Final answer:
The 'sign of waiting' in religion is an expression describing the anticipatory practices and states within various religious traditions. It symbolizes a period of readiness and expectation for divine truths or intervention, and is seen in different forms such as Puritan work ethic or in seeking oracular wisdom. This concept not only spans across different religions but also across historical eras, reflecting a rich and complex aspect of religious life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'sign of waiting' in religion may refer to the anticipatory practices, rituals, and symbols that are part of religious traditions. Various faiths integrate the concept of waiting into their beliefs, whether it's waiting for enlightenment, a messiah, or a prophetic sign. For instance, the Puritans and Pilgrims in the 17th century held a belief system that was deeply opposed to idleness. To them, active engagement in faith through work and community worship was crucial, and they practiced separation from the Church of England, which they believed was corrupted with Catholic traditions, leading to the formation of Congregational Churches in Holland and later New England.
In broader religious contexts, waiting may encompass practices like meditation or the seeking of oracular wisdom. This waiting is often regarded as a virtuous state, where the faithful are engaged in constant readiness and anticipation for divine truth or intervention. It's a sign not of inactivity but of hopeful expectation and devoted preparation. Thus, the 'sign of waiting' is a complex concept that reflects a spectrum of religious attitudes, rooted in patience, vigilance, and spiritual discipline.
The snippet of text provided suggests a historical and broad perspective on the essence of this waiting in religion, acknowledging its presence in both ancient and modern practices, and its manifestation in various faiths over different times.