Results for "polytheism"

FINALS Lesson 1: An Embodied Spirit Coexisting with the Environment Human Being’s Understanding of Himself/Herself Human being is the source of many questions about the existence of the world and everything that exists in it. When he/she is confronted with the question “Who Am I,” which directly unveils his/her existence, he/she is pushed to the limit of existence. Jose Rizal believes that because a human being is endowed with reason, he/she wonders and questions about everything including his/her existence. Who Am I? According to Rizal and Kant Human being is endowed with reason He is self autonomous with self regulating will According to Karl Jaspers Human being is more than what he/she knows about himself/herself (Perennial Scope of Philosophy) According to Kant, human individuals… determine themselves through their interaction with their environment. they act autonomously, they make choices, including moral choices, with the aid of their reason. They have a strict duty to make these choices in accordance with moral law. Karl Jaspers Believes that human, the being of human is lost in a context of total determination. Thus what seems to be an obvious and ordinary question “Who am I” leads him/her into the depth of his/her being. This task summons him/her to leave the ordinariness of given time and context of his/her existence. Human beings Encounter with Existential Limit Situation Limit Situations German: Grenzsituation Any of certain situations in which a human being is said to have differing experiences from those arising from ordinary situations. Boundary Situations are inescapable and inevitable breaks of ordinary patterns of human existence, such as death, sufferings, conflict, tragedy, sickness, failures, communication, struggles and guilt. These boundary situations break the conventional pattern or ordinaryness of life. According to Jaspers, boundary situations lead.. to a deeper consciousness and experience of her limitations and fortitude. humans to a deeper level of reflection of her own self being. Sickness and Pain are opportunities to know more about yourself as human beings. Lesson 2: Various Ways in Dealing with the Question “Who Am I? In the Course of History Duality of Body and Soul Our body is separate and distinct from the soul Soul is immaterial Body shows corporeality (existing as physical body) We have soul or spirit (Lorenz 2009) Soul or the spirit is philosophically discussed as mind. For dualists, mind (mental) is not to be mistaken as brain (physical) since the mental is a unique phenomenon that cannot be reduced to a non mental or physical. Dualism a philosophical theory based on the idea of opposing concepts, human beings are made up of two independent constituents, the body and the mind or soul. Plato believes in the dualism of body and soul Human soul exist prior to the body and even if after the body is gone Doctrine is connected to theory of forms, material is separate from spiritual realm of forms or essences (world of ideas) Physical world is made up of appearances (destructible, illusionary and unreliable) or copies of what is real. Knowledge is to be found in the realm of ideas or essences which are eternal and true. The soul that humans possess pre-existed in the world of forms or ideas. Soul is immortal, learning is mere remembering or recollecting what the soul once knew when it was in the realm of forms. Rene Descartes Also recognized dualism He exists because doubt requires a doubter Him doubting is proof that he exists. He that exists is clearly a thing that thinks. He acknowledge that he is a body that is bound by some figure that can be located in some place and occupy space. Has the power to move, feel and think - this is attributed to body and soul. Unity of Body and Soul Thomas Aquinas Did not believe dualism Body and soul are not two separate entities, that interact with each other but are one being made up of matter and form Matter (body) and form (soul) cannot remain a being if matter and form are not united. A being ceases to exist in death, because the matter and form that make up that being is no longer complete. Whole is the sum of its parts, remove one part it is no longer whole. Aristotle Man is the whole of his body and soul. They are one like the oneness of the ugly and his figure. The relation of the body to the soul is the relation of matter to form. The body and soul are only two aspects of the whole man. Are the Spirit and Soul the same? Your soul speaks of your inner-life in relation to your own experience: your mind, heart, will, and imagination. It also includes your thoughts, desires, passions, and dreams. But your spirit speaks of the same inner-life in relation to God: your faith, hope, love, character, and perseverance. BODY, SOUL and SPIRIT according to Christian Perspective Body (Soma) – The Outermost Man 5 physical senses: smell, taste, touch, hear, see physical needs & desires: food, water, activity, shelter, clothing, oxygen, sleep, temperature regulation (FoWaSh TeReSOCA) Soul (Psyche) – The Outer Man SELF - identity, personality, character EMOTIONS - feelings & passions EVIL - dwelling place of sinful nature & evil spirits CONSCIENCE - know right from wrong INTELLECT - mind & thoughts WILL - your own will & desires (Seeciw) Spirit (Pneuma) – The Inner Man Spiritual Discernment Peace Revelation True Ministry Communicate with God Home of the Holy Spirit (Speret Coho) Human Consciousness and Existence John Locke advanced the theory of tabula rasa (blank slate or page) thoughts are conscious (we reflect and introspect) our consciousness is the criterion (standard) for personal identity as a thinking being ourselves consists of thoughts and sensation (physical feeling) of which we are conscious (awareness). Rene Descartes ( I ) self is a thinking thing. But what then am I? A thing which thinks. What is a thing which thinks? It is a thing which doubts, understands, affirms, denies, wills, refuses, which also imagines and feels. -said in Meditations on First Philosophy He exists and continues to exist as long as he is a “thing that thinks”. This consciousness that allows us to know that we exist composes our soul, which is a substance for Descartes, self-identity depends on consciousness. Immanuel Kant The self is a rational agent who can know their