Religion 11 Midterm Flashcards
Religio (etymology)
Latin root word of “Religion”
“re-tracing ancestral customs” (Cicero). The ancestral customs of ancient people
Religion (definition – Geertz)
Geertz defines Religion as a system of symbols that acts to establish powerful, persuasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in men. It is meant to be a concept of a general order of existence, having “power” associated with them, making people believe it is true
Religion vs. Theology (McCutcheon)
The study of Theology assumes the existence of a divine being while the study of religion is an “anthropological enterprise” where it is studied as an expression of culture from human beings
The structure of religion(s) (6 elements)
Practices (rituals)
Beliefs (faith)
Texts (scriptures)
Sacred places (pilgrimage)
Ethics (behavior)
Social groups (communities)
Classification(s) of religion (x4 w/examples)
Indigenous religions - the ancestral religions of people who are native to particular landscapes
Abrahamic Religions - Subset of World Religions: Abraham is the ancestral originator of the religion (Judaism = blood ancestor, Christianity = spiritual ancestor, Islam = blood ancestor)
World Religions - a classification that is widespread and globalized in history/culture, that they are named “World Religions.” They are found everywhere, and their practice/culture doesn’t change much no matter where you go (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism, Confuscianism, Shintoism)
New religious movements - Doesn’t fit in the other three categories; typically niche and smaller, however, this category is important as it shows how human beings create religion (over time and space); stronger evidence. How they develop, are born, and grow (Scientology)
The comparative method
Compares two things to a point of comparison. For example, Christianity and Islam can both be compared to Monotheism, but there are other differences in their religions as Christianity believes in the Holy Trinity while Islam believes in JUST God, no trinity
Indigenous Religion(s) (definition)
Religion relates to a place/land in which there are practices, requires kinship or relationships with family, community, ancestors, animals, and spirits, and uses language in the religion through oral culture, tradition, and literature
“Native Spirituality” vs. “Indigenous Religion”
Instead of using the word “Religion,” the emic term “Spirituality” is used as a way to say a total way of life. They believe the universe is alive (animism), that there is a circle of life interconnecting all of life, there is interspecies communication (Shamanism), there is an emphasis on Tribal/Social Identity, and religion is healing/restoring balance.
The Ban on Indian religion
Nation-Wide Ban on Indian Religion, 1883-1934
Despite the US priding itself on religious freedom, it prohibited Indian religions by limiting their access to sacred sites, freedom to worship through traditional ceremonial rites, and the possession of sacred objects.
Primitivism
Compares religions as primitive to others. Implies that there is an evolutionary development of religion; thus a hierarchy is created. Typically considers Judeo-Christian Traditions to be “more evolved” than other practices.
Animism
Is the belief in spirits, an “unseen world” that influences/parallels that of this word. Origin comes from observations of nature, biological processes, and belief in the soul/spirit, spirit world, and spirit God. Belief in animism leads to a belief of a spirit world and polytheism.
Mysticism (definition & William James’ 4 characteristics)
Refers to a variety of expressions but mostly refers to the direct experience or encounter with the divine. There are 4 characteristics
Ineffability - indescribable
Noetic quality- Beyond description
Transiency - Doesn’t last very long
Passivity - Can’t force the experience as it comes unannounced and when you haven’t been seeking it
Perennialism
A way of comparison that posts a universal metaphysic of divine reality. A common expression meaning that all religions teach the same thing; however, the problem with this is that it over-simplifies similarities and underestimates differences.
Shamanism
The original definition refers to ritual specialists among Siberian hunting tribes.
Definition has now been used to refer to those who can communicate with spirits, prophesize, heal, manifest non-ordinary powers, and travel to spirit worlds
Sacrifice
Means “to make sacred.”
Sacrifice as Religio
Temples as “houses” for god(s)
The Temple “cult” (cultus) as priestly “care” for god(s)
Reciprocity (gift-giving)
Sacred Meals (shared)
“Burn Offerings:” Unblemished male first-born animals.
Other sacrifices: incense, grain, wine, oil
Sacrifices were typically thanksgiving/atonement
Temple is for God (God lives there). The Temple is a “cult” for God (cult means care/sincere relationship). Priests “care” for Gods. To show devotion to a God, you came bearing Gifts. (If you give gifts to God, then God will give back to you. Thus, the gift is now made “sacred”). Religion becomes a relationship between human and the divine. Fire was used so the smoke would go up to the heavens, and so the substance would be completely consumed. A whole burnt offering is known as a “holocaust.”
