THE ASPECTS OF RELIGION

Question 1

define places

Answer 1

refers to a location for worship or spiritual engagement, such as Rome, Mecca, Jerusalem, Lourdes, caves, stone circles, rivers, mountains, temples, churches, synagogues, mosques

Question 2

define spaces

Answer 2

areas for worship or spiritual experience and are within places, such as shrines, altars and alcoves containing symbolic artifacts or healing or restorative powers. Spaces may also be where particular rituals are performed or individuals worship

Question 3

define times

Answer 3

refers to those periods that are set for annual, monthly, weekly or daily recognition of and participation in a particular spiritual experience within a religious tradition

Question 4

define artifacts

Answer 4

refers to human made objects and works that carry varying degrees of spiritual significance within a religion

Question 5

define beliefs

Answer 5

these are ideas that are considered true and express the deepest understanding of the tradition. All organised religions have a set of significant beliefs which are central to the tradition and offer a comprehensive picture of reality for believers

Question 6

define texts

Answer 6

the notion of text has a wide meaning that takes in more than just written material, but in most traditions it signifies the agreed writings (often by the founder or about the founder of the tradition) that underpin the traditions beliefs

Question 7

define sacred stories

Answer 7

the stories and historical narratives of a tradition. The catholic traditions has important stories in the bible which is ‘text’, including the stories about Jesus in the Gospels. But there are many other ‘sacred stories’ in the tradition which are not in the bible, such as stories of the saints such as st.francis and st.anthony

Question 8

Define rituals

Answer 8

rituals are established ceremonies that involve special, deliberate and repeatable patterns of behavior. They often commemorate important past events by bringing them into the present. Rituals can include activities such as worship, pilgrimage, sacramental and healing rites and festivals

Question 9

Define symbols

Answer 9

Symbols are often, but not always, significant parts of rituals. Symbols have the power to represent realities beyond themselves. They focus beliefs, communicate meanings, promote community identity and enliven faith experience

Question 10

define ethics

Answer 10

religious traditions reflect on the behavior expected of the traditions because of the beliefs that are held, offering guidance in how one should live. Many traditions set specific standards and give direction for behavior

Question 11

define social structure

Answer 11

religious traditions are present within human society and need structures in which to operate. Many have developed significant institutions and specific leadership groups in order to make decisions and coordinate the tradition.

Question 12

define spiritual experiences

Answer 12

the dimension of spiritual experiences refers to the personal experience of some power or transcendent spiritual reality greater than oneself