own thoughts and attitudes, and be responsible for them. Intentionality of consciousness (Phenomenologists) Feelings are being awakened by consciousness (Existentialists) To a phenomenologists, Man as an embodied subjectivity that gives meaning , with his body making incarnate or alive the meaning he gives (Dy 2001) Consciousness is thought that is always directed towards an object. Existentialists on the other hand confront the possibility. I might have been someone else or might have not existed (Tallis 2004). Our mind presents phenomena that are distinct from those experienced by the body. The Faculty of Reason Human beings have a mental faculty or capacity that enables them to think, reason, understand, compare, analyze, associate ideas. Human Being a Limited Being “The soul is the essence of the self” According to Aristotle the three kinds of soul: vegetative, sentient, and rational. Vegetative Soul includes the physical body that can grow. Sentient Soul includes sensual desires, feelings, and emotions. Rational Soul is what makes man human. It includes the intellect that allows man to know and understand things. Thus, Aristotle suggests that the rational nature of the self is to lead a good, flourishing, and fulfilling life (self-actualization). The pursuit of happiness is a search for a good life that includes doing victorious actions. In saying this, he posits (postulates) that part of the rational soul is characterized by moral virtues such as justice and courage. St. Augustine of Hippo a saint of the Catholic Church, and his authority in theological matters was universally accepted in the Latin Middle Ages and remained, in the Western Christian tradition, uncontested till the 19th century. The impact of his views on sin, grace, freedom and sexuality on Western culture can hardly be overrated. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2019) He ultimately viewed the body as the "spouse" of the soul, both attached to one another by a "natural appetite." He believes that the body is united with the soul, so that man may be entire and complete. As a religious philosopher, he contemplates on the nature of man with emphasis on the soul as an important element of man. He believes that the soul is what governs and defines a man. Augustine espouses the significance of reflection and the importance of prayers and confessions to arrive at a justification for the existence of God. For him, "knowledge can only come by seeing the truth that dwells within us." Descartes asserts that the "thinking self" and "physical body" are distinct, they are complete opposites. He says that the mind houses our understanding, intellect, and passion. While our body is just a shape with different sizes that showcase motion. "I think, therefore I am". "I think therefore I am." Cogito ergo sum This phrase was first seen in his literary work “Discourse on Method”. For him, the act of thinking about the self (or being self conscious) is in itself proof that there is a self . John Locke bases his argument on his conception that human minds are blank slates or—tabula rasas—at birth. So, to develop a sense of ‘self’, we must experience and create memories. From there, after having gathered these experiences, we are able to mold and shape the self because we slowly become conscious of our abilities to think, reason, and introspect; we have developed a sense of ‘self’. If one remains unconscious, they are unable to construct themselves. Therefore, the ability to be conscious of oneself constitutes one of having a self. "The self is consciousness." David Hume a Scottish philosopher Hume says that in the content of one's experience, there will be two distinct entities ; impressions and ideas . Hume talks about how the self is just an illusion. "There is no self." Karl Jasper We see man’s body in its comparable expression. It belongs to man himself, has its own unique specificity, its nobility and beauty. The Relation of I and the Body The capacity of the human being to think or feel is the very basis of consciousness of the “I” of its existential existence; that tangibly exists as a thinking substance My body- main basis for reflection and self consciousness Loss of consciousness and arousal are frequent after severe brain injuries. Usually, patients recover from this transient state of coma to a normal state of consciousness even though they can suffer from various cognitive deficits. Paul Churchland Self is inseparable from the brain The brain is all that a person has, therefore if it is lost, the person is no longer there. A person's concept of self is given by their actual brain, not their fictional mind. Since the mind cannot be perceived by the senses, it does not actually exist. "The self is the brain." 10 Signs of People with Dementia Memory loss Difficulty performing familiar tasks Problems with language Disorientation to time and place Poor or decreased judgment Problems keeping track of things Misplacing things Changes in mood and behavior Challenges understanding visual and spatial information Withdrawal from work or social activities Bertrand Russel The British philosopher described them—each in his own case. Each person seems to have direct, immediate knowledge of his own conscious sensations and of the contents of his propositional attitudes—what he consciously thinks, believes, desires, hopes, fears, and so on. Immanuel Kant Our minds actively sort, organize, relate, and synthesize the fragmented, fluctuating collection of sense data that our sense organs take in. The unity of consciousness is a phrase invented by Kant to describe the fact that the thoughts and perceptions of any given mind are bound together in a unity by being all contained in one consciousness—my consciousness. "We construct the self." Kant disagrees with the notion that the self is formed or developed through experiences. He doesn’t believe that experiences and the self must co-exist for there to be a self. ➢ The self already pre-exists before we experience anything. It is the one that processes our experiences and synthesizes them into something familiar, orderly, and meaningful. "We construct the self." Sigmund Freud Austrian psychotherapist (he is not a philosopher) according to Freud, the self has three layers to the self: the conscious, unconscious, and preconscious. The Unconscious