World Religions - Unit 1

Religion comes from the Latin word

Religare

What is the meaning of Religare

"to bind"

Why should we study world religons

to understand our own religion more

to be more open to others

so you are more knowledgeable about other religions

etc etc

What is one very important part of Nostra Aetate

" the catholic church rejects nothing that is true and holy"

Religious Literacy

The ablity to understand and use in ones day to day life the Basic building blocks of religious traditions - their symbols doctrines practices sayings characters and narratives

Americans are

both deeply religious and profoundly ignorant about religion

Implications of Religious Literacy for Understanding

Cultural

Liberal education as religion is a key component of cultural literacy

Implications of Religious Literacy for Understanding

Civic & political perspectives

To understand and participate in discussions and debates on abortion, gay marriage, stem cell research, capital punishment, euthanasia, birth control, welfare policy etc.

Implications of Religious Literacy for Understanding

Historical

Role of and fight for Jerusalem in the lives of Christians, Muslims and Jews

Civil War rhetoric of biblical teachings for and against slavery

Implications of Religious Literacy for Understanding

Science

Debates about abortion and stem cell research

care for creation domination or stewardship

Responses to Religious Diversity

Exclusiveism

Because religion deals with the ultimate truth there is only one true religion (mine)

Responses to Religious Diversity

Inclusivism

There is one true or best religion on that holds the fullness of religious truth and human salvation however there is something of this truth in other religions as well.

Other religions have some truth but ours have the best truth

Responses to Religious Diversity

Relativism

All perspectives are limited, even those that lay claim to absolute truth. There is no unlimited viewpoint for which a truth that is relevant for all times places and persons could ever be expressed

No religion can be absolutely true

Responses to Religious Diversity

Relativism - can take two directions

1

Because religions claim absolute truth and absolute truth cannot be known no religion is worthy of ones commitment

Responses to Religious Diversity

Relativism - can take two directions

2

In the absence of knowable absolute truth, it is simply up to individuals to pick the religion that feels right for them.

Responses to Religious Diversity

Pluralism

The different religions are simply different. At the same time, each is ultimately true and must be honored as such.

I honor the truth of my own religion, and I respect the truth of your religion for you.

Responses to Religious Diversity

Totalitarianism

A desire for only one's own group to dominate and others to suffocate.

Responses to Religious Diversity

Evangelism

These people go out to others and listen to them

Responses to Religious Diversity

Proselytization

exclueds others and simply talks at them

Evangelisms is

a proclamation of Jesus allowing people to have an encounter with christ

Proselytization

is proud and convinced that it has all the anweres