Republic of the Philippines 

 
Department of Education  
National Capital Region  
DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOLS – MANILA  
Manila Education Center Arroceros Forest Park  
Antonio J. Villegas St. Ermita, Manila  

Introduction to World 
Religions & Belief 
Systems  
Worldviews ,Belief
Systems & Religion

Quarter 1- Week 1  

Module 1  
Most Essential Learning Competency:   
Differentiate the concept, elements and characteristics 
of belief system, world view, religion, and spirituality . 

HOW TO USE THIS MODULE  

 Before starting the module, I want you to set aside other ​tasks ​that will disturb 
you while enjoying the lessons. Read the simple instructions below to successfully 
enjoy the objectives of this kit. ​Have fun!  
1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of 
this module.  
2. ​Write on your notebook the concepts about the lessons. ​Writing enhances 
learning,​ that is important to develop and keep in mind.  
3. Perform all the provided activities in the module.  
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers using the answer key card. 
5. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned. 6. Enjoy 
studying!  

PARTS OF THE MODULE ​ Expectations - 

•​
These are what you will be able to know after completing the lessons in the 
​

module.  
• ​Pre-test - ​This will measure your prior knowledge and the concepts to be 
mastered throughout the lesson.  
• ​Looking Back to your Lesson - ​This section will measure what learnings and 
skills did you understand from the previous lesson.  
• ​Brief Introduction - ​This section will give you an overview of the lesson. ​•
Discussion - ​This section provides a short discussion of the lesson. This aims to 
help you discover and understand new concepts and skills. ​• ​Activities - ​This is 
a set of activities you will perform with a partner. ​• ​Remember - ​This section 
summarizes the concepts and applications of the lessons.  
• ​Check your understanding - ​It will verify how you learned from the lesson. ​•
Post-test - ​This will measure how much you have learned from the entire 
module.  

1  

EXPECTATIONS 
You will ​differentiate the concept, elements and characteristics of 
belief system and world view religion.  
Specifically, this module will help you to​:  
 • ​understand the dynamics of the different elements and characteristics of the 
belief system, world view and religion.  
• ​appreciate the importance of one’s own beliefs and views as a believer of God 
and;  
• ​apply these beliefs in your interaction with your fellowmen, the world, nature 
and God.  

Let us start your journey in learning more on belief system,  

world view and religion. I am sure you are ready and excited  
to answer the ​Pretest. ​Smile and cheer up!  

PRETEST  
Directions: ​Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on a separate sheet of 
paper.   
_____1.A worldview is similar to_____________________________.  
A. understanding about life   belief system? A. I believe I can 
B. belief system   fly.  
C. opinion D. both a & b  
____ 2. Which statement is not a 

B. “An unexamined life is not worth living for.” (Socrates)  

C. “Si Malakas at si Maganda” the Filipino version of Creation story. D. The 
West Philippine sea belongs to Filipinos as affirmed by an as arbitrary 
tribunal in Hague, Netherland.  
3. Identify the statement that does NOT describe a spiritual 
person. A. A person who sees God always in all things.  
B. A person who always goes to church on Sundays.  
C. A person who experiences “Bodhi ” or “Enlightenment.”  
D. A person who feels the force of nature and become one with it.  

2  
4.  Since  time  immemorial,  belief  to  a  divine  being  is  practiced  by  people  in 
different  cultural  milieu  and  traditions.  There  are  even  those  who  worship 
animals  like  the  golden  calf  in  in  the  Old  Testament  as  their  God.  Other 
culture  even  consider  millions  of  small  gods  like  the  Hindus.  How  do  you call 
the people who believe in one God?  
A. Polytheists C. Pantheists  
B. Monotheists D. Atheists  
  5.  As  individuals  we  use  different  lenses  in  seeing  things  and  realities  around  us. 
Conflicts  sometimes  arise  in  defense  of  their  point  of  view.  Our  pluralistic 
society  has  also  varied  belief  systems.  What  statement  best described what a 
belief system is?  
A. A particular way of ordering the realities of the world.  
B. The religious preferences of a person or group   
C. Anything that we do and think about all the time.  
D. A speculative thinking and ritualistic habit of different people.  

Great, you finished answering the questions. You may request your  
facilitator to check your work. Congratulations and keep on learning! 

3  

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR 

LESSON​Call-a-Friend  
 Since this is our first lesson I would like you to do the following;  
Directions:   
1. Interview your parents and write their answers in a separate sheet of 
paper.  
2. Ask them the following questions?  
a. What is the most important thing in their life? Let them explain 
briefly.   
b. What values (ex. honesty, simplicity, God-fearing, etc) they would 
like you to follow? Why?  
c. Ask them about their idea of God?  

BRIEF INTRODUCTION  
The lesson will guide you in understanding the relationship of the following 
concepts namely; Worldview, Belief Systems and Religion.  

