Overall Flashcards
Monotheism and polytheism
-Monotheism is the belief that there is one deity responsible for the creation of the world and a code of ethics which the inhabitants of the world should follow (Semetic faiths).
-Polytheism is the belief in the existence of beings or powers beyond the realm of the natural world.
-An element shared between monotheism and polytheism is the lack of complete knowledge about the greater power or being.
Transcendence and immanence
-Transcendent worldview believes in a power beyond the human. God is revealed to humankind beyond, separate and outside of the human spirit.
-Prophets are acolytes and intermediaries for the transcendent (Gods and angels). That is how God’s word becomes widespread.
-Transcendent worldview offers adherents a sense of purpose, the pursuit of an afterlife.
-Omnipotence and omniscience unbiasedly establishes a greater trust and connection between the deity and adherent.
-Immanent worldview holds the belief that supernatural powers dwell within the earthly human.
-Buddhism and Hinduism place emphasis on finding truth from within the human spirit. For example, the Eightfold path inscribed by Buddha.
-The fact the immanent power is divinity active and present, adherents tend to consider it spiritually and physically closer to oneself at all times.
Essay structure
If it’s on principle beliefs, which it probably will be:
Principle Belief -> Explanation of principle belief -> Principle event it links to-> How it is crucial
Characteristics of Religion
Anthropomorphism: the attribution of human characteristics or behaviour to a god, animal or object
Deism: opposite of theism, a god who does not intervene in the universe
Empirical: concerned with observation and experience rather than theory or logic
Framework: a system of rules or beliefs a person follows, in order to make decisions.
Humanism: a rationalist outlook attaching prime importance to humanity rather than divine or spiritual matters.
Natural law: a body of unchanging moral principles regarded as a basis for all human conduct.
Omnipotent:
Omniscient:
Omnibenevolent:
Omnipresent:
Paradigm shift: a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Theism: belief in the existence of a god or gods, specifically one who intervenes in the physical universe.
Ultimate questions
Where do I come from?
Is there a force greater than humanity?
What is my purpose in life?
Worldview: view or concept that guides adherents through life. It includes: opinions, morals, ethics, understanding of why we’re alive, political views, etc
Influences to worldview include religion, social values, influential people, etc
Influences how one answers ultimate questions
Dynamic and Living:
How is the practice expressed in contemporary times? -> Living
How is the practice changing or adapting to the modern world and societal problems -> Dynamic
Living & dynamic religion
-When characteristics interact they nurture a religion that is alive and active in the lives of adherents.
-Dynamic: constant change, activity of progress (stimulated change via processes)
-Living: alive, relevant to an individual → real immersed and not removed from the daily life of human experience.
-Practices and rituals give doctrinal elements a lived expression. It is not possible for a religion to exist with doctrines but not ritual.
-The existence of key beliefs allow individuals to re-interpret the universal meaning of a religion to make it applicable for their particular community.
-In order for religion to exist as a dynamic, living entity this doctrinal dimension, as contained in the sacred texts, must also be applicable to the practical demands of daily life.
-Helps an adherent create an ethical framework by answering life’s questions and thereby guiding them as they cultivate aspects of their chosen religious tradition
Supernatural dimension
-The supernatural dimension is central to all world religions. This can range from a place where humans can exist after mortality (heaven) or a state of being (nirvana).
-A belief in a divine being or power that is greater than humankind and the natural world we reside in is crucial to all religions.
-Ethics and core beliefs come from the transcendent or supernatural dimension and are inscribed into sacred texts.
-Exceeds ordinary limits of human existence, is abnormal or miraculous. It can not be explained by known laws.
Contribution to individuals and society
-Controls society communally and socially due to unanimously accepted morals. Present role models, guidance and direction
