UNIT 3 aos2

• SACRED STORIES in the SEARCH FOR MEANING

  • Pass on the history of the tradition, providing knowledge of how the religious tradition or religious denomination has developed answers about why we exist and how to live in the ongoing search for meaning.
  • Offer an accessible introduction to religious beliefs that give answers to existential questions in the search for meaning.
  • Provide role models, individuals whose life offers guidance in how to live a life of meaning and purpose,
  • Teach ethical principles and moral values to guide human behaviour in searching for a life that has meaning and purpose.
• ETHICS in the SEARCH FOR MEANING

  • Ethics guide adherents to make good behaviour choices, which could provide meaning and value for individual life and life in general by supporting community.
  • When religious beliefs about an afterlife are dependent on right behaviour, ethics provide guidance on how to live a good life that contributes towards providing meaning and value for individual life and the purpose of existence generally.
• RITUALS in the SEARCH FOR MEANING

  • Prescribed structure provides a way for the community to enact their beliefs in a concrete way
  • Enrich beliefs through a commodity that supports their worldview.
• SOCIAL STRUCTURE in the SEARCH FOR MEANING

  • Provide pastoral care, subsequently teaching the community how to provide the roles and functions of their purpose on earth. 
  • Those who provide spiritual leadership organise educational and engagement of the laity. 
  • Provide a sense of permanence and security for adherents
  • Mechanism for providing ethical and spiritual direction for the community and individuals to live out their life with purpose and commitment. 
  • Establish the social culture of the community that makes engagement enjoyable.
• SPAT in the SEARCH FOR MEANING

  • Spaces enable the experience of the sacred and the demonstration of commitment. 
  • Places provide physical sites for expression and worship. 
  • Times provide for a meditative reflection and connection to ultimate reality.
• SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES in the SEARCH FOR MEANING

  • communal experiences of spiritual ecstacy or an epiphany. 
  • touch the heart and mind of the adherent and bond them to the mystery of reality.
• SYMBOLS in the SEARCH FOR MEANING

  • Tangible expression of beliefs which are abstract ideas
  • Treat symbols with reverence
  • Assist believers to remember and acknowledge beliefs.
  • Find personal meaning through the versatility of what can be conveyed.
• The Relationship Between the Aspects

  • The aspects of religion are interrelated, co-dependent, complementary and mutually supportive of each other. 
  • The other aspects act together to reaffirm and strengthen beliefs, to make them real in the lives of adherents, and to shape the identity of the believing community.
  • Support meaning for members of religious traditions through clarifying, insightful, creative and nurturing words, actions and experiences.
• TEXTS in the SEARCH FOR MEANING

  1. Texts can respond to the search for meaning as they may govern the nature and purpose of human life and how adherents are expected to act with each other and other aspects of creation.
  2. Texts may act as a source for how adherents should lead their lives which may include beliefs, ethical principles, and other guidelines.