1. So. What is “religion”? Created by Ms. Davies Global Studies

2. According to Michael Young of Bath Spa University College in Bath, England: “Religion is a share positing of the identity of and relationship between the world, humanity and the supernatural in terms of meaning assignment, value allocation and validation enactment. A religion need not accept or believe in the supernatural, but it takes a position on it. Likewise, some religions deny the reality or at least value of the world, but they still take a position on it.”

3. Religion shapes people’s view of the world, takes a position on the supernatural.

4. Bath Spa University Really Exists...so there! Bath Spa University Really Exists...so there!

5. Okay… So what does that mean?

6. According to www.religioustolerance.org: Religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics, a philosophy of life, and a worldview. Religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics, a philosophy of life, and a worldview.

7. Spark Chart Definition Answers the “Big Questions” about the aspects of human life dealing with ethics, society, and cultural structure.

8. P. 9/10 Explaination  Religion is an important part of peoples lives. It shapes peoples views of the world and gives people a structure for their lives.

9. 11-12 Rocket Definition  Answers the “Big Questions,” shapes view of the world, impacts culture, takes a position on the Supernatural.

10. Another way to answer the question is to find common factors among different religions.

11. Common Factors:  Belief in something sacred (gods, texts, etc.)  Distinction between sacred and profane objects  Ritual acts focused on sacred objects  Moral code believed to have a sacred or supernatural basis  Religious feelings (awe, guilt) which tend to surface in the presence of sacred objects and during the practice of ritual.

12. Factors (continued)  Prayer and other forms of communication with the supernatural  A worldview or general picture of the world and how the individual fits into it  Organization of one’s life based upon worldview  A social group bond

13. What is religion? What is religion?

14. Assignment:  Read over the positions/definitions on religion.  Para. I - Pick a position that you feel either best suits your personal definition of what religion is or one that is most opposite of your personal definition.  Para. 2 – Pick a position that you feel best describes how the majority of people in the world feel about religion. This may be different from your own view.  Support each answer in a well thought out paragraph. Each paragraph (2 total) should be 5 sentences.  Don’t forget a topic sentence. Let the reader know what you’re doing.  Ex. The position that best suits my personal definition of religion is #1…