Ninian Smart Smart’s Dimensions avoid the tricky problem of trying to define “Religion”. Ninian Smart was the single most important figure in the development of the subject in British education He was also a strong influence more widely in Australia, North America and New Zealand. He wrote, "The study of religions is a science that requires a sensitive and artistic heart." He has identified seven dimensions that are found within a religion

Seven Dimensions of Religion Practical and Ritual Dimension Experiential and Emotional Narrative or Mythic Dimension Doctrinal and Philosophical Dimension Ethical and Legal Dimension Social and Institutional Dimension Material Dimension By Ninian Smart

Practical and Ritual Practices such as: Rites of Worship Rites of Devotion/Praying (communal and private) Regular Gatherings Rites of Passage/Initiation Rites

Practical and Ritual Rituals/Ceremonies Some form of outer behaviour matched with an inner intention to make contact with the invisible world. Celebration of the Eucharist in Christianity Participating in the Hajj in Islam

Experiential and Emotional All religions regard an inner experience as very important. These experiences are often highly emotional. Mystical or highly charged experiences of ecstasy, wonder or fascination recorded by religious people.

Narrative or Mythic The significant stories (either real or imagined) which explain and inspire. They help to describe the relationship between the human and the divine. Can be both printed texts and oral traditions. Myths (creation myths etc) Legends (stories about sacred people in history) The Christian Bible The Islamic Quran

Narrative or Mythic Parables (stories about fictional characters which have more than one meaning to help us learn a lesson or moral) Canons The words of God Words of people inspired by God Words of holy and wise people

Doctrinal and Philosophical Systems of belief and faith, a rationale for when a faith cannot address an intellectual concept. A series of doctrines or teachings that explain what members are expected to believe in. Usually related in complex ways to the cultural/social practices of the society.

Doctrinal and Philosophical A system of belief in: Gods, spirits, angels, demons, ancestors Sacred or important people from the past human nature and the natural world Salvation About the way the universe is structured (cosmology) The meaning of life Holy Trinity in Christianity

Ethical and Legal A code of approved moral conduct for human beings usually based on a sacred text, a sacred story, a ritual, a particular doctrine or a belief. A set of social or ethical norms which portray the key values promoted by believers.

Ethical and Legal Ideas and laws that shape behaviour. 5 Precepts in Buddhism Ten Commandments in Christianity Beatitudes in Christianity Jewish Torah (613 mitzvah or commandments) The Sharia Law in Islam Polynesian and Melanesian traditions – tapu/taboo

Social and Institutional The organisation of a religion, its social structure, (for example, the hierarchical structure of persons, departments, dioceses and parishes in the Catholic Church). Sacred Time: When to worship, festivals, seasons, religious calendars

Social and Institutional Sacred Persons Ritual experts, spiritual guides and leaders, different roles for different people. How families are structured etc. Church Rabbis The Caste System

Material The most visible aspect of religions to portray a religious experience/encounter. Some religions may not have buildings, but sacred spaces/parts of the landscape

Material Buildings will have varying reasons for their creation: To house gods or sacred objects Mark especially important places House sacred people or spiritual leaders Gathering places for communal or private rituals Music Art Symbol Architecture

Ninian Smart Some religions emphasise certain dimensions more than others. In some religions, one or more dimensions may be almost non-existent. No succinct definition of Religion, however it can give us an insight into the nature of religion.

Ninian Smart The Seven Dimensions can also be applied to secular or humanistic worldviews such as nationalism or Marxism even though Smart agreed that these are not religions. Religion: Addresses the most fundamental questions about what it is to be human. Goes to the very heart of what we believe we are. Has brought out the very best and the very worst in human behaviour.