Studying the World’s Religions, Part II The 7 Dimensions of Religion

I. The Nature of a Religious Tradition: the Seven Dimensions of Religion A. All religions explore mystery – people ask questions (those five major questions) Those questions are answered within each religion through the seven dimensions of religion

The Purpose The Five Questions Are Answered Through the Seven Dimensions (each religion answers them somewhat differently) QUESTIONS:ANSWERS: Nature of the World?Mythical Spiritual Perfection?Ethical Ultimately RealityExperiential Destiny?Doctrinal Human Condition?Ritual Social Material

1. Experiential a. Religions begin when someone has an experience with THE DIVINE b.In theistic religions, God is experienced with: - awe-inspiring fear - fascination Ex: the Annunciation of the angel Gabriel to Mary c. In non-theistic religions, experiences take the form of mysticism – uniting with the divine through inward contemplation or meditation Ex: Native American Vision Quest

1. Experiential, continued Experiences involve Faith – firm belief in something for which there is not always concrete proof; believing without seeing something that is known through a witness and based on good reasons

2.Mythic/Sacred Story a. In the study of religion, myths tell sacred truths b. Myths are non-rational and non-history but do not conflict with science c. They take the form of SACRED STORIES that are passed along d. Myths commonly tell : i. the story of the beginning of the world and human beginnings ii. The proper way to live Ex: Genesis – creation of the world and Adam and Eve

3.Doctrinal This aspect of religion incorporates belief, which is usually stated in their creeds, doctrines, scriptures and teachings of their religions. Doctrines are derived from myths and religious experiences and make rational sense of the content.

4. Ethical a. Every religion has an ethical dimension that tells us how we are to act in this world. Ex: 10 Commandments b. Ethics in many religions typically coincide and occur across religions. Ex: kindness to others

5. Ritual a. Ritual is formal practice that helps us worship b. It usually reenacts a myth or sacred story. Ex: Mass, Muslim prayer five times a day

6. Social a. Religions are social meaning that they involve communities where people belong to groups (tribes, parishes) who help us worship. b. Leaders in every religion are examples of spiritual perfection. Ex: Taoist sage, saints, apostles, chiefs

Material a. The objects used to worship, the buildings worshipped in and the sacred texts for worship are all material – they are objects that assist us in our worship. Examples of material objects: - churches - icons (images of Jesus, Mary, Buddha, Krishna, Shiva) - books of scripture (Bible, Torah, Koran) - natural (mountains, seas, rivers) - man-made (cities)

III. Two Approaches to Studying Religion a. Approach the study of religion with comparative methodology: compare religions to one another because to know just one religion is to know none. Studying many religions helps us to understand our own and each one more. b. Religion should be approached with empathy: the capacity for seeing from another’s perspectives.