Nature of Religion

What is Religion? (NESA)

Religion is “an integral part of human experience… a distinctive answer to the human need for meaning in life… generally characterised by a worldview that recognises a supernatural dimension - belief in divinity or powers beyond the human and/or dwelling within the human”

Worldview/Cosmology Definition

A system of answers to the questions of human existence that is shared by a significant number of people. it is a view or understanding of life itself.

Atheism

Believes that there is no God

Agnosticism

has no belief in either or non-existence of a God/spiritual dimension (a gnosis = without knowledge). This cannot be known.

Dualistic

describes two distinct ideas or powers, e.g. good and evil, body and soul; apartness or being apart or separated; not united

Existential

that which exists or has existence

Immanence

Divine presence in the world through participation and intervention in human history

Incarnation

God taking human nature in Jesus of Nazareth, in order to save humankind

Incorporeal

God is a spirit and as such has no physical body

Nirvana

Buddhist state of ultimate happiness and a worthy goal

Omnipotent

God is supreme and all-powerful

Omnipresent

God is a spirit and as such is present everywhere all the time

Omniscient

God is all-knowing

Reincarnation

belief that, upon physical death, the soul is reborn into another body thus proceeding through a number of lives

Semitic

belonging to the language groups including Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic and Amharic; Middle Eastern

Supernatural

in anthropology this term refers to a different elevated order of existence

Transcendence

Divine as above or superior to the world, the highest Being and the ultimate cause in the universe

Natural dimension

The religious thought and practice that emerges from unaided human reason. It is ‘natural’ as it makes no reference to divinities or to divine revelation from a god or gods. questions asked from human brain

supernatural dimension

The term "above nature" describes forces or beings beyond the natural world, often related to gods or miraculous events. It implies divine revelation or faith that exceeds human nature's power and cannot be explained by natural laws.

Religion as a supernatural dimension.

All world religions have belief in teh supernatural world - a divine being or power, is greater than humankind and the natural world Responsible for creation of the world - providing a moral framework - being ultimate destiny of a human person at end of mortal life.

Semitic religions response to supernatural dimension

(Judaism, Christianity, Islam) - believe the dimension is a single divine being or power, known as monotheism

Two Eastern religions response to supernatural dimension

(Hinduism, Buddhism) derive from understanding of a number of divine beings or powers. Known as polytheism

Transcendent dimension

Belief in divine power and/or powers beyond the human.

Immanent dimension

Belief that supernatural power/s or divine being/s dwell within the human

Transcendent religious worldview

The three semitic religions, emphasise the idea of God existing outside of nature and is revealed to human kind from beyond human spirit. e.g. Muslims believe Allah has been revealed to Prophet Mohammed and is containing in writings of teh Qua’ran

Immanent religious worldview

Two eastern religions, emphasis is on finding of truth from within the human spirit. e.g. buddhist follow the eightfold path prescribed by the buddha in order to reach enlightenment

Religions have both immanent and transcendent dimensions

Religions can believe that supernatural power/s or divine being/s can exist beyond the human as well as within teh human e.g. christianity.

Ethics in Religion

These guide a believer in decision making; distinguishing between right and wrong. e.g. ten commandments

Sacred texts in religion

contains the will of a divine being. often reveals the nature of the divine being. may contain moral and religious laws. e.g. bible, Qu’ran and torah

Beliefs in religion

core structure which forms the basis of teh religion. often based on faith. provides information on divine being/s or power/s e.g. that jesus is son of god, god created universe

rituals in religion

these allow individuals to observe and celebrate specific beliefes. they also create a sense of identity and community for a religion. e.g. Baptism (christianity)

Dynamic living religion

one that can revitalize its beliefs and believers, sacred texts, and writings, ethics, rituals and ceremonies. this nurtures a religion to be active in the lives of its adherents and in society. religion that is lived.