What is Religion

Question 1

What is religion as a worldview?

Answer 1

• Religions try to answer the most important factors

- Religions promote their own worldviews through a specific set of beliefs and practices

Question 2

Define the Supernatural dimension

Answer 2

Belief in the supernatural dimension is central to all world religions
Religion by its nature defies precise definition. However, the central commonality to all world religions is the belief in the supernatural dimension. Thus, it can be said that the most significant element of a religious worldview is this belief in a divine being or power, which is greater than humankind and the natural world. This being or power is believed to be responsible for creating the world, providing a moral framework for human life and being the ultimate destiny of a human person at the end of their mortal life.

Question 3

Explain the difference between monotheistic and polytheistic

Answer 3

Monotheistic religions believe in one supernatural being, such as Christianity and Islam

Polytheistic religions believe in more than one supernatural being, such as Hinduism and Buddhism

Question 4

What is a transcendent worldview?

Answer 4

A transcendent worldview is one beyond the human experience ‘out there, with the transcendent dimension allowing humans to move beyond

Question 5

What is an immanent worldview?

Answer 5

An immanent worldview refers to the ‘inner’ aspects of a religion

Question 6

Define believers

Answer 6

• Believers are people who adhere to the practices of the religion and support its beliefs

Question 7

Examples of sacred texts and writings

Answer 7

• The Qur’an

- The Bible

Question 8

What role do sacred texts play for religious adherents?

Answer 8

• Central to all religious traditions and instil law, character and spirituality into religious believers

Question 9

What are Ethics?

Answer 9

• Ethics is central to all religions and are philosophical, encompassing what is right and wrong for believers

Question 10

What are rituals and ceremonies?

Answer 10

• Rituals and ceremonies are customary ways of celebrating the beliefs of a religious tradition
• Rituals are directly linked to supernatural beings or forces
• Often include gestures, words, and objects

Question 11

What is a dynamic living religion?

Answer 11

• A dynamic living religion is one that is full of life. It is practical, real and immersed, and not removed from or afraid of, everyday human existence. It is evident in society and culture and clearly expressed in the lives of adherents

Question 12

How does religion contribute to society?

Answer 12

• It attempts to answer the fundamental questions of life, eg. why am I here? Is there a supreme being? Why do evil and suffering exist? Is there life after death?
• It helps to construct meaning, provides ethical guidance and provides a sense of belonging

Question 13

How do individuals benefit from religion?

Answer 13

• Religion provides guidance for individuals
• Provides ethical systems and sacred texts that guide individuals
• Vivienne Watts said Christianity develops personal spirituality, meaning, and purpose in life”

Question 14

How does religion impact society and culture?

Answer 14

• Changes, shapes, and develops human culture to sustain a diverse society
• Creates social cohesion
• Provides meaning for existence
• Sustain the knowledge of a deeper meaning of life
• “Churches…continue to play an important role…in reducing the prevalence of homelessness” - Christianity - In Australian Culture and Society paper on Homelessness in 2014