Phenomenology (Religion)

Question 1

Phenomenon

Answer 1

Something that can be observed and studied but is typically difficult to explain fully (plural: phenomena).

Question 2

Key ideas / View on the role of religion

Answer 2

Views religion as based on religious experience; human beings have experiences that they describe as religious, therefore religions come into existence.

Question 3

View on religion and social change

Answer 3

Religion can be a positive or conservative social force depending on the perspective taken.

Question 4

Smith (2007)

Answer 4

argues that religions such as Christianity have lasted as long as they have because the subjective, emotional experiences of believers helps reinforce their commitment.

Question 5

Tillich (n.d)

Answer 5

Argue that religious symbols and symbolic language point to something bigger than themselves and that by understanding the symbolism in religions we cann better understand fundamental truths.

Question 6

Smart’s seven dimensions of religion

Answer 6

An attempt to classify religon for study but using categories based on the experience of the believer.

• Also argues that thise studying religion must ‘bracket out’ their own pre-exisiting beliefs in order to fully understand the penomenon from the persepective of the believer.

Question 7

Evaluation (AO3)

Question 8

What could critques argue

- Subejective experience

Answer 8

Taken by phenomenological approach is too vagued and makes the study of religions on a large scale impossible,

Question 9

Kristensen - Scholars of religion

Answer 9

Must the accept the religious account given by believers as the sole reality; the only useful and meaningful way of describing religion.