Explain How the Four Characteristics of Religion Interact to Create Dynamic Living Religions

The four characteristics of religion contribute to religions being dynamic and constantly changing to compete with contemporary demands of modern day society. The four characteristics of religion (beliefs and believers, sacred texts/writings, ethics and rituals/ceremonies) all interact with one another to allow their adherents to make their chosen faith a living and dynamic religion.

The beliefs/believers of a religion refers to the adherents that worship a specific deity or supernatural being. Religions must adjust their belief systems to respond to the current beliefs of a society at a certain time. An example of this is the legalisation of gay marriage. Historically, the Catholic Church was against gay marriage, but due to contemporary views, many of the religions adherents are now adjusting their views, which further demonstrates how religions must continue to be dynamic, living religions.

Sacred texts/writings must also adjust to a contemporary setting, with many of the stories in the sacred texts being interpreted and transformed into a modern setting. An example of this is in the Torah, where it is stated that Jews may not ignite a fire on the Sabbath. This has been interpreted by some Jews to mean that electricity cannot be used on the Sabbath, while other adherents believe appliances