Religion and non religion Flashcards
Define Animism
Belief that all natural objects including people, animals and the wider environment have souls
Characteristics and Features of Animism
natural occurrences such as volcanoes, tornadoes or rain can be attributed to spirits that dwell within the landscape. multitude of spirits: vastly more powerful than humans, good or evil - their favour or disfavour directly impacts upon the wellbeing of the group. good spirits: bring benefits e.g. health and abundance of crop bad spirits: disease or natural disasters - rituals developed to control somewhat unpredictable forces. Spirits may be placated and appeased via performance of correct ceremonies or even of human and non human sacrifice.
Animism today
most prevalent in prehistoric or proliferate communities but sill predominate feature of many cultures today e.g. in aboriginal spirituality everything including people plants animals and landforms are seen as inextricably connected and the ancestral beings dwell in the land. Some anthropologists have observed signs of a major revil fuelled by the popularity of global environmentalism
polytheism definition
the belief and worship in multiple deities/gods. believed to have developed from animism
polytheism characteristics and features
deities differ from the God semitic religions: tends to be human in many ways- personality, stories, emotions and grudges. usually have specializations (e.g. God of War), rarely omnipotent and omniscient (simply have certain powers. most ancient religions - significant public and private affairs. gods often sit in hierarchy and have personality’s that contrast (human) e.g ancient greece: believed in array or olympian gods and goddesses led by Zeus (king of god). gods had human traits and intervened in human affairs
modern influence polytheism
Many of the worlds cultures remain polytheistic. Eastern polytheism: Hinduism, Mahayana Buddhist, Taoism and Shintoism. New age movements have revived interest in polytheistic beliefs due to their flexibility and perceived freedoms e.g. Hellenism: contemporary revival of ancient Greek religious practices, focusing on the worship of the Olympian deities and other figures from Greek mythology.
monotheism definition
belief in single, all powerful transcendent god
monotheism characteristics and features
most common today- most influenced western civilization. one divine being is credited w creating the universe and giving humanity its moral compass. omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (app powerful), omniscient (all knowing). revealed through creation, sacred texts and human experience to give humanity its moral purpose. e.g semitic religions. e.g. Islam: first of the 5 pillars: ‘Shahada’ key tenet ‘There is no God but Allah’ Belief in Tawhid ‘oneness of Allah’
Religous dimension definition
The religious dimension refers the prominance of the supernatural realm in shaping how individuals have navigated their place, beliefs, and the meaning of life throughout history.
meaning and purpose for individual
throughout history- humans sought answers to questions that transcend the mundane thing of everyday existence human experience: characterized by questioning of and a search for meaning
provides answers to life’s profound and existential questions: creation of universe, human nature, life’s purpose. identity: believer with a religious tradition. provides meaning: instructs individual to become true to themselves as ppl of faith and move closer to goal of religion e.g. buddhism: achieve enlightenment. nihilistic POVs difficult to find drive to live (no purpose/meaning). role models: Muhammad = ultimate role model for Islams - provides purpose (what to strive for). answers to enduring questions remain largely the same: times of discord teachings of meaning/purpose remain bastion of stability and hope: need 4 unconditional love drives human search for meaning/purpose - often fueled by inevitable failure of human relationships e.g. most major religions have living deities: christianity presents a self-sacrificing God who commits the ultimate act of love by offering his son as an act of cosmic redemption e.g. viktor frankl’s book ‘Mans Search for meaning’: describes his 3 year imprisonment at Auschwitz and other concentration camps during WW2. he discovered that the other prisoner were able to cope and thrive in such a neg environment due to their will to find purpose and meaning (humankind’s basic motivation)
social cohesion
sense of continuity: past present and future are tied together w fabric of religion. creates culturally diverse/multifaith society. unites people under shared identity: moral guidance and a nonviolent framework for collective action: saffron uprising (2007) in Myanmar- protests led by buddhist monks that gained moral legitimacy inspiring mass participation against injustice. chants rituals and symbolic refusal of alms strengthened unity. laws: formulate ethical and moral systems: shared framework e.g. ten commandments ‘thou shall not bear false witness’ rituals: haji- muslims around the world, barriers of race gender wealth are broken promoting equality and strengthens umma. shared experience of performing rituals together e.g. praying at the kaaba creates a deep sense of spiritual connection and collective purpose among pilgrims. promotes unity e.g. interfaith dialogue: principal teaching acknowledge ultimate responsibility of individuals and ethics focus on preserving peace and harmony: Martin Luther King Jr used ethics and training as a minister to lead a new movement for black rights emphasising parts of bible that justify the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity. Jewish diaspora. Colombian centre for Christan Muslim relations.
