Characteristics of Religion Flashcards
Identify the four characteristics of religion
Beliefs and believers
Sacred texts and writings
Ethics
Rituals and Ceremonies
Describe the characteristic of beliefs and believers
Beliefs are ideas considered true by the adherents of the religion. They determine the nature of the religious worldview for believers, and allow them to express their faith.
Describe the characteristic of sacred texts and writings
The written or oral documents unique to a religion, that are held in high regard, or as sacred by adherents. Can include commentary on a primary sacred text. They concrete, physical guidance for adherents on how to live. They reinforce belief.
Describe the characteristic of ethics
Ideas and codes about worthy human conduct, guidance for adherents in living out the beliefs they adhere to and ultimately, the religious worldview.
Describe the characteristic of rituals and ceremonies
Customary acts that allow adherents to enact the beliefs of their respective worldview. Enable adherents to continue the life of the tradition. Include, worship, meditation, pilgrimage, sacrifice.
Identify the characteristics of Judaism
Beliefs and Believers: One God, covenant, Jews.
Sacred Text: Torah, Talmud, Tenahk
Ethics: The Book of Proverbs
Rituals: Shabbat, Bar Mitzvah
Identify the characteristics of Christianity
Beliefs and Believers: Jesus human and divine, Trinity
Sacred Text: Bible
Ethics: Ten Commandments
Rituals: Prayer, Baptism
Identify the characteristics of Islam
Beliefs and Believers: Articles of faith, Muslims
Sacred Text: Quran, Hadith
Ethics: Jurisprudence, Ijma, Qiyas
Rituals: Five Pillars
Identify the characteristics of Buddhism
Beliefs and Believers: Three Jewels, Karma
Sacred Text: Tripitaka
Ethics: Five Precepts
Rituals: Puja
Identify the characteristics of Hinduism
Beliefs and Believers: Karma, reincarnation
Sacred Text: Vedas
Ethics: The four Varnas
Rituals: Puja
What is a dynamic, living religion?
a religion that remains applicable and relevant in society and the life of an individual, by constantly evolving to avoid stagnation
What makes a religion living and dynamic?
By adapting rituals and ceremonies and other aspects of faith, beliefs remain applicable to modern life. Interactions between characteristics allow this to occur because a sacred text lays the groundwork for faith, but how it is interpreted and applied can be changed. As adherents develop over time their interpretations of sacred texts cause changes in its expression
Describe how the four characteristics of religion interact.
- Believers form meaning
- Formalise their understanding and record through
sacred text - Sacred texts inform Ethical teachings, rituals and
ceremonies - Believers abide by Ethical teachings and perform rituals
and ceremonies