Mind Conscious – The small amount of mental activity we know about. Thoughts Perceptions Preconscious – Things we could be aware of if we wanted or tried Memories Stored Knowledge Unconscious – Things we are unaware of and can not become aware of Fears Unacceptable Desires Violent Motives Irrational Wishes Immoral Urges Selfish Needs Shameful Experiences Traumatic Experiences Gilbert Ryle According to British philosopher ,the self is best defined as a pattern of behavior, or as a person's tendency or disposition to behave in a particular way under specific conditions. Ryle’s concept of the human self thus provides the philosophical principle, “I act therefore I am.” There are complex and personal connections between the body and mind that are inherent (inborn). He says that behavior reveals the full range of human dispositions, which make up the mind. However, Ryle is certain that the complete system of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that comprise the human self is expressed by the mind. Maurice Merleau-Ponty All self-knowledge is derived from the "phenomena" of experience. The "I" is a composite of mental, physical, and emotional components. Individuals will realize that the mind and body are one. He notes in his book, Phenomenology of Perception, that everything that people are aware of is contained within the consciousness. Consciousness is a dynamic form that actively structures conscious thoughts and actions. "The self is embodied subjectivity." The embodied self is, at the same time, subjectively aware of the world, and objectively part of the world as a human, animal, or other being. The self in the first sense will here be called “subject for the world” and in the second “object in the world.” Consciousness – means awareness of self and environment. I-existence Certainty of something is always related and rooted on the very foundation of reflection: “my body” My body feels something (reality) My body senses (touches, smells, hears) the I - existence and the existence outside of itself. Objectives Recognize own limitations or possibilities for one’s transcendence Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for one’s transcendence Thomas Aquinas Of all creatures human beings have the unique ability to change themselves and things for the better. Human beings are moral agents Humans are both spiritual and material; our spirituality separates us from animals. It separates the moral dimension of our fulfillment in action. We have conscience, determining good and evil are our responsibility. Evaluate our Limitations and the Possibilities for Transcendence Forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. It frees us from our anger and bitterness caused by the actions and/or words of another.On the other hand, the hardness of our heart is reinforced by a whole series of rational arguments. Failure Failures force us to confront our weaknesses and limitations and to surrender to a mystery or look upon a bigger world. Acceptance of our failures makes us hope and trust that all can be brought into good. Loneliness It is our choice to live in an impossible world where we are always “happy” or to accept a life where solitude and companionship have a part. Our experience of loneliness can help us realize that our dependence on other people or gadgets is a possessiveness that we can be free from. Love To love is to experience richness, positivity, and transcendence. Love can open in us something which takes us beyond ourselves. Transcendence We have to struggle to regain spontaneous and vital awareness of our own spirituality. Transcendental and transcendence convey the basic ground concept from the words’ literal meaning (from Latin), of climbing or going beyond, with varying connotations in its different historical and cultural stages. The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit Theism is the belief that at least one god exists and that he or they created the universe and governs it. Deism is the belief that a higher being, i.e. god exists, but does not tell people what to do. Monotheism follows the same context as theism, except that it states there is only one God, hence religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam fall under monotheism. Polytheism follows all the principles of theism, except that it believes that there is more than one god, which defines the beliefs of religions such as Hinduism. Oriental Philosophy Connected to mythology and is religious in nature. Persian Philosophy (Zoroastrianism) Indian Philosophy (Buddhism & Hinduism) Chinese Philosophy (Daoism & Confucianism) Eastern Philosophy Eastern Philosophy is a diverse approach to life and philosophizing, particularly centered on understanding the process of the universe and endless “becoming”. centered on spirituality Parameters of Comparison Eastern Religions Western Religions Beliefs most of them have a core belief of Karma and Dharma mostly based on day to day good deeds and the concept of judgment day Geography East and Southeast Asia mostly no religion is ever geographically bound. Mostly in the Western world no religion is based on boundaries. Existence of Supreme Power Have a varying degree of polytheists( Hinduism) to monotheists( Buddhism) They are mostly Monotheists where they believe in only one God. Consists of Buddhism, Hinduism, Shintoism, Confucianism. Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Evangelicalism & Catholicism. Zoroastrianism Principle Good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Belief about God One God. Concept of Deity One good God who is always fighting against evil Life after Death Eternal life in either heaven or hell Practices Fire is used in worship and they pray 5 times a day. Goal of Religion To serve God by doing good deed for others Belief There is a battle going on between Ahura Mazda, the good God, and Ahriman, the evil God. Sacred Scriptures The Gathas, Yashts, and the Vendidad Three Basic Teachings of Hinduism Dharma the religious duty of people to follow the principles of cosmic order rules that guide morality of human beings Adherence to Dharma means following the laws and virtues of good living Dharma is an important concept found in many spiritual philosophies from the Indian subcontinent, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Karma set