UNIT 3 AOS1 Flashcards
9 Aspects of Religion:
- Beliefs
- Ethics
- Rituals
- Sacred Stories
- Social Structures
- Spaces, Places, Times and Artefacts
- Spiritual Experiences
- Symbols
- Texts
Define the 9 Aspects of Religion as a Whole:
Are the features and characteristics that are present in ALL religions
- The aspects of religion are there to form the basis of religion
- They are the pillars that support the beliefs within the religion
- Without them there is no faith, or one full of flaws
Beliefs
Are the central faith of that religious group, which are important in understanding the overall aspects of the religion. Can involve concepts such as gods, creation stories and guidance on how to live a fulfilled and meaningful life.
Some beliefs include:
- The belief of trinity, that god is the father son and holy spirit
- Salvation
- Incarnation
Ethics
Refers to moral beliefs and principles that are derived from religious teachings.
- They are based on significant beliefs and guide people on how to live in line with these beliefs
- Helps to guide decisions
- To live a moral life you need both faith and reason
Some examples include:
- Preferential option for the poor and vulnerable
- Participation
- Solidarity
Rituals
Are ceremonies with a prescribed set of actions and words that have symbolic meaning. Performed in a set sequence that are used for adherents to worship and celebrate. Believed to be sacred.
- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
Sacred Stories
Narratives that convey religious truths, values and teachings. Often explain the origin of the religion and it’s moral codes.
-> Helps beliefs to be understood by followers
Some examples:
- Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, parting the waters of the red sea
- The creation story
- Ten commandments
- Christmas
Social Structure
Refers to hierarchies within religious institutions. Structures are there to facilitate the functioning of the religious group. And to provide support and guidance to it’s members; the way the religion is organised.
- Pope
- Cardinals
- Bishops
- Monsignor
- Priests
- Deacon
Spaces, Places, Times and Artefacts
Spaces;
- A designated area of sacred focus within a larger holy place; Often a space used for rituals or individual worships.
- Prayer table
Places;
- Location of worship; places from the natural environment that have become sacred due ti followers
- Church
Times;
- Linked with times of celebration. They are periods that are set for worship / recognition of the religion
- Christmas
Artefacts;
- Human made objects that hold a spiritual significance
- Rosary beads
Spiritual Experiences
Events and experiences, to which religious spiritual meaning is attached - how adherents access the Ultimate Reality.
Helps shape life as a believer.
Refers to personal encounters that individuals have with the divine or sacred. Often deeply rooted with a sense of connection to God.
- Nature
- Joy of birth
Symbols
Images, objects or gestures that convey or publicly display a religious truth. It’s a physical expression of the belief in god.
Often convey complex ideas in a simple form.
- Pentecost; flames
- Dove; holy spirit
- Crucifix
Texts
Oral and written literature believed to have been influenced or dictated by the divine.
- They are essential beliefs and history recorded in books
- Considered to be the words of a higher power
Examples:
- The Bible
- Scriptures
- The Old and New Testament
How are the 9 Aspects of Religion Interconnected?
They operate together to support and strengthen each other to express meaning to religious communities.
An examples:
- For rituals you need a sacred space as well as place, and you need a social structure such as followers and a priest. You need all of them to be present in a worship; like getting baptised you need to go to a church which is a sacred place
All the Categories of Beliefs:
- Ultimate Reality
- The relationship between humans and ultimate reality
- The nature and purpose of human life
- The meaning of suffering
- Death and the afterlife
- The relationship between humans
- The relationship between human life and the natural world
Ultimate Reality
Is a dynamic power that creates and controls the universe.
Refers to the fundamental nature of existence and the truth of all things. It seeks to understand what is ultimately real, beyond appearances or illusions of the world.
For christianity that power is God. He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.
Holy Trinity
… Is God
3 Persons
- Father
- Son
- Holy spirit
Relationship Between Humans and the Ultimate Reality
Various passages in the bible emphasises god’s role as the creator and a loving and merciful Father who desires a personal relationship with everyone.
“For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven”
- Nicene Creed
The incarnation of God - God took on the form of Jesus Christ in human flesh (both fully divine and human)
Jesus is seen as bridging the gap between humanity and God.
God’s incarnation demonstrates his willingness to share the human condition, offering a unique understanding of divine love.
Eucharist: God sharing his body and blood to his followers.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
This passage emphasise God’s love and compassion. Catholics believe a God who is deeply caring and merciful towards his creation, which includes humanity.
The Nature and Purpose of Human Life
To have free will.
“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction” (Deuteronomy 30:15)
- Highlight the choices given to human beings. God presents us with options, therefore our purpose in life is to make decisions that impact our lives and eternal destiny.
To reach the ultimate goal of eternal happiness with God.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
- The ultimate purpose of human life in the catholic christian tradition is to attain eternal happiness in the presence of God. The path to this blessed state is to living a life in accordance with God’s commandments and virtues.
Dual nature of humans (Our body and soul)
“The Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7)
- We are physical, formed from the dust of the ground, and we are spiritual, breathed into with the breath of life. This is central to understanding human existence and our purpose as we are nothing without this essence.
Purpose of Life
“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)
- The purpose of human life is to grow in holiness. This holiness meaning living in accordance to God’s will, following his commandments, and striving for moral and spiritual perfection.
CCT
Stand for Catholic Christian Tradition
The Meaning of Suffering According to CCT
Suffering is the experience of physical, mental emotional or spiritual anguish.
- Can be inflicted by external forces out of an individuals control such as natural disasters. It can also be inflicted by other people like wars or bullying.
Within the Book of Genesis it states suffering was not part of God’s initial plans.
Since goodness is bestowed upon humanity by God who is all good, the suffering must rely in our free will. As god gave us the option to reject his love.
- This free will is displayed within the myth of Adam and Eve who ate from the tree of knowledge. As they fell from grace they created salvation.
Sin is defined as a wilful damage to the relationship with god, with oneself and with others and creation.
Therefore CCT comes to the conclusion that sin is the cause of suffering.
- Our original sin is washed away during baptism when we are officially united with God.
Salvation
- His death and resurrection saved and redeemed the human race.
- God’s incarnation was soteriology (saving).
Salvation means the good and happiness that God intends for all.
Jesus’ resurrection is the promise of eternal life with God.
God understood what it was like to suffer due to Christ on the cross.
CCT Views on Death and the Afterlife
- Death is not the end; it is the point at which a new stage of life is entered
God has blessed us with eternal life; Heaven after death.
Catholics believe that the fact that Jesus Christ (fully human and fully divine) lived, endured a life of suffering, died and was resurrected, provides all humans with unconditional hope and the belief that if they endure their suffering, they will enjoy eternal happiness in heaven after death.
“I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and life of the world to come” - Nicene Creed - Jesus’ death and resurrection
Relationship Between Humanity and the Nature World
The natural world was a source of God’s revelation developed
Catholics believe that humans are meant to be stewards of the environment, and care for all of God’s creation.
- Damaging the environment could be seen as something that damages the relationship people have with the creator. Therefore it is sinful.
- Depends on Culture
What are the purposes of Religion?
- To understand the whys and hows of existence. Such as why do we suffer? What is god’s plan for me in this world?
- To form a person’s identity and beliefs. Religion helps people to find themselves by teaching adherents ethical principles and moral values on how to live their life. It also gives meaning to life and one’s experience of it
- Through the aspects of religion it enables a way to express individual / communal emotions, giving life meaning and purpose
- Revolves around providing a framework for understanding the meaning of life by addressing existential questions.
What are 3 Branches of Christianity?
- Orthodox
- Catholic
- Protestant
