Module 1 - The Nature of Religion Flashcards
Meaning and Purpose
Why do people search for meaning?
People need to feel fulfilled, they need meaning, purpose and direction in their lives.
What can lead a person to search for meaning?
When people feel their lives lack meaning, they can be led to vices, depression and other negative emotions.
Identify the major life events a person can experience
- Birth
- Adolescence
- Marriage
- Death
Identify one important life event and state two questions people are led to ask about meaning and purpose
Birth - The process of bringing a new life into the world.
- Am I ready to bring a new life into the world?
- What sort of world have I brought my child into?
Identify one important life event and state two questions people are led to ask about meaning and purpose
Marriage - A life event recognising the commitment between two people.
- Is there a ‘right’ person for everyone, or do we create meaning in marriage?
- Why does the Catholic Church view marriage as between a man and a woman?
How do people find answers?
- Find answers in religion and choose to follow a particular religious way of life. Religion gives people guidance, direction, and a sense of belonging. When people ask questions about who they are, the purpose of their lives, and their meaning, they spend time reflecting on themselves. This process leads to new insights and understandings about themselves.
Identify the existential question/s asked by Immaculee.
- How could God allow this to happen?
- How can I forgive people who would do such a thing to an infant?
What was the life event Immaculee faced?
Immaculee faced the life event of death. She survived the 1994 Rwandan Genocide hidden in a small bathroom for 91 days. During the genocide, most of her family was killed.
What was the answer provided by religion to Immaculee
By turning to God when feelings of anger and hatred threatened to tempt her, Immaculee was able to let His love and forgiveness protect and save her.
- She heard God’s voice telling her all her children were his children and that the baby was with him now. There was a greater life for it in heaven.
How did Immaculee find meaning and purpose?
She found meaning and purpose in working with the UN helping Rwandan refugees. She also established the ‘Let to Tell Charitable Fund’ to continue that work.
- Found it in her heart to forgive and move on.
What is the significance of life events?
Life events are significant because it helps us to question ourselves and find answers to those questions.
Why do people turn to religion in the search for meaning?
Many people come to recognise that what they search for is answered in the presence of the divine.
