Christianity and the challenge of secularisation Flashcards
(44 cards)
The effect of the Church on civilians in pre-Reformation Europe
People’s lives and thinking were strongly controlled by the Church
What did the Reformation encourage?
A more individualist approach - religion became more personal and less of something that was imposed by authority
In the eighteenth century, the emphasis on ______, ________, and _________ _______ further encouraged a more individualistic approach to religion
reason
evidence
scientific thought
In the nineteenth century, what decreased further the number of those who attended church and who regarded themselves practicing Christians?
- The nineteenth century laws that permitted greater religious freedom
- The horrors of two World Wars in the twentieth century
- The challenge to authority experienced in the 1960s
What is the meaning of secular?
Mot having any connection with religion: We live in an increasingly secular society - religion has less and less influence on our daily live
What is humanism?
The belief that people can lead good lives without holding religious or superstitious beliefs (secular humanism)
Karl Marx view on religion
He regarded religion and its views on morality as a social and political tool wielded by those in power to control the masses
What is materialism?
A desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters
Materialism is now seen at every level of contemporary society. How?
- Those who are wealthy tend to see their continued well-being as dependent on acquiring even greater wealth
- Those who are poor see the acquisition if money and possessions as the key to happiness
- Material possessions are seen as more important than spiritual qualities
What does the New Testament say about materialism?
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10)
In the time of Jesus, how was wealth regarded?
A good thing as it was a sign of Gods approval
Which parable is about materialism?
The Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus (also called the parable of Dives and Lazarus)
How does the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus link to materialism?
Lazarus is in heaven and the rich man is in hell. This parable demonstrates how an improper attitude toward money will affect your attitude towards God as well as towards others and will have dreadful eternal consequences
Jesus used the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus to…
warn of the pitfalls and dangers of living a life driven by greed and a lack of love for others
What is the Bruderhof?
An evangelical Christian movement where members live in communities having given up all personal properties
Members of the Bruderhof see materialism as…
one of the main reasons for the problems facing the world today
What is the Bruderhof vow?
“We pledge to give up all property and to live simply, in complete freedom from all possessions”
Prosperity Gospel/Prosperity Theology
A form of evangelical Christianity. It teaches that strong faith and good works will be rewarded by God in terms of material prosperity and physical well-being
What is militant atheism?
All religion is a bad thing that must be fought against
What did Daniel Radcliffe say about militant atheism?
“I’m not religious, I’m an atheist, and a militant atheist when religion starts impacting on legislation.”
Who is Richard Dawkins
An evolutionary biologist
Richard Dawkins magnum opus
The God Delusion (2006)
What does Dawkins critique in The God Delusion? Why?
Religious beliefs. He argues that they are based on unfounded faith rather than empirical evidence
Dawkins attacks religion in a number of ways. What does he state?
- The God hypothesis (belief in the supernatural) is irrational and contrary to good science
- Religion is primitive and has spread like a virus (harmful)
- Teaching children religion is a form of mental abuse that threatens their development
- People can be morally good without religion
