ASPECTS DEFINITION G3.2 Flashcards
Texts
Literature (oral, written or artistic) that contains beliefs, history, sacred stories and laws (ethics) of the religious tradition.
Role - transmit to next gen, communicate, teach, proof of belief, authority
SFM - shared history, ethics, answers
Sacred stories
Traditional narratives which relate believed truths about the origins of the religion, its key moments, key figures, connection to ultimate reality.
- written, oral, artistic
Examples: legends, myths, parables
Role - tangible knowledge, expression, strengthen, communicate belief
SFM - transmit religious values, guide, creates a sense of meaning and belonging
Ethics
The ethical principles determined by the religion inform moral judgements and govern ideal behaviour. The rules, laws, norms by which the religious tradition binds its adherents in the practice of the religious tradition.
- Study of decision what is right and wrong
- May be divine in origin
Role - framework, actualise, reinforce, tangible, express the belief
SFM - dictate ethical conduct, moral/meaningful life, guide decisions
Rituals
Actions which follow a set pattern sanctioned by a religious tradition and through which some sacred purpose is achieved by relating the earthly to the ultimate reality.
- individual / communal
Role - connect to sacred - presence of divine, concretise, actualise, reinforce belief, expression
SFM - conned to sacred, belonging community, personal meaning, commitment
Symbols
Representations of the sacred. A traditional mark, object, person, place, word or gesture which represents some reality, truth or meaning beyond itself
Visual statement of belief
Role - physically tied to religion, visual reminder, actualse, concrete, support, strengthen make tangible
SFM - connect to sacred/ancestors, community belonging, shared meaning - common identity,
Social structures
The way in which people are organised to practice the religious tradition. The social model of the religious community.
Role - teach, instruct, guide adherents, preserve religious life of community, actualise, concrete, reinforce, support belief
SFM - guide - direction/advice helping members live meaningful life, comfort security, meaning and belonging
Spiritual experiences
An event, occasion or period during which a member of a religious tradition undergoes a heightened awareness of their understanding of beliefs and teachings. A transformational experience
- Can be positive or negative
- Belief is made stronger because of evidence of God’s existence
Role - elevate spirituality, reinforce, strengthen, make tangible the belief
SFM - Personal growth, directions for adherents, provide religious identity, spiritual fulfilment
Places
Refers to a location for worship or spiritual engagement
Has a spiritual quality, important event took place there, sacred encounter with ultimate reality
Spaces
Focus areas for worship or spiritual experience. May be where particular rituals are performed or individuals worship. Can be temporary
May be found within places
Times
Refers to those periods that are set for annual, monthly, weekly or daily recognition of a spiritual experience within a religious tradition
Artefacts
Refers to human made objects that carry varying degrees of spiritual significance within a religion. Not all artefacts related to a religion hold such spiritual significance
SPAT
Role - experience sacred, connected w UR, connect w origins of religion, place for worship, enable beliefs to be practised, reinforce, strengthen, actualise belief
SFM - connect w origins/history, nurture/strengthen faith, connected UR, make tangible
Engender
Inculcate, record, convey, establish authority of, actualise, instil
Nurture
Maintain, reenact, reinforce, remind, assist in continuity of the belief
