PSY 301: Psychology of Religion Discussion: Global Meanings

This discussion post summarizes a scholarly article on the psychology of religion and its cultural implications. The student explores the impact of religion on individuals, highlighting how religious practices and beliefs influence emotions, morality, and self-esteem. The post discusses the role of globalization in shaping religious pluralism and the emergence of global meanings. It examines various religious constructs, such as the impact of prayer and spirituality on mental health, and how these constructs are developed through trade, travel, and cultural exploration. The student also reflects on how global meanings related to religious perceptions translate into daily life, discussing their personal impact and implications.

PSYCHOLOGY
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Table of Contents
Summary of article......................................................................................................................................2
Impact of religion and culture on life..........................................................................................................2
Religious constructs invoked in the context of global meanings.................................................................2
Religious constructs....................................................................................................................................3
Development of global meanings for religious constructs...........................................................................3
References...................................................................................................................................................4
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Summary of article
The article covers the topic of psychology of culture and mind in different perceptions. Religion
is considered itself a part of the culture, transcends culture and is also influenced by the shape of
culture in case of emotions, actions, etc. However in some cases, religion is not a part of the
culture and it differs in many ways such as language, territory, etc. Religion is said to be
comprised of aspects of different values, practices, beliefs, symbols could be conceived within
the culture. Ethnicity, economical status defines various systems of cultures and each of them has
its own beliefs, practices and many more. This article also provides that culture does not include
religion and religion also is not equating cultures (Saroglou & Cohen, 2011).
Impact of religion and culture on life
Many of millennial have adhered towards religion in order to keep their souls happy. It has been
noticed that indulging within religious practices increases faith within oneself as well as it will
enable one to put a smile on others’ face. Moreover, it also manifests the self-esteem within one.
Morality is a significant factor of belief and practices in religions. Values help intake decisions
what is right, good, and important and so on. Thus it can be said that culture does not change the
shape of the religion, sometimes it creates tensions, conflicts within individuals in regards to
beliefs, teachings, and so on. This will lead to a change in beliefs and practices, compromises
within an individual (Brandt, 2018).
Religious constructs invoked in the context of global meanings
Globalization and religion are two attributes that are surrounding the whole world. The
globalization has brought several religions all over the world under a common ground. This has
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given birth to religious pluralism. This has created a broad psychological impact among people
all over the world regarding several aspects of religion and culture. People got to know about
several trends good and bad variables. The thought process of people all over the world
regarding individual religion is also represented. Globalization provides some fertile grounds for
various non-institutional religious testimonies and also the development of religion as a resource
from cultural and political aspects is identified (nastasi & Varjas, 2017).
Religious constructs
 One of the religious constructs is that people all over the world think that there are
various ways that can benefit the physical and mental health of an individual. The form of
prayer and meditation to god can help an individual to lead a healthy and peaceful
lifestyle.
 Some believe that gaining access to spirituality will make one's personality supreme. He
or she will become more open towards every topic or attribute of life whereas some says
that gaining access to God can make someone narrow-minded.
 Some believe that religion in some cases gives a push to some of the prejudices that
hamper society (Kilp, 2019).
Development of global meanings for religious constructs
The development of global meaning can be done by foreign trade policies, by traveling to
different countries and by exploring their cities and local people. The exploration can help one to
develop the knowledge regarding the religious aspects and henceforth upgrade ones
psychological processing too. This will help the individual to know the pros and curse of
different religion and also their impact on globalization.
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References
Brandt, P. (2018). Religious and Spiritual Aspects in the Construction of Identity Modelized as a
Constellation. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12124-018-9436-8
Kilp, A. (2019). RELIGION IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CULTURAL ‘SELF’ AND
‘OTHER’. Retrieved from
https://www.ksk.edu.ee/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/KVUOA_Toimetised_14_9_alar_kilp
.pdf
nastasi, B., & Varjas, K. (2017). The meaning and importance of cultural construction for global
development. Retrieved from
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21683603.2016.1276810
Saroglou, V., & Cohen, A. (2011). Psychology of Culture and Religion: Introduction to the JCCP
Special Issue. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254111152_Psychology_of_Culture_and_Religio
n_Introduction_to_the_JCCP_Special_Issue/download
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