Religion In Modern Society Flashcards
What is religion
Is a complex and multifaceted social and cultural process that encompasses beliefs,rituals,practices,moral values and spiritual experiences
Religion as a form of culture
Encompasses beliefs,values,symbols, and social norms that shape the way individuals understand and experience the world
Religion as ritualised practice
Individuals participate and perform in ritual activities
E.g. Muslims pray five times a day facing mecca
These rituals serve as communication to the divine
Religion provides a sense of purpose
Religion provides meaning to life, and individuals often find guidance on how to live meaningful and moral lives
Is religion all about a belief in one God or gods?
Some religions focus more on principles rather than a belief in a deity. It’s not a universal requirement
Theism
Is the belief in the existence of one God or more gods
Monotheism
A belief in one particular God
Dietheism
Belief in two gods
Polytheism
a belief that more gods exist
Rituals
Symbolic actions, behavior, or ceremonies hold cultural or religious significance within the society. They are performed in a specific sequence to show appreciation or celebration
E.g. weddings, funerals, coming-of-age ceremonies, and religious worship services
Taboos
Refers to a practice that is socially prohibited against a certain behavior due to perceived moral religious or societal norms
E.g. ZCC don’t eat pork
E.g. boys that come from initiation schools don’t talk about what happened there
Totem
An object, animal, or plant that people believe it has supernatural qualities
Totemism
A practice in which a group of people typically a tribe or clan associate themselves with a particular animal or plant
E.g. the Ndebele people have totems known as “izibongo,” often used to identify clans within the Ndebele society
Animism
A belief that ghosts or spirits live around the world
Christianity
A monotheistic religion that is based on the life and teaching of Jesus
The key text is the bible