Studies of Religion PRELIM NOTES
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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
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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
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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