What is Religion? Re-lig-ion “bind/tie back,” “bind together” (to be bound) “re-connect” To a Higher Power To other people, in community To the world around us With ourselves

Three Dimensions of Religion Intellectual - Emotional - Physical Religion is a way of thinking about: Origins (where did we come from?) Purpose/meaning (why are we here?) Destiny (where are we going? what happens when we die?) Who we are (the nature of human nature) Who/what God is (the nature of Ultimate Reality) The basis for our beliefs & doctrine, expressed through myth, scripture, philosophy, theology

Three Dimensions of Religion Emotional Religion is a way of feeling: rejoicing faith bliss peace appreciation love awe guilt joy ecstasy fear reverence gratitude hope

Three Dimensions of Religion Physical Religion is a way of acting, of living, a social system: Spiritual practices: meditation, chanting, prayer, ritual Physical forms: art and architecture, ritual objects, statues, icons, etc. Communal celebrations: rites of passage, holidays

Religion as a way of acting (continued) Social regulation: morals & ethics, prohibitions & taboos Institutions/organizations/communities: Leaders (gurus/priests/ministers) & followers (disciples, laity) Hierarchies, obedience & discipline (monastic communities) History