Belief Systems, Worldviews, Religion & Spirituality - Lecture Review

These question-and-answer flashcards cover definitions, distinctions, and key elements of belief systems, worldviews, religion, spirituality, theology, and philosophy of religion, along with major theological worldviews and practical examples of SBNR and RBNS individuals.

What is a belief system?

An ideology or set of principles that helps us interpret reality, often expressed through philosophy, political ideology, spirituality, or religion.

Which three key factors commonly shape or change an individual’s belief system?

Knowledge, upbringing, and peer pressure (and are reinforced by culture, religion, experience, training, and values).

How does a worldview differ from a belief system?

A worldview is a mental model or framework derived from the German term ‘weltanschauung’; it organizes ultimate beliefs about God, the cosmos, and humanity.

List any three of the ‘Big Questions of Life’ addressed by worldviews.

Examples: Ultimate reality, origin, identity, morals, destiny, etc. (Any three of the twelve big questions).

What basic comparison is used to explain worldview in the notes?

It is compared to eyeglasses—shaping and sometimes distorting how we see life and the world.

Define theism.

A worldview that holds a deity or deities exist, typically an infinite personal God who created and sustains the universe.

Give four classic attributes of God in theistic worldviews.

Omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal (also immortal, source of truth and destiny).

According to theism, what is humanity’s purpose?

To serve and worship God, as defined by God.

Why does theism link morality to faith and obedience?

Theism considers faith in and obedience to God a necessary component of true morality.

What is atheism?

Disbelief in, denial of, or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.

What does naturalism affirm about reality and knowledge?

Nature is the totality of reality and can only be comprehended through scientific investigation.

State the core claim of materialism.

Physical matter is the only ultimate reality.

Etymologically, what does the word ‘religion’ signify?

From Latin ‘re-ligare’, meaning ‘to bind back’, indicating pursuit of transformation guided by a sacred belief system.

Provide Webster’s concise definition of theology.

The science that treats of the existence, character, and attributes of God, His laws, doctrines, and human duties.

What is spirituality according to the notes?

A process aimed at recovering the original shape of humankind, oriented to the image of God; concerns the spirit and personal quest for meaning.

Give two key differences between religion and spirituality listed in the lecture.

Religion focuses on doctrines/outer expressions and may institutionalize faith, while spirituality focuses on the inner soul and personal experience (any two of the listed five differences).

How does theology differ from religion?

Theology is an academic, rational analysis of religious faith, whereas religion embodies practice, customs, and community worship.

What does the philosophy of religion study?

The philosophical examination of religious themes, principles, and presuppositions without presuming a deity’s existence.

Name one major distinction between philosophy of religion and religion itself.

Religion asserts faith and worship; philosophy of religion critically inspects religious issues through logical reasoning.

Identify two elements of religion discussed in the lecture.

Transcendent beliefs, sacred texts, rituals, sacred spaces, elevation of the whole self (any two).

What are transcendent beliefs?

Religious convictions that spiritual and supernatural beings exist, rejecting materialism as the sole reality.

Give three common examples of sacred spaces named in the notes.

Chapel/church, temple, synagogue, mosque (any three).

Define monism.

The metaphysical view that all reality is ultimately one unified substance or principle.

What distinguishes dualism from monism?

Dualism posits fundamental distinctions such as matter vs. spirit or body vs. soul, whereas monism asserts ultimate unity.

Explain polytheism.

Belief in or worship of multiple deities, often organized in a pantheon with their own rituals.

What is henotheism?

Veneration of one specific deity while acknowledging the existence of other gods.

Differentiate kathenotheism from henotheism.

Kathenotheism involves worshipping different gods at different times; henotheism centers on one primary deity.

State the basic definition of monotheism.

Belief that there is only one personal and transcendent God.

What doctrine describes God as one in three persons?

The Trinity—God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

List the three non-theistic worldviews highlighted alongside atheism.

Naturalism, materialism, and Darwinism.

Summarize Darwinism as presented in the notes.

Belief that all life originated through an intrinsically directionless series of processes, not through planned creation by God.

Name and briefly explain one element of spirituality.

Holistic view: body, spirit, and mind interconnect dynamically in the whole person (other valid answers: quest for meaning, quest for the sacred, self-reflective existence).

What is meant by ‘quest for meaning’ within spirituality?

A central pursuit to discover life’s purpose through relationships with self, others, and God.

Why is self-reflection essential to spirituality?

It fosters contemplation and meditation, enabling individuals to search for deeper meaning in life.

Describe a ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNR) individual.

Someone who values personal spiritual experience over institutional religion, with little interest in formal rituals or doctrines.

Give one behavioral characteristic of an SBNR person from the examples.

Practices daily meditation and feels connected to something greater without attending church (Emma’s example).

Define a ‘Religious but Not Spiritual’ (RBNS) individual.

One who follows rituals and rules and performs good works but lacks genuine inner spiritual devotion and self-offering.

Which biblical figure was used as an example of RBNS behavior?

Cain (others mentioned: Balaam, Korah).

Provide one practical instance illustrating RBNS tendencies.

Participating in rituals without reflecting on their deeper meaning (or strictly following rules for requirement’s sake).

Complete the prompt: In theology, rational analysis is central, whereas in religion, is central.

Faith, practice, and community worship (any phrasing indicating experiential practice rather than rational analysis).

What overarching definition of belief system, religion, and spirituality does the lecture give in its inferences section?

Belief system/worldview: ordering realities; Religion: transformation via a sacred system; Spirituality: integrative quest for ultimate meaning.