Religion and Ethics Religion and Science Religion and Technology Religion and Ethnicity Religion and Pop Culture

Religion and Ethics RELIGION: The grasping by humans towards something bigger than ourselves; a reason for living. ETHICS: The search for good judgement about how to act in life.

Religion and Ethics Religion and ethics are both concerned with doing the right thing. One does not have to be religious to be ethical. Humanists believe that leading a good and useful life should be the central goal of our existence. They think that the way you live between birth and death is the only thing that truly matters.

Religion and Science For a long time, many people have perceived science and religion to be rivals. They appear to be competitors in the race to understand and explain the true nature of the world. Much of the 19th and 20th centuries was consumed with scientists and religious people battling to put forth their explanations of the world.

Religion and Science The evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin, which tell us that all living things have evolved from a few simple life forms, were seen to clash head on with religious creationist theories.

Religion and Science So now what? The literal truth of religion, particularly Christianity, appeared to contradict the measurable and quantifiable evidence of science. So now what?

Religion and Science There are some similarities between science and religion. Both are concerned with: Truth and understanding The search for purpose and meaning Questions about the origin of the Earth The guiding forces that regulate the Earth

Religion and Science A few key things to note: Some religions are much more open to heeding scientific discovery and fact than others Science has learned to be aware of its limitations - science can not answer questions like “Who am I?” “How should I live my life?” etc.

Religion and Technology

Religion and Technology

Religion and Technology Technology has created vast new opportunities and possibilities, and made the Earth a global village. Technology has shrunk the universe. How can both be true?

Religion and Technology For some, technology has made life easier and heralds an era of incredible wealth, health and happiness. For others, technology does not provide all the answers or meet all their needs, and as such people continue to turn to religion.

Religion and Ethnicity What is the difference between race and ethnicity? ETHNICITY relates to cultural factors such as nationality, culture, ancestry language or religion. RACE refers to somebody’s biological and physical characteristics such as skin, eye or hair color or bone structure.

Religion and Ethnicity So what is the difference between religion and ethnicity? Religion is primarly concerned with belifs, rituals and practicies, while ethnicity refers to a person’s origins and culture. One cannot assume to know a person’s religion based on ethnicity as the key elements in determing religion are belief and practice, not where are a person comes from.

Religion and Pop Culture

Religion and Pop Culture Music videos, talk shows, television programs, movies and so on are a major source of information for many of us. Our understanding of the world is heavily influenced by our exposure to pop culture. Undoubtedly, pop culture is here to stay but it is too often a poor substitute for genuine understanding.

Religion and Pop Culture In pop culture mediums, stereotypical images, often negative in tone, may be imposed on certain groups of people. For example, Canada’s Muslim community has often defended itself against the simplistic image of the “Arab terrorist”, often seen on television and in movies.

Religion and Pop Culture As we explore some major faiths and traditions practised by Canadians today, we need to be willing to drop our preconceptions and learn about them on our own terms. Pop culture can make it difficult for the observer to actually know what the central message, values and rituals of a religion might be. We can investigate this point by looking at the most popular North American, tradition – can you guess what it is?

Christmas Virtually everyone in North America is affected and influenced by Christmas, regardless of religion or background. How so? Approximately 40% of annual purchasing takes place during this time of year People often go into debt for months or even years after a Christmas “blow out” Many people take holidays at this time of year Many organizations shut down during this time Cultural arts center feature Christmas related plays, shows or art New films are released specifically for the Christmas season Christmas music is played almost everywhere People give more to charities

Christmas So what’s the big deal? Many faithful Christians worry that the religious meaning is lost in the non-religious “hoopla” of Christmas Many non-Christians are troubled by seeing their family friends get so caught up in a celebration so central to another religion

Christmas Christmas is a powerful example of a celebration with deep religious roots that over time, and through immense exposure in popular culture, has adopted a vast array of symbols, practices, traditions and ideas having little to do with the original religion from which it stems.