The Nature of Religion Flashcards
Define religion in relation to 3 key aspects.
a worldview that acknowledges the supernatural dimension
and has a belief in a divine being or powers beyond the human (transcendent)
and/or dwelling within the individual (immanent)
What is the supernatural dimension? 2
beyond natural
exceeding capacity of human nature and conciousness
What is a transcendent religion (brief definition, example)
above or apart from material world
e.g. Christianity
What is an immanent religion (brief definition and example)
Divine power within individual
e.g. buddhism
What are the 2 types of transcendent religions?
polytheistic and monotheistic
What defines polytheism? 3 +1 example
more than one god
gods have different roles
some evil gods
e.g. Hinduism
What defines monotheism? 2+1 example
only one god
focus on the power and design of one god
e.g. christianity
What are the 4 characteristics of religion?
Beliefs and believers
sacred texts and writings
ethics
rituals and ceremonies
Why are beliefs vital to religion? 3
formulate statement based on faith
conveyed through stories
reflected in behaviour/values/attitudes
Many beliefs hold written/spoken texts sacred. What 5 things do they present believers with?
beliefs role model rules rituals advice
What are ethics in relation to religion? in what areas do they instruct adherents? (6)
practical application of beliefs obligations to other humans and environment sexually politically economically professionally environmentally
What are rituals and ceremonies? What 3 forms can they take (examples)
celebration of beliefs
Public; set structure, timing and content (Ramadan)
Rites of Passage; marriage, christening, bar mitzvah
At home: sabbath meal in Judaism
How do they characteristics of religion interact to create a dynamic and living religion? 6
Sacred texts provide a basis for worship (1) and can be interpretted differently as beliefs (2). Beliefs are celebrated through rituals and ceremonies(3) which allow sacred texts to be preached (4). Beliefs also form the foundation of ethics,(5) which are key to living out beliefs. (6)
What are 6 ways religion contributes to individuals?
Answers to profound questions identity belonging ethical guide way to better self inner peace
what are 6 ways religion contributes to society and culture?
maintain peace, safety and security pass on knowledge laws based on religious ethics developed hospitals, orphanages etc educate art/architecture
What are 4 examples of the dynamicism of religion?
constantly evolving
characterized by energy, ambition, new ideas and achievements
refreshing; avoids predictability and conservatively
immersion in human existance
examples of how religion has changed
What is the dreaming perspective on the origins of the universe? 4
is the beginning of time and life
spiritual ancestors created everything during this time
e.g. land, animals, plants,
then went into eternal sleep
What is are sacred sites in relation to the dreaming? 1 and 2 e.g.
places where it is believed ancestral beings went into eternal sleep and became part of land
e.g. uluru, karlu karlu (devils marbles)
What is the significance of the stories of the dreaming? 4
eternal link between ancestral spirits and humans
basis of; association with land, laws and ceremonies/rituals
not a book, found in the land
What are the layers of meaning in aboriginal symbolism and art? 3
1st is easily accessible
2nd requires a relation with abo. people
3rd is for elders only
How is the dreaming different for different clans and peoples? 3
there is a universal acceptance of dreaming (1) but primary spirits differ between tribes (2) depending upon the location (3)
What is the connection between the dreaming, the land and identity? 6
Totemism; object (animal or plant) links to a spiritual force
each totem–> sacred site
therefore land owns people
totems formalised through song, dance, etc
totems link creation and ancestral beings
dreaming links spirits to humanity
Why is the dreaming so central to aboriginals? 8
explains creation and reason for creation not time specific gives meaning to all aspects of life connectedness to land (respect, use, responsibilities) stories of ancestral beings communicated through song, dance, etc levels of knowledge totemic objects--> spiritual dimension
