Nature of Religion and Beliefs

Supernatural Dimension

Belief in the existence of beings or powers beyond the natural world and human understanding

Transcendent Dimension

Beyond the human realm / separate and outside of the human and revealed to humankind through an intermediary

Transcendent Worldview

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam emphasise the idea of God being revealed to humankind from beyond the human spirit. This is an example of a _________ ___________

Immanent Dimension

Refers to the Divine presence in the world through participation and intervention in human history / the divine power is believed to be found within the human and awaits discovery through following the prescribed path

Immanent Worldview

Hinduism and Buddhism place an emphasis is on the finding of truth from within the human spirit. This is an example of _________ ___________

Beliefs and Believers

The key tenets, doctrines, or values, which underpin the religious practice of a particular religion for the believers 

Sacred Texts and Writings

The most important beliefs of a religion are contained in here. Usually these beliefs were in oral circulation before they were written down in these. They contain sacred stories, which explain through historical or non-historical means, how people are connected to this **supernatural dimension**

Ethics

The reasoning behind moral decision-making. These are laws that embody the key doctrinal tenets of a religion and allow for the practical application of that religion. In other words, they offer a system of standards which regulate moral decision making 

Rituals and Ceremonies

Practical expressions of aspects of a religion. They involve prescribed words and actions along with the use of symbols. Together these reflect an understanding of the **sacred dimension**. They help to lead to a greater understanding of the ultimate reality 

Religion’s contribution to individuals.

* Personal search of meaning
* Ethical guidance
* Sense of belonging
* Ritual meaning

Personal Search for Meaning

The human search for answers and understanding to the great questions of life, including origin, purpose, and destiny (Where do we come from?, why are we here?, what happens when we die?, respectively)

Ethical Guidance

People’s need to seek out guidance in moral decision-making. This enables individuals to act in a morally correct manner.

Sense of Belonging

One of the strongest desires in human existence, to feel a sense of community. Religions provide this by providing the opportunity for people to express values in a supportive environment

Ritual Meaning

An action or event marking an important stage of human experience (Birth, coming of age, graduation, marriage, etc.) that religions ritualise in traditions that people place great importance on.

Religion’s contribution to society

* Cultural context
* Conservative influence on society regarding sexual morality and bioethics
* Human dignity and proactiveness (E.g advocacy of refugee and Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and opposition to violence)

The Dreaming

A term used to describe the central concept which underpins all beliefs and practices in Aboriginal communities. It represents all knowledge and understanding in Aboriginal societies, determining relationships and responsibilities for Aboriginal people. **It incorporates the past, present, and future reality as a complete and present reality.**

What does the Dreaming include?

* Explanations of the origins of the universe (How the world came into being through actions of ancestral spirit beings)
* The creation of the physical world, animals, and plants

Relationship between the Dreaming and the Land

The Dreaming and the land are **inextricably** linked, as the land is the physical medium through which the Dreaming is lived and communicated

Sacred Sites

Particular sites with a special significance for particular Aboriginal groups because of their connection with different events in the Dreaming. These sites have sacred significance and carry ritual responsibilities for the Aboriginal community.

The telling and learning of Dreaming stories

This is a lifelong process revealed through many aspects of Aboriginal societies such as kinship, song, dance, art ritual, and story.

Totemism

The belief that an animal or feature of the natural world is the embodiment of the individual

Kinship

The most important means of organising and regulating social and spiritual relationships.

Order of Kinship

1. Tribe or nation
2. Totemic groups
3. Clans
4. Moieties

What connects Aboriginal people to the Dreaming?

Sacred objects, songs, music and dance.