Religions Flashcards
What fundamental tension formed the starting point of this course?
The question whether we can still expect something from religions, ancient philosophical systems and wisdom traditions. The tension is formed by two views: 1. Science and technology have replaced religion. Both have the same questions like “what is the meaning of life, what should we do, what is ethically acceptable?” etc. And science/technology has delivered what religion wanted to but never could. (Ray kurzwell)
2. Science and technology are the religions of the modern age. Science and technology come from religion and the origin is still there. (David Noble). The story of God creating the earth: They were in paradise but they ate the forbidden fruit and thus earth was created where they needed to work with their hands to achieve the supernatural again. Technology is indeed the modern equivalent of looking for this supernatural.
The tension is thus whether or or not science replaced religion or that it came out of it and the origin is still there.
Why did we watch the commercial used by Apple to launch the Macintosh in 1984?
In the video there is a certain conformity, everything and everyone was the same, there was one “big brother” manipulating everyone’s thoughts. Apple presents itself as a saviour from this. Technology doesnt only bring usefulness but also a way to express yourself and be creative. So there is salvation connected to technology
In which way can science be a source of spirituality?
To give an example: Science, technology and art or a mixture of them bring up emotions, feelings. Like a good song.
What is spirituality?
A way of being in the world in which a person feels a sense of CONNECTEDNESS TO SELF , others and/or a higher power of nature. A sense of MEANING IN LIFE. And (SELF-)TRANSCENDENCE: the ability to look beyond the self and to what’s present.
What does it mean to say that the ecological crisis is a spiritual crisis?
It means that no matter how advanced of a technology we come up with, it will not be able to save the earth and it’s inhabitants on its own. We need to change our way of thinking, our way of how we are connected to the earth and nature
In which way is technology a spiritual matter?
- It is all around us. It has an impact on how we relate to each other, this has an impact on our spirituality.
- spirituality also means going beyond the present. Technology has allowed us to do that.
What does Philip Hefner see in the mirror of technology?
- Shows us what we want and consider important in our lives
- Shows us that we are finite, mortal, … and technology could helps us overcoming these limitations
- We create technology in order to bring alternative worlds into being
- We dont know why, so we have to discover the reasons and values.
What are the four traditional ways to conceive(voelen) the relationship between science and
religion?
- Conflict -> enemies (Darwin)
- independence -> strangers (no overlap, stick on their own turf)
- dialogue -> partners (discussion what is in common)
- integration -> partners (come together
What is the Lynn White thesis? What was its impact? What are the possible problems with
it?
- The ecological crisis is a result of a particular mentality and attitude linked to religion
- western christianity is the most anthropocentric religion and this is why it is the main responsible for the ecological crisis.
- To solve this crisis a religion needs to be renewed, or a new religion needs to be created.
What is the relationship between religion and spirituality?
Spirituality can be seen as the heart of religion. But it is definitely not a synonym
What is naturalism?
The philosophical theory that only nature exists
How is it possible to be both atheist and spiritual?
From the definition the key factors of spirituality are:
- connectedness to self
- transcendence
- meaning of life
And the definition of atheism: the lack of believe in 1 or more higher powers (although it has multiple definition, this is the most obvious one)
An atheist can still feel connected to self, others, nature, etc. One just doesnt feel any connectedness to a/any god(s).
An atheist can still see beyond boundaries of self, nature etc.
And last but not least is that if there is no god it doesnt mean that there is no meaning of life. An atheist could say that their purpose is to take others, ourselves and things
