NATURE OF RELIGION AND BELIEFS

The Nature of Religion

Define the supernatural dimension

DEFINITION: Belief in a divine being or power greater than humankind and the natural world.

Different religions have their own unique responses to the question of the exact nature of the supernatural dimension.

The Semitic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam believe that the supernatural dimension is a single divine being or power. This doctrine or belief is known as monotheism.

The two Eastern religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, derive from an understanding of a number of divine beings or powers, a belief known as polytheism.

Discuss a transcendent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine power and/or powers beyond the human

A transcendent worldview is one which has a belief in a divine power or powers beyond the human.

The three Semitic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam emphasise the idea of God being revealed to humankind from beyond the human spirit.

For example, Muslims believe that the will of Allah has been revealed to the Prophet Mohammed and is contained in the writings of the Koran. This is a transcendent worldview because the divine being is seen to be separate and outside of the human and revealed to humankind through an intermediary.

Discuss an immanent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine being or powers dwelling within the individual

An immanent worldview holds the belief that supernatural powers or divine beings dwell within the human.

For the two Eastern religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, the emphasis is on the finding of truth from within the human spirit.

For example Buddhists follow the Eightfold Path prescribed by the Buddha in order to reach Enlightenment. This is an immanent religious worldview because the divine power is believed to be found within the human and awaits discovery through following the prescribed path.

Define the characteristics of religion (beliefs, believers, sacred texts and writings, ethics and rituals and ceremonies)

That the most significant element of a religious worldview is this belief in a divine being or power, which is greater than humankind and the natural world.

This being or power is believed to be responsible for the creation of the world, for providing a moral framework for human life and being the ultimate destiny of a human person at the end of their mortal life.

Almost all religions have a moral code or a set of ethics of which they follow

Explore the ways in which these characteristics (beliefs, believers, sacred texts and writings, ethics and rituals and ceremonies) interact to create a dynamic, living religion

Jananee Sundarakumar | Studies of Religion | Preliminary Course

Appreciate the contribution of religion to: individuals and society and culture

Australian Aboriginal Beliefs and Spiritualties- The Dreaming

Out the nature of the Breaming in relation to: origins of the universe, sacred sites, stories of the Dreaming and symbolism and art.

Discuss the diversity of the Dreaming for Aboriginal peoples

Recognise the importance of the Dreaming for the life of Aboriginal peoples

Investigate the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity

BUDDHISM

Origins:

Out the historical and cultural context in which Buddhism began

Examine the principle event so the Buddha’s life, including the enlightenment

Explain why the Buddha is the model of Buddhist life

Describe the early formation for the Sangha within the first five years, including Mahapajapati’s request for a female Sangha

Identify the importance of the first two councils in the development of Buddhism

Outline the unique features of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Principle Beliefs:

Define the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha

Describe the significance of the Four Noble Truths

Examine the beliefs of Annica, Dukkha and Anatta

Recognise the connection between Karma and Samsara

Outline the importance of Nirvana in Buddhism

Sacred Texts and Writings

Identify the importance of: Tripitaka, Lotus of the Good Law and the Tibetan book of the Dead

Examine extracts from the Tripitaka, Lotus of the Good Law and the Tibetan book of the Dead which demonstrate the principal beliefs of Buddhism

Core Ethical Teachings:

Outline the principal ethical teachings in Buddhism (The Five Precepts and the Vinaya)

Jananee Sundarakumar | Studies of Religion | Preliminary Course

Describe the importance of ethical teachings in the life of adherents (The Five Precepts and the Vinaya)

Personal Devotion in the Home

Outline puja as celebrate in the home.

JUDAISM

Origins:

Outline the life of Abraham

Describe the Covenant with the Patriarchs, including the promises of the a People and a Land

Outline the unique features of Conservative Judaism, Orthodox Judaism and Progressive Judaism

Principle Beliefs:

Discuss the belief in the one God and the attributes of God

Outline the concept of a divinely inspired moral law

Identify the importance of Covenant for the Jewish people

Sacred Texts and Writing

Identify the importance of the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud

Examine extracts from the Hebrew Scripture which demonstrate the principal beliefs of Judaism

Core Ethical Teachings

Outline the principal ethical teachings of Judaism (LOOK AT SYLLABUS)

Describe the importance of ethical teaching sin the life of adherents

Observance

Describe the importance of Shabbat

Jananee Sundarakumar | Studies of Religion | Preliminary Course