Topic 1: The Nature of Religion

Question 1

Name the five major relgious traditions

Answer 1

Christianity
Judaism
Islam
Buddhism
Hinduism

Question 2

What is religion?

Answer 2

A social-cultural system of designated behaviours, practices, morals, world views, texts and ethics that allows humanity to worship a supernatural power or God.

Question 3

Define monotheism

Answer 3

Worship of a single God

Question 4

Define polytheism

Answer 4

Worship of many Gods

Question 5

Define pontheism

Answer 5

The idea that god is in everything and the natural worldq

Question 6

Define trancendence

Answer 6

An existence above or apart form the material world

Question 7

Define immanence

Answer 7

The idea that gods or spiritual forces pervade the universe and are present in every aspect of life

Question 8

What is supernatural dimension?

Answer 8

The belief in the existence of beings or powers beyond the realm of the natural world who are greater than humankind. This being/power is believed to be responsible for the creation of the world and for providing the moral framwork for human life.

Question 9

Out of the five major religions, which are monotheistic religions?

Answer 9

Christianity
Judaism
Islam

Question 10

Out of the five major religions, which are polytheistic religions?

Answer 10

Buddhism
Hinduism

Question 11

Define beliefs

Answer 11

The key tenets, doctines or values which underpin the religious practice of a religion for the believers

Question 12

Define believers

Answer 12

The adherents who follow and accept these beliefs, customs and traditions as a way of understanding creation and answering the fundamental concepts of life.

Question 13

What is the purpose of sacred texts and writings?

Answer 13

Contians the sacred stories which explain how people are connected to the supernatural dimension. Contians the truth of a particular religion and provides guidance to believers.

Question 14

What are ethics?

Answer 14

The system of standards which regulate moral decision making. They clarigy what is right and wrong.

Question 15

What are rituals and ceremonies and what are their purpose

Answer 15

Practical expresssions of aspects of a religion which allows believers to connect with the tradition of their religion. Involves prescribed words and actions along with the use of symbols.

Question 16

How do the characterisitcs of a religion create a dynamic, living religion?

Answer 16

Practices such as rituals give the doctrinal elements of the religion alived expression as the individual is immerse in physically expressing their religion. Sacred texts interact with the doctines as they are contained in and expressed through the sacred writings.

Question 17

How does culture influence religion?

Answer 17

Religion is influenced by its cultural context because it cannot be expressed other than through a cultural setting and context.

Question 18

How is religion a conservative influence on society?

Answer 18

Influences areas regarding sexual morality, bioethics, etc. Religion often tries to prevent society from moving away from traditional values.

Question 19

How is religion a progressive influence on society?

Answer 19

Religion is proactive in areas regarding avocacy of refugees, Indigenous rights, pottection of the environment, etc. Religion has also sought to instill a sense of justice in porminent social debates.

Question 20

What is the purpose of religion to the individual

Answer 20

People look towards religion for answers to the great questions of life, especially during hard times of crisis or personal trauma. Individuals also seeks ethical guidance from religion for a broad spectrum of concerns such as bioethics. Religion also provies a sense of community and belonging.