how belief systems and ideologies express values and beliefs and ways of perceiving the world at the micro, meso and macro levels

Question 1

What are Sacraments?

Answer 1

sacrament, religious sign or symbol, especially associated with Christian churches, in which a sacred or spiritual power is believed to be transmitted through material elements viewed as channels of divine grace.

Question 2

How is the belief system and ideology perceived at the micro level?

Answer 2

• Values and beliefs are socialised in the micro world via the family. Children are often assigned belief systems such as Christianity by their families
• Many traditions celebrated in the micro world in a Western context such as Christmas, Easter with Christian foundations
• Many rituals practised at a micro level everyday like a prayer

Question 3

How is the belief system and ideology perceived at the meso level?

Answer 3

• Values and beliefs taught by institutions e.g. scripture
• Some schools are specifically religious schools
• Christian based youth groups meet and share their values creating a collective identity and sense of community
• Participation in meso- level rituals ⇒ e.g. the sacraments, such as marriage ceremonies, funerals. Rituals involve action, with/convey a special meaning. All rituals have structure.
• Beliefs that a family holds in their micro sphere might differ from another family’s belief in their micro sphere . However these families may share the same belief in their mesosphere

Question 4

How is the belief system and ideology perceived at the macro level?

Answer 4

• Church is a global insitution that shapes values of it’s members by it’s doctrines and teachings through the bible
• The media is an agent of socialisation connecting Christians e.g. tv channels
  -Ecumencial movements create a global community e.g. world Christian federation
• Laws have Christian foundations
• The government in Australia has Christian foundations which was established in the constitution

Question 5

What is the influence of the beliefs and values?

Answer 5

Your beliefs form the foundation of your values. Values then influence the choices you make and consequently result in the actions you take

Verbal and non-verbal forms of communication provide a vehicle for the expression of values and beliefs at all levels

beliefs: beliefs are deeply personal features of our being, whether about things at the micro, meso or macro level. They influence our identity and our meaning of life

Belief systems will impact your worldview on the global/national scale of events
Ritual structure: Leaving the ordinary –> winding up –> central point –> winding down –> return to the ordinary. Although it is unclear where there is a return to the ordinary.

Our beliefs shape our thinking, which influences our behaviour. When the gap between what we say and what we really do narrows, tough decisions become easier