Religious studies. Religion, cultural anthropology of religion, geography of religion, religious beliefs

Group- MKLT-1
Student of master’s degree Maxsudova Nigora
Subject: Comparative cultural studies.
Religious studies. Religion, cultural anthropology of religion, geography of religion, religious beliefs.
Religion is a complex set of beliefs that are part of culture. Religious studies is an academic field devoted to research into religious beliefs, behaviors and institutions. It describes, compares, interprets and explains religion, emphasizing systematic, historically based and cross-cultural perspectives. It has observational and descriptive approach. It claims made from outside of a tradition and talk about how things appear to be.
Cultural anthropology is the branch of science concerned with cultural beliefs. As such, cultural anthropologists are often interested in religion in a variety of places in the world. Most of the techniques of cultural anthropology involve observing how people act in certain situations. We compare the beliefs and rules of the four major religions- Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism. They have a different history of origin, different geographical location, even though their certain criteria and requirements are similar. Because the rules of every religion are based on spreading the virtue of kindness, compassion among people and provide peace and prosperity in society. In the context of the direct influence of religion on politics in history and today, various interreligious conflicts have arisen. The results of the study show that the population with a deep understanding of the criteria of religion does not associate it with politics, but considers it as a set of rules that regulate the life of society. As a result, it follows the right path that religion preaches without interfering in political games.
Intercultural research plays an important role in people’s right approach to other religions. Culture is a collection of beliefs, behaviors and customs that are passed from one generation to another. The role of culture in society is to carry on the beliefs of that society and allow its members to have a sense of identity. This identity helps people to work together in groups and thrive. Religion is part of culture and can be defined as a set of beliefs about the purpose and nature of the universe and life. As a part of culture, religion often is used as a way to carry basic beliefs about the universe to future generations.
Whether it is religion or other beliefs, the cultures and regions we are from influence us. A religion that has spread to a certain area over the years will also have an impact on the culture and lifestyle of the people in that area. Islam, which has become widespread in many countries of Asia and Africa due to its geographical location, combines the lifestyle and views of these countries. Visitors to these countries feel the harmony in them; recognize the similarity of the culture of communication between people, the culture of behavior in society, the style of clothing.
Every religion has its particular beliefs, over the years these beliefs and rules have been followed, and a way of life has been created. Against the background of these religious criteria, various superstitions arose. In Islam, objects, foods and deeds are divided into “haram” and “halal”. Muslims should stay away from what is considered haram and not eat food that is not halal. Muslims also have various superstitions, but they are “makruh”, which means they should not believe them and do not follow them. Members of other religions consume some foods that are considered haram for Muslims and it can cause culture shock in multi-ethnic countries.
In short, any conflict and disagreement can be resolved through the acquisition of religious knowledge and its correct interpretation. Since religion arose in the past in the absence of state laws to restore order in society, it must remain so in modern life. The formation of religious studies among youth is extremely important for representatives of different religions to live in harmony.