VCE Religion and Society Unit 3 AOS 1

aspects of religion

the features and characteristics that are present in all religions

beliefs

well-developed ideas about God, the meaning of life, the universe, and the relationship between them

sacred stories

stories that are repeated to younger generations that depict the beleifs of the religion to continue it onto further generations

texts

written books that record the essential parts of a religious tradition

rituals

a series of repeated actions or words in a set order that attempt to make the belief of a religion tangible

symbols

important images or emblems that publicly display or help to explain a religious tradition

spaces, places, times and artifacts

the significant locations, times and physical objects of a religion

space

an area for prayer and religious practises that is contained within a place or is temporary

place

a specific location set aside for religious practises

times

the religious events present in the calendar (normally a year of events) and can last from an evening to a period of time

artefacts

important physical objects that have a significance in a religious tradition

social structure

the way people are organised within a religion

ethics

what is considered morally right or wrong in a particular situation and can be split up into specific rules

spiritual experience

experiences that go beyond or transcend ordinary earthly experiences

foundational beliefs

beliefs which existed from the beginning of a religious tradition. they help to identify and define what a religious tradition is, are essential to a religion and are considered the core beliefs

fundamental beliefs

beliefs which other beliefs have been built upon. they shape the religion's world view and their removal would cause the collapse of the tradition

subsequent beliefs

beliefs that are formed later and are not essential to the tradition. they help to shape the character of a religious tradition and give it a unique place amongst other religions

distinct beliefs

beliefs that are unique to a religious tradition/denomination

truth narrative/metanarrative

an overarching story which gives meaning and purpose, providing a way of making sense of the world including its origins and end

unique religious identity

the set of beliefs a religious tradition has, which helps adherents to form a religious world view which they share in their religious community

religious truth

truth claims made by religious traditions that provide certainty to religious adherents by addressing their existential questions

ultimate reality

the cosmic force beyond human understanding which is recognised by religious adherents as the dynamic power which creates and controls the universe

system of beliefs

an interconnected set of beliefs in a religious tradition which define and provide an experience of ultimate reality

search for meaning

the personal and universal search for answers to common existential questions

existential questions

questions about life beyond everyday existence which relate to the wish to understand the deeper meaning of life