Religion Midterm theories

religion in nature

encounter with the natural world (to make sense of or control forces beyond human control)

-answers why do these things happen?

religion and divinity

human encounter with god(s), meeting of divinity and humankind (scriptures, rituals, ethics, faith)

ultimate concern

all others(things/questions) are inferior, questions science can not answer

-answers question like “why are we here” “what happens when we die”

the sacred

There is a power beyond this world (myths)

The Latin root means set apart, aka especially powerful, holy, pure

meaning

significance of meaning for human experience (what gives life meaning)

-sets projects and goals for humanity

-helps people through hard times in life

profound experience

individual relationship with the divine, lead into how religions start

-can bring an “oceanic feeling” (frightening but awe-inspiring)

-features of the human psyche and fundamental human drives

the social

binds community together, connects society at large

-asks the question: what about humans makes us need religion?

-Relate to economics and politics

• writings of Freud and Dirkheim

power

Rationalization for power imbalances, why some people have more power than others (royalty vs. commoners)

• structure for advancment or revolutionary change

science

religious experience is the product of human biology and psychology (neuroscience)

-how do religious theories mesh or clash with scientific theories or miracles

why is religion a “wide open field?”

study if religion is fairly new (hence wide or open) and can identify with other subfields

• one of the deepest and most remarkable forms of academic inquiry

the spectacle

religious traditions use art and grand performances to express what words cannot convey

-prayer beads/alters/icons hold deep emotional meaning

• advancement with technology brings new ways to experience religion (continues to evolve)