Nature of Religion

Beliefs + Examples?

Acceptance of something that exists, or the attitudes towards supernatural or spiritual facets of a religion. Christianity's beliefs include the Holy Trinity and the Death, Resurrection & Ascension of Christ.

Believers + Examples

Adherents of the particular religion who follow these beliefs (eg, Christians, Hindus).

Sacred Texts + Examples?

All religions have a body of oral or written text that provides the foundation for their beliefs, ethics, and rituals. Christianity's sacred text (the Bible) communicates God's will and teachings to his people on Earth, while Judaism's Tanakh speaks of the relationship between the Jewish people and God.

Significance of Sacred Texts

Maintain the integrity of the principal beliefs of the religion.

Ethics + Examples

A set of moral principles that dictate the lives of adherents, providing a guide as to right and wrong. Christianity's ethics include the 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes.

Significance of Ethics

Provides direction and clarification to adherents who apply them.

Rituals & Ceremonies + Examples

A set of actions or gestures, performed in a given order that reflects beliefs, texts or events recorded in a religion's sacred texts. Judaism's rituals & ceremonies include Shabbat (weekly meal starting on rest day) & prayer, while Hinduism encompasses puja and meditation.

Significance of Rituals & Ceremonies

Linked to superhuman beings or events.

Dynamic Living Religion + Examples

Religions that stimulate change and constantly refresh themselves in order to remain immersed in society. For example, believers read sacred texts to formulate their own interpretation of the religion. The sacred texts also inform ethical teachings and rituals which believers use to express their faith.

Significance of Dynamic Living Religion

In order for a religion to maintain relevant and sustain iteself, it must constantly refresh these four characteristics that comprise the religion itself to societal contexts.

How are these characteristics intertwined?

Beliefs shape rituals & ethics, sacred texts communicate beliefs & ethics, Rituals reinforce beliefs, ethics guide behaviour within community, spiritual experiences strengthen personal faith & connection.