religious studies v. theology
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Why study Religion?. Religious Studies v. Theology . Question- answer individually. Think of conflicts in the world today and in the past tha t are based on religion. What are some of them, why did they happen, and why do you think religion has played a factor?. Sharing. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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?