What do religious beliefs entail?

 

 Figure 01: Religious beliefs

Though we may not be completely certain or able to provide evidence, belief is a mental state in which we hold that something is true. Everyone has opinions on life and the universe they live in. Belief systems, which can be religious, philosophical, or ideological, are made up of beliefs that reinforce one another. Religion is a grouping of cultural frameworks, worldviews, and philosophical systems that connect mankind to spirituality and, occasionally, to moral principles. Many religions have sacred histories, symbols, stories, and traditions that are meant to explain the universe's origins or to give meaning to life. They frequently draw moral principles, ethical norms, religious precepts, or a preferred way of life from their conceptions of the universe and of human nature (Council of Europe, 2022).

Religion, according to renowned psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, is a way to fulfill one's desires. However, contemporary psychology acknowledges that religion can have a significant impact on a person's life and experiences, and that it can even enhance health and well-being. In fact, research has demonstrated that religion can assist individuals in forming wholesome routines, managing their behaviors, and comprehending their emotions, all of which can have an impact on their health (Aldwin, et al., 2014.).

Religious discrimination affects adherents of all major organized religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity. Other less popular but equally sincere religious beliefs that are ethical and moral are also protected under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Figure 02: Religious beliefs

Each employee is free to practice their religion. Basic employee rights include things like praying, wearing certain attire with religious connotations, celebrating festivals, and even having culinary preferences. The aforementioned Civil Rights Act also defends any religiously based moral, intellectual, or ethical convictions. It's crucial to remember that political ideas that aren't also philosophical convictions or deeply entrenched in religion are not protected by the statute prohibiting religious discrimination. The absence of any religion, including atheism, must likewise be recognized. Employees who are atheists or who practice other religions are not required to participate in any communal worship. It is deemed an infringement of employees' rights to not engage in any form of religion to require them to take part in certain religious rituals (Project WHEN, 2022).

 

References

Council of Europe, 2022. Religion and belief. [Online]
[Accessed 20 11 2022].

Project WHEN, 2022. Religious discrimination in the workplace: How companies can prevent it and what employees can do if it happens. [Online]
[Accessed 10 11 2022].

Aldwin, C. M., Park, C. L. & Jeong, Y.-J., 2014.. Differing Pathways Between Religiousness, Spirituality, and Health: A Self-Regulation Perspective. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 6(1).