The nature of religion

Question 1

Define the supernatural dimension

Answer 1

Belief in a divine being or power which exceeds the natural limits of the human and physical worlds. An existence above and apart from the material world. – cannot be explained

Question 2

Describe a religious worldview including the supernatural dimension

Answer 2

belief and worldview amongst humanity to believe the two forms of spiritual life, transcendent and immanent.

Question 3

Transcendent

Answer 3

A belief in a divine power beyond the human (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)

• The divine being is separate & outside of the human
• Allows humans to move beyond their earthly concerns to the heavenly or spiritual matters
• Is the aspect of a deity’s nature and power that is wholly independent of the material universe, beyond all known physical laws.

Question 4

Immanent

Answer 4

★ The belief that supernatural powers or divine beings dwell within the human (Hinduism, Buddhism)

• many gods
• Refers to ‘inner’ aspects of spirituality
• To be fully present in the physical world and thus accessible to creatures in various ways,

Question 5

Monotheism

Answer 5

Belief in one god.

❖ Christianity, Judaism, Islam

Question 6

Polytheism

Answer 6

Belief in more than one god.

❖ Hinduism, Buddhism

Question 7

What is a transcendent world view?

Answer 7

A common world view surrounding the idea of transcendent is that Gods from all Religions are said to transcend and rise above the world, that is. The idea that God is predominantly beyond the world and above the natural realm of humanity.

Question 8

What is an immanent world view?

Answer 8

A world view surrounding Immanence is the belief that spirits pervade the world, particularly in the immediate realm of people’s lives and experiences.

Question 9

define the characteristics of religion

Answer 9

1. Ethics - Codes of behaviour which dictate right or wrong + Give directions for how people should act social, politically etc.
2. Sacred texts - Most important beliefs of a religion contained in its sacred text, writing, oral tradition, art, containing sacred stories+ explain how people are connected to supernatural dimension
3. Belief and believers - Beliefs are Key tenets, doctrines, values, which underpin the religious practice of a religion, Most important characteristic of religion
4. Rituals and ceremony’s - THESE REFLECT LIVING AND DYNAMIC RELIGION, allow adherents to physically demonstrate and reinforce core beliefs/teachings of their religion as an individual or community.

Question 10

explore the ways in which these characteristics interact to create a dynamic, living religion

Answer 10

• A religion full of life: practical, real, immersed, not removed from or afraid of everyday human existence
• changing with the times

Dynamic: constant change, activity or progress (force stimulating change within a process)

Living: Alive, relevant to an individual (providing meaning) living religion → full of life, practical, real immersed and not removed from the daily life of human existence. Evident in society, culture and expressed in the lives of adherents.

Question 11

appreciate the contribution of religion to:
– individuals
– society and culture

Answer 11

INIDVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION: Personal search for meaning, ethical guidance, sense of belonging and community and ritual meaning (marks important stages in human experiences)
SOCIETY: interaction between religion and culture, religion as a conservative influence, religion as a progressive influence eg. contraception and abortion