social transformation
holds paradoxical role: preserves traditional institutions value sand practices while simultaneously serving as tool for societal change that critiques the very structures/beliefs once supported. The ordination of Regina Jonas in 1935 and Sally Priesand in 1972 marked significant milestones in Judaism, breaking gender barriers and expanding women’s leadership in religious life. Today, female rabbis in Reform, Conservative, and some Modern Orthodox communities advocate for social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity, demonstrating religion’s role as a progressive force in society. progressive: seek better vision for world (doesn’t stagnate) catalyst for change due to dynamic + widespread nature: social justice at forefront of religious agendas: emphasis on harmony and forgiveness Week of Prayer: 27 May - 3rd of July: interfaith week of prayer Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hindu, Bahai: common goal reconciliation. collective religious beliefs promote reconciliation with indigenous population. evangelical movement in 19th century england: william wilberforce campaigned for slavery abolition using christian teachings on human dignity. conservative: oppose certain directions in which society heads. holds onto traditional attitudes and caution bout change. e.g RCC and EO maintain traditional gender roles by restricting priesthood and senior leadership positions to men. less developed ideas of women equality preserving long standing theological practices and interpretations restricting the progress in the fight for women equality
GD of Christianity
rank, locations, origin, distribution
Rank: 31%
Top locations: USA, Brazil, Mexico, Russia
Origins: founded by Jesus Christ (~30AD), initally sect w/in judaism
Distribution: Paul of Tarsus: began to establish as Christianity = spread sig across europe. Work of missionaries = essential to the growth. Colonisation = huge contributor e.g. Christianity e.g. Spanish invasion of North and South America is where Catholicism was introduced in America.
GD of Islam
i pause in battle
Rank: 23% (fastest growing out of 5 major)
Locations: Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh (I pause in battle)
Origins: Founded in 622 by Prophet Muhammed in Mecca
Distribution: spread rapidly throughout North Africa due 2 military expansion (caliphs). Crusades (11th and 13th centuries) = europe. 19th century missionary programs = converted substantial amount of African continent. Post WW2 many Muslims resettled to countries such as UK and US
GD of 5 major religions
✝️ Christianity leads with 31 strong,
☪️ Islam’s at 23, moving along!
🕉 Hinduism follows, 15% true,
☸️ Buddhism at 6, with a peaceful view!
✡️ And don’t forget Judaism’s here at 0.22
GD of Hinduism
Rank: 15%
Locations: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka (IceSpice needs booty SIRRR) = close geo proximity to India
Origin: began in Punjab region of NW india - remains concentrate (relies on indian culture to thrive)
Distribition: not self propagating religion = has stayed inside india and surrounding areas
GD of Buddhism
Rank: 6%
Locations: China, Thailand, Japan, Myanmar (Crazy Tigers Jump Madly)
Origins: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (500BCE) = offshoot of hinduism
Trends: prior to the death of Buddha (483BCE) = mostly restricted to N india. 100 years after spread to central asia. Indian King Asoka sent out missionaries to spread the word (largely responsible for converting modern day Sri Lanka). Brought to China by trad and missionaries. travelled to japan and korea = geo and diplomatical relations
GD of Judaism
Rank: 22%
Location: US, Israle, France, Canada (under ice fish cackle)
Origins: covenant between Abraham and God in 1812 BC
Distribution: developed in israel (still highly concentrated) history of persecution = significanjt bearing - jewish diaspora continuing theme through history - atrocities committed in the Holocaust caused significant reduction in Jewish population - fear of persecution = migration to US
Define NRE
Religious movements that emerged relatively recently and offer new interpretations or practices within spiritual life
NRE: Search for personal fulfilment
traditional r belief: irrelevant, too distant and structured to have personalised touch failing to resonate w modern people - traditional pre-scientific values aren’t relevant in modern society often don’t focus on individualist fulfillment = can’t facilitate the strong need to find meaning and purpose w/in individual
most sig attraction of NRE: personal fulfillemt (diverse nature)
many people = no longer happer to commit and accept religious rules w/o question (X feel fulfilled by a religion service)
individualistic age: search for spirituality that can be tailored to personal needs alternate to traditional religon way of seeking personal fulfillment (more attractive to youth)
Abdu’l-Baha states, “Each being is the centre of the shining forth of the glory of God,” meaning faith is personal. By living our virtues through service, we fulfill both personal purpose and God’s plan. This focus on individual growth and expression makes the Bahá’í Faith appealing to modern seekers.
