Natures of religions Flashcards
Define ‘supernatural dimension’
Belief in a divine being/s or power greater than humankind and the natural world
Commonality between all religious traditions.
What is a ‘transcendent’ religion?
Transcendent worldviews hold that the divine being is beyond human reach and unattainable
Common in Semitic religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam.
What is an ‘immanent’ religion?
Immanent worldview holds that the divine dwells within the individual, attainable through practices such as meditation
Common in Indus religions: Buddhism, Hinduism.
How is Christianity both transcendent and immanent?
Transcendent due to God the creator; immanent through the Holy Spirit
Examples: fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
What are the characteristics of religion?
- Beliefs and Believers
- Rituals and Ceremonies
- Ethics
- Sacred Texts and Writings
Each characteristic contributes to the overall structure and practice of the religion.
What role do beliefs play in religion?
Beliefs are values that underpin religious practice and provide guidance on how to live
Example: Christians believe Jesus is the son of God.
What are rituals and ceremonies in religion?
Practical expressions of aspects of a religion involving prescribed words or actions
They help enact beliefs and deepen understanding.
Define ethics in the context of religion.
Reasoning of standards for moral decision making that clarifies what is right and wrong
Example: Christian belief in being made in God’s image.
What are sacred texts and writings?
Important beliefs contained in texts that explain connections with the supernatural
Include not just written materials but also art and music.
What does it mean for a religion to be dynamic?
Practiced by followers, adapting rituals and ethics to remain relevant
Example: advancements in social justice within bioethics.
List contributions of religion to individuals.
- Ceremonies/rituals and celebrations
- Belief system
- Morals/laws
- Promotes peace
Religion shapes personal identity and community belonging.
List contributions of religion to society and culture.
- Education
- Hospitals
- Charities
- Architecture
- Artworks
- Music
Examples: Caritas, Vinnies, Project Compassion.
What is the Dreaming in Aboriginal culture?
The central reality of the Aboriginal world, underpinning all practices and beliefs
Meta temporal, linking past, present, and future.
What are sacred sites in Aboriginal spirituality?
Physical mediums through which the dreaming is communicated; linked to creation stories
Often used in ceremonies and connected by dreaming tracks.
What is the significance of totems in Aboriginal culture?
Natural objects or animals inherited by clan members as spiritual emblems
Reflects the connection to ancestry and community.
Define kinship in Aboriginal communities.
Network defining social organizations and family relationships
Central to the fabric of Aboriginal society.
What is the connection between the Dreaming and land for Aboriginal people?
The Dreaming establishes the moral, social, and psychological bond to the land
No land = no dreaming = no identity.
What is animism?
The belief that natural objects and the universe itself possess souls
Seen in many indigenous religions, including Aboriginal beliefs.
What is polytheism?
The belief in many gods
Examples include Hinduism and ancient Greek religions.
What is monotheism?
The belief in one God
Examples include Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
