Experiencing god through sacred texts (and some extra) - RE - Experiencing God

What is the purpose of sacred texts?

• Sacred texts record the history of humanity’s encounter with God.

• Sacred texts express the voice and command of God.

• They offer humans moral guidance and support

• Sacred texts reveal the existence and nature of God

• Sacred texts are central to a believer’s faith

What is a religious experience?

• A religious experience is an encounter with the divine

• It is a personal experience which is interpreted within a religious framework.

• Religious experiences can be individual or group experiences

• Specific examples can take a number of forms including conversions, visions, miracles and mystical experiences

• Specific examples of historical and or religious experiences may be cited

Name the three main ways believers can experience God according to the text

1. Sacred texts 2. Religious leaders 3. Worship

How do sacred texts help believers experience God

Sacred texts are seen as God's word. By reading the text, believers can know about God and understand God better.

What is worship and how does it help believers experience God

Worship is an act of respect and devotion to God. It is a way of honoring God and showing that he is important. Through worship, believers feel they can come to know or experience something of God.

Name four different forms of worship mentioned in this booklet

Prayer, singing, fasting, and meditating

How do religious experiences vary according to the text

They vary from private and personal moments to events with thousands of people.

What do believers typically say about their religious experiences

They usually say it has led them to a deeper knowledge and awareness of God.

How do religious leaders help believers experience God

Religious leaders are good examples of how to live for God. By considering their lives, people can know and experience something of God.

What are the initial ways in which humans might claim to have experienced God

Through feeling that they have personally seen, felt, or heard God communicating with them in some way.

How do Muslims believe the Qur'an was revealed

Muslims believe it is the final word of God revealed to prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (known as Gabriel in Christianity).

Over what period was the Qur'an revealed to Muhammad

It was revealed over a period of 23 years, beginning with the Night of Power.

Who wrote down the revealed teachings

The Prophet Muhammad's close friends and followers wrote down the teachings.

What ritual must Muslims perform before reading the Qur'an

Muslims perform wudu, a ritual washing of the face, hands and feet, and keep it wrapped in cloth when not in use.

How do Muslims use the Qur'an during Ramadan

Many Muslims try to read the Qur'an from start to finish. Someone who can recite the Qur'an from start to finish is called a 'Hafiz'.

How many names for God are contained in the Qur'an

It contains 99 names for God including The Merciful, The Ruler, The Judge, The Perfect, The Light.

What practical guidance does the Qur'an provide to Muslims

It tells them what they are not allowed to eat (e.g. pork), how to prepare for prayer, the right attitude to alcohol and gambling (as an abomination), and how to treat elderly parents.

Why do most Muslim children learn Arabic

So they can read the Qur'an, as some believe key words and concepts can only be fully understood in the original Arabic.

What is tafsir

The detailed explanations of verses and words of the Qur'an by Muslim scholars, aiming to help believers understand the true meaning of the Qur'an.

How is the Qur'an viewed by Muslims in terms of respect

It is a highly respected book and the Word of God, which must be treated with great care and reverence.

How often do Muslims use the Qur'an in formal prayers (Salah)

Muslims use the Qur'an five times a day during formal prayers.

What is the purpose of sacred texts in Christianity? (3 points)

Most important points

• Revealing the inspired/literal word of god

• The bible as a record of God’s interaction in human history

• Providing eternal truths and moral guidance for all peoples - (10 commandments & sermon on the mount) ← Jesus

Other Points

• The Bible as a Special Revelation

• Written by multiple writers over several hundred years

• May be translated and interpreted literally or figuratively

• Obedience to Divine commands as revealed in the Bible an essential feature of Christian belief

"Sacred texts cannot help people to know God." Do you agree With this statement? (3 points & choose one side)

Disagree:

• There is no evidence that sacred texts come from God so they are open to doubt and many interpretations.

• Different religions have different sacred texts so it is difficult to decide.

• God is so far beyond human understanding that human words can only interfere with what people want to say about God.

• All sacred texts are open to more than one interpretation and can confuse people about the true nature of God.

• If there is no God, nothing can help people know God.

Agree:

• Sacred texts can help people know God as they have been revealed by God, e.g. Muslims believe the Qur'an was revealed by God to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.

• Sacred texts are the Word of God and people reading them can be inspired or guided by the sacred text.

