The Nature of Religion

The Nature of ReligionIntroduction

Topic 1 Focus...Define: what Religion is, the ‘supernatural’

element, transcendent vs. immanent dimensions.

The contribution of Religion to societyExplore the characteristics of Religion:

Beliefs and believersSacred texts and writingsEthicsRituals and ceremonies

Score Card...Rank these Religions

from largest to smallestBuddhismChristianityHinduismIslamJudaismNo Religion

1999 Global Profile

2005 Global Profile

The Big 5...In 2005 it was reported the following figures for

the 5 Major World Religions:

Christianity: 2.1 BillionIslam: 1.5 BillionHinduism: 900 BillionBuddhism: 376 BillionJudaism: 14 Million.

Note: 1.1 Billion claim to be ‘Non-Religious’

Map of World Religions...

What Religion means...

So what does ‘Religion’ really mean???Read Living Religion page 4 and in pairs brainstorm

‘What is Religion’. You will have 5 minutes to get as many answers as possible.

When you have finished we will brainstorm as a class and each pair will have to contribute at least one answer.

Then, using the brainstorm material, as well as your own knowledge, create your own definition of the term ‘Religion’. You will be required to post it to the Wiki for homework.

What is Religion?Belief in the supernatural dimension is central to all

world religions Religion by its nature defies precise definition. However,

the central commonality to all world religions is the belief in the supernatural dimension. Thus, it can be

said 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.