NRE: Search for ethical guidance
Society: post modern nature = many tech and enviro challenges = pre-scientific responses can be considered inadequate w addressing modern ethical and scientific issues - lack clarity and specificity w modern concerns. - Traditional religious: authoritative and ‘black and white’ principles, NRE: emphasis on ideals of tolerance, universalism, environmentalism and moral realism
Roman Catholicism rejects assisted reproduction entirely, leading some infertile couples and those seeking a more flexible ethical framework to look elsewhere for guidance. New Age religions, such as the Bahá’í Faith, take a more balanced approach, recognizing the value of medical advancements that help childless couples experience the blessings of family.
NRE: clarification of ppls relationship w society
Modern society= less community oriented
causing individual isolation and alienation NRE offer a communal dimension aiding one understanding of their place in society
- May feel traditional religions don’t cater for the diverse needs of people and are too conservative in regards to modern society e.g. equal rights for women or acceptance of LGBTQ+.
- individualistic age: Individuals seeking clarification in a new religion deemed more appropriate to them sense of empowerment in new community = greater sense of involvement and worth
The Bahá’í Faith promotes gender equality as essential for progress, likening men and women to two wings vital for humanity’s advancement. It clarifies women’s relationship with society by advocating for equal rights, education, and opportunities, offering an inclusive alternative to faiths with gender hierarchies like Catholicism. Humanity viewed a single race actively stiving to eliminate inequality and discrimination in all their manifestations.
NRE: Rise of materialism
Materialism = widespread social phenomenon, - emergence of ‘consumer culture’ = fixation on the accumulation of possessions and wealth determine wordly success little/no value of less tangible types of achievement - Contributed to an overall waning of interest in traditional religions material preoccupations provide distraction from the Judaeo Christian tenets of accountability, judgement and the afterlife growing feeling of spiritual emptiness rise of NRE sought to fill that void
New Age movement expresses a rather dichotomous position towards the rise of materialism: one hand purports to reject consumerism e.g. Bahai teachings: Material civilization is like the body and spiritual civilization is like the soul. Body without soul cannot live’ at the same time attempting to adapt consumer culture to their own ends to make religion more appealing to the individual e.g. The ‘Prosperity Doctrine’: teaching within neo-Pentecostal and charismatic churches that the Bible promises health and prosperity to all believers through faith.
NRE: Influence of scientific progress
- The more science explains the operations of the world, the less likely people are to need religious explanation for how the world works
- Rapid scientific progress has made many question traditional religions more
- As the authority of traditional religions has been undermined many go in search of New Age answers to spiritual problems
- Despite science ruling out many religions people still desire spiritual answers.
- traditional religions interupt the progress of scientific progress e.g. IVF
- Some New Age answers have a pseudo-scientific basis and so it is seen as more valid than a traditional religions response Raelianism appeals to modern seekers by blending scientific concepts like genetic engineering and extraterrestrial life with spirituality. Unlike traditional religions, it presents creation as the work of advanced aliens, making it seem more compatible with scientific progress.
- The Bahá’í Faith sees science as complementary to religion, believing that scientific discoveries reveal new aspects of the world, and together, science and religion offer a complete understanding of existence.
NRE: growth of ecological awareness
- The rise of the green movement has awakened people more to the beauty of creation and the need to protect it g greater awareness of our lifestyles on environment e.g. anthropogenic climate change and pollution
- Some traditional religions seen to be neglecting environmental protections
- New religious expression to offer active stewardship of the planet view everything in the world as interrelated: humankind is a part of the ecological system rather than apart from it.