of individual rules to a specific person’s life, based on their status and deeds in both their current and past lives. Any future existence depends upon a person’s good or evil actions. Moksha The state of escaping the sufferings of the physical world in death. It is the end goal in a person's life and marks the end of the cycle of rebirth. Three Main Spiritual Philosophies on Transcendence Hinduism At the heart of Hinduism lies the idea of human beings’ quest for absolute truth, so that one’s soul and the Brahman or Atman (Absolute Soul) might become one. The “AUM” symbol (or OM – the symbol in the center) symbolizes the Universe and the ultimate reality. It is the most important Hindu symbols. At the dawn of creation, from emptiness first emerged a syllable consisting of three letters – A-U-M (often written as OM). Atman A Sanskrit word that means inner self, spirit, or soul; the essence of an individual. There is a soul called Atman, Atman assumes a physical body through reincarnation (depending on the merits of one’s deeds. Atman transmigrates during birth and rebirth until liberation is reached (samsara) Atman however is connected to Bhraman (absolute self) All living things are connected intimately, hurting another being is hurting oneself because the connection between the two beings (Brahman-Atman) is severed, causing suffering. Hinduism is against killing any kind of living being (practice of ahimsa, or nonviolence to all living being). Human beings have dual nature: the spiritual and immortal essence (soul) which is considered real; and the empirical life and character. Hindus generally believe that the soul is eternal but is bound by the Law of Karma (action) to the world of matter, which it can escape only after spiritual progress through an endless series of births. Closely involved in the Hindu doctrine of reincarnation. The determining factor that decides the state of a person's rebirth is her action. Caste System Religious system of reincarnation Higher caste members are worthy of privileges because of good karma Lower classes hoped to improve their social status in the future lives if they behave well in the present According to the Upanishads, Atman and Brahman are part of the same substance; Atman returns to Brahman when Atman is finally liberated and is no longer reincarnated. This return, or reabsorption into Brahman, is called Moksha. When they merge at last into pure Being. Humanity’s basic goal in life is the liberation (moksha) of spirit (jiva). Hinduism holds that humanity’s life is a continuous cycle (samsara) where the body goes through a transmigratory series of birth and death, even though the spirit is neither born nor dies. Dharma (Duty) Karma (Action & Reaction) Moksha (Escaping Samsara) One’s place in society What goes around comes around Attaining “heaven” One’s duty By following Dharma, one “builds up good Karma Escape from the cycle of life, death, rebirth, life, death, rebirth, etc. One’s path Consequence Becoming one with Brahman Things you do in this life Determines one’s social position in the next life Ultimate goal of Hinduism Whatever one does to acquire Artha (Wealth) should be bound by Dharma. Else, one is sure to end up in a chaotic life of suffering. Moksha (liberation from the Samsara — from the cycle of births and deaths) is considered the highest goal of life. The Hindu dharma (Righteousness) does not permit an unbridled life of carefree enjoyment; everything has its preset boundaries. ‘Eat, drink and be merry’ is never considered the goal of life. Kama (pleasure) Hinduism permits enjoyment within boundaries. Hindu Gods and Goddesses (33 Million) In Hinduism, there is a belief in three highest deities, this is called Trimurti (trinity), of which Brama, is the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Added Notes Goddess Consorts Saraswati, the goddess of speech is to Brahma Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is to Vishnu Parvati worship as mother goddess is to Shiva Unless the individual exerts real efforts to break away or liberate one’s spirit from the monotonous cycle, there will be no end to the cycle. Ultimate liberation, that is, freedom from rebirth, is achieved the moment the individual attains the stage of life emancipation. Hindu’s view of reality places a lot of emphasis on the attainment of self-knowledge. The goal of human life as conceived by the different Upanishads (text) is to overcome congenital ignorance. True knowledge (vidya) consists of an understanding and realization of the individual’s real self (atman) as opposed to lower knowledge that is limited to an interpretation of reality based solely on the data offered by sense experience. One concept common to all expressions of Hinduism is the oneness of reality. When we realize this unity with the absolute, we realize our true destiny. Also common to all Hindu thought are the four primary values: wealth, pleasure, duty, and enlightenment. To understand enlightenment, one must understand the law of karma, the law of sowing and reaping. The wheel of existence turns until we achieve enlightenment. Buddhism Origins developed in India 2500 years ago based on many of the core concepts of Hinduism essence of Buddhism is the attainment of enlightenment points to a way of life that avoids self-indulgence and self-denial. no supreme god or deity in Buddhism Divisions of Buddhism Theravada – found in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, & in part, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia Mahayana – found in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam Vajrayana – found in Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Mongolia Jodo Shin or Pure Land Buddhism – mainly from India, Japan Zen – mostly in Japan Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BC) Born in NE India (Nepal) Raised in great luxury to be a king At 29, he rejected his luxurious life to seek enlightenment and the source of suffering Lived a strict ascetic life for 6 years Rejecting this extreme, sat in meditation, and found nirvana. Became “The Enlightened One” at 35. Founder Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha (means “enlightened one”) lived in the 5th century BC born into the Brahmin caste-led a luxurious lifestyle Became troubled by the human misery that he saw around