The Material Dimension L/O: Should a religious believer be able to wear their symbol of faith?

What symbols show our identity? Show identity clip

Ninian Smart states that it is the material dimension that sets the religious believer out from another, whether it is the symbol of wearing or the religious building or sacred place that the believer will go on pilgrimage. If this is the outward sign of a religion why do you think that Ninian Smart kept the material dimension till the end?

Look at the Khalsa Cards. What does each thing symbolise? Why do you think these are used by Sikhs? Now try and match the pictures with the explanation cards

Sikhism and the 5 Khalsa’s Sikhs are a prime example of having a material dimension. Sikhs have something called the 5 K’s They are 5 physical symbols worn by Sikhs who have been initiated into the khalsa. The 5 K’s are: Kesh (uncut hair) Kara (a steel bracelet) Kanga (a wooden comb) Kaccha (cotton underwear) Kirpan (steel sword)

Kesh (uncut hair) Combed daily and kept under a turban as soon as a boy can tie a turban by himself. Beliefs Action Staying the way God created you Not cutting hair from birth onwards Devotion to God and Sikhism Part of the 5 Ks expected of Sikhs

Kangha (comb) Wooden comb used to comb hair and then keep it in place under the turban. Beliefs Action To be physically clean before God Keeps long hair clean and tidy Spiritually clean before God Used daily as part of the 5 Ks

Kara (steel bracelet) Steel bracelet given at the Sikh naming ceremony and worn at all times. Beliefs Action The eternity and oneness of God Worn round the right wrist from birth Unity of all Sikhs Shows you are a true Sikh keeping the 5 Ks

Kaccha (shorts) Traditional white shorts used in battle during the time of Guru Gobind Singh. Beliefs Action Readiness to defend your faith Worn daily under trousers Freedom as a member of the Khalsa Reminder of faith as part of the 5 Ks

Kirpan (short sword) Short sword or dagger. It is curved to show that it should only be used in defence. Beliefs Action Worn under the shirt or tucked into shorts Readiness to be a spiritual warrior Reminder that by wearing the 5 Ks you belong to the khalsa The power of the Sikh community

Do you think that religious followers should be able to show their material dimension wherever and whenever they want?