- Tend to be popular with people because they believe that closeness to the environment can encourage inner harmony
e.g. Baha’i¬ community’s emphasis on humanity’s interconnectedness with nature, not separate from it. Their conservation education programs and projects, like those in Brazil and Taiwan, promote ecological stewardship as part of spiritual harmony, showing how caring for the environment leads to inner peace and collective well-being.
e.g. Wicca is a nature-based religion that emphasizes environmental stewardship and the interconnectedness of all life. Wiccans celebrate nature’s cycles through seasonal festivals, uphold the Wiccan Rede to “harm none,” and honour the Earth as sacred. Its focus on nature and spiritual harmony resonates with those seeking ecological awareness.
NRE: Disenchantment w traditional religious practices
- General lack of confidence in traditional religion ethics and practices has been gradually been fomenting as a result of numerous issues
- Traditional religion seen as rigid, monotonous & disconnected from modern issues.
- Fixed ethics (e.g., gender, marriage) feel outdated → shift to progressive spirituality, Decline in church attendance as faith feels less relatable.
Scandals (e.g., Hillsong) erode trust; secularism removes pressure to conform. - Failure to address LGBTQ+ rights, climate change & mental health → seen as out of touch. NRE focuses on personal spirituality, inclusivity & social justice (e.g., Metropolitan Community Church: A faith movement emphasizing inclusivity, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals). Moves away from rigid doctrine, encouraging open dialogue & diverse beliefs.
Atheism defintion
- Belief that there is no God or divine power on Earth and there’s nothing after this life.
Atheism characteristics and features
- Inherent incapability to believe in supernatural realm
- Religious teachings seem implausible
- May come about as a deliberate rejection of religions or a consequence of someone gradually losing their faith
- Largely a product of the Enlightenment Period: an intellectual movement in the 17th century that privileged reasoning over religion = understanding that the world has evolved through scientific processes and not influenced by a supernatural force
Atheism aspirations and behaviours
- No ultimate goal but that of individual and social fulfilment and satisfaction
- Firmly reject notion that morality is achieved through divine revelation = morality = natural feature of human race
- Believe their ethical and moral behaviour: rely on individual rational thinking and moral relativism rather than blind faith
- Just as likely to be involved in humanitarian pursuits as religious believers just their motivations differ: not trying to ‘earn’ way into heaven but simply because they see inherent value in improving life here and now.
- Many confuse Atheism with philosophical worldview of nihilism (life=no meaning) = many atheists have a positive and optimistic outlook = many create meaning by engaging in what they believe are worthwhile activities
- Sanctions the principal of Moral Relativism when addressing ethical issues
- Live life to the fullest = believe that there’s no life after death
- Hedonism
Atheist example
Famous atheist Bertrand Russell in his essay ‘The faith of a Rationalist’ made the argument that moral behaviour is not determined by divine codes of behaviour but is connected to the temperament of the individual.
Agnosticism defintion
Person who believes that God’s existence cannot be proved nor disproved
Agnosticism characteristics and features
- Concept and worldview
- Based on the notion that there is insufficient proof either for or against there being a God or afterlife suspended judgement
- Many maintain integrity of worldview while keeping open mind towards possibility of there being a God
Agnosticism aspirations and behaviours
- The universe will never be fully understood.
- Agnostics, like atheists, argue spirituality isn’t necessary for ethical living.
- They see morality as inherent, citing primates (e.g., chimpanzees show self-sacrificing love without divine revelation).
- Many follow moral relativism—ethics depend on individuals and circumstances, learned through trial and error.
- Some believe in God but view God’s nature as unknowable.
- Self-determination, not spirituality, is seen as a solution to world problems. Meaning comes from human freedom.
- Knowledge is gained by studying the physical world, self-improvement, and better relationships.
Agnosticism example
Carl Sagan was a renowned astrophysicist, cosmologist, and science communicator. While he did not identify as religious, he was open to the possibility of the unknown and emphasized scientific scepticism and inquiry. His work, particularly the TV series Cosmos and his book Pale Blue Dot, inspired millions to appreciate the wonders of the universe without requiring religious explanations.
Humanism defintion
Refers to the philosophy of life that focuses on the human being with dignity and integrity.
