8 Aspects

Question 1

Beliefs:

Answer 1

These are the ideas considered true and express the understanding of the
tradition… texts, doctrines, outline these beliefs. The beliefs present a
comprehensive picture ofsociety (vision for society).
The major Catholic beliefs are to be found in the Nicene Creed. Also in the Catechism of
the Catholic Church.

Question 2

Myths and Stories:

Answer 2

Stories and historical narratives as well as symbolic myths.
Stories more or less respect the conventions of time and space but
Myths have a timeless and universal quality about them. Thus there are stories
about historical incarnations (e.g. Krishna, Christ, Muhammad), while there are
myths about Creation (e.g. Genesis). Myths and stories are often found in Sacred
Texts (the first chapters have a series of myths but much of the rest of the Bible
have stories – some of them mythological)

Question 3

Sacred Texts and other Religious writings:

Answer 3

more than just written material…
there are the foundational texts such as The Torah, The Bible, The Koran but
there are also modern and printed books – there can be creedal statements and other important foundational written materials. There are books which contain
the core teachings of a tradition. For some Aboriginal traditions stories are
regarded as texts as they are handed on as major beliefs and markers of identity
from one generation to the next.
The Bible (consisting of Old Testament and New Testament) is the core Sacred Text.
But other vital texts are The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Papal Encyclicals and
Council Documents. There are also theological texts and spiritual texts written by those
who are deemed ‘Holy’ or Saints in the Church.

Question 4

Rituals:

Answer 4

Rituals are established ceremonies and customary acts that involve
special deliberate and repeatable patterns of behaviour. They give adherents the
opportunity to express their beliefs and commemorate (mark) important events
by bringing them into the present. They affirm beliefs and values that are shared
among the community. They can include worship, meditation, pilgrimage,
sacramental healing rites and festivals.
Rituals in the Catholic Tradition are often Sacraments eg Baptism, Reconciliation,
Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing of the sick, Feast Days,
Festivals such as Christmas and Easter have special rituals.

Question 5

Symbols:

Answer 5

material objects and artistic creations, for example temples, icons and
pulpits… Symbols have the power to represent realities beyond themselves. They
focus on beliefs, communicate meanings, promote community identity and
enliven faith experience.
In the Catholic Tradition, the Cross (Crucifix) Jesus dying on the cross – Salvation of
humankind – the crucifix brings hope, consolation, solidarity
The Dove – the Holy Spirit, peace, consolation, hope, empowerment … used in
Confirmation symbol of the Holy Spirit.
Lamb – symbol of sacrifice Jesus was sacrificed, goes back to Abraham and Jewish
sacrifice – Jesus is the Lamb of God, the one who offered himself for the sake of all
humanity.

Question 6

Ethics:

Answer 6

These are ideas and beliefs of the tradition about worthy and ‘good’
human conduct. Religious Traditions spell out the consequences ofbeliefs by
offering guidance concerning how we should live.
The Catholic Tradition has the Commandments and the Beatitudes from the Scriptures
as well as a rich body of teachings on how we should live as humans – the Catechism and
Papal Encyclicals also guide adherents in living.

Question 7

Social Structures:

Answer 7

Religious traditions need structures in order to operate. Many
have developed significant institutions and specific leadership groups in order to
organise the life of adherents to the tradition. Social structures communicate
established beliefs and traditional practices from one generation to the next…
The Catholic Church has highly developed international structures. It has a clear
authority structure which is hierarchical. It also has a large network of social and public
institutions such as schools, hospitals, social support institutions. It has a network of
Religious Orders which run many schools and hospitals.


Question 8

Religious Experience & Spirituality:

Answer 8

The dimension of experience, including
associated emotional reactions to the world and to ritual, is often of central
importance in religious history and contemporary practice. Religious traditions
have their earliest and deepest foundation in personal experience or revelation of
some power or transcendent spiritual reality greater than oneself.