Unit 3 AOS 1 DP# 1: 9 aspects of relgion

Question 1

Aspects

Answer 1

The constituent elements (or parts) which make up a religious tradition​

All religions have certain features, called aspects​

They contribute to the identity of a religion ​

They are interrelated because they all work together the express the beliefs of a religion ​

The expression of these beliefs helps religious adherents to comprehend them ​

Question 2

Beliefs

Answer 2

Articles of faith that are thought by adherents to be true or evident.​

They are ideas that are accepted by adherents as true​

Adherents understand that their beliefs have been revealed by ultimate reality to humanity and developed by religious founders, teachers and authorities ​

Religious traditions interpret their beliefs which informs their religious worldview and the way that they practice their religion​

Question 3

Sacred stories

Answer 3

Relate in imaginative detail, believed truth. Can be done through legends, myths, parables and other stories.​

Examination Report (ER) They are holy and are usually about the origins of existence, of the religion and of the people and events that are significant in the development of a religion. Sacred stories are usually found in the sacred texts/scriptures of a religion. These sacred stories may be quoted in other texts. Over time, stories in other texts may acquire the status of sacred story.​

Question 4

Text

Answer 4

Compilations of oral and written literature in which the essential parts of the religious tradition are recorded.​

They record and commicate beliefs to new generations of adherents​

They are interpreted by religious adherents to provide guidance for how to relate to ultimate reality and make ethical decisions​

ER there are many different types of texts in religion. Texts could be oral, written or illustrated expressions of the theology, teachings and history of religions​

Question 5

Rituals

Answer 5

Religious or other formal ceremonies that consist of a series of actions, sayings, prayers, contemplative practices, dances that are performed to a prescribed order.​

They provide adherents with public ways to participate in their beliefs​

Rituals can mark milestones in an adherent’s religious journey ​

Question 6

Symbols

Answer 6

Abstract principles by which a person, action or thing can stand for something else.​

They are usually a material object which represents something immaterial ​

Symbols can be viewed as sacred to religious adherents ​

They can have a function in religious rituals ​

They can also be used to identify an adherent as part of a particular religious tradition​

Question 7

Spaces, places, times and artifacts​

Answer 7

Materials, physical locations and designated times which are used to facilitate a deeper comprehension of ultimate reality . They provide profound religious meaning and are used as part of the ritual life of adherents who regard them as sacred.​

Spaces: Areas used by religious traditions for experiences of the sacred, usually to deepen their commitment to ultimate reality. They can be anywhere, personal or a shared space of a religious community. They can also be revered spaces within religious ‘places’​

Places: Specific locations which may have significant historical links to key figures or events in a religious tradition. Adherents use these to develop deeper connections to ultimate reality. ​

Times: Significant moments in the life of a religious tradition in which specific rituals for the rhythm of religious life for a religious tradition. These can occur daily, weekly, monthly, yearly depending on a religious tradition’s calendar cycle. Times can include festivals, seasons and links to the lives of key religious founders. ​

Artefacts: Objects of human origin which are venerated by religious adherents. They can become a focal point of religious belief, expressed in ritual practices. Some artefacts are ancient and remind or have physical links to key religious founders.​

Question 8

Social structure

Answer 8

The way a religious groups is organised socially. An established social model to which a religious group conforms. Religious traditions exist within the social structures of a society.​

Religious traditions organises themselves to enable membership, participation and decision making​

These can be hierarchical with a top-down organisation under religious authority figures and/or more liberal allowing adherent to follow how they choose​

Some religious traditions have extra levels of religious life for adherents who wish to become more spiritually focussed and dedicate their whole lives to the religion ​

Question 9

Ethics

Answer 9

Visionary ideas of the perfect society in the context of morality, ethics, and laws governing what adherents ought to do​

It is believed in religious traditions that ethical principles come from their ultimate reality​

The living out of the ethical principles of a religious tradition can be linked to views of how adherents enter the afterlife ​

Question 10

Spiritual experiences

Answer 10

Life events that can be had in religious non-religious contexts to which a religious meaning can be attributed​

An adherent’s religious identity is the sum total of all of their religious experiences ​

Spiritual experiences can be times of deep emotion or new understandings of how to relate to ultimate reality​