World Religions MidTerm

What is a Shaman

“Capacitor”. A shaman serves as a direct mediator for spiritual power. They invite spiritual beings or impersonal power into

themselves (possession).

What is a Healer

“Electrical wires”. Seek to direct spiritual power in the desired direction. Healers use a variety of methods like herbalism, magic rituals, chants, and fetish objects.

What is an Oracle

“Diagnostic meter”. Oracles are similar to shaman but not the same. They are diviners between humans and the spirit world. They diagnose the problem and prescribe the proper spiritual solution. People go to oracles before important life events or any time they are dealing with difficult problems.

List the three categories of alternative spiritual movements

Neopaganism

New Age Spirituality

New Religious Movements

Describe New Age Spirituality

Tends to be very individualistic. A very diverse and decentralized network of beliefs and practices. Includes a wide array of spiritual practices for example: crystals, astrology, channeling, etc. No official leaders but gurus, celebrities, and influencers

Describe New Religious Movements

Groups that have emerged within the last 150-200 years. They have clear boundaries between insiders and outsiders. They are usually organized around a charismatic central figure.

Describe Neopaganism

A blanket term used to describe many different movements. It tends to be backwards looking to pre-Christian beliefs. They tends to be fluid and flexible in their organization. Religious practice and rituals over belief.

List five fundamental laws of African Traditional Worldview

The Law of Harmony

The Law of the Spirit

The Law of Power

The Law of Kinship

The Law of Destiny

Describe how one of the fundamental laws manifest in the daily lives of adherents

What is the foundational belief of Baha’i

Oneness of Humanity

How does the foundational belief of Baha’i influence another Baha’i doctrine

The doctrine of “elimination of prejudices of all kinds” is influenced by the oneness of humanity because it does not allow any type of racial, political, or religious prejudice.

What are the five pillars of Islam

Confession

Prayer

Fasting

Almsgiving

Pilgrimage to Mecca

Explain how “confession” is practiced

Make this confession with sincerity: “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” then you are a muslim

Explain how “prayer” is practiced

Muslims are called to prayer by an official caller. They are to pray five times a day facing Mecca

Explain how “fasting” is practiced

During the month of Ramadan Muslims are required to fast during daylight hours. They can only eat and drink before sunrise and after sunset. During this time many Muslims commit to memorizing part of the Qur’an

Explain how “almsgiving” is practiced

All Muslims are commanded to practice regular charity. This is supposed to be voluntary but in some contexts it is forced.

Explain how “pilgrimage to Mecca” is practiced

If possible all Muslims should make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives. They go through a ritual cleaning before entering Mecca. ADD MORE

What is original monotheism

The idea that religion began with God himself, who revealed himself to human beings. Consequently, all other religions are deviations from this original starting point

What is my research topic

The role of women in religion (Native American)

Describe one example of original monotheism from the religions we have studied so far

One example is ATR. A common theme between most is a belief a a Creator god or Supreme god. Many have a creation story along with a pre-creation

explain one of the alternative views about the origin of religions

Durkheim explained religion based upon the concept of “the sacred”. Religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden.”The sacred was set apart, superior, powerful, forbidden to normal contact, deserving of great respect. The profane was ordinary, uneventful, practical routine of everyday life.