RELIGIOUS STUDIES V. THEOLOGY

Why study Religion?

Question- answer individually Think of conflicts in the world

today and in the past that are based on religion. What are some of them, why did they happen, and why do you think religion has played a factor?

Sharing Discuss your thoughts with a partner How can conflicts like this be avoided?

What is Religion? Definition

Traditions and practices of groups of people who live by a set of guidelines and worship particular figures or phenomenon

World Religions

Religious Studies How and Why people are religious

More answers come out of that○ Culture, History, Law, Society

The academic study of religion aims to treat all religious traditions

even-handedly

Theology Works within a religion taking the

truth claims in that religion as validTheology studies religion from the

perspective of a particular community of believers

Question What aspects of religion can be seen

in our culture or other cultures?

What are some of the effects various religions have had on the world and societies within it?

Problems with Religious Studies We take from our own culture and

apply that knowledge to traditions from other culturesIt is difficult to eliminate cultural bias

Ex.

Functions of Religion 1. Social cohesion 2. Support system 3. Emotional health 4. Social service 5. Social contract 6. Social change

These ideas support the functionalist theory of religion

Dysfunctionalists Conflict can disrupt social cohesion “We are one in Christ,” but there are

also those who are “one” in Allah, Shiva, Buddha…

Spiritual diversity weakens social cohesion

Religion must compete with other institutions for sources of identity

Expression of Religious Beliefs Animism – earth spirits Theism – one or more beings are more

powerful than people Polytheism – belief in many gods Monotheism – one all-powerful, all-

knowing god

Religious Organizations Church – an inclusive religious body that

brings together a moral community of believers in formalized worship

Denomination – a subgroup within a religion that has its own system of organization, including many churches

Sect – a body of persons adhering to a particular religious faith

Learning about religion You will study about the five major world

religions For each religion answer the questions to

create a chart or notes for each religion. Starts on page 701

Think about the question of the day: How can a basic knowledge of world religions help you to understand global issues?