Topic 1

Question 1

Functional definition of religion

Answer 1

Focuses on the social or psychological functions that religion provides to society and to the individual. For example, bringing people together

Question 2

Substantive definition of religion

Answer 2

Focuses on the substance (content) of religion. For example, a belief in a God or supernatural being

Question 3

Sacred

Answer 3

Things set apart that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder

Question 4

Profane

Answer 4

Things that have no special significance - ordinary and mundane

Question 5

Civil religion

Answer 5

A belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself

Question 6

Beliefs

Answer 6

Ideas about things we hold to be true

Question 7

Ideology

Answer 7

A set of ideas, values and beliefs that provide a means of interpreting the world and represents the outlook and justifies the interest of the social group

Question 8

Empirical evidence

Answer 8

Observable evidence collected in the physical or social world

Question 9

Paradigm

Answer 9

Set of values, ideas, beliefs and assumptions about what they are investigating that provide guidelines for the conduct of the research and what counts as proper evidence

Question 10

Metanaratives

Answer 10

Belief systems that they to provide comprehensive explanations and knowledge of the world.

Question 11

New age spirituality

Answer 11

Label for the diversity of beliefs