The Nature of Religion + Aztecs + Shinto Flashcards
What is Religion as a world view?
Religion as a world view acknowledges the supernatural dimension and has a belief in a divine being or powers
Define Supernatural?
An extraordinary being or ‘thing’
Define Immanent?
Permanetly pervading the universe. Dwelling within the universe
Define Transcendent?
Beyond or above the range of normal or physical experience? - Controlling from without the universe.
Define Divine?
God like, or a God
What is Religion?
A source of purpose for individuals that provides a form of belief and practice that leads to human experience of god of the ultimate reality. It is a search for spiritual meaning.
What is the Axial Era?
The era in which most of the worlds religious traditions developed. Human beings were called to reflect upon life, its meanings, etc.
When was the Axial Era?
800-400BCE
Define Monotheism?
The belief in one God example - Christianity
Define Polytheism?
The belief in more than one God Example - Shintoism/Buddhism
Which Religions adopt a transcendent worldview?
Semitic Religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - All worship Abraham
Which Religions adopt a immanent worldview?
Hinduism and Buddhism - Eastern Religions
What are the Characteristics of Religion?
- Beliefs and Believers
- Sacred Texts and Writings
- Ethics
- Rituals and Ceremonies
What are beliefs and believers?
Beliefs - Acceptance of something as real or true
Believers - Adherents to a religion
What is a sacred text?
Written, visual or oral texts that contain the truths about a religion
What are ethics?
Moral principles that govern a person or group. Provide guidelines to proper and improper behaviours
What is a ritual?
A set of series of actions performed in a prescribed order for religious meanings. The practice and practical application of beliefs
How do the characteristics of a religion interact to create a dynamic living religion?
- Believers form meaning. They abide and perform rituals and ceremonies.
- Sacred texts maintain the integrity of the principle beliefs
- As adherents develop overtime, their interpretation can cause changes in its expression
How does religion contribute to Society?
- Social Cohesion
- Conservative Force (Sexual Morality)
- Progressive Force(social justice/reforms)
How does religion contribute to the individual?
- Helps construct meaning
- Gives ethical guidance
- Gives a sense of belonging
- Gives a sense of identity
What is the dreaming?
The dreaming is a form of animism - The belief that there is a spirit world that co exists with the natural world.