Religion Magic And Worldview Flashcards
Supernatural
The realm beyond peoples normal experience. Different definition for different cultures
Religion
The cultural knowledge of the supernatural that people use to cope with the ultimate problems of human existence
Ultimate problems
Include life’s meaning, death, evil and transcendent values
Transcendent values
Values that override peoples individual goals and desires
Personified supernatural force
Power that resides in supernatural beings, such as deities ghosts and other spirits
Impersonal supernatural force
AKA mana; a force that is free floating and capable of inhabiting many different things
Magic
The strategies used by people to control supernatural force for desires ends
Sorcery
The malevolent use of magic
Witchcraft
The belief that some people possess, often without knowing it, malevolent supernatural power in themselves that can hurt others
Prayer
A petition directed at a supernatural being
Sacrifice
The act of giving something up to influence supernatural beings
Spirit possession
Occurs when a supernatural being enters an individual and controls that persons behavior. Onlookers can then communicate with the spirit
Divination
The use of supernatural force associated with selected material objects to learn answers to particular questions
Religious specialists
Individuals with special knowledge of the supernatural who often conduct or preside over ritual
Shamans
Religious specialists who are believed to control supernatural power. Often associated with curing through the use of magic