Christian Cultural Heritage

Christian Cultural Heritage

Western Thought & Religion


What is religion? Universally recognized phenomena Historically, humanity is overwhelmingly

religious People generally look beyond themselves David Hume – “In the history of mankind

there never has been a tribe of men without some form of religion.”

Secularism denies humanity’s over-whelming religious nature to look beyond itself.

Video – Hate religion, love Jesus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY

The word religion From Latin – religia Religia – means “to unite” Unite humanity with divine sphere

(generally western) Eastern religions look to the oneness of all

being Indigenous religions seek to live in

harmony with “god-imitating” structures of tribe or ethnic group


The word religion In Greek – qhraskeia, thraskos (Jam. 1:26-

27; Col. 2:18 worship of angels) Etymologically may refer to conduct and

practice Acts 17:22 and 25:19 – deisidaimonious

and deisidaimonias Deidw – to fear Daimon – demon; deity; minor deity


Function and Direction of Religion Religion functions to guide humans toward

a purpose in life in connection with a superior power

Religion has some object of faith


Deity: Relational and Non-relational Relational

Superhuman in character and power Super sensuous or invisible but able to

represent himself in material and understandable ways

Exercises rule over the natural world Exercises rule over humanity’s welfare Deity is responsive to humanity Deity arouses awe, worship, and submission


Deity: Relational and Non-relational Non-Relational

Deism Impersonal metaphysical being or power

Philosophical Hinduism Taoism

Abstract principle Unifying force of all things


Definition of Religion Not easily defined - Depends on location

experience or commitment = transcendence, human nature, human society

“Religion is a mental faculty or disposition, which independent of, nay in spite of, sense and reason, enables man to apprehend the Infinite under different names and under varying guises” (Max Muller 1882, 13 Introduction to the Science of Religion)


Definition of Religion “Religion is the recognition of all duties as

divine command” (Immanuel Kant, Critic of Practical reason, trans. Abbott, p. 226)

“The essence of religion is the feeling of absolute dependence” (Schleiermacher, Discourse on Religion, ch. 2)

“Belief in spiritual beings” (Eerdman’s Handbook on The World’s Religions)


Definition of Religion William James – “consists of the belief that

there is an unseen order, and that our supreme good lies in harmoniously adjusting ourselves thereto” (1902 The Varieties of Religious Experience, p. 53) or “Religion is the feeling, acts, and experiences of individual men in their solitude, so far as they apprehend themselves to stand in relation to whatever they may consider the divine.”


Definition of Religion Paul Tillich defined religion as that

which is of “ultimate concern.” Problems:

With this definition any thing that of the most concern to a person is classed a religion

Patriotism Nationalism Family


Definition of Religion “A religion is a system of beliefs and

practice that provides values to give life meaning and coherence by directing the person toward transcendence” (Winfried Gorduan, Neighboring Faiths 1998, p. 21) What one may call a religion may not be, it

could be a belief system, cause, or societal system that one is committed to but it does not constitute a “religion.”


Which of these is a religion? Seeking oneness with the universe Service to humanity Worship of spiritual being or beings Communism Fixated on Elvis

Is there a difference between being religious and being spiritual? Religious – spirituality shown through ritual Spiritual – belief without ritual


Six Factors in Identifying Religion Usually focuses on peoples’ relationship to

the unseen realm of god(s), spirits, ancestors, and demons.

There is a system of myths, prophecies, and rituals illuminating the spiritual realm for communing with or propitiating the spiritual being.

There are organized rituals, places of worship, holy people, and writings in their history.

There is a view to something beyond the current physical existence on which to focus

There is a code of conduct or moral order. There has been a large group of believer

some time.


Elements of Religion Provides the core values by which life is

given meaning and goals. Directs one toward a transcendent

awareness or experience Through a supernatural means Through metaphysical principles Through an ideal Through a place or an awareness

Provides a means for understanding the world


Subjective or Psychological Evolutionary Monotheism as the Source of Religion

Approaches to Religion

Psychological or Subjective

Concepts of subjective theory Religion is based on subjective,

subconscious feelings that are given physical expression Developed to fulfill the needs of men Religion as a part of humanity – source not

important Specific beliefs and practices are expressions

of subconscious symbols and attitudes Divine revelation is the product of peoples’

expressions of their psyches Rituals allow for an outlet for subconscious

religious drives

god/spirit

GOD

Psychological/Subjective Approach Monotheistic Approach


Important Contributors to Subjective Theory Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834)

Begins with a feeling of dependence Not a set of beliefs Dependence on an absolute , which is God Proceeds from the feeling of dependence to the

idea there is an object of dependence, not the idea there is a God

Ludwig Feuerbach (1804-1872) Concept of God is a being with idealized human

traits taken to their ultimate characteristics Worshipping God is worshipping the ideal self-

image See Essence of Christianity ~ 1840s


Important Contributors to Subjective Theory Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

Psychological need for a father figure God is an idealized father figure (people

substitute idealized image for imperfect father figure)