 
 ​
Theology

Source:Dreamstime.com  
The  above  illustration  shows  the  dynamics  of  worldview,  belief  system  and  religion. 
You  must  be  aware  how  these  concepts  play  an  important  role  in  your  daily  life 
especially in your relationship with the ​divine​.  
4  
DISCUSSIONS 
, Belief 
Lesson ​
Systems 
and  1  
Religion  
Worldview
World View and Belief Systems   
  ​Since  childbirth  there  are  rules  or  traditions  that  are  imposed  to  you  by  your 
parents  and  society  where  you  belong.  ​“Do this because this i​ s  r​ ight.” “Be good to 
others!” “Huwag kang gumawa ng masama kung ayaw mong ma-karma​.”. These are 
simple  reminders  of  our  parents.  When  you  are  brought  to  the  school  for  your 
education,  same  values  or  beliefs  are  being  strengthened.  In  some  period  in  your 
life  you  became  a  member  of  a  religious  organization  or  perhaps  by  tradition.  The 
beliefs  and  values  that  you  learned  from  your  parents  and  school  are  reinforced  by 
the  teachings  of  that  specific  religion.  All  that  you  have  learned  from your parents,, 
school,  religious  affiliation  and  other  influences  became  your  belief  system  and 
your worldview. Carol Hill describes worldview, as  
“​By w ​ orldview  ​(or belief system) I mean the basic way of interpreting things and 
events that pervades a culture so thoroughly that it becomes a culture’s concept of 
reality-what is good, what is important, what is sacred, what is real. It is more than 
culture, even though the distinction between the two can sometimes be subtle. It 
extends to perceptions of time and space, of happiness and well-being. The beliefs, 
values, and behaviors of culture stem directly from its worldview.” (​ Hill, 2007)  
  Often  times  you  are  not conscious of your own worldview unless it is  challenged or 
dared  by  other  belief  system.  A  very  simple  definition  of  a  “worldview”  is  given  by 
Matt  Slick.  According  to  him  a  ​worldview  is  a  set  of  beliefs  used  to  understand 
the  world.  ​Everyone  has  a  set  of  principles  by  which to judge right  and wrong and 
which  guides  them  in  everyday  living.  You  stop  at  a  red  light  and  go  at  a  green.  ( 
Cornejo, et al, 2019).   
Google  has  a  simple  definition,  it  says,  ”​Belief  systems  are  the  stories  we  tell 
ourselves  to  define  our  personal  sense  of  ‘reality’  (the  way  things  actually 
exist).  Every  human  being  has  a  belief  system  that  he/she  utilizes  and  it  is 
through  this  mechanism  that  we  individually  “make  sense”  of  the  world 
around us.” ​It could be a set of beliefs or a philosophy of life. ​Belief system  
shapes  your  worldview  about  the  world, your existence, and relationships with your 
fellowmen.  In  other  words,  “  a  worldview  whether  religious  or  nonreligious,  is  a 
personal  insight  about  reality  and  meaning,  often  termed  a  “​life understanding”​  
which  I  may  call  a  product  of  belief  systems.  Most  often  worldviews  are  shaped  by 
religions.  Inside  the  box  are  ​worldviews  ​about  man’s  perspective  of  God. 
(Serapio,2016).  

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1. 

Naturalism ​(e.g. Atheism, Agnosticism, Existentialism). It denies the 

existence of God. The material universe is all that exist.  
2.  ​Pantheism  ​(  e.g.  Hinduism,  Taoism,  Buddhism;  much  New  Age 
Consciousness.  They  believe  that  only  the  spiritual  dimension  exists.  All 
else is illusion. Man is spiritual and eternal.  
3.  ​Theism  ​(e.g.  Judaism,  Christianity,  Islam).  They  believe that an infinite, 
personal  God  exists.  God  created  the  real  world.  People  are  created  in  the 
image of God.  
 4. ​Spiritism​. The world is inhabited by spirit beings who govern earthly 
activities. Man is created by gods like the rest of the creatures on earth. 
Material things are real but they have spirits associated with them. 5. 
Polytheism​: This is the belief in many gods or deities. The culture of 
Ancient Greeks and Romans depict this kind of beliefs. 

