Nature of Religion

Question 1

SUPERNATURAL DIMENSION

Answer 1

→ The supernatural dimension is the belief of the existence of beings or powers beyond the realms of the natural world.
→ The supernatural dimension is the belief in a divine being or power which exceeds the limits of the human and physical worlds.

Beyond our experience
Not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws.

Question 2

TRANSCENDENT WORLDVIEW

Answer 2

→ Belief in a divine power beyond human and earthly existence.
→ Being beyond the limits of human experience and knowledge.

A divine power which transcends (beyond) the world and often (not always) one God which exists beyond human laws
- One Supreme God which needs to guide humans
- Points beyond this earthly/material world
- Focus on ‘heavenly’ matters/a world beyond this one
- Transcends the limits of space, time and gender
Often Abrahamic faiths hold transcendent views of the world + existence (Abraham was the first recorded human being to believe in one God)

Question 3

IMMANENT WORLDVIEW

Answer 3

→ Divine spirits that live within an individual or nature.
→ Immanent describes a characteristic that is considered as residing within something or being within the limits of possible experience or knowledge

• Presence of God/Gods within human existence
• Rather than ‘beyond’ there is an ‘inner aspect/internal components’
• Divine powers dwell within the individual
• No need to ‘look for a God’ - but work towards an ultimate goal ie. Nirvana
• Focus on self-transformation
• Can discover spiritual truth from within the human spirit
• Based on experience rather than theory/Doctrine

Buddhism and Hinduism have more aspects from an immanent worldview

Question 4

CHARACTERISTICS OF RELIGION

Answer 4

Beliefs and believers

Sacred texts and writings

Ethics

Rituals and ceremonies

Question 5

Beliefs and believers

Answer 5

Beliefs are the key tenets, doctrines, or values, which underpin the religious practice of a particular religion for the believers.

Question 6

Sacred texts and writings

Answer 6

The most important beliefs of a religion are contained in its sacred texts. Usually these beliefs were in oral circulation before they were written down in the sacred texts. These sacred texts contain sacred stories, which explain through historical or nonhistorical means, how people are connected to this supernatural dimension.

Question 7

Ethics

Answer 7

Ethics is the reasoning behind moral decision making. The ethics and precepts of a religion are the laws which embody the key doctrinal tenets of a religion and allow for the practical application of that religion. In other words, ethics offers a system of standards which regulate moral decision making.

Question 8

Rituals and ceremonies

Answer 8

Rituals and ceremonies are practical expressions of aspects of a religion. Rituals and ceremonies involve prescribed words and actions along with the use of symbols. Together these reflect an understanding of the sacred dimension. Thus, rituals and ceremonies help to lead to a greater understanding of the ultimate reality.

Question 9

Dynamic and living religion

Answer 9

→ A dynamic religion is one characterised by energy, ambition, new ideas and practical achievements.
→ A living religion is one that is full of life in which there is evidence of people actively practising their faith. A living religion is full of life, it is practical, real and immersed in human existence.
→ A religion or religious system is a dynamic, living reality. While it can be identified and studied through characteristics such as rituals and sacred texts, it is in essence a living thing, which is given expression through all its characteristics. As dynamic, living realities, religions help provide meaning for those who follow them.

Living Dynamic Religion: When all 4 features work together. An active religion, which provides meaning and purpose to individuals. A religion which is practised today and is relevant to the needs of people despite different contexts.

Question 10

INDIVUDALS

▪ Personal search for meaning:

Answer 10

• Human experience is characterised by a search for the understanding of the great questions of life.
• People will look towards religion for answers to these enduring questions, especially during times of personal trauma or crisis.

Question 11

INDIVIDUALS

▪ Ethical guidance:

Answer 11

• Ethics are concerned with the reasoning behind moral decision-making.
• Religion has been sought out by people for guidance in the field of ethics, which enables individuals to act in a morally correct manner.

Question 12

SOCIAL CONCERNS

Answer 12

→ Bioethics (linked to ethical guidance), for example, involves the study of the moral implications of new biological discoveries in the fields of genetic engineering and drug research.

→ Concerning sexual morality, religion is a prominent voice on the appropriateness of matters such as homosexuality and extramarital sexual activities. Religion also offers guidance in social concerns.

→ Social concerns relate to matters such as the unequal distribution of wealth and resources, and the impact of pollution on the environment.

Question 13

SOCIAL CONCERNS

▪ Sense of belonging:

Answer 13

• There is a strong desire in the human experience to feel a sense of belonging.
• The nature of religion makes it well suited to providing this sense of community.
• Religions have the capacity to bring together people of similar ideals and values and to provide an opportunity for people to express these values in a supportive environment.

Question 14

SOCIAL CONCERNS

▪ Ritual meaning:

Answer 14

• Ritual actions or events mark important stages in the human experience.
• These stages include the birth of a child, the coming of age, graduation, a marriage etc.
• Such events are often ritualised in religious traditions where ceremonies take place to mark these important events. People place great importance on these events and the rituals which accompany them. Accordingly, such rituals are important elements in the contribution of religion to individuals.

Question 15

SOCIETY
▪ Interaction between culture and religion: There is a close reciprocal relationship between the areas of religion and culture.

Answer 15

• Religion is profoundly influenced by its cultural context because religion cannot be expressed other than through a particular cultural setting and context.
• Religion has a strong formative influence on culture given the dynamic ever changing nature of culture.

Question 16

SOCIETY

▪ Religion as a conservative influence on society:

Answer 16

• Religion is most often seen to exert a conservative influence on society in areas regarding sexual morality and bioethics.
• The recent contributions of religious groups to social debates on issues ranging from stem cell research to euthanasia and homosexual relationships is evidence of this conservatism.
• Religion is often seen to be quite clearly trying to prevent society from moving away from traditional values.

Question 17

SOCIETY

▪ Religion as a progressive influence on society:

Answer 17

• Religion acts as a progressive influence on society.
• Religion, with its emphasis on human dignity, can be readily seen as proactive in areas such as the advocacy of refugee and Indigenous rights, protection of the environment, and opposition to military action.
  This is because religion has sought to instil a sense of justice in prominent social debates as a way of attempting to change community views to embrace a new approach.