Introduction to World Religion Flashcards
Religion
- a set of beliefs, feelings, dogmas, and practices which define the relationship b/w humans and the devine
- means to provide answers to life’s deeper/sacred questions
- an attempt to connect a personal experience with the sacred
- a community
Cosmocentric
worldview - nature as an expression of God:
* people are connected to nature
* people have a duty to honor nature
Theocentric
worldview - God is the source and centre of all life:
* everything happens for a reason which can be linked back to Him
* He is the purpose of existence, morality, and reason for purpose
Anthropocentric
worldview - humans are the centre of the universe
3 Types of Anthropocentric World Views
- Christian Humanism
- Scientific Humanism
- Secular Humanism
Secular
worldview - no religion
(society)
Christian Humanism
humans first, God second
Scientific Humanism
using science to improve human conditions
Secular Humanism
emphasizing human values
individual
What is religion?
a set of beliefs, feelings, dogmas, and practices which define the relationship between human and sacred/divine
Includes providing answers to life’s deeper questions and connecting personal experiences with the sacred.
Why study world religions?
to understand different perspectives of the world and promote mutual respect
Helps to avoid prejudice and discrimination.
Define Cosmocentric worldview.
nature as expression of God, people are connected to nature, and have a duty to honor nature.
Define Theocentric worldview.
God is source and centre of all life, everything happens for a reason linked to God, He is purpose of existence.
Define Anthropocentric worldview.
Humans are the centre of the universe, considered most important.
Includes Christian Humanism, Scientific Humanism, and Secular Humanism.
Define Secular worldview.
no religion.
society
What does the parable of the elephant teach us about truth?
truth is dependent on one’s personal experiences.
Define Agonistic view of God.
claims God may or may not exist.
Define Atheist view of God.
denies God’s existence.
Define Anti-Theist view of God.
acknowledges God’s existence, but opposes it.
Define Diest view of God.
believes God exists, but is distant and indifferent to creation.
Define Theist view of God.
believes God exists and cares personally about creation.
Define Monotheist view of God.
there is one God.
Define Polytheist view of God.
there are many Gods.
Define Henotheist view of God.
there are many Gods, but worship one at a time.
Define Pantheist view of God.
God exists in nature ONLY.
Define Panentheist view of God.
God is in all things and above all things.
Define Monist view of God.
believes impersonal energy underlies all existence.
What informs objective reality?
facts and observations of the world.
What informs subjective reality?
one’s feelings, thoughts, opinions, beliefs, interpretations, and perspectives.
How can science and religion coexist?
both seek to understand the world, with science using facts and theories, and religion addressing the unexplainable.
Define secularization.
loss of religion as a central part of society throughout historical development.
What are Ninian Smart’s categories of religion?
- Religious Experience
- Religious Teachings/Beliefs (Creed)
- Sacred Symbols & Rituals
- Sacred Stories,
- Community
- Morality (Code)
What is the importance of Nostra Aetate?
highlighted similarities between Catholicism and other religions and promoted acceptance of other faiths.
What are the ground rules for living together?
- Respect the faith and religion of others,
- No neutral stances,
- Respect/Value the Truth of other religions,
- Accept the importance of religion.
Define inter-faith dialogue.
dialogue between people/groups from different faith traditions.
Define ecumenism.
Dialogue between churches to arrive at Unity.
