of rituals, which is present in most religions, is an important aspect in determining whether or not one must believe in a supernatural being in order to be religious. A misconception has been intertwined with the definition of a ritual. It suggests that one participating in a ritual is doing so with the intention of praising, paying thanks, or requesting grace of/to a higher being. Despite this, a ritual can range from something as simplistic as a h

Secondly, the issue of prayer arises when questioning religious activity. Regardless of the fact that most believe it is necessary to pay respect, or give thanks to a higher being once engaged in prayer, it is not. Prayer embodies the significance of meditation, and this form of prayer provides, “the opportunity for persons to rethink their ultimate commitment and rededicate themselves to live up to their ideals”. Cahn reinforces this outlook by stating that the meditative form of prayers may range from silent devotion to oral repetition (Cahn, pp 5). Naturalistic religions use this as means for strengthening their ideals, traditional beliefs and values, and also to contemplate their surroundings. Buddhism reflects this form of prayer. A Buddhist uses meditation as a

Steven M. Religion Reconsidered, pp 4; 20 Questions). Rituals like these may have no religious significance. Therefore it is possible for one to practice rituals without focusing

Finally, it is possible for one to uphold morals without placing significance on a superior being. Cahn supports this idea through stating, “it is sometimes assumed that those who reject a supernaturalistic god are necessarily immoral, for their denial of the existence of such a god leaves them free to act without fear of divine punishment" (Cahn, pp.6). However, it is probable for one who does not place significance on what a higher being may dictate to be right or wrong. Morals exist on the basis of what the individual deems as appropriate. They branch from ones values and ideals, which are directly or indirectly based on personal experiences and surroundings. “To act morally is not to act in fear of punishment; it is not to act as one is commanded to act. Rather it is to act as on

Some topics in this essay:
Spinoza Buddhism, Buddhist Doctrines, Questions Rituals, Religions Buddhism, Cahn Spinoza’s, , Multiple Meanings, Noble Truths, metaphysical beliefs, considered religious, Religion Reconsidered, form prayer, religious activities, metaphysical beliefs placing, cahn supports idea, seek liberation, religious beliefs, beliefs values, meditation form prayer, activities rituals, act fear, religious activities rituals, god considered religious, moral commitments,