him everyday Upon reflection, he deduced that desire was the root caused of all suffering (enlightened under a Bodhi Tree) not considered a god by his followers Main Philosophy The Four Noble Truths – Siddartha’s philosophy of the nature of human suffering and its relation to desire is articulated by these four statements: Life is full of pain and suffering. Human desire causes this suffering By putting an end to desire, humans can end suffering Humans can end desire by following the Eightfold path. The Eightfold Path Wisdom (WIVIRIN) Right View – Know the truth Right Intention – Resist self-centeredness Ethical Conduct (ECSAL) Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Mental Discipline (MEAR) Right Effort Right Awareness Right Meditation Reincarnation (Samsara) concept that one must go through many cycles of birth, living, and death After many such cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana (a state of liberation and freedom from suffering) Nirvana can be achieved from meditating and following the guiding principles of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths and 8-fold Path Karma the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted. Buddhists believe that our past actions have an effect on who or what we are in our next life. Symbol of Buddhism Wheel of Life (Bhavacakra) – represents the endless cycle of life through reincarnation. Each of its eight spokes represents one of the teachings of the Eightfold Path. Lotus Flower – symbolizes purity and divine birth. The different color lotus flowers have specific meanings: for example, the red lotus signifies the qualities of the heart. The Wheel of Life, a diagram depicting samsara, brings together all the different factors that define and characterize the cycle of conditioned existence. Practices of Buddhism Live by this moral code: Do not take the life of anything living (non-violence / ahimsa) Do not take anything not freely given (stealing) Abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence Refrain from untrue speech (lying) Avoid intoxication (drinking) Do not lose mindfulness Meditation training the mind to empty all of thoughts. When this happens, what is important becomes clear. Vegetarianism Many Buddhists today eat only vegetarian foods, and most groups will instruct on a healthy vegetarian diet. Buddhism Concept of Person/Being/HumanMan Anatta means “no self” and the doctrine of anatta is the Buddha’s most unique and radical teaching We usually assume that beyond our changing body, mind, and experience is an unchanging and unique ego or self Having identified this self “me” we then identify other things as “mine” This, according to the Buddha, is the cause of much of the distress and pain humans inflict upon themselves and others through greed, fear, ignorance, hatred, and self-deception

Denominational switching:  People who move from one sect of Christianity to another  “spiritual supermarket syndrome” “pew hoppers” or “switchers” -> name calling - Growing trend in western world towards denominational switching - People no longer making lifelong commitments to one church but more likely to swap based on where they feel comfortable and are catered for o Contrast to historic patterns where individuals and families traditionally remained affiliated with one denomination for generations - Reflection of modern consumer society - Reason for increase: mobility o Growth in car ownership since 1945 makes it easier to travel to favoured church rather than local parish church - Main losers of switching are older, mainstream, traditional denominations o Lutherans, uniting church, presbyterian, Anglicans NOTE: number of Catholics switching is very low - Pentecostal churches -> reason for switch is charismatic leaders in Pentecostal churches preach with great authority and services include rock bands Interdenominational switching: - Pentecostal churches have been greatest beneficiaries of “switchers” due to: o Aggressive evgelization o Focus on personal salvation o “up-tempo” gospel services o Attractive services to under 40’s in particular o Less focus on social, ethical or moral issues o Personal following of preachers - Revolving door syndrome -> Pentecostal churches loose membership as fast as they are gained Who switches and why? - Under 40s less likely to view lifetime loyalty to particular type of church as important (15%), compared to 60+ (38%) - People with active Christian faiths more likely to switch to seek stronger Christian community and exclusively provided - Family breakdown was another factor -> children of divorce 64% more likely to cease identifying with family faith than those of non-divorced parents o Catholics 1.7x more likely to switch to a moderate protestant (methodist) denomination and 2.6x more likely to switch to conservative protestant (Baptist, evangelical) denomination Denominational dissatisfaction: - Most people who stop attending church regularly don’t stop attending completely -> they continue to be searchers - Found services to be boring - Looking for openness to different views of religious matters and broad approach to worship catering for different spiritualities - Former adherents baulk at ‘hard-line’ moral and ethical stances on contentious issues e.g. abortion Rise of new age religions:  Extremely diverse in nature with focus on fostering individual fulfillment in regard to happiness, health and meaning in life (individualism)  New age religions can be followed instead of traditional religious practices or can be practised alongside traditional religions - Popular bc traditional religions fail to resonate with modern people - New age religions have been growing since 1970s and now include: o Feng shui o Tarot cards o Astrology o Meditation o Scientology o Spiritualism o Philosophy - New age religions tend to reject monotheism, but may except polytheism, worship of nature (pantheism), goddesses, or monism (belief that everything is one) - New age religions often adopt elements of eastern religions, and may incorporate elements of numerology, astrology, yoga, tai chi, paganism and feng shui - Part of appeal is they provide freedom for adherents to pick and choose what they believe fulfills them in spiritual manner - From 1996-2001 140% growth in new age religions in census Reasons for growth include: - Disillusionment with traditional religion and traditional worship - Frustration with slowness of change - Desire for personal fulfillment - Desire to find new ways of seeking inner peace and health - Response to globalisation and de-centring of western ‘truths’ - Ease of travel - Lessening of commitment to traditional structures such as churches Links to religious traditions: - Trend towards new age religions introduced number of Hindu concepts into language and practice of many people who may not necessarily consider themselves religious - Practices include meditation, yoga and concepts such as reincarnation and karma Secularism:  Movement/concept which rejects religious belief or adherence  Belief that religion should not interfere with or be integrated into the public affairs of a society - Significant number of Australians are not religious, and number is still growing - Trend could be result of greater levels of technological and scientific knowledge + perseverance of many religions in antiquated and conservative attitudes - Some perceive to be hypocrisy that religions still try hold themselves to be moral authorities Promotes idea that society would be better off by not being controlled by religion for reasons including: - Pluralism: diversity of beliefs and cultures - Individualism, materialism and scepticism towards supernatural as result of scientific progress - Disillusionment with traditional religions Reasons for reduced membership of religious or attendance at church are varied but include: - Church practices that are boring or unfulfilling - Disagreement with church theology or stance on moral and social issues - Alternative practices that meet same needs as church e.g. social groups - No time for church - Personal dislike of religion - Technology and scientific advances that conflict with church Effects of secularism: - Loss of religious value - Lack of religious church practice e.g. civil marriages, non-religious funerals - Seeking alternative “religions” or “forms of spirituality” - Greater trust in science and belief in supernatural is contradictory to what many believe to be empirically true - Rise of new age religions which focus on personal satisfaction, self-help groups, happiness, mind and spirit exhibitions - Until 1973, australians only had two options for where + how they could get married (church or registry office) o Today 80%+ wedding ceremonies now performed by civil celebrants (up from 50% in 2021) Ecumenical movements within Christianity: - Increasingly secularised society - Involvement in issues of peace and social justice to renew relevance - Multifaith society requires ongoing dialogue with those who have different beliefs and practices - In australia today, relationships between Christian churches (ecumenism) and relations between various religious traditions (interfaith dialogue) are characterised by mutual tolerance and respect Ecumenism: - Movement among Christian churches to promote the restoration of unity among all Christians -> “collective movement” - Aims to bring branches (denominations) of church back to single community of faith or ‘body of Christ’ Sectarianism = Conflict between two groups of a particular faith - Sectarianism found in other countries is less vigorous in Australia Ecumenism is recent philosophical approach in life of church and australians have supported ecumenical ideas - Uniting Church in Australia - National Council of Churches - NSW Ecumenical Council Uniting church: - Formed 22nd June 1977 - Result of union of three individual churches o Congregational union of australia o Methodist church of australia o Presbyterian church of australia - “most significant ecumenical event in Australia’s history” (Francis Rush – Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane) - Particularly known for social justice approach and support for marginalised sections of society National council of churches in Australia: - Umbrella organisation bringing many of Australia’s churches together - Happens in both practical and organisational cooperation and discussion on faith-bade issues - Officially became NCCA in 1994 with inclusion of Catholic Church NSW Ecumenical Council: - Founded in 1982 - Encourages social justice and operates on an ecumenical level to achieve this - Central bond is that they’re all followers of Christ, so there’s unity amongst adherents o Rather than competing against each other, they come together in accordance with sense of Christian duty - Gives churches shared voice when following religious beliefs and undertakings - Involved in community projects such as helping settle refugees and providing accommodation to poor - Christmas Bowl initiative -> local church projects that aid people with needs - Local + international initiatives allow churches to have more significant impact o If they were separated there wouldn’t be as much impact - Domestic violence project -> raises awareness about how to respond to domestic violence and how to support survivors - Commission on middle east -> international initiative where member churches come together to advocate for Christians, minority groups and asylum seekers in Middle East Interfaith Dialogue:  Move to greater cooperation and harmony between people of different religious traditions  Involves positive communication and cooperation resulting from discussion between different faiths  Often involves discussing matters of societal + faith concern  Often led by ecumenical groups within a religion Example: NCCA (est. 1994) has ongoing dialogue with Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and Executive Council of Australian Jewry - Important to include all sectors of each religion “No World Peace without peace between the religions” Importance of interfaith dialogue: - Topics impact everyday Australian life - Discussing impacts of belief or behaviour reduces tension and misunderstanding - Some topics of community concern are important not only to religious community but also wider secular society of Australia and the world * Building understanding, goodwill and sense of community * Consider issues as a whole community * Encourages and allows individuals to learn about each other and different faiths * Encourages activities and projects of commonality within and between faiths * Importance for young people -> idealism and enthusiasm