Religion & Non Flashcards
Define Monotheism.
Give an example
The belief in one god only.
E.g. Judaism
Define Polytheism.
Give an example.
The belief in many gods.
E.g. Hinduism
Define Animism.
Give an example.
The belief that spirits reside in natural objects, which therefore are sacred.
E.g. Indigenous Australian
How does the religious dimension provide meaning & purpose for the individual?
Created to worship a particular god.
Something to live for.
How does the religious dimension provide social cohesion?
Creates a common ground on which people can relate.
Can sort out differences between people.
Can also prevent social cohesion; tear a society apart through war.
How does the religious dimension provide social transformation?
Societies built on religion e.g. Europe on Christianity
What are the 5 major religious traditions in order from smallest to largest?
Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity.
Where is the largest population of Christians?
Africa
Where is the largest population of Muslims?
Indonesia
Where is the largest population of Hindus?
India
Where is the largest concentration of Buddhists?
Asia
Where is the largest concentration of Jews?
USA & Israel
What are the reasons for the rise of new age spiritualities?
A search for personal fulfilment, rather than waiting for heaven or nirvana. Dissatisfied with what is offered by traditional religions.
Seeking ethical guidelines esp. those that are variable. Traditional religions are to restrictive.
Seek to clarify relationship with society. Want to be accepted - new sexualities not accepted by traditional religion. Also opposition to patriarchal societies evident.
How has the rise of materialism influenced the growth of New Age spiritualities?
Discovery that material things do not make one happy.
Spirituality is important, but don’t want traditional stuff.
Define materialism
View that material things are more important that the spiritual.
