1 - search for meaning and purpose Flashcards
1
Q
relationship between significant life events and questions people ask about meaning and purpose of life
A
- events like these that as human beings we can’t answer without God
- feel gods presence during important life events
- milestones that mark a particular even which is of significance in ones life
2
Q
what is a ritual
A
- a formal action or ceremony, performed with words, gestures and sacred objects, according to a set pattern.
- the characteristics of a ritual include:
repeated actions, symbolic celebration, important events, significant words, linkages to past, communal actions, participation (not observation)
3
Q
what is a practice
A
- a daily tenet of life that is followed as a part of ones professed faith or religion
4
Q
what is the human search for meaning
A
- questions we raise, raise points to larger questions about life which have the power to overwhelm us
- day to day existence is not the limit of our lives
- religion is a human attempt to answer questions about: the meaning of human existence, the purpose of moral life, our ultimate destiny
5
Q
why do people search for meaning in their lives
A
- gives you power and a sense of fulfilment and purpose
- don’t let your abilities, talents, ideas and dreams die with you
6
Q
what is meaning
A
- your identity
- shaped by your values, family, friends, cultures, religion, hobbies, life experiences, surrounding society, knowledge, education
7
Q
what is purpose
A
- how you end up leading your life (what is final product)
- its a human instinct to search for a deeper understanding on the purpose of our lives, usually triggered by significant life events - we push ourselves to ask questions on our meaning.
8
Q
how does religion help us find our meaning and purpose
A
- assists us in the universal quest to find meaning in human existence, to those fundamental questions about our meaning and purpose.
- rituals (within sacraments) shows a persons commitment to a decision about their purpose
9
Q
what is the meaning of life
A
- finding God, following the teachings of Christ, saving a life and finding ones true self
10
Q
what are signs
A
- signs give information about a certain thing or action to direct us in our daily routines
- a sign longs to one meaning or item
11
Q
what are symbols
A
- an object or action that points us to another reality, leads us to look beyond our senses to consider a deep mystery
- symbols can have more than one meaning
- they focus on our hearts and our thoughts on the deeper things in life
- people have different responses to symbols (emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological)
12
Q
what are sacraments
A
- efficacious and visual signs of Gods Grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted in the Church, by which divine life is dispensed.
13
Q
why are sacraments important
A
- help people find purpose and meaning in their everyday lives
- by making a commitment to the sacrament/rituals you are confirming your choice on your
- once the person has completed the rituals they are different and their meaning has changed/shifted.
14
Q
why are sacraments considered rituals
A
- they are an established set of actions which have symbolic meaning
- give us answers
15
Q
structure / rituals involved in the ceremony of marriage
A
- begins with a declaration of consent from both parties
- a priest blesses the couple, asks community to support their marriage
- blessing of the rings / exchange
- benedictory prayer
- wedding vows
- lighting of the unity candle
- first kiss after marriage
- sacred union by joining hands
16
Q
what are the purposes of marriage
A
- unity of two people
- procreation of children
- fidelity (committed to one partner)
- indissolubility (covenant with God
17
Q
how is ones meaning and purpose cyclical
A
- this is a continual cycle in nature
- by choosing to participate in a sacrament and perform its retails you find answers to your questions on purpose
- through performing this ritual you walk out of the experience and your whole meaning can change (hence a cycle occurs)
18
Q
what are the symbols in marriage
A
- consent: exchange of promises/consent gives the couple the opportunity to say yes to each other
- vows: gains meaning because they are proclaimed in a formal setting
- rings: blessing and exchanging of rings, signs of fidelity
- husband and wife: primary symbol, married lives are ‘rituals’ (continual celebrations)
- community:
when people marry their choice affects their whole community (relatives, friends, the Church), make their promises to each other with the support and presence of the community
19
Q
how is ones meaning and purpose cyclical
A
- this is a continual cycle in nature
- by choosing to participate in a sacrament and perform its retails you find answers to your questions on purpose
- through performing this ritual you walk out of the experience and your whole meaning can change (hence a cycle occurs)
20
Q
what are the symbols in marriage
A
- consent: exchange of promises/consent gives the couple the opportunity to say yes to each other
- vows: gains meaning because they are proclaimed in a formal setting
- rings: blessing and exchanging of rings, signs of fidelity
- husband and wife: primary symbol, married lives are ‘rituals’ (continual celebrations)
- community:
when people marry their choice affects their whole community (relatives, friends, the Church), make their promises to each other with the support and presence of the community
