Nature of Religion part 1 Flashcards
(25 cards)
BOS Definition
What is Religion?
Terms of relation to people/community
Religion is an integral part of human experience; a distinctive answer to a human need for meaning in life, generally characterised by a worldview that recognises a supernatural dimension-belief in divinity or powers beyond or dwelling within the human
In relation to religion
Why do we have a need for meaning in life?
3 answers
- Give purpose in life e.g. seek to achieve something
- Sustain us through difficult times/challenges
- Guide ethical behaviour; how to act and relate to others
BOS Definition
What is a worldview?
Not just religious
A system of answers to the questions of human existence that is shared by a significant number of people. A view or understanding of life itself and the perception of the world.
Also know as cosmology
Religious + Non-Religious
Explain how a worldview can be religious or non-religious?
Further explain why they are diffferent
Every religion is an example of a worldview as every religion attempts to provide a system of answers to the question of human existence.
Every person and culture has a worldview based on values, influence and life experiences.
They differ through the fact that religious worldviews provide these answers through the beliefs in a higher power or supernatural dimension whilst the other does not.
At least 4
Provide examples of Non-Religious Worldviews
Make sure to explain
- Nihilism – Having no meaning or purpose
- Atheism – Belief in no God
- Agnosticism – No belief in the existence of or the inexistence of God or a supernatural dimension
- Humanism – No spiritual dimension but the realisation of human potential (societal or individual) is all important
Explain in detail
What is the Supernatural Dimension?
Refers to that which is not subject to the laws of nature that which is above or beyond the ordinary, natural, physical world. It cannot be measured or scientifically demonstrated. Belief in divinity or powers beyond the humans and/or dwelling within the human.
Central to all religions most significant element of religious worldview
Different religions have different views/interpretations of the exact nature of the supernatural dimension
Provide Examples
Monothestic vs Polythestic
*Monothestic religions (Judaism, Islam & Christianity) believe that the supernatural dimension is a singular divine being (Monotheistic)
* Polythestic religions (Hinduism & Buddhism) believe that the supernatural dimension is in the existence of humans/natural world and involves a multitude of beings
Means ‘to surpass’ or to ‘go beyong’ in Latin
Explain a Transcendent Religious Worldview
Transcendent religions believe that divine beings exist beyond the known universe and are not subject to the laws of nature. The divine exists beyond or is independent of physical or human existence
Transcendent religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) emphasise the idea of God being revealed to humankind beyond the human spirit.
In detail
Provide an examples of a Transcendent Religious Worldview
Explain belief and how the belief makes the religion transcendent
Islam
Muslims believe that the will of Allah has been revealed to the Prophet Mohammad and is contained in the writing of the Koran.
It’s a transcendent worldview because the divine being is seen to be separate or outside of the human and revealed to humankind through and intermediary.
Means to ‘remain within’ in Latin
Explain an Immanent Religious Worldview
A Immanent Religious Worldview believes that the divine beings/powers dwell within the individual. The supernatural or divine is a constant reality, residing within the natural/physical world
- The two Eastern religions (Hinduism & Buddhism) emphasise the finding of truth from withing the human spirit.
In detail
Provide an example of an Immanent Religious Worldview
Explain belief and how the belief makes the religion transcendent
Buddhism
Buddhists follow the eightfold path prescribed by the Buddha in order to reach Enlightenment.
It’s an Immanent religious worldview because the divine power is believed to be found within the human and awaits discovery through the prescribed path/Buddhist way.
Use Acronym
What are the Characteristics of Religion?
Memorise through BSER
B - Beliefs/Believers
S - Sacred Texts/Writings
E - Ethics
R - Rituals + Ceremonies
B (BSER)
Explain what are beliefs and their role in religion
Provide example
A belief is trust, faith or confidence in something or someone.
Beliefs are the key tenets, doctrines or values which underpin the religious practice of a particular religion for the believers. Keep alive the identity and community of all adherents
* Example: Beliefs central to Judaism are the belief in one God, the moral prescribed by God and the covenant
B (BSER)
What are believers and what is their role in religion?
