Nature of Religion and Beliefs Flashcards
Topic 1
What is religion?
Belief in a divine being and a distinctive response to the human search for meaning in life.
What is a worldview?
A framework through which people understand the world, including how it came into existence and how it operates. It is dependent on culture, morals, and upbringing.
What is the supernatural dimension in religion?
Belief in divine beings exceeding the limits of the physical world.
What does polytheistic mean?
Belief in many gods, e.g., Hinduism.
What does monotheistic mean?
Belief in only one god, e.g., Christianity.
What is transcendent in religious belief?
Belief in a divine being or entity beyond human existence, mainly associated with monotheistic religions like Judaism.
What is immanent in religious belief?
Belief that divine beings dwell in the universe and within us, mostly associated with polytheistic religions like Christianity.
What are beliefs and believers in religion?
Beliefs are doctrinal (ideas taught by a group) or philosophical (system of thought based on ideas) aspects of religion. Believers are followers of a religion who can have differences in beliefs due to various factors.
What is a paradigm in religion?
The central core belief of a religion.
What are sacred texts and writings?
Sources where core paradigms originate and are summarized. Believers understand and learn paradigms through texts, which can take many forms (oral, art, written) and are treated with reverence.
What are ethics in religion?
Codes of behavior that dictate right or wrong, directing people on how to live and putting beliefs into practice, central to all religions.
What are rituals and ceremonies?
Rituals are physical, practical, and experimental expressions of religious belief that allow individuals to be part of a religion and bring the community closer. Ceremonials are less formal and take place in local contexts, including processions, blessings, and re-enactments.
What is the difference between public and private rituals?
Public rituals are formal events with a strictly organized structure, actions, and symbols, experimental for the community. Private rituals are informal activities performed individually within the family home, experimental for the individual.
What fundamental questions does religion answer?
Questions such as: Why am I here? Is there a supreme being? Why do evil and suffering exist? Is there life after death?
What is the contribution of religion to individuals?
Provides guidance through a complex ethical system, offering understanding, a sense of self, and belonging.
What is the contribution of religion to society and culture?
Develops human culture, creates a diverse society, influences legal systems, and inspires music, poetry, sculpture, literature, painting, and architecture, while addressing societal issues.
