The Nature of Religion Flashcards
Define religion
Religion by its nature defies precise definition. However, the central commonality to all world religions is the belief in something beyond the ordinary - the supernatural dimension. This can be defined as a belief in a divine being or power, which is greater than humankind and the natural world.
“Religion is belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny..(It can also be) the practice of sacred ritual observances, or related sacred sites and ceremonies.”
“The word ‘religion’ is derived from the Latin religio meaning ‘to bind’, as in the sense of binding people to the spirits. It was originally used to express the sense of awe or fear which people experiences in the presence of superior forces or the supernatural. The word has a much broader and diverse meaning today.”
“There are diverse understandings of this term. Generally, it can be understood as the human response to whatever the mystery of life is for a particular person or group. Specifically, it can refer to a system of beliefs and worship held by a group who may express their beliefs through myths or sacred stories, doctrines, ethics and religious practices.”
What is monotheism
Transcendent belief in 1 God
what is polytheism
Transcendent belief in many God
What is common to all religions
Religion by its nature defies precise definition. However, the central commonality to all world religions is the belief in something beyond the ordinary - the supernatural dimension. This can be defined as a belief in a divine being or power, which is greater than humankind and the natural world.
Religion latin term and def + distinct meanings
The word ‘religion’ comes from the Latin religio (to bind or tie back). This has two distinct meanings:
● The concept of being bound together by common beliefs.
● The notion of being kept together in fear of the power of supernatural forces at
work in the world.
Religion helps to bind people’s lives to their God/Gods, to their beliefs and to the community in which they live.
The syllabus frequently refers to religions impact on the ‘individual’ and ‘community’.
Religion helps to..
bind people’s lives to their God/Gods, to their beliefs and to the community in which they live
Define worldview
All human beings have a worldview, a system of understanding that gives a human a sense of order and meaning.
This way of thinking is manifested in an individual’s behaviour and reflects their:
● core beliefs
● sense of self / identity
● relationships with the world and
● interpretation of life’s events and circumstances.
People develop their way of thinking/core beliefs from pondering the answers to questions relating to human existence (existential questions - see slide # 14).
When a ‘system of answers are shared by a significant number of people’, a particular worldview can be identified.
Way of thinking is manifested in an individual’s _____ and reflects their what
Behaviour
● core beliefs
● sense of self / identity
● relationships with the world and
● interpretation of life’s events and circumstances
How do people develop their way of thinking/core beliefs
through pondering questions that related to human existence - existential questions
when can a worldview be identified
when a system of answers to existential questions are shared by a significant number of people
what do existential questions shape
One’s thinking about life, love, questions abt knowledge
Name 4 types of existential questions
q abt:
- knowledge
- god
- universe
- human person
- ethics
examples of existential questions abt knowledge
● What is truth?
● What influences and shapes my value system?
examples of existential questions abt god
● Does God exist?
● Where can I find God?
examples of existential questions abt human person
● Is there life after death?
● What is the purpose of life?
examples of existential questions abt the universe
● Is the universe eternal, or was it created?
● Where did everything come from?
examples of existential questions abt ethics
● Does right and wrong exist?
● Why does evil exist in the world?
def adherents
followers/believers/supporters
what is a religious worldview
a worldview that:
- acknowledges the supernatural dimension
- has belief in divine being or powers beyond the human and/or dwelling within the individual
the way _____ deal with these kinds of existential questions are _____
faith and science, very different
what does religion provides for its adherents
source of meaning that offers adherents specific set of beliefs and practices that provide structure, a sense of purpose, guidance, motivation and meaning for life
what confirms beliefs and provides guidance on how one is to live
sacred texts, beliefs, ethical systems, rituals and ceremonies
religion is a worldview shapes not js the adherents but the _____. it is a prism thru which ppl understand reality.
entire worldview of society
supernatural def
exceeds the power and capacity of human and nature and any created natural reality
Deity def
A deity is a supernatural being, like a god or goddess, that is worshipped by people who believe it controls or exerts force over some aspect of the world
supernatural dimension implies a foundation of some sort of what
divine revelation or revealed faith
can supernatural dimension be explained
not according to natural law
transcendent def
Religion is a worldview that:
● Acknowledges the supernatural dimension
● Has a belief in a divine being or powers beyond the human and/or dwelling within
the individual.
Religion provides its adherents (followers/ believers/ supporters) with a source of meaning that offers believers a specific set of beliefs and practices that provide structure, a sense of purpose, guidance, motivation and meaning for life.
Sacred texts, beliefs, ethical systems, rituals and ceremonies are used to confirm beliefs as well as provide guidelines on how one is to live out these beliefs.
NOTE: Religion as a worldview shapes not just the adherents but the entire worldview of society. It is a prism through which people understand reality.
latin word for transcendent and def
Transcendent and transcendence come from the Latin transcendere, which means ‘to climb over’ or ‘surpass’.
The transcendent dimension of religion enables humans to surpass the limits of their earthly existence and concerns to focus on heavenly or spiritual concerns - divine being/s or power/s whose existence goes beyond human limitations.
immanent def
This worldview emphasises the presence of God or gods within human existence, in the day-to- day, ordinary concerns of life, rather than above and beyond it.
It recognises a divine being or powers as a constant reality – an active and continuing presence among believers and in this world.
In Hinduism and Buddhism the emphasis is on the finding of truth from within the human spirit.
transcendent examples
Judaism, Islam, christianity
immanent latin word and def
Immanent and immanence comes from the Latin in manere, which means ‘to exist or remain within’.
immanent examples
Hinduism and buddhism