  Worldviews  are  not all about God, but these are also about our views about  reality, 

man, truth and values. There are also economic, political and social worldviews.  
  Worldviews  and  belief  systems  are  necessary  for  religions  in  order  to  protect  and 
spread  their  own  particular  belief  as  a  way  of  “keeping  the  faith”  through 
generations.  Catholic  Christians  keep  in  their  hearts  the  “​Apostles’ Creed​”,  the 
Muslims  practice  “​the five pillars of Islam​”,  the  Shinto reveres the dead ancestors or 
“Kami”​ ,  the  Confucians  ​hold dearly the necessity of past traditions,​   and  the  Taoists 
embrace the importance of being close to nature​.(Cornejo  et  al,  2019).  Your  beliefs 
shape  your  worldviews  but  your  beliefs  and  worldviews  are  oftentimes  shaped  by 
religion.  ​There  is  a  complex  interplay  between  religion,  belief  and  worldview. 
Religions  have  different  elements  and  characteristics  which  are  non-negotiable. 
Members  should  follow  or  undergo  the  process  to  become  a  genuine  believers.  The 
elements  of  religions  written  by  Maria  Perpetua  Arcilla-Serapio  lay-down  these 
basic characteristics at least for the major religions. They are;  
1. ​Belief in supernatural powers​: the power which is beyond human powers. The 
human sufferings enable human being to seek God’s help for their problems. 2. 
Belief in the holy or sacred​: This is the heart of every religion. Every religion has 
sacred books or texts. For example, Scriptures and the Bible are sacred for the 
Jews and so with the Christians, Qur’an for Muslims, and Tripitaka for Buddhists 
and Vedas for Hindus. But something sacred is not just books but also places, 
symbols, animals, rocks and many more. Hindus for example believes that cows 
are sacred because of their beliefs in reincarnation. 3​. Systems of rituals​: these are 
the different ways each religions expresses their faith. Catholic Christians have the 
seven sacraments which include ceremonies and rituals. For example, Baptism. A 
child must be baptized at an early age in the church with the presence of parents, 
God parents, priest as celebrator and the community that supports the child. The 
most important symbol of baptism is   
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–​water​. It symbolizes ​cleansing from sin.​ The child also has to wear ​white dress 
to symbolize ​purity​.   
4.  ​Sinful  acts  ​:  usually  a  violation  of  the  laws  established  by  God  which  each 
members  has  to  follow.  For  example  the  Ten  Commandments  for  Judaism  and 
Christians  and  the  Five  Pillars  of  Islam  which  when  violated  the  believer 
commits a grievous sin.  
5. ​The Method of salvation​: the belief in the afterlife or the idea of heaven and 
hell. If you are a good believer you will go to heaven but if not, you will go to hell. 
Islam went further by believing that if one’s life is sacrificed against the enemies 
of Islam, their soul go straight to heaven.   
6. ​Mode of worship​: each religions has different expressions of worship which 
include praying, kneeling, dancing, singing to name a few.  
7​.  ​Liturgy  and  Ideology​:  Liturgy  is  described  as public worship. It is a gathering of 
 believers  with  ceremonies  such  as  wedding  ceremonies,  worship  services  or  bible 
studies.  
8. ​Place of worship​: Each religion has holy places which they believe God is 
present such as churches, temples, mosques and other sacred places.  
The elements or characteristics of religions mentioned above are necessary for a 
particular religion to perpetuate their worldviews and belief systems.  

ACTIVITIES 
Activity 1.  
Song Analysis   
Objective: ​Analyze the nature of God presented in the Song.  
Directions:  
1. Listen or read the song “Who Am I.”  
2. Prepare a separate paper for your answer.  
3. Answer the questions below?   
Who Am I ( I am Yours)  
Casting Crowns   
Who am I that the Lord of all the  A vapor in the wind  
earth Would care to know my name,   Still you hear me when I’m calling 
Would care to feel my heart?   Lord you catch me when I’m falling 
And you told me who am I  
Who am I, that the bright and morning  I am yours.  
star Would choose to light the way  
From my ever wondering heart?   Who am I, that the eyes that seen my 
sin Will look on me with love  
Not because of who am I   And watch me rise again?  
But because of what you’ve done Not 
because of what I’ve done, but because of  Who am I the voice that calm the 
who you are   sea Will call out to the rain  
And calm the storm in me?  
I am a flower quickly fading  
Here today and gone tomorrow   Whom shall I fear, whom shall I 
A wave tossed in the ocean   fear? I am yours  

7  
Critical Thinking Questions:  
1. What does the song “Who am I?” say about who we are as a 
person? 2. What kind of God is presented in the song? Why?  
3. How does faith in God provide answers to life’s questions? Give 
example from your concrete experiences.  
 CHECK YOUR 
UNDERSTANDINGSPACE  
S​ INO AKO! A STRANGER FROM OUTER 

Directions: ​Think of what these factors (worldview, belief systems, religion, values) 
would help you in your direction towards life. You can present their influences 
through a semantic web as shown below; For example you can start by writing, 
“​Religion makes me a better person.”  

"ME" AS A   
HUMAN BEING  

Critical Thinking Questions:  

1. What did you discover after accomplishing the task?  
2. What did you feel when you encountered these situations? Which 
specific part of our discussion did you apply in your situation?  
3. As a student, how does your own belief system help you to become 
who you are at the moment?   

