ideology/science - features of religion

Question 1

What are the three main features of religion as a closed belief system?

Answer 1

• belief in superpower that can’t be changed/explained
• ‘get out clauses’
• monopoly of truth

Question 2

What is the feature of religion that belief in superpower that can’t be changed/explained, as a closed belief system?

Answer 2

Religions have divine figures that have superpowers which cant be fully understood or explained. They provide believers with divine perfect knowledge which cannot be challenged.

Question 3

How does the feature of religion that belief in superpower that can’t be changed/explained make it a closed system?

Answer 3

If you are a believer who challenges this knowledge you will be punished for heresy (going against god), so beliefs cannot change as the religious world view was given by a divine power who is above all humans

Question 4

What is the ‘get out clauses’ feature of religion, as a closed belief system?

Answer 4

Whenever fundamental beliefs are threatened, religion has ‘get out clauses’, prevents religion from being disproved, at least in the eye of believers

Question 5

What is an example of the ‘get out clauses’ feature of religion make it a closed system?

Answer 5

heaven is in the sky above, scientists show the solar system is above us but no heaven. Get out clause: you only see have when you die, thus no one will ever know if there is heaven or not

Question 6

What is the monopoly of truth feature of religion, as a closed belief system?

Answer 6

Reject alternative worldviews by refusing to accept/legitimise other belief systems basic assumptions about the world

Question 7

What are two examples of the ‘get out clauses’ feature of religion make it a closed system?

Answer 7

Creationism in Christianity rejects the evolutionist claim that the earth is billions of years old,
Monotheistic religions reject other religions claims of having a different God or creator