Religious nature is a symptom of psychological immaturity

Rudolf Otto (1869-1937) Published “The Idea of the Holy” in 1917 A person is overwhelmed with a feeling of God’s

greatness and majesty and one’s own limitations – a feeling of fear and awe

Psychological experience from subconscious non-rational faculties


Important Contributors to Subjective Theory C. G. Jung (1875-1961)

Human dreams from subconscious are expressed in religion

Mercea Eliade (1907-1986) University of Chicago Subconscious symbol manifest themselves in

manifestations of the Holy


Critic of Psychological/Subjective Religion God is a manifestation of the human condition Even if the subjective exists, it does not rule

out the God as a reality apart from humanity Bible speaks of people created in the image of

God but God is self-existing separate from humanity God may have given humanity a sense of

dependence, feelings of the other, or an idea of the holy

This view starts from self experience not revelation

The question is did a sense of God begin with humans or with God?

Evolutionary Approach to Religion Concepts of the evolutionary approach

Assumes an evolutionary view of life and culture Before Darwin (1700’s) there was an idea of the

world moving from primitive to the more complex Darwin (1809-1882) gave it a scientific setting There is a philosophical commitment to the idea

of progress of humanity Primitive cultures indicate the earlier stages

Cultural anthropology Search to find which culture represents the

earliest forms of religion Assumes Western culture is highest known form

Theories in Evolution to Religion Animistic Theory

Edward Burnett Tylor (1832-1917)Primitive Culture (2 vols. 1871)Maintained that primitive people

developed a sense of other or soul from experience with death and dreams

Primitive people believed that these souls (Latin, anima) were to be found not only in people but in all nature (stones, trees, animals, rivers, springs, volcanoes, and mountains).

Theories in Evolution to Religion Herbert Spenser

Developed concept of “Manism” R.H. Codrington (1823-1900) studied

under Tylor and developed further the idea of Mana – “idea that supernatural power that belonged to the region of the unseen.”

Gods of primitive people was based on dreams of the recent dead.

Dead alive in another realm with chiefs and heroes which gave rise to ancestor worship

Polytheism Gave rise to worshiped sky, earth, etc.

Theories in Evolution to Religion Nature-worship Theory

Max Muller (1823-1900) Oxford Professor

From mythology of IndiaBelieved religion developed from

observance of forces of nature which they saw the regularity of seasons, the tides, and phases of moon.

“Primitive people identified the forces in nature, personified them, created myths to describe their activities, and eventually developed pantheons and religions around them.”

Theories in Evolution to Religion Magic Theory

Sir James George Frazer (1854-1941) Cambridge

The Golden BoughThough went through three phases:Magic - attempted to control the

world of nature through magic (if not coerced by magic)

Religion – nature can be implored to cooperate

Science – rational understanding of nature

Stages of the Evolutionary Theory of Religion

MANA/FETISHISM/MAGIC

ANIMISM

POLYTHEISM

HENOTHEISM

MONOTHEISM

???

Evolutionary Theory of Religion Proposed Stages Defined

First: Mana/Fetishism - Mana From Melanesian cultures but present elsewhere General awareness of a spiritual force Non-personal force that does not reveal itself Force pervades the physical realm but unevenly

distributed – some areas of have more force than other places or things

Positive contact brings positive aspects to one’s life

Negative contact causes problems in life One seeks a positive relationship


First: Mana/Fetishism - Fetishism Fetish – an object is seen as endowed with a

great amount of mana (doll, bone, stick, etc.) Human must harness mana for positive effects Magic – the manipulation of human beings of

spiritual forces in order to bring about a desired result (Corduan 1998, 27) Manipulation Correct technique for success Some approach religion this way, even in

monotheism


Second: Animism – (Latin anima = soul)


Second: Animism – (Latin anima = soul) Definition – the belief and worship of spiritual

beings that inhabit people, places, or objects Nature spirits – generally have human form and

personality but not directly related to the humanity. They inhabit places, objects and animals. They may speak and may have a social order.

Ancestor spirits – departed family members that may interact with living relatives generally for protection of the family and clan unless offended. Venerated ancestors usually influential as long as remembered by living person.


Second: Animism – (Latin anima = soul) Finite – limited power, need to be informed (not

surprised), may have specific domains, existence resembles physical but in spiritual realm, can do more than people

Assistance to humans – spirits can provide insights to life’s direction for success (may use fortunetellers and soothsayers or diviners) or provide protection.

Respect for spirits – keep harmony with family and community to honor ancestors (spirit can cause problems if not respected or going against family & clan

Control – medicine men, witchdoctor or shaman who have means to gain cooperation of spirits or to control with magic


Third: Polytheism (poly – many; theism – gods) Spiritual realm deified with transition from

venerating spirits to worship of gods (worship of angels Col. 2:18)

Gods are vastly superior to spirits that are venerated

Pantheon – all gods and goddesses within a particular religion Some hierarchy but fluid Based on tasks and family connections

Worship – entreating their favor because they are more powerful than the spirits (worship is defined as recognizing divine beings as superior, submitting to them and entreating their favor) Not as easily manipulation as spirits Worshipped instead of the use of magic


Third: Polytheism (poly – many; theism – gods) Three ways polytheism occurs from animism

Exalting ancestors who were of high social status (chiefs or those who were deemed to have spiritual powers in life)

Promoting nature and household spirits to divine status (location may be the home of a God – Meru on top mountains; fertility important for survival so gods and goddesses imputed)

Personifying abstract principles (justice, love, does not have to be personified or have and image)


Fourth: Henotheism – people believe in many gods but worship only one of them. Each clan or tribe choose a god that beneficial to

them Gods may have geographical significance and rule

certain areas or be over certain elements.


