World Religions Unit One Review

It encompasses many different things, therefore it is difficult to come up with a definition that isn't too narrow or to broad.

• Themes of:
• -oneness
• -organization
• -identity
• -supernaturality
• -systems
• -taking positions on topics
• -philosophies
• -ethics
• -deities

Hundreds of years.

The study of different religions and their differences and similarities.

Friedrich Max Muller of Germany (1823-1900).

Materialist, Functionalist and Faith.

The materialistic perspective argues that there is no supernatural world (the only reality is the material world), and that humans invented religion. Religion comes from the poor/oppressed in society who can't change their situations, and deities/gods are just projections of people's fears/wishes/desires.

Ludwig Feuerbach, Sigmund Freud and Karl Marx.

The functionalist perspective argues that religions are found across the world because they're useful.

Religion gives people meaning & purpose and maintain bonds/societal groups.

It helps people to live longer and be healthier.

Religion exists because the material world doesn't meet all of our needs (answering questions, provides strength and support).

Emile argued that religion holds society together. This is useful to people.

The faith perspective argues that there is a reality beyond humans that some people experience, and religion exists to explain these occurrences.

He argued that spiritual experiences attract people to religion and make them want to create/take part in one.

The Ultimate Reality is the ideal state of being/obtaining connection to the Divine.

Depending on the religion, the Ultimate Reality can be a god, nature, or another figure.

The belief that people have personal connections with a sacred being who is (or is a part of) the Ultimate Reality.

Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

The belief that there is no personal divine being, but a "way" or "unity."

Some forms of Taoism are nontheistic.

The belief that there is no deity/divine being. Atheists may believe there is no reality beyond the material world.

The belief that it's impossible for humans to know whether or not the diving/Ultimate Reality really exists.

The belief that the universe is God; there is no creator or personal god, but God is seen in the world & universe. Many pantheists view nature as sacred. "God is the whole."

The belief that there is a God and that its existence is made up of every part of nature, and beyond. "The whole is in God."

The belief in one God/supreme being.

Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

The belief in multiple deities.

The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece.

The acknowledgement of a single God, but also the possibility of other Gods.

The belief that there are many Gods, but only one is worshiped consistently.

Some scholars believe that ancient Israel had monolatristic practices before becoming monotheistic as time passed.

Beliefs, rituals, symbols, myths and prayer.

Ideas that a person holds to be true. Religious beliefs are ideas about the divine, supernatural, Ultimate Reality, etc.

Repeated, worshipful actions often taken place at set times/places, possibly including special symbols or objects. Often reinforce beliefs/values, bringing participants closer to the religion, the divine, and each other.

Images that stand for something or represent some information (e.g. ideas, beliefs). Have significant meaning & are often surrounded with strong emotion.

• - The Wheel of Darma (Buddhism)
• - The Cross (Christianity)
• - Yin and Yang (Taoism)

Stories based on the symbols and beliefs of the religion, often striving to answer big questions or reiterating religious values. Can be taken in a variety of ways.

A religion's myths serve multiple purposes:

1. Give followers a sense of wonder about the divine. A sense of awe can draw people in.

2. Establish an ethical code.

3. Help followers get through dramatic life events.

A religious practice with the purpose of bringing humans into contact/communication with the divine/supernatural. May be individual or communal and can take many different forms.

1. Some Native Americans see dance as a form of prayer.

2. Quakers remain silent during prayer.

3. Hindus may chant mantras.

Thousands of years. Ancient Greeks and Romans used highly ritualized forms of prayer, with an exchange with the gods often including sacrifice.

1. The belief that one can communicate with a deity/supernatural realm.

2. Belief that the divine wants to communicate with them.

3. Belief that prayer can affect them or their circumstances.

1. It helps to answer big questions, improving quality of life for people.

2. Provides ethical/moral system for society, defining right and wrong.

3. Brings people together & strengthens bonds.

1. Can create divisions in society (superiority).

2. Can contain the idea that only their religion is true, leading to discrimination, oppression & violence.

3. Can discourage alternative thought/belief in other areas of life or sources (including scientific evidence).