Final answer:
The correct answer is option B. Philosophy, Theology.
Step-by-step explanation:
G.K. Chesterton's statement, "The religions of the earth do not greatly differ in rites and forms; they do greatly differ in what they teach," highlights the distinction between the external practices of religions and their core teachings or doctrines. The answer to what Chesterton's statement means is B. Philosophy, Theology. This answer encapsulates the essence of the statement, pointing out that while different religions might share similarities in their religious practices (rites and forms), what fundamentally sets them apart are their philosophical underpinnings and theological doctrines (what they teach).
Reflecting on the nature of religion, Émile Durkheim defined it as a system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, highlighting the sociological aspect of religion. Exploring religion and philosophy stimulates a deeper understanding of contrasting belief systems such as Buddhism or Confucianism, and broadens the conversation around the nuanced interplay between a society's religious fabric and its philosophical discourse. Within this discourse, theology provides a framework to engage with religious beliefs in a rational fashion, often predicated on the notion of faith.