World Religions Quest 1

Nacirema

A term used in anthropology and sociology in relation to aspects of the behavior and society of citizens of the USA. Created to encourage not viewing other cultures and traditions as strange and foster empathy.

Religion

Religion attempts to describe and navigate invisible realms and live the spirit of that in the material world. Religion begins with mystery.

Horizontal Relationship

Religion binds us together in community with other people

Vertical Relationship

Religion binds us to something bigger than ourselves: our origins, the ultimate reality beyond our existence

Spirituality

Of or pertaining to the spirit or soul, as distinguished from the physical nature; in Hebrew spirit is RUAH (breath)

Theistic

A religion that includes a belief in a personal God or gods

Monotheism

The belief in only one god

Polytheism

The belief in many Gods

Nontheistic

Describes a belief system that doesn’t include a god or divine being

Transtheistic

Religion that allows belief for divine or semi-divine being without the belief in an essentialy relevant god

Mysticism

A category of religious experiences characterized by communing or uniting with the ultimate reality through inwards contemplation

Asian (Eastern - or Dharmic

Hinduism and Buddhism as one subgroup, and Confucianism and Taoism as a second subgroup

Abrahamic (Western)

Religions (also known as Semitic religions) include Judaism,Christianity and Islam

Anthropomorphize

Attribute human characteristics or behavior to (a god, animal, or object).

Religious Literacy

Skill set that allows you to understand and interpret different religions

7 Dimensions of Religion by Ninian Smart

Experimental, Mythic, Ritual, Doctrines, Ethical, Social, Material

Experiential

The concept that religion is experienced in some way, and that experiences are supernatural.

Ex: Experience that the prince Gautama had under bodhi tree where he became the Buddha.

Mythic

A story that gives an answer to life questions.

Ex: Creation myths from several religions.

Ritual

Formal worship practice, often based on the reenactment of a myth.

Ex: Muslim pilgramage to Mecca.

Doctrinal

Religious teachings, creeds, doctrines. Come from myths and are often recorded in scripture.

Ex: Apostle’s Creed and Doctrine of the Trinity.

Ethical

Rules about human behavior.

Ex: Ten Commandments.

Social

The belief system and attitudes practiced by a community.

Ex: Belonging to a parish.

Material

Physical items/structures/ art/books /icons/locations used in a religion and considered sacred.

Ex: Sacred texts, Mosques, Ganges River.

Comparative Model

Venn diagram

Empathy Model

Experiencing in someone else’s shoes not just through the one lens we experience.

Cultural Relativism

Idea that people should understand and accept the values, beliefs, and practices of other cultures without judging them based on our own cultural standards. All relative and based on perspective.