Nature of Religion - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Nature of Religion

Unit 1Slide2

Outcomes needing to be addressed this unit:

1. Define

‘supernatural’

and

‘natural’

dimension

2. Discuss

‘

transcendent’

and

‘

immanent

’

religious worldviews

3. Define the

‘

4 characteristics of religion’

4. Explore how these characteristics interact to create a

‘

dynamic and living religion’

5. Appreciate the contribution of religion to individuals and society/ culture

6. Outline the nature of

‘

Dreaming’

for Aboriginal peoples and recognise their importance for them

7. Investigate the connection of Dreaming to the

‘

land’

and

‘

identity’Slide3

What is Religion?

Provides a ready-made world view or system of beliefs

Structured practices aim to connect followers with for the

sacred

or

divine

Creates a closer relationship with the origin of existence known as

God, Truth or the Ultimate Reality

Religion is like a recipe that provides directions to have a good, happy and eternal life

Slide4

Dimensions

Natural

Revealed dimension of religious thought and practice

No reference to divinities or to divine revelation of God or gods

Measurable world (tactile: can be touched)

Predictable elements can be understood or proven

Supernatural

Implication of foundation of revealed faith from divine origin

Exceeds the power of humans and created reality

Natural laws do not apply miracles are accepted

Gives meaning to ordinary human lifeSlide5

World Views

Transcendent

Beyond the ordinary

Belief in a divine being or powers existing beyond human limitations

Reality or state of being deeper than human experience

Affirmed by religious beliefs and practices

Immanent

Recognising a divine being as a constant reality

Active or continuing presence existing among believers in this world

A world within usSlide6

4 Characteristics of Religion

Sacred Texts and writings

Ethics

Beliefs and Believers

Rituals and CeremoniesSlide7

Sacred Texts and Writings

More than just written material: includes oral traditions and artistic representations

Eg

. Stories, paintings and sculptures

Sacred

is the sense of revelation of having a direct relationship with the transcendent

Other writings include commentaries and explanations by theology or religious leadersSlide8

Beliefs and Believers

Beliefs

are ideas considered to be true and express the self-understanding of the tradition (religion)

Formal study of beliefs is called “theology”

Doctrines and creeds offer a system of beliefs offers a comprehensive picture of reality

Make sense of life by explaining how best to live and achieve “eternal happiness”Slide9

Ethics

Ideas about human conduct and behaviour

Explain consequences and offer guidelines about how we

should

live

Creates codes “laws” that set the standard for life by giving directionsSlide10

Rituals and Ceremonies

Established ceremonies and customary acts that involve

special, deliberate and repeatable

patterns of behaviour

Commemorates events of past (solemn or joyous)

Enacts beliefs allowing believers to feel the spiritual presence within the ordinary world

Affirms values, meanings and purposes shared by the community of believers

Eg

. Worship, meditation, pilgrimage, sacrifice, sacramental and healing rites and festivalsSlide11

Religion: Dynamic & Living System

Believers

have a sense of the sacred (of something beyond the ordinary)

They respond by actions (participating in

rituals and ceremonies)

They formulate this response into

sacred texts and writings

This response is expressed through a system of

beliefs

and a code of conduct (

ethics

)

This is supported by social and communal structures where the

believers

are part of a community