of youth Recent interfaith initiatives: 1991: Australian Council of Christians and Jews - Goal is to recognise common heritage and promote understanding 2004: The Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Dialogue - Located in Turramurra -> focuses on dialogue between Christians and Muslims particularly among women 2007: one of largest groups to attend the Dalai Lama’s visit to Canberra was the Association for Studies of Religion Presently: as recognised by Cambridge text, the provision of Studies of Religion in the NSW HSC is, in itself, an example of interfaith dialogue 2023: last world parliament of religions in Chicago (where all faiths come together) Atomi Notes (need to fix): Current religious landscape in Australia: Christianity as major religious tradition: Immigration: - Most immigration from Britain 1945: migration brought Christianity into Australia (mainly Catholicism) - Was mainly impacted by new variety of ethnic backgrounds 1945-60: jews arrive from Europe 1960: drastic moves to restrict racial diversity in Australia 1973: white australia policy abandoned - Planned program for asian immigration 1975: asian immigration dramatically increased following Vietnam War - Australia accepted 120,000 refugees from Indochina Post 1975: spike in total Muslim population in Australia Denominational switching: People moving between sects of Christianity - Only comes from people who attend church - Source of information is from National Church Life Survey o Only 8% of people attend church - Christianity not further defined was biggest growing Christian response in 2016+2021 Rise of new age religions: Alternative spiritualities that aim to foster personal happiness, health and meaning in life - Popular bc traditional religions fail to resonate with modern people Mind, body, spirit festival -> Secularism: Belief religion should not interfere with or be integrated into public affairs of society - Promotes ideas that society would be better off by not being controlled by religion o Pluralism: diversity of beliefs and cultures o Individualism, materialism and scepticism towards supernatural as result of scientific progression o Disillusionment Ecumenism: • Impact of movements within australia (syllabus dot point) - Movement for dialogue and mutual understanding between Christian Churches o Response to immigration post 1945 National council of churches australia (NCCA): - Formed 1944 and consists of 18 member Churches across Australia - Runs programs o Act for peace o Safe church awareness o Australian churches refugee taskforce  Aims to apply Christian moral voice to suffering of refugees and asylum seekers  Gives combined Christian churches political voice in scheme of australia’s secularism  Combined power of churches means they have bigger impact on this social issue o Christmas bowl mission  Sends aid assistance to countries throughout Africa, asia, middle east and pacific NSW ecumenical council: - Formed 1982 with 18 member churches - Runs many initiatives o Domestic violence project  Allows church to have greater impact together rather than being separate o Commission on middle east  International initiative where member churches come together to advocate Christians, minority groups and asylum seekers in middle east How to answer a 5 marker: - Combine content with census data dot point - Always refer to stimulus explicitly o Look for dates, change in denomination, changed services offered 1) Intro -> Identify changes in australia’s religious landscape a. Denominational switching b. Immigration c. Secularisation 2) Explanation -> go through each change, referencing the syllabus Extra class notes: - Salvation army is a Christian denomination Examine the relationship between aboriginal spiritualities and religious traditions in the process of Reconciliation Reconciliation: - Process which changes relationship between individuals or groups for the better - Mainly used in Australia to describe way of improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians - Involves acknowledgement of injustices of past and dispossession, willingness + commitment to rectify these wrongs where possible, to improve the position of Aboriginal peoples in the future Key events: 1991 -> Land rights movement Dec 10, 1992 -> Redfern speech (PM Paul Keating) May 28, 2000 -> Sorry Day Sydney Harbour Bridge walk - More than 250 000 people walked across bridge to press Federal Government to apologise Feb 13, 2008 -> Federal Government apology - PM Rudd apologised on behalf of the Parliament and Government of Australia for past injustices - Stated apology was to “Remove a stain from the soul of Australia” and “It was time for all Australians, to come together, truly reconcile and together build a truly great nation” Kanyani video notes: - Country is family for Indigenous people o They live in + amongst nature e.g. walking around in natural state, no houses (huts) and sleep under the stars on the earth o All animals living with them are family - Born from Mother Earth and supported by her o “she looks after us with meat, bush tucker as well as water” - Trained to look after ceremonies, land and each other -> main importance - Never take more than you need and don’t destroy to the level where it cannot produce again o Duty to the land and caring for it - Each person is given totem animals o Not allowed to ever kill that animal - Spirit, psyche, mental, physical are all connected with every form - Oneness + completeness of oneness for everything - Every inch of land + waterways is sacred Aboriginal Spirituality Dreaming: - Definition: The Dreaming is infinite and links the past with the present to determine the future. It encapsulates the stories of creation and life in Aboriginal culture. - The Dreaming is the central and deepest reality of the Aboriginal world. - It is the spiritual dimension of reality that has existed from the beginning and continues to be present in all aspects of life. o The Dreaming is inextricably linked with the land Characteristics and features of the Dreaming - Dreaming is experiences through songs, stories, rituals and symbols. - Dreaming establishes the lore linking the relationship between Aboriginal people, the land, and all things associated with Aboriginal life. - This is evident through: o Kinship structures of society o Rules and