DO NOW: Work on this table. Try to put words in as many different columns as you can. (3 minutes)Religion Words about it

Hinduism

Buddhism

Sikhism

Judaism

Christianity

Islam

Other (your choice)

How will we study religion?1. Normative study

A. How things ought to beB. What is right

2. Descriptive study1. Description of how things are2. Does not make a value judgment. Does not say what should

be

How will we study religion?3. Assume a “rationalist stance”

A. Believers think they are making truth claimsB. Reject the psychological (Freudian) view that people are

not really saying what they think they are saying

Method

Method4. Method

a) Questions?1) How can we fairly study a religion that is not our own ?2) Usually religious study is done from within a tradition.

b) Answer1) We can study the truth about the religion rather than

the truth of the religion without believing2) Example: I want to study Hinduism. I do not want to

convert to Hinduism. c) Descriptive study

a) Provide an accurate description of religions by presenting fundamental ideas as a framework for faith

b) Particular claims that fall short of consistency with other claims or that lead to ethical or logical problems will be noted

Definition

Definition5. Definition

a) What is meant by religion?1) Religions from East differ from West

1) Many eastern religions are not focused on whether god exists

2) Some religions do not focus on moral issues the same way others do

3) Some have little concern for the individual person, but great concern for family, caste or society

Definitionb) Requirements of definition

1) Broad enough to cover all instances of religion2) Narrow enough to limit the use to only religious

aspects of life (verses recreation, politics, work)3) Neutral about questions of truth4) Must be usable, workable

c) Definition:

Definition:The condition of being “ultimately concerned”

Definitione) Explanation

1) People have many concerns (food, clothing, shelter) in life.

2) Some concerns in life claim ultimacy. Total surrender. of religion. Paradigm shift.

3) Ultimate concern promises complete fulfillment at the same time it make a demand.

DO NOW: Chose two or three different religions.

Explain how they fit the definition of being “ultimately concerned.”

List two or three thing in life that we are concerned with, but not ultimately concerned.

4 minutes

Review from yesterday

Elements of many religions – one view:1. Gifted individuals as important

figures2. Sacred texts3. Rituals 4. Division or disagreement

Elements of many religions – another view:

1.Belief in supernatural or ultimate reality beyond yet connected to human existence

2.Distinguish between sacred and profane – space, time, people

3.Rituals

Elements of many religions – another view:

4.Moral code5.Common emotional feelings such as

“wonder at existence” joy, guilt, bond of community

6.Encourage and provide ways to communicate with the divine

7.Sacred stories

Elements of many religions – another view:

8. Organize life for individuals according to dress codes, sacrifices, etc….

9. Promote social organizations to carry out leadership 10.Promise inner peace and harmony. Offer hope and

meaning beyond mere physical survival.11.Typically offer a future hope with a figure who will

usher in a new age12.Must propagate themselves. Missionary activity or

through procreation for all traditions. Primary way religions are propagated.