RELIGION

1
RELIGION

• The Social Institution of Religion Mans Window
  to the World and Himself

2
RELIGION IN THE WORLD

• RELIGION--(def) an organized system of faith
  worship that shapes worldview
• Common Elements- ritual, prayers, holy places,
  literature, truths, charismatic leaders,
  morals/ethics Training, Code of Behavior,
  faith-based, exclusive

3
The Responsibilities of Religion

• Religion teaches morals/ethics
• Provides pro-social code of behavior
• Provides a schema for understanding the world
• makes known truth

4
Types of Religions

• Monotheistic-- religions that have one unified
  God (Judaism, Islam, Christianity)
• Polytheistic--religions featuring multiple gods
  (Hinduism)
• Pantheistic---god equated with nature (voodoo)
• Mysticism--god through insight

5
Judaism First in Monotheism

• Began over 4,000 years ago with Abraham
• Holy Book Torah
• Man in Image of God free will
• Waiting for the Messiah

6
Christianity World Redemption

• Centered around Jesus of Nazareth
• Similar theology to Judaism but with a new
  message
• Focus salvation, redemption, charity,
  forgiveness
• Awaits second coming

7
Islam Devotion to Allah

• started in 7th century by Muhammad
• complete way of life and thought centered around
  devotion to Allah
• Allahu Akbar-God is Great
• Koran mentions figures from Bible like Moses and
  Jesus
• In cultural conflict with the secular West today
  conflict during the Crusades in the Middle Ages
  future conflict with fundamentalist Islamic
  states.

8
Is Science a New Religion?

• has a theology and core set of beliefs
• provides truth
• has a liturgy, scientific method
• shapes world view of adherents
• provides answers to the unknown

9
Religion in Anthropology

• All religions are valid and valuable to their
  practitioners
• All religions preserve and transmit the essence
  of high culture
• All religions provide a pro-social code of
  behavior and enforce it
• All religions attempt to define a meaningful
  existence for people
• Most religions are mutually exclusive