8  
 REMEMBER  
• ​Worldview  –  ​worldview  is  a  set  of  beliefs  used  to  understand  the  world.  The 
basic  way  of  interpreting  things  and  events  that  pervades  a  culture  so 
thoroughly  that  it  becomes  a  culture’s  concept  of  reality-what  is  good,  what 
is important, what is sacred, what is real.  
• ​Belief system -​ are the stories we tell ourselves to define our personal sense of 
‘reality’ (the way things actually exist)  
• ​Religion-  ​Etymologically,  the  word  came  from  ​‘Religare​’  -  a  Latin  word  which 
means  to  bind  fast  or  hold  together,  to  secure,  to  bind,to  fasten  together,  to 
create a system of attitudes and beliefs.  
• ​Naturalism- ​denies the existence of God. All that exist is the material 
universe.  
• ​Deism​- believes that God or gods created the universe but God or gods no 
longer actively involved in the continuous process of creation.  
• ​Theism- ​It means that God or gods created the Universe and continued to 
actively participate of the world’s activities and in human history. ​•
Panentheism- ​means that God or gods are the inner spiritual essence of 
everything in the Universe.  
• ​Monotheism- ​a belief in one God.  
• ​Polytheism ​- a belief in many gods  
• ​Sacred ​– something that possesses holiness.  
• ​Religious Rituals ​– religious rites," which are the sacred, customary ways of 
celebrating a religion or culture  

POST TEST 
Directions: ​Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on a 
separate sheet of paper.  
____1. A worldview is similar to_____________________________.  
A. understanding about life C. belief system  
B. opinion D. A & B  
____ 2. Which statement is not a belief system?  
A. I believe I can fly.  
B. “An unexamined life is not worth living for.” (Socrates)  
C. “Si Malakas at si Maganda” the Filipino version of Creation story. D. The 
West Philippine sea belongs to Filipinos as affirmed by an as arbitrary 
tribunal in Hague, Netherland.  

9  
 _____3. Identify the statement that does NOT describe a spiritual 
person. A. A person who sees God always in all things.  
B. A person who always goes to church on Sundays.  
C. A person who experiences “Bodhi ” or “Enlightenment.”  
D. A person who feels the force of nature and become one with it. _____4. 
Since time immemorial, belief to a divine being is practiced by people in different 
cultural milieu and tradition. There are even those who worship animals like the 
golden calf in in the Old Testament as their God. Other culture even considers 
millions of small gods like the Hindus. How do you call the people who believe in 
one God?  
A. Polytheists C. Pantheists  
B. Monotheists D. Atheists  
_____5. As individuals we use different lenses in seeing things and realities around 
us. Conflicts sometimes arise in defense of their point of view. Our 
pluralistic society has also varied belief systems. What statement best 
describes what a belief system is?  
A. A particular way of ordering the realities of the world.  
B. The religious preferences of a person or group   
C. Anything that we do and think about all the time.  
D. A speculative thinking and ritualistic habit of different people. _____6. 
Etymologically it comes from a Latin word, “Religare” which means “ to bind or 
to tie.”  
A. Spirituality C. Culture  
B. Religion D. Theology  
_____7. According to Deepak Chopra, “​Religion is a belief to someone else’s 
experience. Spirituality is having your own experience​.” It means? A. 
Spirituality answers the question, “Where do I find meaning?” while for 
religion the question is “Where do I belong?’  
B. Spirituality focus is what is right or wrong, while religion talks about 
sacraments and rituals.  
C. Spirituality it is about the question of true or false while religion is about 
obedience to the laws.  
D. Spirituality asks what rites, sacraments, or rituals should we follow while 
Religion ask what are our values?  
_____8. From the given statements below, consider the most appropriate behavior 
or attitude if one is a member of a religious group?  
A. Argue that his/her God is the real one.  
B. Criticize other Religious beliefs.  
C. Respect the freedom of Religion.  
D. Proselytize and convert other people to join your religion  
_____9. identiy which statement does not distinguish between Religion and 
Spirituality?  
A. Religion makes us vow, Spirituality set us free.  
B. Religion shows us fear, Spirituality shows us courage  
C. Religion tells the truth, Spirituality allows us to discover the truth. 
D. Religion is real Spirituality is metaphysical. 
10  
_____10.  It  is  defined  as  broader  than  religion.  It  goes  beyond  religious  affiliation 
that  strives  for  inspiration,  reverence,  awe,  meaning  and  purpose  even  to 
those who do not believe in God.  
A. Animism C. Spirituality  
B.Theology D. Philosophy  

Lesson  
2Religion,
​ Spirituality &  
Theology  

EXPECTATIONS  
You will ​distinguish the characteristics of religion, spirituality and 
theology.   
Specifically, this module will help you to​:  
• ​broaden your knowledge of the concepts presented above;  
• ​appreciate the uniqueness of each concepts; and  
• ​observe their effects in your relationships with yourself, others and 

