Why study Religion?

Question- answer individually  Think of conflicts in the world today and in the past that are based on religion. What are some of them, why did they happen, and why do you think religion has played a factor?

Sharing  Discuss your thoughts with a partner  How can conflicts like this be avoided?

What is Religion?  Definition Traditions and practices of groups of people who live by a set of guidelines and worship particular figures or phenomenon

World Religions

Religious Studies  How and Why people are religious More answers come out of that ○ Culture, History, Law, Society  The academic study of religion aims to treat all religious traditions even-handedly

Theology  Works within a religion taking the truth claims in that religion as valid Theology studies religion from the perspective of a particular community of believers

Question  What aspects of religion can be seen in our culture or other cultures?  What are some of the effects various religions have had on the world and societies within it?

Problems with Religious Studies  We take from our own culture and apply that knowledge to traditions from other cultures It is difficult to eliminate cultural bias  Ex.

Functions of Religion  1. Social cohesion  2. Support system  3. Emotional health  4. Social service  5. Social contract  6. Social change  These ideas support the functionalist theory of religion

Dysfunctionalists  Conflict can disrupt social cohesion  “We are one in Christ,” but there are also those who are “one” in Allah, Shiva, Buddha…  Spiritual diversity weakens social cohesion  Religion must compete with other institutions for sources of identity

Expression of Religious Beliefs  Animism – earth spirits  Theism – one or more beings are more powerful than people  Polytheism – belief in many gods  Monotheism – one all-powerful, all- knowing god

Religious Organizations  Church – an inclusive religious body that brings together a moral community of believers in formalized worship  Denomination – a subgroup within a religion that has its own system of organization, including many churches  Sect – a body of persons adhering to a particular religious faith

Learning about religion  You will study about the five major world religions  For each religion answer the questions to create a chart or notes for each religion.  Starts on page 701  Think about the question of the day: How can a basic knowledge of world religions help you to understand global issues?