Nature of Religion Unit 1
Outcomes needing to be addressed this unit: 1. Define ‘supernatural’ and ‘natural’ dimension 2. Discuss ‘transcendent’ and ‘immanent’ religious worldviews 3. Define the ‘4 characteristics of religion’ 4. Explore how these characteristics interact to create a ‘dynamic and living religion’ 5. Appreciate the contribution of religion to individuals and society/ culture 6. Outline the nature of ‘Dreaming’ for Aboriginal peoples and recognise their importance for them 7. Investigate the connection of Dreaming to the ‘land’ and ‘identity’
What is Religion? Provides a ready-made world view or system of beliefs Structured practices aim to connect followers with for the sacred or divine Creates a closer relationship with the origin of existence known as God, Truth or the Ultimate Reality Religion is like a recipe that provides directions to have a good, happy and eternal life
Dimensions Natural Revealed dimension of religious thought and practice No reference to divinities or to divine revelation of God or gods Measurable world (tactile: can be touched) Predictable elements can be understood or proven Supernatural Implication of foundation of revealed faith from divine origin Exceeds the power of humans and created reality Natural laws do not apply miracles are accepted Gives meaning to ordinary human life
World Views Transcendent Beyond the ordinary Belief in a divine being or powers existing beyond human limitations Reality or state of being deeper than human experience Affirmed by religious beliefs and practices Immanent Recognising a divine being as a constant reality Active or continuing presence existing among believers in this world A world within us
4 Characteristics of Religion Sacred Texts and writings Ethics Beliefs and Believers Rituals and Ceremonies
Sacred Texts and Writings More than just written material: includes oral traditions and artistic representations – Eg. Stories, paintings and sculptures Sacred is the sense of revelation of having a direct relationship with the transcendent Other writings include commentaries and explanations by theology or religious leaders
Beliefs and Believers Beliefs are ideas considered to be true and express the self-understanding of the tradition (religion) Formal study of beliefs is called “theology” Doctrines and creeds offer a system of beliefs offers a comprehensive picture of reality Make sense of life by explaining how best to live and achieve “eternal happiness”
Ethics Ideas about human conduct and behaviour Explain consequences and offer guidelines about how we should live Creates codes “laws” that set the standard for life by giving directions
Rituals and Ceremonies Established ceremonies and customary acts that involve special, deliberate and repeatable patterns of behaviour Commemorates events of past (solemn or joyous) Enacts beliefs allowing believers to feel the spiritual presence within the ordinary world Affirms values, meanings and purposes shared by the community of believers – Eg. Worship, meditation, pilgrimage, sacrifice, sacramental and healing rites and festivals
Religion: Dynamic & Living System Believers have a sense of the sacred (of something beyond the ordinary) They respond by actions (participating in rituals and ceremonies) They formulate this response into sacred texts and writings This response is expressed through a system of beliefs and a code of conduct (ethics) This is supported by social and communal structures where the believers are part of a community