God. PRETEST 

Directions: ​Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on a separate sheet of 
paper.   
_____1. Science claims that God cannot be observed because God has no physical 
attributes. However, religion is also claiming that God can be studied through 
His manifestations and revelations. In fact St. Thomas Aquinas suggested Five 
Ways in knowing God in his Summa Theologiae. What specific discipline studies 
the nature of God and its manifestations? A. Spirituality C. Theology  
 B. Philosophy of Religion D. Theocracy  

11  
_____2. English words came from different origins like Latin, Spanish, French and 
old English terms. The choices below are no exceptions. Etymologically it 
came from a Latin word, “Religare” which means “to bind or tie.” Which of 
the words below refers to “religare”?  
A. Religion C. Culture  
B. Spirituality D. Theology  
_____3. It is defined as broader than religion. It goes beyond religious affiliation that 
strives for inspiration, reverence, awe, meaning and purpose even to those 
who do not believe in God. We can even attain this status even if we don’t 
belong to a specific religion. What is this term called?   
A. Spirituality C. Animism  
B. Theology D. Philosophy  
______4. While there are many people who believe in God, others who also do not 
believe in God. This belief was highlighted during the scientific age when 
the saying, “To see is to believe” was foremost in the minds of people. If 
nothing can be seen or observed or experimented then it does not exist. 
God cannot be observed therefore God does not exist. What do you call the 
persons that do not believe in God.   
A. Buddhists C. Atheists  
B. Pantheists D. Monotheists  
______5. One of the statements reflects the beliefs of the Filipinos before 
Christianity was introduced?  
A. Filipinos are polytheistic.  
B. Filipinos are monotheistic?  
C. Filipinos are animistic?  
D. Filipinos are polytheistic, monotheistic and animistic?  

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR 

LESSON​Guess What!  
To prove your understanding of the past lesson, you should be ready to accomplish 
this task. You may do the following.  
Directions:   
1. ​Answer the questions below based on your own worldview 
(pananaw). ​2. ​What kind of worldview or belief systems do you have in 
your mind?  
Question Worldview/ Belief System 1. Does God exist?  
2. Is the world created by God  

12  
3. Is there such thing as life after   
death?  
4. Are there many gods or one God?  
5. Is it necessary to pray?  

BRIEF INTRODUCTION  
  ​Human  beings  since  time  immemorial  continue  to  raise  questions  that  have  been 
asked  again  and  again  such  as  ​Does  God  exists?  Why  are  you here? Where  did 
you  come  from?  Who  created  us?  And  where  are  we  going​?  Our  longing  for 
answers  enable  human  beings  to  depend  for  a  divine  power  or  supernatural  being 
hopeful  for  some  answers  to  the  riddles  of  life.  In  the  process,  a  person  searching 
for  profound  answers  is  the  beginning  of  his  encounter  with  the  divine.  Hence 
religion was born.   
  Religion  does  not  happen  in  a  vacuum  it  develops  in  a  certain  space  and  time.  In 
this  lesson we are going to explore the interconnectedness of geography and  culture 
as the grounds for the development of religion.  

DISCUSSIONS 
Religion and Spirituality  
​When you become a member of a religious organization, you normally sacrificed 
your personal worldview in favor of the religious world view or set of beliefs offered 
by that organization. ​Religion ​invites a person into a ​spiritual ​relationship with 
some divine entity. This spiritual relationship stemmed from ​the belief that there 
is a life after this world which is more important than physical life. ​Hence it is 
the role of religion to invite all persons to believe in God for them to be saved from 
this world.  
  Religion,  etymologically  is  defined  as  coming  from  the  Latin  world,  “religare”  or 
which  means  “to  bind”  or  “  to  tie.  “However,  ​Oxford  English  Dictionary  ​points  out 
though  that  the  etymology  of  the  word  is  doubtful.  Early  writers  like  Cicero 
connected  the  term  with  “relegere”  which  means  “to  read all over again.” (Cornejo et 
al,  2019).  Some  persons  even  gave  a  negative  definition  of  religion  like  Karl  Marx, 
the  founder  of  Communism.  He  said  the  religion  is  the  ​opium of the people.​   It 
means  we  become  so  dependent  with  God  that  we  rely  everything  to  him  and  we 
undermine our capabilities as human beings.  
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  Popular view holds that you should become a member of a religious  organization to 
cultivate  your  spiritual  life.  Their  views  lead  to  the  misunderstanding  between 
Religion  ​and  ​Spiritualit​y.  ​The question is: Is religion  the same as spirituality? Can 
you become a spiritual person without being a member  of a religious organization? 
What is the difference between being religious and being spiritual?  
  
