Religion and Non-Religion Flashcards
define animism and an example
the idea that nature reveals the divine or gods e.g. aboriginal spirituality
what are the characteristics of animism
since everything has a soul, human beings aren’t seen as superior to anything in the universe
All natural objects have a spirit or soul independent of their physical being
The inanimate elemental forces of nature (rocks, etc.) to the animate flora and fauna, are considered as being more or less of equal importance
define polytheism and an example
means many gods, they are those who worship many gods e.g.hinduism
what are the characteristics of polytheism
Each god or goddess has individual powers which control certain aspects of the universe or the destiny of humans
Polytheistic gods resemble human beings in the sense that these gods have limitation upon their powers, even though they often have special powers or skills and are generally immortal
define monotheism and an example
the worship of one god, a religious system where only one god is said to exist e.g. christianity, judaism, islam
what are the characteristics of monotheism
Belief that there is one, and only one, divine being
the creator of the universe and of all humans
This God relates to human beings in a special way, either by seeking submission from then or entering into an agreement (covenant) that describes the obligations of human beings toward this God and the resulting protection by the God
God may also be seen as directly intervening in the natural world through miracles
what is the ranking of religions from largest to smallest
christian, islam, hinduism, buddhism, judaism
what are the reasons for the growth of new religious expressions
rise of materialism, scientific progress, growth of ecological awareness, disenchantment with traditional religious practice and guidance
define materialism and an example
the idea that what is important in life is the accumulation of possessions and finance e.g. christmas is a very capitalised tradition
how has the rise of materialism contributed to the growth of new religious expression
Materialism seems to offer little acknowledgement of the spiritual dimension in a human person
Materialism encourages individuals to seek their own fulfilment and satisfaction without regard for others
Consumerism claims that personal fulfilment, happiness and wellbeing can be ‘purchased’ as a kind of commodity – opposing religions
how has scientific progress contributed to the growth of new religious expression
Science has achieved developments which raise questions about the worldview of traditional religious understanding
Science challenges religious beliefs in areas such as the origin of the earth
Scientific truth can lead individuals to abandon traditional religious beliefs and loss of faith
The association with science provides them with a degree of authenticity
how has growth of ecological awareness contributed to the growth of new religious expression
As there is rise of the need to care and protect the environment, new age religions adapt to animistic religions, and the connection with the earth as a way of healing
how has disenchantment with traditional religious practices contributed to the growth of new religious expression
The disenchantment with traditional religious practice and guidance is the primary reason for an individual seeking fulfilment in other religious practices
Many people found that traditional religious practices do not provide relevant and meaningful support for the challenges of the modern world
There has been a loss of confidence in the authority of religious leaders
define atheism
is the belief that there is no divine power either within the universe or outside it. It is based on the statement that gods are unproven
define agnosticism
the belief that there is insufficient proof for either God’s existence or non-existence