Humanism characteristics and features
- Places emphasis on efforts and abilities of human reason in conjunction w scientific logic to understand world.
- Founded upon Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution: went a long way towards undermining traditional creation tenet of the Judaeo-Christian religions
- Has gained modern appreciation but been around for centuries.
- Elements can be found in Taoism (aspects of Buddhist philosophy and Confucianism
- Value education, moral integrity, and societal progress, advocating for a future where science and reason lead to peace, tolerance, and harmony, free from ignorance and violence.
Humanist example
Fiona Patten, leader of the Reason Party, advocates for equality, sustainability, and freedom through evidence-based policies. As a Victorian MP, she has led reforms on abortion access, drug laws, and secularism (e.g., removing the Lord’s Prayer from Parliament, abolishing blasphemy laws). Named 2020 Australian Humanist of the Year, she continues to push for progressive change and human rights.
Rational Humanism defintion
C&F
Belief that the proper focus of all human concerns and endeavours is the human. Human reason = highest form of authority – explicitly rejects notions of truth being found via religious revelation
Humanism aspirations and behaviours
-Approach ethics with logic and scientific reasoning.
Find meaning in humanitarian efforts and day-to-day life, rejecting the need for higher purpose.
Assert greater happiness and freedom than religious individuals, citing low divorce rates.
Resolve worldly issues and improve quality of life for individuals and society.
Morality is intrinsic, based on empathy and understanding, without external sanction.
Focus on human and ecological sustainability.
Seek knowledge through rational thought.
Scientific humanism definiton
Extension of Rational humanism: science is the ultimate authority not human reason
Scientific humanism characteristics and features
- Scientific methods are viewed as keys to solving the
- world’s problems - Observation, Logic, Deduction
- Since human reason has developed the sciences humanists use this as a way of bringing happiness for the person and society.
- Views ethical behaviour of individuals as the result of proven patterns of behaviour over time rather than motivation from religion.
Scientific humanism aspirations and behaviours
- Quest for greater knowledge through scientific method and are keys to solving the worlds problems through observations, logic and deduction.
- Make decisions based off best available evidence
- Large emphasis on the power of science and problem solving
- emphasises the reality can be discovered through scientific research and experimentation
Christianity vs humanism
transcendent
Strongly believe in transcendent God –> rejected: only physical universe exists
God= holds ultimate power, supreme creator, and controls life, involved in human history (miracles) –> human reasoning and scientific logic = highest source of authority. ongoing existence and functioning of society = process of cultural evolution and relativity, humans shape own future BOTH = FREE WILL
may reject evolution: or believe God is the origin of life and used evolution as part of his plan –> prefer charles darwins theory of evolution as satisfactory explanation of the origins of the universe.
Lifes meaning comes from God; ultimate goal = afterlife –> focus on this life and making world better, meaning; humanitarian pursuits.
Death leads to Heaven; eternal peace with God –> only this life; no Heaven or Hell
Christianity vs humanism
the human person
Creation: C: God created humans in His “image and likeness,” designed procreation (“Be fruitful and multiply”) with mind, body, and soul.
H: Humans evolved naturally (Darwin), succeeding through superior intelligence as the most evolved species.
Ethics: C: Morality from the Bible (e.g., unborn baby as fully human); right and wrong are divinely revealed.
H: Ethics based on reason, experience, and autonomy; moral relativity guides decisions.
Purpose: C: Live righteously for eternal rewards.
H: Improve society with no divine reward.
Similarities: C & H: Both affirm human value and encourage striving for righteousness.
Christianity vs Humanism
social responsibility
Look after others: C: Greatest commandment ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’: used story of Good samaritan, H: important not to think just of yourself seek to improve lives of others - better society - humanitarian
C: more conservation, pre-scientific values H: progressive, moral relativism
Environmental duty: stewards of Gods creation e.g. Pope Francis’ Laudato Si –> H: care for environment: important for future generations
Although the 2 philosophies share a similar philanthropic outlook their motivations for doing so greatly differ: reason C: For God/inherent eternal life. H: betterment of humankind. source: ethical monotheism: morality is God-given and must be obey. Bible H: morality evolves autonomously through human reasoning and moral relativism