  ​Deepak  Chopra  has  a  very  interesting  differentiation  between  religion  and 
spirituality.  He  said,  “Religion  is  a  belief  to  someone  else’s  experience  while 
Spirituality ​is having your own experience.”  
  Let  us  take  a  look  at  this  illustration  below  to  emphasize  their  differences  by 
starting  with  questions.  (taken  from  the  book,  “Fundamentals  of  World  Religions” 
authored by Cornejo,Nigel,Ebia, Erlito and Ferrer, Paciano, 2019.p16)  

Religion Spirituality  
For religion the questions are:   For Dejan Davchevski, religion and 
What  is  true  or  false?  What  is  right  or spirituality are two different phenomena  
wrong?  Where  do  I  belong?  What  ( lifecoachcode.com)  
rituals, sacraments should I do?   
For spirituality the questions are: 
Where do I find meaning? What is my 
purpose? Where do I find my direction 
in life? What are my values?  
From the questions above you can 
deduce that religion and spirituality 
have different concerns. Spirituality is 
more of a personal experience concerns 
with what are the essentials in life while 
religion focuses more on membership, 
rituals, right and wrong or truth and 
falsity. Religion is more legalistic in 
terms of practice of beliefs while 
spirituality entails more freedom in 
exercising what they believed.     
  
Religion Spirituality  
Religion makes us vow Spirituality sets us free Religion shows us fear Spirituality 
shows courage Religion tells us the truth Spirituality allows us to discover the 
truth  
Religion separates from other religions Spirituality unites them Religion makes 
us dependent Spirituality makes us independent Religion applies discipline 
Spirituality applies destiny or faith Religion makes us follow its journey 
Spirituality allows us to create our own personal journey. 
 14  
  Going  back  to  the  question,  “Can  you become a spiritual person without  becoming 
a  member  of  a  religious  organization?  Definitely  the  answer  is  ,”​Yes​.”  The  line 
between  what  is spiritual or religious may not be always clear or distinct  depending 
on  the  interpretation.  (Serapio,  2016).  At  this  point,  I  think  you  can  now  describe 
the characteristics between religion and spirituality.  
  The  descriptions  above  are  not  exclusive  for  each  other.  In  fact,  religion  and 
spirituality  can  blend  harmoniously  as  Serapio  expressed.  The  kernel  of  religion  is 
spirituality,  and  the  essence  of  spirituality  is  God  or  the  Supreme  Being  (Serapio, 
2016). She added that Spirituality is​:
1. Beyond all religions yet containing all religions.  
2. Beyond all science yet containing all science.  
3. Beyond all philosophy yet containing all philosophy  
Religion and Theology  
  ​Most  often  theology  and  religion  brought  confusion  in  terms  of  meaning  and 
practise​.  ​Theology  also  believes  about  God  just  like  religion  but  it  utilizes  more  the 
intellect  to  understand  everything  about  God  rather  than  faith alone. ​Theology ​is a 
systematic study of God just like other disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, 
sociology and other sciences.​  The priests, pastors, ministers or even lay people  must 
undergo  theological  trainings  before  they  are  ordained  to  become  a priest or  pastor 
or  minister.  Theology  is  normally  taken  in  the  Seminaries  or  theological  schools as 
an  academic  subject.  A  priest  who  is  a  major  in  theology  should  undertake  a 
four-year  course  to  get  an  ​AB Theology degree​.  Then  he  proceeds  his  masters  and 
doctoral degree in theology to become full pledge ​theologian.​ There is  
a saying that most theologians lost their faith in God because they use only their 
mind in knowing God more than faith.  
  ​Philosophical  theology​:  Philosophy  uses  reason  to  explain  the  essence  or  the 
ultimate  reasons  why  things  exist  and  where  they  come  from.  Philosophical 
theology  uses  reason  alone  in  knowing  about  God.  A  famous  theologian  in  the 
Catholic  Church  in  the  13th​   ​century,  St.  Thomas  Aquinas  exemplify  this  approach. 
His  work  is  called  the  “Summa  Theologiae”  wherein  one  summa  is  devoted  to  the 
“​Five Ways of Knowing God​.”  Here  the  existence  of  God  can  be  proven  in  five  ways 
using logical argumentation.   
.  

ACTIVITIES 
Activity 1.1. ​Draw-out   
Objective: ​Ponder on the difference between a religious person and a spiritual 
person through a sketch.   
Directions:  
1. ​Sketch an image of a person who is “religious” but not spiritual” and a 
person who is not religious but a “spiritual” person.  
 2. ​Use separate coupon bonds (short) in your illustration and then answer the 
following guide questions below the illustration.  
  
15  
Critical Thinking Questions:  
1. How did you feel after accomplishing the task?  
2. What important realization/s did you encounter while doing the task? 3. 
Why is it important to distinguish the characteristics of these two concepts?  

