Module 2 Revision Flashcards
Define what a religion is
- An organisation of people who follow a special set of rules, beliefs and practices in their effort to carry out their duties to their god and other people.
- Is a system of beliefs, values, rituals and worship shared by a number of people. Every religion centres its ideas and activities on the ‘Other’ - a supernatural being, power or force and requires believers to give their loyalty to God or a number of divine beings.
- Is a system of beliefs and practises that guides how people live.
Why is religion important
In the search for meaning people encounter and respond to different answers, many people come to recognise that what they search for is answered in the presence of the divine. While there are a range of understandings of the divine, all religions place the experience of the divine at their centre.
People can find meaning by being connected to something ‘far greater’ than themselves.
In the Christian tradition the ‘far greater’ = God.
What does it mean to ‘being religious’
When people seek, search and think about the meaning of life and the reality of God they are being religious. This does not means that they find their answers in religion and belongs to a religion.
What is a religious belief?
A religious belief is a conviction about an idea central to a religion that expresses a religious truth.
Religious beliefs offer a particular insights and understandings about life which find expression in a variety of religious teachings and practices.
What are the characteristics of all religions (sacred)
ALL RELIGIONS ARE CONCERNED WITH THE SACRED. - they deal with mysteries - hidden realities that cannot be made sense of
- Sacred text
- Central beliefs
- Sacred stories
- Sacred Symbols
- Sacred Rituals
- Moral and ethical Teachings
- Social structure
- Religious History
- Religious Experience
What is the term sacred meant by
Sacred - it is of the nature/ or the NATURE about their God/s
* Inspired
What are the MAIN CHARACTERISTICS of a religion? (4)
- Beliefs and Teachings
- Rituals, Practices, Events and Celebrations
- Leadership and Rules
- Customs and Traditions
Define Expression of Religious Faith
Religious faith is often expressed and supported by a variety of practices, rituals, celebrations and events. All religions have a variety of preaching, rituals, celebrations and events.
How faith is demonstrated, showcased and upheld - the action of making known one’s thoughts or ideas, feelings about faith
What are religious teachings?
ideas or principles taught by an authority.
Religious teachings are a way to inform and guide those with faith on how they must respond to religious belief.
Eg. CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS
CCC
BIBLE
Define what a religious practice is
Religious practices are a recognised way of doing something religious. They refer to a broad range of experiences that relate to many aspects of religious life.
Eg. way of prayer or a style of religious worship, a religious way of doing something or how a place or time of the year is used.
USES religious signs and symbols. Rituals may also be an important part of the practice.
What are religious celebrations?
Religious celebrates are special times when religious communities join together in worship, prayer or to celebrate a religious festival.
What are religious events?
A religious event is similar to a religious celebration.
It usually has a set time and sometimes a set place in which an important aspect of religious faith is celebrated.
What are religious SIGNS and SYMBOLS?
All religions use a range of signs and symbols to represent and convey meaning about beliefs.
- Signs represent or point to something
- Symbols are tangible items that represents reality but they are more complex and can convey a number of meanings. Symbols, are a useful way to communicate what is complex and difficult to comprehend. Essentially they convey meaning and help people to see beyond the surface things.
What are religious Rituals?
a religious ritual is a solemn ceremony or celebration within a religion where the community is allowed participate (not observe)as it is a style of expression of faith, which uses signs, symbols and rites.
Rituals are also communal celebrations that express a sense of belonging to a community and call for participation, not observation.
-uses symbolic actions, Such as movement, gestures and words to express and promote what is important about faith
List four ways in which religious faith is supported and often expressed.
Practices
Rituals
Celebrations
Events
