religion

Define religion

set of beliefs and practices, usually involving acknowledgment of a divine or higher being or power

3 difficulties in defining religion

.There is a range of understandings

. religion can be overly personal

. religion can be overly complex

Role of religion in a person's life

sense of purpose, moral guidance and community

beliefs

specific ideas that people hold to be true (Believing in a god is the most important part of some religions or for example in Christianity believing in the holy spirit)

sacred stories

narratives embedded in religious experience of a community (the birth of Jesus)

Spaces, Places, Times and Artefacts

have sacred meaning and purpose within the religious the community. (churches, mecca, the cross, star of David)

texts

•Oral and written literature in which the essentials of the religion are recorded. (Quran, bible, hadith)

Rituals

Formal, ceremonial behaviours with a specific purpose and significance.

(. Kneeling is a part of Muslim prayer

. Christians begin prayer with the sign of the cross.)

Symbols

anything that carries a particular meaning recognized by people who share a culture (The cross symbolizes Jesus Christ's crucifixion as well as the faith, Passion, and death of Christians)

Social structures

•The structure of a religion shows how people within the religion interact with each other. (The structure or hierarchy of the religion)

Ethics

the principles of right and wrong that guide an individual in making decisions (“love thy neighbour,” which emphasizes compassion, respect, and fairness in daily life.)

Spiritual Experiences

A personal encounter with the divine or sacred, most often through prayer, meditation or reflection. (encounter with God)

monotheism

The belief in the existence of only one deity or God.

polytheism

the belief in more than one God