obligations for social behaviours o Ceremonies performed to maintain the life of the land. - Quote: “The Dreaming refers to all that is known and all that is understood. It is the way Aboriginal people explain life and how their world came to being.” – 2024 Aboriginal Art and Culture, Alice Springs Australia. Kinship: - Kinship systems define where a person fits into the community, binding people together in relationships of sharing and obligation to one another and the land. - Connection to Dreaming: o Kinship binds culture, Country, family and community together it is a way of being. o Kinship systems assign the responsibility to transmit the knowledge of the Dreaming from Elders to the younger generation - Quote: “All people with the same skin grouping as my mother’s… They have the right, the same as my mother, to watch over me, to control what I’m doing, to make sure I do the right thing. It’s an extended family thing… It’s a wonderful secure system.” – Wadjularbinna Doomadgee Gungalidda leader, Gulf of Carpentaria, 1996 Ceremonial life: - The spirituality of Aboriginal people comes from their belief and understanding of the Dreaming, and how this has been taught to them throughout generations. - Ceremonial life is an essential expression of the Dreaming, connecting individuals with their ancestors, the land, and each other. Connections between ceremonial life and the Dreaming (STAR) - Stories from the Dreaming describe Aboriginal law and lifestyle, teaching about the way of life - Totems represent the individual as they existed in the Dreaming and carry ceremonial responsibilities (the embodiment of each individual in their primordial state) - Art communicated the Dreaming and the multiple layers of meaning - Rituals form the Dreaming and is a way to relive activities of ancestor spirits Obligations to the land and people - In Aboriginal society, people do not own the land it is a part of them, and it is part of their duty to respect and look after Mother Earth - Land has significance for all First Nations people as the sacred places provide a sense of identity and connection - Relationships within kinship groups connect people to places and define their obligations to each other - The land is an important aspect of Dreaming stories, particularly those associated with the time of Creation. - Custodianship o Custodianship of the land is a sacred duty bestowed upon Aboriginal people by the Dreaming - Sacred Sites o Specific locations are considered sacred because of the physical manifestations of the Dreaming. o These sites require special care and are often the focus of rituals - Sustainability Practices o Dreaming stories often includes teachings on how to care for the land o Practices such as controlled burning and seasonal hunting aim to ensure the land remains healthy for future generations. Aboriginal people believe they are related to, and custodians of natural world - This relationship provides advantages of survival and life and also imposes responsibilities of preservation and education In the land, aboriginal people see evidence of Dreaming and creation Dreaming stories which describe ancestors or Creation are set in land and describe actual land where people live Aboriginal people believe the Dreaming ancestor became the land Aboriginal people describe themselves as being descendants of particular ancestral beings Therefore have continuous and living relationship with features of the land Inseparable from the land and so believe if they are removed from the land then they will die (spiritually not literally) Ceremonial life: - By performing ceremonies, the Dreaming and its giving power loves on through human beings and animals - Ceremonies highlight the connection to the Dreaming, the importance of land, and relationships between people - Examples: initiation ceremony, men’s law and women’s law, funeral ceremonies, celebration ceremonies Purpose of aboriginal ceremonies: Rites of passage Inform all of the new status of the individual e.g. initiations and funerals Information Transfer from elder to younger generation Changes the social custodians of history Personal Support personal friendships Support personal or group activities e.g. intertribal or totemic group trade or cultural meetings Spiritual Maintain the link and connect people with the spiritual world or the Dreaming Types of aboriginal ceremonies: Ceremony Description Initiation ceremony Teaches young people bout the law and the spiritual beliefs Allows them to take their place as an elder in the community Men’s law and women’s law Each tribe has gender-specific roles and ceremonies Respect for individuals and the whole family is shown by accepting men’s and women’s law Funeral ceremonies Rite of passage from the living world to the spirit world Activities can include sprinkling of water, smoking of (bark) coffin, flowers, memory celebration Restriction of naming deceased person Celebration ceremonies Celebrate the telling of a Dreaming story Dancing and artwork happy and joyous The cause of continuation of life itself Ceremonies have changed over recent time bc of the impact of external religious beliefs (mainly Christian) and other social factors which have removed young people from their land and tribal support In some cases aboriginal spiritual beliefs have combined with Christianity in a form of syncretism (syncretism = combing of; coming together of …) Removal from land, kinship, and community has meant important ceremonial connections are becoming less effective Corroboree indicates a ceremony driven by settlers’ vernacular however they took that from one of the aboriginal torres strait islander peoples words for rituals which is ?keraberre? These ceremonies often centre on retelling of Dreaming stories -> singing, dancing, music and mime -> often body of actor is decorated to represent a spirit he/she is portraying Activities for rite of passage -> testing of strength, revelation of knowledge, the removal of the child from the biological mother, seclusion (learn to live of the land), giving of new name/sacred object Burial ceremonies -> death is time where spirit leaves body and returns to ancestor spirits -> certain ceremonies are used to encourage spirit on its journey

Polytheism

Polytheism and Belief Systems 24-33

Classical Literature Legend, Myth, Polytheism