• God's message is truth and cannot deceive believers.

Explain how sacred texts can help people experience God. (3 points)

• Sacred texts allow people to learn about the nature of God, e.g. God is an all powerful creator. Sacred texts also allow people to learn about.

• God's characteristics, e.g. the parable of the forgiving father.

• Sacred texts express the voice and commands of God and therefore they can offer humans moral guidance and support from God, e.g. the commandments.

• Sacred texts are often used in prayer and worship, e.g. Muslims read the Qur'an during worship.

• Sacred texts such as the Bible record the history of God's relationship with humanity.

"Strict obedience to religious texts can lead to conflict." Do you agree With this statement? Give reasons for your answer. (3 points & one side)

Agree

• Strict obedience to sacred texts may lead to conflict due to differences between sacred texts.

• Individuals and groups many misuse selected texts to justify hatred, sectarianism and violence.

• Many feel rules must be tempered with mercy, forgiveness and compassion.

Disagree

• Theists would disagree with this statement.

• Many sacred texts promote tolerance, forgiveness and build social harmony.

• Extremism is not exclusive to believers or sacred texts.

Explain the benefits of religious experiences. (3 points)

• Religious experiences are a form of Divine revelation, they reveal important spiritual truths.

• Religious experiences encourage the individual to have a relationship with the Divine.

• Such experiences may lead the individual to a radical change of lifestyle as a result of this experience.

• Religious experiences reveal God's nature and character as a personal God.

• Sacred texts record key religious experiences that the believer should study and learn from.

• For atheism all such experiences are erroneous or delusional.

Describe how sacred texts are used in a religious tradition of your choice. (3 points)

Main points

• Sacred texts are read and reflected upon in all religious traditions - Minister/priest uses a bible passage to talk about each week to maike the bible relevant to the congregation.

• Holy texts provide guidance on moral issues

• Specific examples of key content may be named

  • E.g: OT= 10 commandments

    NT= Love neighbour don’t be angry - Jesus teaching in the sermon on the mount

• Help christians in their personal time with God. Christians read the Bible & connect & listen for guidance as they read.

Extra points

• Holy texts such as the Bible, Torah and Qur’an record humanity’s interaction with God.

• Sacred texts are used in worship and liturgies

• Religious traditions show great respect for texts s they are a form of special revelation/reveal God.

• Sacred texts record religious history and the foundations of faith.

“It is always better to read sacred texts In their original Ianguage." Do you agree or disagree? (6 or 7 points from both sides)

Agree

• Not translating the text means that there is less chance of error or mistranslation

• Some faiths believe sacred texts should not be translated e.g. Islam, Judaism.

• It is a sign of commitment to learn to read the text In its original form.

• The texts are sacred and should not be changed in any form.

• The language is the literal word of God/AlIah.

• It Demonstrated that the message within is unchanging and is to be respected.

Disagree

• Translating the text means it is less accessible to readers.

• Followers read multiple different languages and it should be offered in these languages.

• Not all view sacred texts literally, they can be made more relevant to modern readers.

• Translating the text may promote the idea that all cultures are equal.

• The Bible for example is the most translated book of all time

Ancient religious writings no longer have relevance for today's world.' Do you agree with this statement. (3 points)

Relevant

• The text is the word of God E.g. Bible = God’s inspired.

• Tells us how to live moral life (Bible 10C’s & Sermon on Mount) deals w/ issues - murder divorce, stealing, lies, hot to treat your neighbor

Not relevant

• No longer relevant to non-religious people e.g. food law

• Harvest/farming lots of examples in parables are about farming. Bioethics - IVF, surrogacy

Describe the origins of one sacred text. (3 points)

(The Bible)

• The Bible is a special revelation through it God communicates with humanity.

• The Bible consists of multiple books written by numerous authors over an extended period of time

• The Bible is composed of two sections the Old and New Testament (covenants)

Do you think the best way to experience God is through following good role models? (3 points)

Yes

• Role models put religious truths into action

• Even those who do not attend church or read sacred texts can still learn from good role models

• Candidates may refer to a specific role model

No

• We might not agree on what makes a good role model. - behaves ethically + demonstrates honesty

• Sometimes religious leaders are challenged as being poor role models

• Other aspects of faith are more important than following role models. (Bible Qur’an)(Church - fellowship Mosque)

• Scandals