Characteristics and Contribution of Religion Flashcards
What are the 4 main characteristics of Religion?
- Beliefs and Believers
- Sacred texts and Writings
- Rituals and Ceremonies
- Ethics
- These characteristics are known as the outer aspects because they are things we can see/experience
When do the Boundaries of the 4 main Characteristics blend?
Overlaps in aspects of religion include:
* Myths and stories
* Symbols
* Religious experience
* Social structures
What to aspects of Religion allow for?
Aspects of Religion allow us to look into the heart of a religion, what matters most.
Define
Beliefs and Believers
A group of people (believers) who believe in the core messages (beliefs)
Define
Sacred Texts and Writings
Where the beliefs of the faith are collated (either written or verbally)
-Can include just one text but also can include commentaries
Define
Ethics
The explicit philosphy about what is right and wrong
Define
Rituals and Ceremonies
Actions or celebrations of the beliefs of the faith
Beliefs and Believers
Key points
- Beliefs are put into words through sacred writings and myths
- Beliefs are important as they provide the first steps on how to live
- Believers accept the worldview of the religious tradition
Sacred Texts and Writings
Key points
- Not all religious texts are sacred
- Texts also include oral traditions and artistic texts
- Most religions also have commentaries that are held in high regard
3- eg. Hadith in Islam
Ethics
Key points
- Ethics are codes that set standards and give direction to behaviour
- Offers information on how to live and provides ideas about appropriate human conduct
Rituals and Ceremonies
Key points
- Allow believers to put their beliefs into practice and remember key events in religious tradition
- Rituals affirm values, meaning and purpose in traditions and allow the believer to concentrate on meaning and the presence of spirituality in daily life
What is Dynamic Living Religion?
A living religion is one that is full of life.
* Practical
* Real
* Immersed
It is not removed from or afraid of everyday human existence.
evident in society and culture, clearly expressed in the lives of adherents,
Define
Dynamic
A force that stimulates change or progress within a system or process
Define
Living
Alive, relevant, and meaningful to the adherent.
How has religion contributed to society?
Religion has contributed to individuals and society through human history by attempting to answer the fundamental question of human existence.
- Why am I here?
- Is there life after death? etc.
What does Religion provide?
- Provides ethical guidance
- Provides a sense of belonging
- Helps to construct meaning
Define
Contribution
Helping something to advance
Examples of contribution through Individuals
- Martin Luther King Jr - Civil Rights
- Mother Teresa - Social Justice
Define
Culture
Ideas, customs, and behaviours of a particular society.
Examples of contributions to Society and Culture
- Mission Australia: care for the marginalised and address homelessness
- The Crusades: conflicts and violence due to differing world views
The Crusades: prolonged warfare between Christian and Muslim forces for control over the Holy Land.
