Nature of Religion (Short Answers)

Question 1

Define the supernatural dimension.

Answer 1

A belief in a divine being or power which is greater than humankind and beyond the natural world.

Question 2

Give two examples of beliefs associated with the supernatural dimension.

Answer 2

Concept of God, a powerful divine spiritual entity that created the universe. Angels and devils that
influence good and bad decisions. Heaven and Hell.

Question 3

List the five major world religions.

Answer 3

Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism

Question 4

What is a worldview?

Answer 4

A system of answers shared by a significant number of people

Question 5

Define a transcendent religious worldview.

Answer 5

Believe that there are beings that exist beyond the known universe and are not subject to the laws
of nature.

Question 6

List characteristics of beliefs associated with a transcendent religious worldview.

Answer 6

God or the spirit world is separate to humanity. This world can be reached through prayer, sacrifices
(time, attitude or material substance)

Question 7

What is a polytheistic religion?

Answer 7

A belief in many gods or goddesses

Question 8

What is a monotheistic religion?

Answer 8

Belief in one god

Question 9

Define an immanent religious worldview.

Answer 9

A belief that god, goddesses or divine spirits live within nature

Question 10

Define pantheism.

Answer 10

Belief that the universe is God

Question 11

List characteristics of beliefs associated with an immanent religious worldview.

Answer 11

Spirit world remains within humanity. This can be reached by maintaining a balance of forces within
the individual (meditation, exercise and diet)

Question 12

List the characteristics of religion.

Answer 12

Beliefs and believers, ethics, sacred texts and writings, rituals and ceremonies

Question 13

Define paradigm and provide an example.

Answer 13

The core belief held by a religion. EG Christianity believe that Jesus rose from the dead

Question 14

Define beliefs and provide an example.

Answer 14

a. Are the ideas that adherents to a religion believe to be true. Eg the 3 Refuges in Buddhism

Question 15

Who are believers?

Answer 15

Are the people who believe the ideas (beliefs) of a religion to be true

Question 16

Define ethics and provide an example.

Answer 16

The practical application of beliefs. These are usually found in the sacred texts. Eg the ten commandments

Question 17

Define rituals and ceremonies.

Answer 17

Ways to celebrate and reinforce the central belief system

Question 18

What are the two types of rituals? Provide examples of each.

Answer 18

Public (baptism, marriage, Brit Milah) and private (personal prayer, Shabbat meal in Judaism, personal shrine (puja) in Buddhism

Question 19

Define sacred texts and writings. Why are they important?

Answer 19

Historical record of beliefs and actions. Core paradigm, rules and direction (ethical guidance)

Question 20

List 5 religious contributions to individuals.

Answer 20

Answers life’s profound questions, ethics, stereotypes, technology, attitude to other religions

Question 21

List 5 religious contributions to society and culture.

Answer 21

Laws, education, art, orphanage, hospital, calendars, diet, dress