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING 

RELIGIOUS UKAY-UKAY  
How  are  you  now?  Are  you  ready  to  continue?​.  ​At  this  point  let  us  focus  on 
your  own religion. Regardless of what religion you belong, there are symbols,  rituals 
which  convey  meanings.  Hence  you  will  discover  what  are  these  symbols,  rituals 
and their meanings found in your religion.  
Directions:  
1.  Depending  on  what  is  your  religious  affiliation,  interview  a  priest,  minister, 
imam,  rabbi,  or  guru  about  what  is  the  most  important  symbols,  rituals  in  their 
respective  religions  or  if  they  are  not  available  any  believer  of  the  mentioned 
religions.  
2. Collate the religious ukay-ukay gathered.  
3. Arrange the symbols and their meanings in a portfolio for submission.  

Critical Thinking Questions:  

1. Based from the activity, what is/are your realizations?  
Note: (​Your answer should be included in your portfolio.)  

REMEMBER 
• ​Religion- ​etymologically came from the Latin word ‘religare’ which means “to 
bind” or “to tie” or some authors use the word ‘relegere’ meaning to read 
again.  
• ​Spirituality ​– tends to be more personal compared to religion which is more 
organized and institutional.  
• ​Theology- ​Is defined as the systematic study of the nature of the Divine and, 
more broadly, of religious belief.  
• ​Philosophical Theology – ​is the study of knowing God through the use of 
logical reasoning.  
 • ​Sacred ​–
something that possesses holiness. It could refer to things, places, 
symbols or divine entity,  
16  
• ​Religious Rituals ​– religious rites," which are the sacred, customary ways of 
celebrating a religion or culture.  
• ​Animism ​- is defined as the belief in numerous spiritual beings concerned 
with human affairs and capable of helping or harming human interests  

POST TEST 
Directions: ​Choose the letter of the best answer and write it in the space provided.  
_____1.  Science  claims  that  God  cannot  be  observed  because  it  has  no  physical 
attributes.  However,  religion  is  also  claiming  that  God  can  be  studied 
through  His  manifestations  and  revelations.  In  fact  St.  Thomas  Aquinas 
suggested  Five  Ways  in  knowing  God  in  his  Summa  Theologiae.  What 
specific discipline that studies the nature of God and its manifestations?  
A. Spirituality C. Theology  
B. Philosophy of Religion D. Theocracy  
_____2. English words came from different origins like Latin, Spanish, French and 
old English terms. The choices below are no exceptions. Etymologically it 
came from a Latin word, “Religare” which means “to bind or tie.” Which of 
the words below refers to “religare”?  
A. Religion C. Culture  
B. Spirituality D. Theology  
_____3. It is define as broader than religion. It goes beyond religious affiliation that 
strives for inspiration, reverence, awe, meaning and purpose even to those 
who do not believe in God. We can even attain this status even if we don’t 
belong to a specific religion. What is this term called?   
A. Spirituality C. Animism  
B. Theology D. Philosophy  
______4. While there are many people who believe in God, there are others who also 
do not believe in God. This belief was highlighted during the scientific age 
when the dictum, “To see is to believe” was foremost in the minds of 
people. If nothing can be seen or observed or experimented then it does 
not exist. God cannot be observed therefore God does not exist. How do 
you call the persons that do not believe in God.   
A. Buddhists C. Atheists  
B. Pantheists D. Monotheists  
______5. One of the statements reflects the beliefs of the Filipinos before 
Christianity was introduced?  
A. Filipinos are polytheistic.  
B. Filipinos are monotheistic?  
C. Filipinos are animistic?  
 D. Filipinos are polytheistic, monotheistic and animistic?  

17  
______6.  Jesus  Christ  and  Buddha  are  spiritual  persons.  If  they  are  considered 
spiritual  persons,  then  each  one  of  us  could  also  attain  the  same  status in 
some  stages  of  our  journey  towards  life.  Identify  what  statement  does  NOT 
describe a spiritual person below.  
A. A person who sees God always in all things.  
B. A person who always goes to church on Sundays  
C. A person who experiences “Bodhi ” or “Enlightenment.”  
D. A person who feels the force of nature and become one with it. ______7. 
Our relationship of the divine is always described as religious and spiritual. 
However, being religious is not always spiritual and being spiritual is not always 
religious. There are people who are religious but not spiritual and vice versa. What 
phrase below best describes the relationship between religion and spirituality?   
I. Religion makes us vow, Spirituality set us free.  
II. Religion shows us fear, Spirituality shows us courage  
III. Religion tells the truth, spirituality allows us to discover   
the truth.  
IV. Religion is complex, Spirituality is paradoxical.  
A. I C. I, II & III   
B. I & II D. I, II, III & IV  
______8.  This  is  a  Filipino  pre-Spanish  belief  that  was  considered  pagan  by  the 
Spaniards.  Normally  when  we  pass  by  a  big tree in the forest we must say , 
“tabi-tabi  po,”  as  a  sign  of  respect  to  other  beings  around.  This  is  part  of 
our  culture  and  it  is  defined  as  the  belief  in  numerous  spiritual  beings 
concerned  with  human  affairs  and  capable  of  helping  or  harming  human 
interests. What is this belief?   
A. Monism C. Theism  
B. Animism D. Henotheism  
______9.  A  common  behavior  of  a  member  of  any  religious  group  is  religious 
protectionism  which  means  that  one’s  religion  is  better  than  others. 
Religious  founders  who  even  have  no  intention  of  founding  a  religion  could 
be  puzzled  by this attitude. What appropriate behavior should be  displayed 
if you are a member of a religious group?  
A. Prove that your God is the real one.  
B. Criticize other Religious beliefs and traditions.  
C. Respect the freedom of Religious preferences.  
D. Proselytize and convert other people to join your religion.  
_____10.  This  term  is  often  misunderstood  as  the  same  as  believing  in  God.  It  is 
defined  as  the  systematic  study  of  the  nature  of  the  Divine  and,  more 
broadly,  of  religious  belief.  It  is  taught  as  an  academic  discipline,  typically 
in universities.  
A. Philosophy C. Theology  
 B. Teleology D. Archaeology 

