Nine Dimensions of Religion

LO ’s: -Explain the differences between indigenous and world religions--Identify nine dimensions of

religion and link them to features of Catholicism

Starter Activity

Without looking at your notes from yesterday:

Come up with one-two sentences defining the word religion. List 5 of the major world religions.

Indigenous vs World religions

Indigenous religion – originates within a culture and is identified with that culture. Examples: Aboriginal, Maori and people of Pacific regions, North American

World religion – when a religion spreads beyond its culture of origin, adapting to other cultures. Examples: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism are the main world religions

Nine Dimensions of Religion

There are many ways to analyse a religion.

Here are nine dimensions that will be extremely valuable to you for the Unit

Standard Assessment at the conclusion of the Unit.

Sacred Texts

The holy books of the religion. Note that some traditional religions had no sacred texts because they were an oral tradition. However their carvings and other works of art could be

regarded as their form of “sacred texts”

Sacred Beliefs

The central beliefs of a religious group

Sacred Symbols

The objects, places and, sometimes people that are considered holy by

the religions members.

Sacred Rituals

The Religious ceremonies, prayers and practices through which a

religion’s members worship and celebrate.

Sacred Ethics

(Moral Laws) – The moral laws of a religion

Religious Social Structure

The social organisation of the Religion

Religious Experience

The personal experience of the believer

Sacred Stories

The religious stories which explain meaning

for the religion

Religious History

History of religion and it’s development over time. Includes ways in which individuals, movements and events

have shaped its identity.

Your Task

Get into groups of 2. Work out examples of each dimension for the Roman Catholic Church

Pick your partner wisely and be prepared to share your answers with the rest of the class!

Sacred Texts

The Bible Catechism of the Catholic Church

Sacred Beliefs

That Jesus is truly the Son of God Heaven and Hell

Being created in God’s Image

Sacred Symbols

Sacred Rituals

Baptism Eucharist Marriage Liturgy…

Sacred Ethics

Ten Commandments Modern ethics

Bio-ethics

Religious Social Structure

Headed by the PopeCardinals and BishopsPriests and Religious

Laity (us)

Religious Experience

Personal Revelation Mystical Experience

Pilgrimage Experiences

Sacred Stories

The Story of Creation Noah’s Arc

Parables

Religious History

Jewish Origins Roman influence in Church’s Infancy

Middle Ages Reformation and Counter-Reformation

Second Vatican Council