Believers are adherents of a particular religion; someone with religious faith.
Beliefs sustain all religions by providing adherents to a religion
- Example: Jews are the believers in the religion Judaism
S (BSER)
What are Sacred Texts/Writings and what is their role in religion?
Sacred Texts/Writings is where the belief of the faith is collated (verbally or written). It contains the most important beliefs and instil law, character and spirituality.
Sacred stories explain (historical or non-historical) how people are connected to the supernatural dimension and are central to all religious traditions and essentials to all practice and belief.
*Example: Central sacred text to Christianity is the Bible which is an account of Gods actions in the world; collection of writings divided into the Old and New Testament
E (BSER)
What are Ethics and what is their role in religion?
Ethics are morals that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity; the reasoning behind moral decision-making.
Religion provides and ethical framework and offers a system of standards which regulate moral decision making
They are laws which embody the key doctrinal tenets of a religion and allows for the practical application of that religion
Encompassing what is right and wrong for adherents.
*Example Chrisitanity: Ethical teachings are based on a range of sources including the Bible but can also be taken from Church Councils/Conferences and the Pope. The core ethical teachings include; The 10 Commandments, The Beatitudes and Jesus Commandment of Love
R (BSER)
What are rituals/ceremonies and their role in religion?
They are the actions/Celebrations of the belief of a faith and practical expression of aspects of religion and customary ways of celebrating beliefs.
* Directly linked to the supernatural beings/forces
* Involve a sequence of activity/rituals including gestures, words and ceremonies
*Example Islam: Prayer is obligatory, and is the second of Five Pillars of faith. It is performed five times a day. Through prayer, a Muslim is submitting to the will of Allah by completing a sequence of words and gestures, uniting their mind, body, and soul and worship
Define Dynamic + Living
What is a dynamic and living religion?
When the characteristics (BSER) of religion interact creatively to help nurture a religion that is alive and active in the lives of adherents.
Dynamic – A force that stimulates change or progress within a system or process; be interactive take part in effective action and continual change, activity or progress
Living – Alive, relevant and meaningful to the adherent; to engage, participate in function and evolve with time, change to suit context
How does belief/believers make religion living and dynamic?
Through their daily actions, allowing the continual reinterpretation of religious beliefs to involved in a contemporary society Beliefs/Believers contributes to a living + dynamic religion
How does sacred texts/writings make a dynamic and living religion?
Understanding the sacred texts believers apply the teaching to their daily life to live out their faith demonstrating a dynamic and living religion
How does ethics make a dynamic and living religion?
Derived from values which underpin the religious system thus allowing for the practical application of religion and immersion into everyday life making it dynamic and living
How does rituals/ceremonies make a dynamic and living religion?
Reflect a living/dynamic religion as they allow adherents to physically demonstrate and live out the core beliefs and teachings of their religion communally/individually
State and then expand on points
Contribution of religion to individuals
- Personal Search for Meaning – Religion provides answers to the great questions of life especially in times or crisis, trauma or hardship
- Ethical Guidance – Religion provides a system of morals and how to behave (act morally correct) properly towards others, environment and oneself (ethical guidance is concerned with reasoning behind moral decisions)
- Sense of Belonging – Religion gives individuals an identity (one of humans strongest desires) as a believer and this identity creates a sense of belonging to a particular faith/community as religions have the capability to bring people of similar faith/ideals together and gives them a safe/supportive environment to express said values/ideals
- Ritual Meaning – Ritual action/event marks important stages in life and are often ritualised in religious tradition (marriage, birth, coming of age, etc) and these rituals are important elements in the contribution of religions to individuals
State and then expand on points
Contribution of religion to community
- Conservative Influence – Seen as an influence that wishes to retain and conserve traditional values and expectations in areas such as sexual morality and bioethics; prevents society from abandoning tradition
- Progressive Influence – Religions emphasis on human dignity, advocacy of refugee/indigenous rights, environmental stewardship, and anti-war are seen as proactive/progressive influences as religions instils a sense of justice as a way in attempting to change communal views to embrace a new approach on important issues
