Aspects of Religion Flashcards
Beliefs
Beliefs are the theological ideas held by a religion, that are thought and felt by adherents to be true.
Sacred Stories
Sacred stories are holy narratives which convey religious beliefs, ‘truths’, history, legends and edifying parables.
Places
A location for worship or spiritual engagement.
Spaces
Focus areas for worship or spiritual experience which are within those places. They may be where particular rituals are performed or where individuals worship.
Times
Those periods that are set for annual, monthly, weekly or daily recognition of, and participation in, a particular spiritual experience within a religious tradition.
Artefacts
Human made objects and works that carry varying degrees of spiritual significance within a religion.
Texts
Texts include all of the oral, written or illustrated expressions of the theology, teachings and history of religions.
Rituals
Rituals are a prescribed set of actions that have a symbolic meaning. They can be considered sacred and may occur at certain times of the year or during special occasions of life.
Symbols
Symbols are used to stand for, or represent something else. They include signs, objects, people, actions or places that acquire a special meaning or power, and can sometimes be held to be sacred.
Social Structure
Social structure refers to the organisation of the tradition, its internal organisation, leadership and varied social roles; as well as to its relationship to the wider society.
Spiritual Experience
Spiritual experiences are encounters with something other than yourself that are not based upon measurable phenomena, these moments help adherents understand or practice beliefs within a tradition.
Ethics
Ethics refers to the teachings and practices of what is considered right or wrong in a religious tradition.
