Comparing Religions If you were God, which religion would you want people to follow? Why? Are all religions the same?

Can one religion be “better” than another? Why do we avoid asking the question: “Is one religion better than another?” Respect. If I think my religion is better than yours, I might think less of you for believing what you do. I might feel justified in treating you as an inferior. We recognize the worth of other human beings, and feel/know we should respect them.

Is every religion just as “good” as any other? How do we deal with the differences between Charles Manson’s religion and Mother Theresa’s? Is every method of studying for the RELS 110 final exam just as “good” as any other?

To evaluate religions, some points to review: What do we mean by a religion being “good” or “better”? Why are there religions? Distinguish what religion does from what religion is. Religion provides: Meaning to life; answers to life’s ultimate questions Social cohesion; improved chance of a culture’s survival A way to control people; support for political causes A basis for morality; higher levels of altruism Etc. Religion is: An organized way for people to connect to a reality beyond the natural world

Remember three main explanations: Why are there religions? Three types of answers: Materialistic Humans invented religion. Functional Religion is useful. Belief There actually is a supernatural reality.

Materialistic explanation for religion Humans invented religion. Feuerbach Gods are idealized projections of ourselves; by contrast we see ourselves as sinful. Freud Religion is a childish illusion; we imagine God protects us from the terrors of life and expects us to behave. Marx Religion originated to combat exploitation, but failed and was transformed into an otherworldly expression of our desire for a better life. Religion now has become a tool for oppression.

Functional explanation for religion Religion is useful. Durkheim: Religion is a glue that holds society together Bowker: Religion improves the chances of the biological survival of a society. Religious people have better health Religion transforms people into better people Religion provides mental strength to act unselfishly Religion provides courage in the face of difficulty and death

Belief explanation for religion There actually is a supernatural reality. Two main ways of coming to this belief: Rational, pondering questions such as: What is the ultimate basis of existence? Why is there something rather than nothing? Why do we perceive right and wrong? Non-Rational (Wach) Mystical experience Enlightenment / awakening

Are some religions “better” than others? Are some methods of studying for the RELS110 final exam “better” than others? Better in what sense? (overview) More Effective (Materialist and Functional explanations)? Effective at what? Truer (Materialist and Belief explanations)? Less wishful thinking? A better match with reality?

Are some religions more effective than others? (Materialist & Functional explanations) Effective at what? Combating oppression (Marx)? Making individuals feel more secure (Freud), at peace, fulfilled (Feuerbach), healthier? Promoting the survival of the species (Bowker)? The culture (Durkheim)? Making individuals better people: more constructive, courageous, selfless?

Are some religions more true than others? (Belief perspective) A better match with objective reality? History: Beginning and end, or cyclical? The universe is 13.7 billion years old and is expanding too fast to contract back on itself. Is the universe an illusion, or created good? If we share a reality, it is objective. The universe has a tendency toward complexity, creativity (life, evolution). Monotheism or polytheism? A better match with subjective experience? Mystical experience / experience of Enlightenment? Cultural upbringing?

Conclusion We must retain respect for people who believe differently. We must avoid the arrogance of imagining we know everything there is to know about reality beyond the natural world. Yet human inability to know everything about the divine does not imply human inability to know anything about it. Some methods of studying for the RELS110 are “better” than others. Better as More Effective (“Functional” approach to courses) Paying attention to what is important so that you study the material that is on the test. Not cramming, but attending all classes and completing the reading & assignments. Better as More Honest (“Belief” approach to courses) Not “what’s the minimum I need to do to pass” but an attitude of curiosity and willingness to learn. Not cheating, but preparing well by learning the material as the course goes on.