Fifth: Monotheism – people believe in only one God Usually theorized to have begun with the Jews

under Moses God is described as the creator of the world God alone is God God alone is worthy to be worshipped God is the source of moral directives Other supernatural beings do exist but not as gods


Sixth: What next? Some suggest Zen Buddhism – personal insights

gained by one’s own will Secular humanism as the highest stage Science/Scientism –

Unlike the use of the scientific method as only one mode of reaching knowledge, scientism claims that science alone can render truth about the world and reality. Scientism's single-minded adherence to only the empirical, or testable, makes it a strictly scientific worldview. Scientism sees it necessary to do away with most, if not all, metaphysical, philosophical, and religious claims, as the truths they proclaim cannot be apprehended by the scientific method. In essence, scientism sees science as the absolute and only justifiable access to the truth.

Subjective/psychological approach to God

GOD

Need for a father figureDreams of the dead

Feeling of dependence

Idealized self-image

Subconscious feelings

and dreams

Evolutionary approach to God

Monotheism

HenotheismPolytheism

Animism

Mana

????

Monotheistic Approach to God

GODRevelation Communication Nature

Created in Image of God

Evolutionary Theory of Religion Critic of the Evolutionary Theory of Religion

Never been seen to progress this way Changes occur both ways The first two stages often have gods associated

with them and even a supreme being (Meru) Many traditional cultures show ties to

monotheism Both Subjective/Psychological &

Evolutionary Theories are bonded in a closed system Both contribute to a view of a “World without

windows” – Peter Berger Both lead to secularization of cultures and

societies. Both make God/religion/spirituality a human

invention

Monotheism – Source of Religion

Wilhelm Schmidt (1868-1954) Studied linguistics 12 volumes Der Ursprung der Gotfesidde (The Origin of

the Idea of God) Documented reports of traditional religions and

cultures that referred to monotheism Documented many traditional cultures that have most

of the basic monotheistic beliefs “Virtually every religion carries a vestige of

monotheism that can be identified as a variation of the nine-point description” of monotheism (Corduan 1998, 33).

A number of traditional cultures practice little or no magic but believe in one creator God.


Three basic inferences from “Original Monotheism Model” There is one clear change, moving away from

monotheism, particularly in wealthier societies. Ritual and magic become prevalent as people move

away from monotheism as seen in our present “modern world”

Call to reform to the original monotheism develops (remember the O.T. prophets)

Monotheism calls for a world with windows, humans as both spiritual and physical entwined, an open worldview and beings capable of both physical and spiritual relationsips.

Original Monotheism Model

MonotheisticTraditions

OriginalMonotheism

Mana Animism Polytheism Henotheism

Various Forms of Religious Change

Decay into Magic and Ritual

From Neighboring Faiths by Winfried Corduan, p.35


Begins with a God who reveals himself in history and humanity responds to his self-disclosure and produces religion

Nine-point basic beliefs of monotheism One God (various levels or relationship) God is described with masculine qualities and grammar God lives beyond the created world God is extremely powerful & knowledgeable God created the world God sets the standards for good and evil Humans are God’s creation & subject to his standards Humans are alienated from God by disobeying

standards God provides the way for humanity to be reconciled

God and Humanity God

God of relationship (love) God interacts and communicate with humanity Personal and involved Acts for the benefit of humanity now and

eternally Sees perfectly and fully

Humanity Created in God’s image Relational beings Humanity given custodianship of the world Created with an eternal nature Created for directed to seek the welfare of

others

The One God and Us

Christianity and God Christianity answers key questions of

life. Why am I here? What should I love? What should I live for? What is after death?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.”

“For God so loved the world …”“I am the way, the truth and the life”

God Incarnate - Savior

To live relationally with God and represent His loveGod , others and self

Life eternal

God’s desires and others welfare

Christians’ Approach to Other Religions

Important criteria for sharing the gospel to those of other religions Live by the two greatest commandments, love

God and your neighbor Treat every person and their religion with

respect (golden rule) Live in peace with all people so long as it depends on

your Learn from them their understanding of their

religion The theoretical understanding of a religion often does

not agree with the daily practice and beliefs of its followers

Christians’ Approach to Other Religions

Important criteria for sharing the gospel to those of other religions Look for points of contact between Christianity

and their religion (Acts 17) Paul gave people credit for being religious and moved

from there to the one God and then to Christ Note obstacles in their beliefs for further

exploration Do not let your own cultural bias obscure or

supplant the gospel message (Acts 15) Make the gospel intelligible to the host people

(All thing to all people)

Christian Cultural Heritage

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