18  

REFERENCES  
Online Sources  
https://www.etymonline.com/word/religion   
(​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_geography#cite_note-Kong2010-9​)  
Books:   
McKinney, Laurence O. (1994). Neuroethology: Virtual Religion in the 21st​ ​Century 
retrieved from https://www. Amazon.com>Nuerotheology-Virtual-2  
Ramos, Christine Carmela R. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human 
Person.Rex Bookstore.2016  
Cornejo, Nigel L., et al. Fundamentals of World Religions. MaxCor Publishing House, 
Inc., 2019  
Serapio, Maria Perpetua Arcilla. Introduction to World Religions for Senior High 
School. Mindshapers Co., Inc. 2016  
Vega, Violeta A. et al. Social Dimensions of Education. Lorimar Publishing Inc., 2009  
Ramos, Christine Carmela, PhD. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human 
Person. Rex Bookstore.2016  
Newberg, Andrew (2010). ​Principles of Neurotheology​. Retrieved from 
www.npr.org>2010/12/15>neurotheology-where-religi...  

Acknowledgements

Writers​: Paciano B. Ferrer-MT II

Editors​: Amalia C. Solis - EPS
Reviewers​: Gener Irinco, Aldrin Alac, Paciano B. Ferrer
Management Team​: Maria Magdalena M. Lim-Schools Division
Superintendent-Manila, Aida H. Rondilla-Chief Education Supervisor
Lucky S. Carpio-EPS and Lady Hannah C. Gillo, Librarian II-LRMS
 19  

ANSWER 
KEYL​ esson 1  
PRETEST   1.C
2.A
1.d
3.A
2.a
4.C
3.b
5.C
4.b
5.c

POSTTEST  
1.C

Lesson  2.A
3.A
2   4.C
5.C
POSTTEST   6.B
1.d 7.C
2.a 8.B
3.b 9.C
4.b 10.C
5.c
6.b
7.d
8.c
9.d
10. c

PRETEST  
 20  

REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET 

Name ____________________________________________ Grade and Section ___________ 
School: ______________________ Date: _____________ Subj. Teacher: _______________  
Quarter: 1 Module No.: I Week No.: 1 MELC: ​*Differentiate the concept, elements 
and characteristics of belief system and world view, religion.  
Objectives: Strengthen your relationship with God by recognizing that belief 
systems, worldview and religion are part of our being human.  
Topic: ​Worldview, Belief Systems and Religion  

Directions:   
1​. ​Reflect and write briefly your concept about “Religion” using the title below.  

My Idea of Religion  
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
________________________________________________________________ 
____________________________________________________________  

21  
REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET 
Name ____________________________________________ Grade and Section ___________ 
School: ______________________ Date: _____________ Subj. Teacher: _______________  

Quarter: Module No.: I Week No.: 2 MELC: ​Differentiate the characteristics of 
religion, spirituality and theology.   
Objectives: Express respect in each beliefs about God whether personal or 
institutional through journal entry.  
Topic: Religion, Spirituality and Theology  

Directions: ​Read and analyze each question. Write your answers on a separate 
sheet of paper.  
1.  Loving  and  respecting  all  religions  does  not  mean  you have to agree in all the 
beliefs  and  rituals.  If  you  are  going  to  choose  a  religion  which  you  want  to 
join, what will you choose? Explain briefly?  
2. In the midst of our experience of the Covi-19 pandemic, how can you 
strengthen your relationship with God?  
3.  Karl  Marx,  the  founder  of  Communism  commented  that  “Religion  is  the 
opium  of  the  people.  Which  means  we  become  very  dependent  to  God  in  our 
daily needs. Can you give at least 3 rebuttals why Karl Marx is wrong?  
22