exam 1 Flashcards
Who developed the framework of the seven dimensions of religion?
Ninian Smart
A Scottish scholar of religion.
What does the ritual dimension of religion encompass?
All aspects of performed religion including:
* Formal rituals
* Informal practices
* Activities with religious motivation
Examples include Christian baptism, Hindu yajna, and Zoroastrian navjote ceremonies.
What does the experiential dimension of religion relate to?
Personal experiences felt by individuals, such as:
* Joy
* Bliss
* Mystery
* Anger
* Despair
It also includes experiences like entering a mosque or embarking on a pilgrimage.
Which dimension of religion describes the storytelling aspect?
Mythological (or narrative) dimension
It includes myths that explain existence and human place in the world.
What does the doctrinal dimension refer to?
The formalisation of ideas about the world and the creation of logical systems of meaning
Examples include the Catechisms of the Catholic Church and the philosophical writings of Ibn Sina.
What is the purpose of the ethical dimension in religion?
To provide guidance on how to live one’s life, generally to achieve happiness
It places human actions within a universal system of right and wrong.
What does the institutional dimension represent?
The formation of organised bodies by religious adherents
This can include hierarchies and social structures.
What is included in the material dimension of religion?
Creation of material artefacts such as:
* Sculptures
* Artwork
* Buildings
* Cities
These artefacts provide evidence for historians and enrich contemporary religious life.
True or False: The experiential and institutional dimensions of religion are hierarchical.
False
There is no hierarchy among the dimensions.
What is the relationship between the experiential and institutional dimensions of religion?
They demonstrate religion at the intensely personal and collective levels
The experiential dimension relates to personal experiences, while the institutional dimension focuses on collective behavior.
Fill in the blank: The _______ dimension describes the quality and content of human experience as it relates to the divine.
experiential
What examples illustrate the intersection of personal experience and religion?
Examples include:
* Muhammad’s encounter with Gabriel
* Jesus’ baptism experience
* Siddhartha’s transformative insight
* Guru Nanak’s vision
These moments are foundational to major religions.
How do religious institutions influence individual experiences?
They provide a stabilising, supportive network for individuals
Institutions preserve patterns of mythology, doctrine, and practice.
What does Smart’s model of the seven dimensions of religion help to highlight?
The difference between how religion affects individuals and how individuals affect religion
It emphasizes the dynamic interaction throughout religious history.
According to the text, religion relates to something beyond the world as ordinarily experienced, often involving what?
Gods, spirits, predetermination, non-bodied intelligence, or greater meaning/truth
This non-ordinary aspect is considered open to relationships with humans.
What influences the specifics of a religion over time?
Time and place
These factors affect what adherents consider sacred and how they relate to it.
Fill in the blank: Where people come together in shared beliefs, values, experiences, and practices, we see the basis of _______.
organised religion
