Introduction to World Religion

Question 1

Religion

Answer 1

• a set of beliefs, feelings, dogmas, and practices which define the relationship b/w humans and the devine
• means to provide answers to life’s deeper/sacred questions
• an attempt to connect a personal experience with the sacred
• a community

Question 2

Cosmocentric

Answer 2

worldview - nature as an expression of God:
* people are connected to nature
* people have a duty to honor nature

Question 3

Theocentric

Answer 3

worldview - God is the source and centre of all life:
* everything happens for a reason which can be linked back to Him
* He is the purpose of existence, morality, and reason for purpose

Question 4

Anthropocentric

Answer 4

worldview - humans are the centre of the universe

Question 5

3 Types of Anthropocentric World Views

Answer 5

1. Christian Humanism
2. Scientific Humanism
3. Secular Humanism

Question 6

Secular

Answer 6

worldview - no religion

(society)

Question 7

Christian Humanism

Answer 7

humans first, God second

Question 8

Scientific Humanism

Answer 8

using science to improve human conditions

Question 9

Secular Humanism

Answer 9

emphasizing human values

individual

Question 11

What is religion?

Answer 11

a set of beliefs, feelings, dogmas, and practices which define the relationship between human and sacred/divine

Includes providing answers to life’s deeper questions and connecting personal experiences with the sacred.

Question 12

Why study world religions?

Answer 12

to understand different perspectives of the world and promote mutual respect

Helps to avoid prejudice and discrimination.

Question 13

Define Cosmocentric worldview.

Answer 13

nature as expression of God, people are connected to nature, and have a duty to honor nature.

Question 14

Define Theocentric worldview.

Answer 14

God is source and centre of all life, everything happens for a reason linked to God, He is purpose of existence.

Question 15

Define Anthropocentric worldview.

Answer 15

Humans are the centre of the universe, considered most important.

Includes Christian Humanism, Scientific Humanism, and Secular Humanism.

Question 16

Define Secular worldview.

Answer 16

no religion.

society

Question 17

What does the parable of the elephant teach us about truth?

Answer 17

truth is dependent on one’s personal experiences.

Question 18

Define Agonistic view of God.

Answer 18

claims God may or may not exist.

Question 19

Define Atheist view of God.

Answer 19

denies God’s existence.

Question 20

Define Anti-Theist view of God.

Answer 20

acknowledges God’s existence, but opposes it.

Question 21

Define Diest view of God.

Answer 21

believes God exists, but is distant and indifferent to creation.

Question 22

Define Theist view of God.

Answer 22

believes God exists and cares personally about creation.

Question 23

Define Monotheist view of God.

Answer 23

there is one God.

Question 24

Define Polytheist view of God.

Answer 24

there are many Gods.

Question 25

Define Henotheist view of God.

Answer 25

there are many Gods, but worship one at a time.

Question 26

Define Pantheist view of God.

Answer 26

God exists in nature ONLY.

Question 27

Define Panentheist view of God.

Answer 27

God is in all things and above all things.

Question 28

Define Monist view of God.

Answer 28

believes impersonal energy underlies all existence.

Question 29

What informs objective reality?

Answer 29

facts and observations of the world.

Question 30

What informs subjective reality?

Answer 30

one’s feelings, thoughts, opinions, beliefs, interpretations, and perspectives.

Question 31

How can science and religion coexist?

Answer 31

both seek to understand the world, with science using facts and theories, and religion addressing the unexplainable.

Question 32

Define secularization.

Answer 32

loss of religion as a central part of society throughout historical development.

Question 33

What are Ninian Smart's categories of religion?

Answer 33

1. Religious Experience 2. Religious Teachings/Beliefs (Creed) 3. Sacred Symbols & Rituals 4. Sacred Stories, 5. Community 6. Morality (Code)

Question 34

What is the importance of Nostra Aetate?

Answer 34

highlighted similarities between Catholicism and other religions and promoted acceptance of other faiths.

Question 35

What are the ground rules for living together?

Answer 35

1. Respect the faith and religion of others, 2. No neutral stances, 3. Respect/Value the Truth of other religions, 3. Accept the importance of religion.

Question 36

Define inter-faith dialogue.

Answer 36

dialogue between people/groups from different faith traditions.

Question 37

Define ecumenism.

Answer 37

Dialogue between churches to arrive at Unity.