Approaches to Religion

• What is a key characteristic of most religions regarding higher powers?

  Belief in a supernatural being (God)
• What do people perform as part of religious practices?

  Ritual acts
• What does a religion provide in terms of understanding life?

  A worldview
• What does the word "religion" derive from?

  Latin re-legare
• How was religion viewed in ancient Rome?

  As distinct from superstition
• What disciplines contribute to the interdisciplinary approach to studying religion?

  • History
  • Psychology/Anthropology/Sociology
  • Law/Political Science
  • Philosophy
  • Ethics
  • Theology
• What does re-legare mean in the context of religion?

  To re-bind humanity with God
• What does the history discipline contribute to the study of religion?

  Tracks religion's development over time
• What does agnosticism believe about God?

  God cannot be known
• How do psychology, anthropology, and sociology contribute to the study of religion?

  Examines behavior, culture, and social aspects
• What does pantheism believe about God?

  God is everything
• What does polytheism believe about God?

  Multiple gods
• What is agnosticism considered?

  A philosophical stance
• What do religions share that indicates similarities among them?

  Family resemblances
• How does the interdisciplinary approach enhance our understanding of religion?

  • Provides a comprehensive understanding
  • Connects isolated beliefs to societal structures
  • Examines human experience in relation to religion
• What does theology investigate in relation to religion?

  Doctrines and theological frameworks of religions
• What are the key aspects of religion according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary?

  • Organized: A structured institution like a church
  • System of Beliefs: Dogmas and doctrines members adhere to
  • Ceremonies: Formal activities such as praying or rituals
  • Rules: Ethical principles regulating actions
  • God: The divine being(s) worshipped
• What type of organization do religions typically have?

  Collective organization like churches or temples
• What are the key characteristics of religion that may not all be present in every religion?

  • Belief in a supernatural being (God)
  • Sacred and profane distinction
  • Ritual acts
  • Religious feeling of awe
  • Direct communication with divine
  • Worldview
  • Collective organization
• What feeling do members of religions often experience?

  Religious feeling of awe
• What does theism believe about God?

  God exists
• What does monotheism believe about God?

  One God
• What is the main approach used to study religion?

  Interdisciplinary approach
• What is the distinction made in religions between sacred and non-sacred things?

  Sacred and profane distinction
• What does animism believe about God?

  Spirits in nature
• What is a common way for individuals to communicate with the divine?

  Direct communication through prayer or meditation
• How does the Merriam-Webster Dictionary define religion?

  Organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules
• What is the focus of law and political science in studying religion?

  Analyzes legal and political power dynamics
• How do different theories shape the understanding of religion's role in life?

  • Each theory offers a unique perspective
  • Influences beliefs and practices
  • Affects individual and societal views on religion
• What does fideism believe about knowing God?

  Faith is the only path
• What does philosophy explore in the context of religion?

  Religious beliefs and their philosophical implications
• What did superstition refer to in ancient Rome?

  Unconventional or incorrect beliefs
• What is the focus of ethics in the study of religion?

  Studies moral codes and ethical principles
• How was early Christianity perceived before institutionalization?

  As a superstition
• What does atheism believe about God?

  God does not exist