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Religion derives from the Latin term meaning “good faith” or “ritual. ” It Is the ways in which people try to connect with something greater than. Beyond, or Invisible takes many forms in the world. There are many different aspects that play in with many different religions. Examples are; sacred texts, pray to a god or other being, engage in rituals or forms of worship, and highly organized groups or others not so organized. 2. What is the materialist perspective of religion? The materialistic perspective on religion argues that the supernatural world does to exist and that humans invented religion. . What are monotheistic religions? How do they differ from polytheistic religions? Monotheistic religion believes in one higher being. A polytheistic religion has no limits on which is the biggest difference between polytheistic religions and monotheistic religions. 4. What is a myth? Give one example of a myth. A myth is a story that is important to a group. Religious myths may be about how the universe was formed, how humans came to be present on the earth, or about aspects of the ultimate reality. The stories of Squatty and other mythical creatures are examples of myths. . What are some of the functions of myths that Joseph Campbell Identified? Followers a sense of wonder about creation or the divine by telling stories of improbable events or supernatural intervention, a sense of awe or mysteriousness can elevate the divine and give individuals a reason to worship the divine. Myths and stories also help to establish an ethical code for followers. Critical Thinking Questions 1 . When looking at the different definitions of religion, what are some of the moon features? Which definition do you think best captures what religion is?
Why? Why has there been so much debate over what a religion is? I think the quote, “Religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics, a philosophy of life, and a worldview,” (Religiousness’s. Org) is one quote that defines religion well because religions number one memo is belief. One common feature is that a religion believes in something, someone, and idea, etc. Also most religions form groups based on others with the same religion. . What are the three perspectives on religion? Describe each.
Which one do you think offers the best explanation for the existence of religion? Why? The three perspectives on religion are: materialistic, functionalist, and faith. The faith perspective states that there is a reality beyond humans that some people experience. From a functionalist perspective, religion exists because the material world doesn’t meet all of our needs as humans. The materialistic perspective on religion argues that the supernatural world does not exist and that humans invented religion. I have mixed feeling on how religion came to existence.
Though I would consider faith perspective offers the best explanation, I also believe the other perspectives explanation for the existence of religions is important as well. 3. What role does religion play in your community? Are there multiple religions present or does one religion dominate the community? Religion in my community brings a lot of the people together. Since we are a small community, most get together at church and other activities like youth group. For the most, Christianity dominates the community that I know of.
If there were different religious groups, I would say that they all get along pretty well. 4. What are some of the benefits of religion for individuals and communities? One of the benefits of religion for individual communities is that it establishes morality. It also establishes common ground with one another. Religion also allows opportunity to have someone or something to communicate with. 5. What are some of the disadvantages of religion? How can individuals h disadvantages? The main disadvantage of religion in my opinion is how religion does no room for other ideas.
One religions belief could be different from another r therefore, creating friction and controversy between those two religions. In could help reduce disadvantages by being more acceptable to other religion necessarily changing or believing in another religion but Just not criticizing judging someone not in their religion. Discussion Questions Please post questions and answers on the UNIT ONE discussion boards. Un otherwise instructed, you should submit at least one full paragraph for each question. Each discussion assignment is worth 5 points. 5. What are some of the disadvantages of religion?