Nature of Religion Flashcards
The supernatural dimension
refers to the place where a possible almighty power exists. It exists beyond the natural world and this is the dimension in where it resides.
A transcendent religious worldview has
a belief in a divine power and/or powers beyond the human
An immanent religious worldview has
a belief in a divine being or powers dwelling within the individual
Buddhism and Hinduism believe that a divine being or powers dwell within human beings and nature and therefore represent a …………
worldview
Immanent
Christianity, Islam and Judaism believe in a divine power that exists beyond humans and the material world and therefore represent a …………
worldview
Transcendent
The four characteristics of religion are
- Sacred texts and writings
- Ethics
- Beliefs and believers
- Rituals and ceremonies
A religion is living and dynamic when
The four characteristics of religion interact in a way that allows adherents to live their faith within contemporary society
Religion contributes to the individual by providing
- Ritual meaning
- Ethical guidance
- Sense of belonging
- Search for meaning (answering life’s ‘big question’)
Religion contribute to society and culture through
- Architecture
- Law
- Art
- Meaning and Order
An example of an immanent religion…
An example of an immanent religion would be Buddhism. These Buddhists believe that they must follow Buddha’s teachings in order to achieve a personal enlightenment that will remove them from this world of pain and suffering. The divine power is within them.
A transcendent religion would be…
A transcendent religion would be Judaism. Jewish people believe that the God is high above them, he is not present with them on earth. They can never achieve the same existence as God as it goes ‘beyond their human limitations’.
A religious tradition that encompasses both transcendent and immanent worldview is
Christianity encompasses both transcendent and immanent aspects. It follows the transcendent dimension believing God the Father is beyond human limitations (transcendent) but that Jesus is an ‘active and continuing presence among believers in this world’ (immanent).
An example of a religion being living and dynamic is
Within the Catholic tradition, the ritual of Mass or Holy Communion was altered during the COVID 19 Pandemic. Adherents could not attend their local parishes, but were encouraged to participate in the ritual online. Adherents were encourage to continue participating in the life of the church through prayer. This is evidence of the Catholic church adapting rituals and ceremonies to fit in with the needs of believers.
An example of a religion contributing to the life of an individual
Bar Mitzvahs is a Jewish ceremony which demonstrates the contribution of a religion to the life of an individual. This ceremony marks the transition of a boy to a man, providing ritual meaning for a significant even in the life of an individual.
An example of a religion contributing to the society and culture
Whilst the Law in Western Society is secular (non-religious) many religious beliefs contribute to laws that are enforced. For example, the Bible states that murder is a sin, which is reflected by the harsh punishments placed on Murderers by law. On the other hand, the Christian teaching encourages adherents to care for ‘the least of these’ reflected in laws that protect the weakest and most vulnerable members of society.
