Definition: Articles of faith that are thought by adherents to be true or evident; provides a religion with identity and internal structure
Catholic ChristianityCatholic Christians can find the majority of their beliefs in the 'Nicene Creed'. The Nicene Creed has its name because it was taken from the city of Nicaea (know called Iznik in Turkey) by the First Council in 325 BC. The Nicene Creed covers the beliefs that:
• Catholic Christianity is a monotheistic religion • God created everything we see today • Jesus is also God • Jesus came to Earth in the form of a human • Jesus came to save us - the Saviour • Jesus was born of the virgin Mary • The resurrection • Jesus will come again • The Holy Trinity - God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is one being • The Holy Church is of God • There is forgiveness of sins • There is eternal life |
Aboriginal SpiritualityThe connection with the land and spiritual beings plays a major role in Aboriginal spirituality. However, due to the fact there are many different clans, their belief systems are slightly different too. Some of their similar beliefs include:
• All life in sacred • The land was founded by the Spirit-Being/s • No person owns the land but the land owns the people • Land is the food, culture, spirit and identity of Aboriginals • The spirit of a person lives on even after death • There are multiple deities, some of which are represented as tangible objects • There is no such thing as animism, but objects represent spiritual beings • There are three types of Spiritual beings - Creation, Ancestral and Totemic • Religious Experience is always constant - the Alcheringa (Dreamtime) never starts nor stops • All objects, whether living or not, share the same soul |
Islamic ReligionIslamic beliefs is what ties the entire religion together. Majority of the Islamic beliefs can be found in the sacred texts, the Qur'an and the Hadith (the sacred words of the Prophet Mohammed), including the beliefs that:
• After an adherent mentions the name of the Prophet Mohammed, the phrase "peace be upon him" must be said • Islamic Religion is a monotheistic religion • Angels exist and are principle creatures which obey, worship and act only on God's command • God revealed books to his messengers - one is the Quran presented to the Prophet Mohammed • The Prophet Mohammed is the last prophet sent by God • The Day of Judgement (The Day of Resurrection) • Belief in "Al-Qadar" - "Divine Predestination" • The Five Pillars of Islam |