The Nature of Religion and Beliefs
Preliminary Religion Notes
Nature of Religion and Beliefs
The Nature of Religion
Religion: A constituted set of beliefs, actions and account of some concept of a ultimate reality, a system of beliefs and practices that are relative to super human beings. The Supernatural Dimension * Religious thought and practice which emerges from unaided human reasons. * Makes known reference to divinities or divine revelations. * Something above and beyond what is natural - not able to be explained by known natural laws. * Exceeds the ordinary limits of human existence * Abnormal, miraculous
World Views
World view: the way in which a society sees the world
Immanent Dimensionu: * A world view that recognises a divine being or powers as a constant reality – an active and continuing presence among believers and in this world. * Emphasises the presence of God or gods within human existence, rather than above and beyond it. * “Inner” * EXAMPLE: Buddhism and Hinduism
Transcendent Dimension: * The belief in a divine being or powers whose existence ‘goes beyond’ human limitations. It is often contrasted with the world immanent. * Enables humans to surpass the limits of their creatural existence and earthly concerns to focus on heavenly or spiritual matters * “Out there” * EXAMPLE: Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Characteristics of Religion * Beliefs and Believers * Sacred texts and writings * Ethics * Rituals and ceremonies
Beliefs and Believers * Sustain all religions
About:
* Gods or spirits - forces beyond nature * The world - its origins and destiny * Life - the meaning and purpose of it all * Morality – how to out rightly * Ideas considered true and express the self-understanding of the tradition Sacred Texts and Writings * Hold stories and beliefs of the religion * Form of power, the primal power of religion * Concern * The act of creation of the world
Nature of Religion and Beliefs
The Nature of Religion
Religion: A constituted set of beliefs, actions and account of some concept of a ultimate reality, a system of beliefs and practices that are relative to super human beings. The Supernatural Dimension * Religious thought and practice which emerges from unaided human reasons. * Makes known reference to divinities or divine revelations. * Something above and beyond what is natural - not able to be explained by known natural laws. * Exceeds the ordinary limits of human existence * Abnormal, miraculous
World Views
World view: the way in which a society sees the world
Immanent Dimensionu: * A world view that recognises a divine being or powers as a constant reality – an active and continuing presence among believers and in this world. * Emphasises the presence of God or gods within human existence, rather than above and beyond it. * “Inner” * EXAMPLE: Buddhism and Hinduism
Transcendent Dimension: * The belief in a divine being or powers whose existence ‘goes beyond’ human limitations. It is often contrasted with the world immanent. * Enables humans to surpass the limits of their creatural existence and earthly concerns to focus on heavenly or spiritual matters * “Out there” * EXAMPLE: Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Characteristics of Religion * Beliefs and Believers * Sacred texts and writings * Ethics * Rituals and ceremonies
Beliefs and Believers * Sustain all religions
About:
* Gods or spirits - forces beyond nature * The world - its origins and destiny * Life - the meaning and purpose of it all * Morality – how to out rightly * Ideas considered true and express the self-understanding of the tradition Sacred Texts and Writings * Hold stories and beliefs of the religion * Form of power, the primal power of religion * Concern * The act of creation of the world