The Nature of Religion

Question 1

Define religion in relation to 3 key aspects.

Answer 1

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)

Question 2

What is the supernatural dimension? 2

Answer 2

beyond natural

exceeding capacity of human nature and conciousness

Question 3

What is a transcendent religion (brief definition, example)

Answer 3

above or apart from material world

e.g. Christianity

Question 4

What is an immanent religion (brief definition and example)

Answer 4

Divine power within individual

e.g. buddhism

Question 5

What are the 2 types of transcendent religions?

Answer 5

polytheistic and monotheistic

Question 6

What defines polytheism? 3 +1 example

Answer 6

more than one god
gods have different roles
some evil gods
e.g. Hinduism

Question 7

What defines monotheism? 2+1 example

Answer 7

only one god
focus on the power and design of one god
e.g. christianity

Question 8

What are the 4 characteristics of religion?

Answer 8

Beliefs and believers
sacred texts and writings
ethics
rituals and ceremonies

Question 9

Why are beliefs vital to religion? 3

Answer 9

formulate statement based on faith
conveyed through stories
reflected in behaviour/values/attitudes

Question 10

Many beliefs hold written/spoken texts sacred. What 5 things do they present believers with?

Answer 10

beliefs
role model
rules
rituals
advice

Question 11

What are ethics in relation to religion? in what areas do they instruct adherents? (6)

Answer 11

practical application of beliefs
obligations to other humans and environment
sexually
politically
economically
professionally 
environmentally

Question 12

What are rituals and ceremonies? What 3 forms can they take (examples)

Answer 12

celebration of beliefs
Public; set structure, timing and content (Ramadan)
Rites of Passage; marriage, christening, bar mitzvah
At home: sabbath meal in Judaism

Question 13

How do they characteristics of religion interact to create a dynamic and living religion? 6

Answer 13

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)

Question 14

What are 6 ways religion contributes to individuals?

Answer 14

Answers to profound questions
identity
belonging
ethical guide
way to better self
inner peace

Question 15

what are 6 ways religion contributes to society and culture?

Answer 15

maintain peace, safety and security 
pass on knowledge
laws based on religious ethics
developed  hospitals, orphanages etc
educate
art/architecture

Question 16

What are 4 examples of the dynamicism of religion?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What is the dreaming perspective on the origins of the universe? 4

Answer 17

is the beginning of time and life
spiritual ancestors created everything during this time
e.g. land, animals, plants,
then went into eternal sleep

Question 18

What is are sacred sites in relation to the dreaming? 1 and 2 e.g.

Answer 18

places where it is believed ancestral beings went into eternal sleep and became part of land
e.g. uluru, karlu karlu (devils marbles)

Question 19

What is the significance of the stories of the dreaming? 4

Answer 19

eternal link between ancestral spirits and humans
basis of; association with land, laws and ceremonies/rituals
not a book, found in the land

Question 20

What are the layers of meaning in aboriginal symbolism and art? 3

Answer 20

1st is easily accessible
2nd requires a relation with abo. people
3rd is for elders only

Question 21

How is the dreaming different for different clans and peoples? 3

Answer 21

there is a universal acceptance of dreaming (1) but primary spirits differ between tribes (2) depending upon the location (3)

Question 22

What is the connection between the dreaming, the land and identity? 6

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Why is the dreaming so central to aboriginals? 8

Answer 23

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