Worldview
A framework that shapes the way we perceive and understand the world
Supernatural dimension
The belief in the existence of powers beyond the natural world that are beyond human understanding
Monotheistic faiths
One supernatural divine being
Transcendent
Polytheistic faiths
Many divine beings
Transcendent or immanent
The transcendent dimension
The divine is above or superior to the world and is at a distance from people
Christianity
The immanent dimension
The divine presence is in the world through participation and intervention
All religions become immanent when you pray
Buddhism, hinduism
Intervention
The closeness of divine being to people, with concern for their welfare
Major Characteristics of Religion
Beliefs, sacred texts, rituals and ceremonies and ethics
Beliefs
The key tenets, doctrines which underpin the religious practice for believers
Sacred texts
Where the important beliefs of religion are found
Usually in oral circulation before written down
Sacred stories which explains how people are connected to the supernatural
Rituals and ceremonies
The practical and experiential expressions of a religion
Involve prescribed words and symbols to get a greater understanding of the supernatural
Ethics
The reasoning behind decision making
How beliefs are applied
Rituals vs Ceremonies
Rituals = explicit engagement according to sacred text
Ceremonies = more low key and inspired by religion
Public rituals
Formal and organised event
Experienced by the whole religious community
e.g a Bar Mitzvah- the Jewish community coming together to celebrate coming of age
Private rituals
Rituals for the individual or a small group
e.g Shabbat- the weekly day of rest mandated by God marked by family dinner on a Friday night
Contribution of religion to individuals
Give guidance and purpose in life through wisdom, contributing to a sense of self, understanding and belonging
Contribution of religion to society and culture
Religion changes culture to sustain a society and can encourage social cohesion
Social cohesion comes from a mutual understanding of the meaning of existence
Dynamic and living religion
A practical religion immersed in in human existence
It is important to the lives of adherents and evident in society and culture
How characteristics of religion interact
When BSRE interact it nurtures a living religion
How Christianity is a living religion
Belief- Jesus is the son of God = lives through Jesus’s actions
Sacred Texts- The Bible= gives guidance for followers on ethics
Rituals- Baptism= getting baptised
Ethics- Everyone is made in God’s image= pro-life stance on abortion