Write a 525- to 750-word paper that addresses the following topics:

· What is essential (in the practices and beliefs) for a tradition to be called a religion? Illustrate your points by referring to the commonalities of at least two different religions.

· What place does religion have in making ethical decisions? Include specific examples of situations involving ethics faced by members of a religion today.

· Aside from ethical challenges, what are some contemporary challenges and issues related to religion?

Include specific examples from the various religious traditions described in the Week 1 readings, such as a belief in one God or many gods and goddesses, the removal of one’s shoes before entering a place of worship, bathing and baptism as methods of spiritual purification, or refusing to eat certain types of meat. You may also include examples from your own religious tradition or another religious tradition with which you are familiar.

Format your paper according to appropriate course-level APA guidelines.