Meaning And Purpose Flashcards
What is Meaning and Purpose mean?
A continual personal quest we as humans have within ourselves to find out who we are? and what are we here for?
Define meaning
Meaning is our identity, we ask questions such as ‘who am I’ , ‘what do I value?’
What are the factors that guide/influence/contribute to a person’s journey in life?
Everyone has different meanings, we all have been shape /influence differently, to be who we are today. Through birthplace, family, values and religion
Define purpose
to search for deeper understanding on purpose of our lives, usually triggered by significant life events. We ask questions such as: what am I doing here?, What is my role in life?.
What is a religious ritual?
A formal action or ceremony, performed with words, gestures and sacred objects, according to a set pattern.
What are the 3 functions of a religious ritual?
Communicate important messages about the meaning of life
Offer people the opportunity to reflect upon these message and their implications
Strengthen awareness of their relationship with God
What are sacraments?
Efficacious signs of grace, that are gifts given by God through his love to assist us to live more like him and become closer
During important life events why is it important to have ceremonies that involve signs and symbols?
‘Words are not always enough. We are human, we need action. We need symbols and rituals to act out what we really mean’
What are the 3 characteristics of a ritual?
Movement and gestures with meaning
Repeated actions
Symbolic celebration
Describe the characteristic of movement and gestures with meaning in a ritual
Rituals involved movements and gestures that convey meaning.
Shaking hands, kissing someone and clapping hands are all examples of simple rituals
Describe the characteristic repeated action in a ritual
Ritual actions are often repeated, mostly because as symbolic action rich in meaning for us, they are worth doing more than once.
Eg. Visiting the dead every month, this reassures everyone that their family continues to watch over them
Describe the characteristic symbolic celebration in a ritual
Rituals are often closely tied to playful, lively celebrations. In this way many rituals become more than just symbolic actions; they become symbolic celebrations that break us out of life’s simple routines
Eg. Birthdays, prayer
What are the 3 purposes of marriage?
Procreation
Fidelity (commitment to ones’s partner)
Indissolubility (covenant with God)
What are 3 rituals in sacrament of marriage?
Blessing and exchange of rings
Consent (vows)
Lighting of the unity candle
What do religious rituals within a sacrament mean?
Help people to find purpose and meaning in their everyday lives, by willingly accepting to go trough and make the commitment to the sacrament/rituals you are confirming your choice on your purpose
