What is Religion? James A. Van Slyke, PhD

Christian Context at APU Personal, Incarnate God Jesus Christ – God in the Flesh – Atonement Crucifixion saves us from sin Restores relationship with God

Christian Context at APU Term “Christian” (44 AD) Born from the Jewish Tradition – Begins with the tribes of Abraham – Continues with Kings and Prophets Jesus grew up in a Jewish context

Christianity is the theological foundation of religious beliefs at APU – 3.3 bil (33%) Religion is a worldwide phenomenon – Hinduism – 950 mil (14%) – Buddhism – 370 mil (6%) – Islam – 1.5 bil (21%) – Several smaller indigenous religions

What is Religion? Belief in the Supernatural – Agents that influence – daily life – Examples Demons Spirits Witches Ghosts – Often depicted in religious symbols, statues, and paintings

What is Religion? Ritual – Practices performed by a religious community Often symbolic for a supernatural reality Examples – Communion – Worship – Can include a variety of behaviors and actions Music, Dance, Special forms of dress, Food, Symbols Sacrifice, violence, initiation rites

What is Religion? Experiences – Subjective to the individual – Examples Prayer Mediation Altered states of consciousness – Usually defined as an experience of the divine or supernatural Spiritual, mystic, sacred Has important impact on someone’s life

What is Religion? Morality – Defines right and wrong behavior for a community – Values contained in different narratives and prescriptive or normative statements Stories that contain a moral value – Parables – Life and teachings of the Buddha Laws or Rules – 10 commandments – 5 Pillars of Islam

What is Religion? Community – Unites a group of persons together – Contains common goals – Important role in defining identity Cultural practices define history of a community Provide benefits for a community – Education, economic resources, support

What is Religion? Family and Marriage – Plays an important role in sexual and marital values – Provides support and education for family life – Religious values often encourage family growth and commitment

What is Religion? Personal Meaning (Existential Definition) – Religion provides a sense of meaning and purpose for life – Provides an overall narrative to make sense of the world – Helps to deal with anxiety and ambiguity

Nelson’s Definition Transcendent – Aspects of life that are greater than us – Transcend nature, history, culture, and individuals Immanent – Present in important aspects of daily life

Nelson’s Definition Way of Life – Cultural Definition – Way of living life according to certain practices, beliefs and values Forms a Worldview – Unique perspective on the world based on ultimate definitions of meaning and purpose

Religion or Spirituality? Religion – Typically refers to organized and identifiable religion – Religions have members and a particular historical tradition Spirituality – Individually based; more experiential – Connection with others and the sacred – Often not confined to one religion