SEARCH FOR MEANING G3.1 Flashcards
1
Q
Search for meaning
A
- humanities natural quest to find answers to the existential questions in order to live a meaningful and purposeful life
- Humanity has sought to understand the how and why of existence
2
Q
Big questions
A
- Where did we come from?
- Is there something or someone greater than us?
- What is the purpose of our existence
- Is there anything beyond death
- Why do bad things happen to good people?
3
Q
Worldviews
A
Religious, scientific, philosophical, ideological
4
Q
Religious worldviews
A
- Based on belief in a divine or power responsible for the creation of the world
- based on faith
- supernatural concepts
5
Q
Scientific worldview
A
- Based on empirical evidence of scientific inquiry
- based on proof
- Laws of nature
6
Q
Philosophical worldview
A
- Based on logical thought
- Arise from extensive discussion, debate and thought
7
Q
Ideological worldview
A
- Based on a comprehensive set of normative beliefs that society holds
- Set of beliefs which influence the way people view the world (economic, political and societal notions)
8
Q
Religion
A
In RNS, religion is defined as a community organised around beliefs related to ultimate reality and the consequent beliefs, practise, principles and codes for behaviour.
9
Q
9 aspects of religion
A
Beliefs, texts, rituals, ethics, symbols, social structure, sacred stories, spiritual experience, SPAT
10
Q
Beliefs
A
- central aspect of religion
- Ideas held about ultimate reality (afterlife, r/ship between humans and universe, natural world)
- meaning of human existence such as life’s purpose
- r/ship to the cosmos and human beings
Ideas considered to be true
11
Q
Texts
A
- Literature that contains the beliefs, history, stories and laws of the religious practice
- can be oral, written, artistic
- can be of divine inspiration
Foundation text of religion
12
Q
Rituals
A
- Actions which follow a set pattern sanctioned by a religious tradition
- Sacred purpose achieved by relating the earthly to the ultimate reality/divine
- can be individual or communal
rite of passage
13
Q
Ethics
A
- The ethical principles determined by the religious inform moral judgements and govern ideal behaviour
- laws, norms, values that religion binds its adherence to
- may be divine in origin
Rules and principles that facilitate ethical behaviour
14
Q
Symbols
A
- A traditional mark, object, person, place, word or gesture which represents some reality, truth or meaning beyond itself
- representation of the sacred
- visual element of belief
object held during prayer
15
Q
Social structure
A
- the social model of the religious community
- the way people are organised to practise the religious tradition
- often hierarchical
place of worship, school
16
Q
Sacred stories
A
- traditional narratives that relate believes truths about its origins of the religion, key moment, figures and connection to the ultimate reality
- can be written, oral, artistic,
- way of passing on complicated concepts through real life examples
legends, myths
17
Q
Spiritual experience
A
- Event when one undergoes a heightened awareness of their understanding of beliefs / teachings
- spiritual experience transcend the ordinary allowing us to sense the presence of the divine
- Strengthens faith for the individuals and community
transformative experiences
18
Q
SPAT
A
PLACES
- specific location of worship
- has spiritual quality
SPACES
- focused area for worship
- used for scared purpose
TIMES
- periods set for spiritual experiences within a region
- Personal/communal
ARTEFACTS
- Human made objects with spiritual significance
19
Q
Role in religion
A
- backbone of the religion
- distinctive identity to the religion
- establish the credibility of the religion
- differentiate one religion / denomination from another
- beliefs remain constant (may develop as writing are reflected on)
20
Q
Role in responding to the search for meaning
A
- Framework for the search for meaning in life.
- Answer the existential questions and explain the nature of relationships.
- Give meaning and purpose to life
- Derive ethical principles and moral values from beliefs.
- Provide guidance in daily living.
- Provide comfort, hope, strength, security.
- Shape personal identity in terms of developing a sense of who we understand ourselves to be.
21
Q
Purpose of religion
A
Answering the existential questions, framework for living, spiritual fulfillment, comfort, identity
22
Q
Answering the existential questions
A
- Answer the great questions of life.
- Make sense of existence - provide purpose and meaning to human existence
- Explain the supernatural/the unexplained
- Explain the universe and people’s relationship to it, life and death
23
Q
Framework for living
A
- Structure and framework for living
- Provide a source of ethical principles and moral values/moral
- Live a meaningful life
- The legal system of western democracies has its origin in Judeo-Christian ethical principles
- Provide individuals and groups with goals and expectations
24
Q
Identity
A
- Provide a sense of community and belonging because it gives members a shared code of behaviour and way to understand the world
- Provide a sense of origin
- Connection to heritage
- Provide a sense of destiny and a link with the future
25
Distinctive belief
- A belief that is unique to a religious tradition. It is fundamental to that tradition. If that belief was removed from the religion, that religion would no longer exist
- Different religious traditions that may share a common belief despite originating from the same place as they are interpreted differently
26
System of beliefs
- A way in which beliefs interact and develop from and into each other
- An integrated set of beliefs
- Provides meaning and purpose, answers to the big questions, ways to understand ultimate reality and relationships between humans
- Provides framework - way to behave, formula to live by
