RELIGION/INDIGENOUS

Question 1

Religion

Answer 1

A system of beliefs, practices, and worldviews that connect humans to the sacred, divine, or ultimate concerns.

Question 2

Religio

Answer 2

A Latin term meaning ‘obligation’ or ‘bond,’ originally referring to reverence for the gods and religious practices in Roman culture.

Question 3

Functionalist

Answer 3

Sees religion as something that helps society work by bringing people together, giving life meaning, and providing rules for behavior. It focuses on what religion does rather than what it believes.

EXP - Ceremonies, weddings

Question 4

Substantivist

Answer 4

religion focuses on what religion is, specifically its belief in the supernatural, gods, or a higher power. It defines religion by its content, not by its function in society.

EXP - Christianity

Question 5

Modern

Answer 5

Is a set of beliefs and practices about life’s meaning, often involving spirituality, a higher power, or moral values.

EXP - People who meditate but not religious.

Question 6

Pre - Modern

Answer 6

Religion is seen as absolute truth, deeply tied to tradition, community, and divine authority. It shapes every part of life, including laws, politics, and daily behavior.

Question 7

Post - Modern

Answer 7

Religion is fluid and personal, with no single truth.

Question 8

Myth

Answer 8

A myth is a traditional story that explains natural events, human behavior, or cultural beliefs, often involving gods, heroes, or supernatural forces.It’s a story, past down, can be fake or real, symbols

Question 9

Ritual

Answer 9

A ritual is a repeated action or ceremony with special meaning, often related to religion, culture, or traditions. something you see, a particular time.

EXP - Lighting candles during prayer to symbolize hope.

Question 10

Symbol

Answer 10

A symbol is an object, sign, or image that represents a deeper meaning, idea, or belief.

EXP - The cross in Christianity is a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice and faith.

Question 11

Sacred

Answer 11

Sacred means something that is holy, special, or deeply respected, often connected to religion or spirituality.

EXP - The Bible

Question 12

Hermeneutics

Answer 12

Is the study of how to interpret texts, especially religious or philosophical writings.

EXP - Used to understand things

Question 13

Myth of Nature

Answer 13

Explains the forces of nature and the cycles of life, often seeing nature as a powerful, uncontrollable force.

EXP - Noah’s Ark

Question 14

Myth of Harmony

Answer 14

A myth of harmony focuses on balance between humans, nature, and the universe, often seen in Eastern religions.

EXP - The Garden Of Eden

Question 15

Myth of Liberation

Answer 15

Centers on escaping suffering or the material world, often through spiritual enlightenment.

EXP - Moses and the Exodus – The story of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt represents liberation from oppression.

Question 16

Myth of History

Answer 16

Sees human events as part of a divine plan or a meaningful progression toward an ultimate goal.

EXP - The Christian belief in the Second Coming of Christ, where history is moving toward the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Question 17

Cosmogony

Answer 17

The study or story of how the universe and the world began. It explains the origin of everything.

EXP -The Genesis creation story in the Bible.

Question 18

Cosmology

Answer 18

Is the study or belief about the structure, nature, and order of the universe, including how it works and why it exists.

Question 19

How are they different

Answer 19

Cosmogony asks: “Where did the universe come from?” (Creation stories)
Cosmology asks: “How does the universe work?” (The structure and order of the universe)

Question 20

Animism

Answer 20

The belief that spirits or souls exist in nature, including animals, plants, rivers, mountains, and even objects.

EXP - Many Indigenous religions believe that trees, rivers, and animals have spirits and should be respected.

Question 21

Shamanism

Answer 21

Is a spiritual practice where a shaman acts as a bridge between the human world and the spirit world, often through rituals, healing, and communication with spirits.

EXP - Heal sick person

Question 22

How are they different 2

Answer 22

Animism is a belief system that everything has a spirit.
Shamanism is a practice where a shaman interacts with spirits, often found in animistic cultures.

Question 23

Totemism

Answer 23

Is the belief that a totem (an animal, plant, or object) represents a group of people, such as a tribe or family, and has spiritual significance.

EXP - In many Indigenous cultures, a clan may have a totem animal, like a bear or eagle, which symbolizes their ancestry, protection, or identity.

Question 24

Circular/Cyclical View of Time

Answer 24

A circular or cyclical view of time is the belief that time repeats in cycles, rather than moving in a straight line. This often includes birth, death, and rebirth or repeating historical patterns.

EXP - In Hinduism and Buddhism, time is seen as a cycle of reincarnation (samsara), where souls are born, die, and are reborn based on karma.

Question 25

Transcendence

Answer 25

Going beyond the physical world, human experience, or limitations, often referring to the divine or a higher spiritual reality. EXP - In Christianity, God is transcendent because He exists beyond the physical universe and human understanding.

Question 26

6 dimensions of religion

Answer 26

Doctrinal – Beliefs and teachings (e.g., creeds, theology). Mythological – Sacred stories and narratives (e.g., creation myths). Ethical – Moral guidelines (e.g., Ten Commandments, dharma). Ritual – Religious practices (e.g., prayer, sacrifices). Experiential – Personal spiritual experiences (e.g., enlightenment, visions). Social – Religious institutions and communities (e.g., churches, temples).