Nature of Religion Flashcards
(24 cards)
Whats a dynamic religion?
Relates to it being ever changing and adapting to modern times.
What’s the supernatural dimension?
A place or realm that is beyond a living beings reach or even comprehension.
What’s an example of a supernatural religion?
Heaven and Hell in Christianity. Can only be accessed and seen in death.
Meaning of a polytheistic religion?
A religion with two or more/multiple supernatural or divine beings such as gods or spirits. Each usually ruling or representing a certain type of domain on earth or even outside of it.
What’s an example of a polytheistic religion?
In Greek Mythology they have a multitude of Gods such as Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, e.t.c.
Meaning of a monotheistic religion?
A religion with only the belief of one singular spiritual or divine entity. One primordial being.
What’s an example of a monotheistic religion?
In Islam, the belief in Allah being the ultimate and only primordial being.
What are the characteristics of a religion?
Ethical Teachings, Beliefs & Believers, Sacred Texts, and Rituals and Ceremonies.
As a characteristic of religion, what does ethical teachings consist of? How are they important?
Consists of morals and values within a religion that sets the guidelines of what is perceived as right and wrong. For example the Ten Commandments in Christianity set an ethics code.
They are important because they help guide an individual to make choices that align with their values.
As a characteristic of religion, what does the beliefs and believers consist of? How are they important?
Beliefs consist of explanations of how things came to be and answer the philosophical questions within life that individuals ponder such as “Who are we?” “Why are we here?” “What happens after death?”. Believers are important as they are what allow a religion to exists, without its followers it would not be alive and present today.
As a characteristic of religion, what’s a sacred text consist of? How are they important?
Sacred texts contain sacred stories, which explain through historical or non-historical means, how people are connected to the world through a supernatural explanation. They are important because they convey spiritual truth, establish a connection with the divine & foster communal identity.
As a characteristic of religion, what do rituals and ceremonies consist of? How are they important?
Rituals and ceremonies work to create a closer connection between the divine entities and also within themselves. They also work to mark significant events in the religions history and establish repetitive sequences.
What’s a transcendent worldview?
Religions that believe in a divine being or entity beyond the limitations or comprehension of humans.
What’s an example of a transcendent worldview?
Christianity, as God resides in a place that is not on earth and doesn’t have any direct contact with the earth or us.
What’s an immanent worldview?
Beliefs that supernatural or divine beings live within and are a part of every individual & thing within the known universe.
What’s an example of a immanent worldview?
Hinduism, the belief of each force of nature and every individual having a spiritual power within themself that resides on earth.
What are contributions of religion to an individual and society?
Religion contributes to society as an important force shaping
beliefs about the purpose of life, our place in the world, and how society should be structured. Religion creates a community for individuals to rely on and relate to due to shared experiences and beliefs.
Religion contributes to an individual through its practices and beliefs that help to influence their lives. Religion gives people a sense of meaning and purpose for their lives.
What is the nature of the Dreaming?
The Dreaming describes the Aboriginal belief system which is the central concept of all beliefs, relationships, responsibilities and practices. The Dreaming transmits knowledge and connects individuals to their communities and the land, reflecting regional variations and adaptation over time.
Meaning of metatemporal?
A concept which incorporates the past, present and future reality as a complete and present reality.
Origins of the universe in accordance to the Dreaming?
The world came into existence through the actions of ancestral beings who moved throughout the land, creating landforms, animals, plants and people. After they created the world, they changed and became a part of the landscape. Each group unique to a certain spirit.
What is the impact or use of sacred sites in the Dreaming?
The land is the physical medium through which the dreaming is present, lived and communicated. Embodiments of ancestral beings and involved in rituals and ceremonies such as birthing caves or burial grounds.
What is the impact or use of the stories of the Dreaming?
They transmit cultural knowledge, including values, customs, and spiritual beliefs, from one generation to the next. These stories also provide a sense of identity and belonging, connecting individuals to their ancestors, communities, and the land. Usually shared orally.
What is the impact or use of symbolism and art in the Dreaming?
Through symbols and artistic expressions, Indigenous Australians preserve traditional knowledge, connect with ancestral heritage, and transmit cultural identity across generations. Artistic representations, such as rock paintings and ceremonial objects, also act as visual storytelling devices used to record Dreaming stories down.
What is the impact of the connection to the land in the Dreaming?
It creates a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the land, bringing spiritual significance and cultural identity. Informs of traditionally systems and relationships within indigenous communities.
