Preface and Intro

The Acedemic Study of Religion in the Humanities

Offers a unique opportunity to learn about American communities of faith & practice in an atmosphere free of both judgement & partisan advocacy

Focuses on what each group does and believes and on what these practices and beliefs mean to those who believe in them

Does not: evaluate whether those practices/ beliefs are right/wrong Judge/ advocate Present religion as preferable to non-religion Favor secularity over religiousness Attempt to make converts to/ from any particular community of faith

PrefaceReligious beliefs/ practices are presented impartially

in this book, but it’s not value freeReligion is an important part of humanity’s storyNothing in the entire spectrum of religiousness can

be completely strange to us because we are all human

Freedom of religion is guaranteed in our constitution With the religious diversity that exists in the U.S.,

respect for those beliefs & practices that differ from our own is very important

PrefaceThere is a vast distinction between religion as it

is described in the books and as people actually live it

-Many Religions break their own rules-We chose from our religions teachings the

things that are personally meaningful to us & feel free to leave the rest alone

PrefaceThis book continues the emphasis on religious

diversity in the U.S. & less emphasis on the majority

Attention is also given to responding to the religious diversity that surrounds us

Religious diversity make the U.S. an ideal place to learn about religion, not only in books, but as it is embodied in the people who we come into contact with every day

This edition of the bookFirst introduces students to the dicipline of religious studies

then describes issues and concerns that cut across a variety of communities of faith

Part 2 then describes specific Christian communities of faith, recognizing that Christians make up the majority of religious people here

Part 3 describes the ever widening diversity that characterizes religion in the U.S.

Is not a book about the religious history of the U.S.Focuses on the diversity of what people believe and

practice today

Religion Helps to make life meaningful and good for many america Is a rewarding subject to study Is about people because religion is about peopleAbout something transcends people, such as God or

another high reality: but, always always about people, what people believe, and how they respond to those beliefs

This is a book about us, all of us because even if we are not personally religious, our lives are influenced by the religiousness around us

Intro Religious America: Diversity & Freedoom

Religious diversity in the U.S. & throughout the world is increasing

The development & growth of this diversity is an important social phenomenon & one that extends for beyond the confines of religion

Particular feature of religious diversity: most-not-all religions make claims to absolute truth

The existence of wide-ranging diversity coupled with absolute truth claims poses a particularly interesting challenge for thoughtful, reflective response.

5 Responses to Religious Diversity

Exclusivism: you only agree with one religionRelativism: all perspectives are limitedInclusivism there is one true religion but some

others ay agreeSynthesis: all relgions are the sameThe affirmation of religious diversity: all religions

are true

ToleranceTolerance: the willingness to grant basic civil

liberties to members of a faith other than one’s own

Encompasses willingness to grant freedom to gather for religious meetings/ speak publicly in the hope of winning over other people to one’s viewpoint; avoiding religious discrimination

A person who is tolerant may disagree/ think someone’s position is wrong, but is still willing to see the other person’s point

Chapter 1: Why study religion?

Study our own religion to understand ourselves betterStudy religion of others to understand others &

prejudicesHas an important roll in historySignificant impact on contemporary events Impact on cultural forms such as: literature, art, &

musicDiscipline of religious studies helps to stabalize the

public rolled religion

What is the Difference between the study of theology & the study of religionTheology is a study by members of a community

of faith learning or studying the practices & beliefs of their own religion

Religion promotes an awareness of the diversity of religious beliefs, practices, & experiences people have

4 Dimensions of Religion• Belief: ideas of a religion• Lifestyle: conduct; standards; ethics• Ritual Activities: ceremonial actions- prayer,

chanting, meditating, lighting candles• Social Institutions: like-minded people join

together for instruction

What is Popular Religion?Different from institutional religionOccurs outside the formal boundaries of

religious institutions

Chapter 2

Influencing factors that shaped religious freedom in the U.S.

European settlers fleeing established religion in their homeland

Experience with power/ privelege of churches led to problems

Several views of Religion

3 places freedom of religion is in the

ConstitutionArticle 6: prohibits religious requirements for

holding public office1st amendment: no law to establish religion; no

law to prohibit free exercise of religion14th amendment: no state laws for privelege of

or exemption for religion

4 things in civil religionBelief in GodBelief in America’s role in God’s plans for the

worldCommonly accepted standards of morality &

civic virtueRoutinely observed holidays

six ways that our culture was affected by 9/11

OmniscienceOmnipotenceInpregnability & inviolabilityDevine electionSupreme GoodnessSalvic Mission

Religion leads to conflict in 4 ways:

With itself when some of its members violate its own highest standards

Within communities of faith when different factions disagree sharply about what is right

Individuals/ society as a whole when it leads to violence, terrorism, addiction or other disfunctional behaviors

Expressing religion in inappropriate ways

Common factors contributing to religious

violenceDualistic worldviewDivine or cosmic warfare

JihadThe Greater Jihad: daily struggle of individual

muslims to submit their wills to Allah (God)The Lesser Jihad: related to doing better for the

faith