Exam Flashcards
(6 cards)
Compare and contrast Monotheism, Henotheism, and Polytheism. What are the key differences in their approach to the divine?
Monotheism:
Belief in a single, universal deity.
Deity is often personal, omniscient, and omnipotent.
Examples: Christianity, Islam, Judaism.
God’s influence is believed to affect the entire world and not just believers.
Henotheism:
Belief in many gods but worship of one god as supreme at a given time.
Acknowledges the existence of multiple deities, but elevates one temporarily.
Often seen in Greek mythology (e.g., Zeus as head deity).
Polytheism:
Belief in a pantheon of multiple gods and goddesses.
Deities often have specific domains (e.g., war, love, agriculture).
Examples: Hinduism, ancient Roman and Greek religions.
How does the concept of the transcendent differ across various religions? Provide examples.
General meaning:
Transcendence refers to a reality beyond human comprehension or existence.
Christianity & Islam:
God is fully transcendent yet capable of intervention (miracles, revelation).
Hinduism:
Brahman is both transcendent and immanent (present in all things).
Taoism:
Tao is a transcendent ordering principle that flows through life.
Key difference:
Western traditions tend to separate the divine from the material.
Eastern traditions often integrate transcendent and immanent aspects.
Discuss the relationship between revelation and human understanding in religious traditions. Why is revelation considered essential in some religions?
Definition:
Revelation is a divine disclosure of knowledge, typically concerning salvation.
Purpose:
Provides access to truths beyond human reasoning.
Offers moral and theological frameworks (e.g., laws, creation, destiny).
Examples:
Judaism: Torah.
Christianity: Jesus’ life and teachings.
Islam: Qur’an.
Importance:
Revelation legitimizes religious teachings.
Seen as vital for understanding divine will and purpose in life.
Evaluate the implications of Monism and Dualism on the perception of good and evil in religious contexts. How might these concepts shape moral behaviour?
Monism:
Good and evil are interconnected, both originating from one ultimate source.
Evil is not absolute; may serve a greater purpose (e.g., balance in nature).
Moral behaviour is seen in context, promoting tolerance and integration.
Dualism:
Good and evil are opposing, independent forces.
They are locked in a cosmic struggle (e.g., God vs. Satan).
Encourages strong moral distinctions and allegiances.
May promote exclusion of what is labelled as “evil” or “other.”
Explore how the concepts of the holy and the profane influence religious practices and spaces. Why is the distinction significant in understanding sacrality?
Holy:
That which is set apart, sacred, or connected to the divine.
Often associated with danger, blessing, or reverence.
Examples: temples, altars, scriptures.
Profane:
Everyday, secular, or ordinary.
Literally means “outside the temple” (from Latin profanus).
Influence:
Shapes religious rituals (e.g., purification, consecration).
Defines sacred space and time (e.g., sabbath, pilgrimage sites).
Helps communities maintain reverence and order.
Significance:
Understanding sacrality requires this distinction.
It guides how people relate to divine presence and structure religious life.
