Topic 1: The Nature of Religion Flashcards
Name the five major religious traditions
Christianity
Judaism
Islam
Buddhism
Hinduism
What is religion?
A social-cultural system of designated behaviours, practices, morals, world views, texts and ethics that allows humanity to worship a supernatural power or God.
Define monotheism
Worship of a single God
Define polytheism
Worship of many Gods
Define pantheism
The idea that god is in everything and the natural world
Define transcedent religious worldview
The belief the supernatural dimension exists beyond human capabilities and experiences. Points to a sacred or divine world beyond the earthly, material world.
Define immanent religious worldview
A belief in a divine being or powers dwelling within the individual. Emphasises the presence of God/s within human existence and in day-to-day life rather than beyond it
What is supernatural dimension?
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.
Define beliefs
The key tenets, doctines or values which underpin the religious practice of a religion for the believers
Define believers
The adherents who follow and accept these beliefs, customs and traditions as a way of understanding creation and answering the fundamental concepts of life.
What is the purpose of sacred texts and writings?
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.
What are ethics?
The system of standards which regulate moral decision making. They clarify what is right and wrong.
What are rituals and ceremonies and what are their purpose
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.
How do the characterisitcs of a religion create a dynamic, living religion?
Practices such as rituals give the doctrinal elements of the religion alived expression as the individual is immerse in physically expressing their religion.
How does culture influence religion?
Religion is influenced by its cultural context because it cannot be expressed other than through a cultural setting and context.
How is religion a conservative influence on society?
Influences areas regarding sexual morality, bioethics, etc. Religion often tries to prevent society from moving away from traditional values.
How is religion a progressive influence on society?
Religion is proactive in areas regarding advocacy of refugees, Indigenous rights, protection of the environment, etc. Religion has also sought to instill a sense of justice in porminent social debates.
What is the purpose of religion to the individual
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.
Examples of monotheistic/transcedent religions
Judaism, Islam
Examples of immanent religious worldviews
Hinduism, Buddhism (eastern religions)
