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Discuss the dimensions of religion study
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There are several distinctions when approaching the idea of religion from the perspective of academics versus an individual practicing it. The basis of academic study consists on the many differences between studying religion to examine it as opposed to being a religious person. In the book The Meaning and End of Religion, Wilfred Smith argues that the perspective through which a person's religious life is generally seen in does not truly represent the actual reality of perceiving religion. He portrays the concept of religion as a modern invention introduced by the West and that the term religion itself creates barriers to the real scholarly understanding of human religiousness. On the contrary, Paul Tillich describes religion as being the “ultimate concern” which is the basis of an individual's lifestyle. For him, religion is something which cannot be controlled and is solely embedded in us when we are …show more content…
According to scientists, religion is considered a gift from the human spirit and society is what makes up the whole perception of religion. Society is scared of the unknown and thinks about the different perspectives and conceptions of every religion out there. On the other hand, theologists consider religion a gift of the divine spirit, that there is something bigger out there. Religion is the ultimate concern and is the dimension of depth in our spiritual life such as our morals and aesthetic.
Tillich states, “Religion is not a special function of man's spiritual life, but it is the dimension of depth in all of its functions” (Tillich 5-7). For Tillich, religion is the ultimate concern and the depth refers to the religious aspects to which is infinite in a man's spiritual life. It means that God is the “ultimate reality". Tillich also mentions that religion is the ultimate concern to convey that whatever ultimately concerns an individual is religion
Religion is considered as a pervasive force in this world. It shapes people as to how they behave and interact with almost everything present in the society. Influencing behavior, character formations, ideals, policies, standards are just among the dimensions and societal perspectives affected and impacted by religion. Because of these applications and implications in human lives and existence, religion should be understood deeply, particularly, on how it affects the world. Looking at the American perspective of the term "religion," it could be simply
In William James” Lecture XX, conclusions” he has argued on various aspects of “Religion”. The whole concept of religion seems to be in accordance to the facts of mankind’s biological operation, still according to him its doesn’t makes it true. Universe itself has a very strong connection to religion of any kind. Nature of Universe is interconnected to human spirit and to the existence of God. James states that “Visible world is part of a more spiritual universe from which it draws its chief significance”, which means that Universe relationship with the religion can be seen through the connection of human and religion. Religion is practically all-inclusive foundation in human culture. It is found in all social orders, over a wide span of time. All the
Many people believe that there is one definition of religion. However, not every religion has the same beliefs. People have developed their own interpretation of religion. According to four philosophers: Otto, Marx, Freud, and Tillich, each theory is different from the other.
Religion is a symbolic representation of society. The sociological approach to religious belief looks at how society behaves on a whole, to answer the question, “Why are people religious?” We express our participation in religious events through plays, acts of confession, religious dances, etc. To begin to understand why we have such term, let’s understand the common elements of religion. There are different types in which people believe in or follow and that is: animatism, animism, ancestral spirits, god and goddesses, and minor supernatural beings. Beyond these different elements, such one is to have religious leaders to follow.
Religion cannot be lived in textbooks, it is about the personal consciousness of those that believe and “their own account of their religion and its relevance in contemporary life” (Fisher, 1996). It is performed, experienced by the individuals living within society and communities. For some it is a sense of hope, to connect with a supreme power, to end the cycle of birth and death, find inner peace and/or a way of life. Traditional understanding of religion through textbooks, television, and internet does provide one with understanding about the religion doctrine and what they believe in. The majority of people will know what religion is when seeing it, for example, a Buddhist Monk sitting cross-legged in meditation. However, it is important to study religion off campus in order to grasp an explanation and a clear understanding of how beliefs change personal lives, how individuals tackle certain situations due to belief for example, Buddhist Monk sitting cross-legged in meditation, but w...
Religion can be described as a social institution built up around the idea of a supernatural being or beings, and the relation of human beings to them. In addition, religion provides individuals a belief to which they understand their existence as well network of emotional support during times of distress. Moreover, religious institutions provide individuals a proper perspective of life and establish values. Religion involves three major aspects: A conception of the nature and character of divinity (2) A set of principles concerning the duties and obligations between divinity and humanity. (3) A set of behavior patterns designed to conform to God’s will (Thorman, 154). The theme of panopticisim is to assert and maintain power by being unseen. In Christianity, God, unable to be to seen, is a supernatural being with infinite power. In addition, the Holy Bible reaffirms this power and establishes accordance among civilians. The social institution of religion is a form of a panoptic system where individuals are compelled to act accordingly.
that religion is the existence of subjective consciousness, is the spiritual life of people, belonging
Religion is an organized collection of beliefs and cultural systems that entail the worship of a supernatural and metaphysical being. “Religion just like other belief systems, when held onto so much, can stop one from making significant progress in life”. Together with religion come traditions that provide the people with ways to tackle life’s complexities. A subscription to the school of thought of great scholars
Erich Fromm in his psychoanalytical approach to religion is distinct from the earlier works of Sigmund Freud. Fromm defines religion as “any system of thought and action shared by a group which gives the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion.” Fromm argues that irreligious systems including all the different kinds of idealism and “private” religions deserve being defined as a “religion.” Based on Fromm’s theory, it is explained that there is no human being who does not have a “religious need,” almost every part of human life reflects religious need and its fulfillment, in fact he states it to be “inherent” in man.
arguably the best approach for understanding the role of religion in one’s daily life. The
: Paul Tillich was a German-American existentialist philosopher who coined the phrase “ultimate concern” (Hopper, 1968). Faith, according to Tillich was the “ultimate concern.” He stated that it must be “ultimate” in order for a believer to be truly faithful. Tillich said, “To concern oneself with the created and transitory is to put one’s faith in something that will change and cease to be” (Kelsey, 1967). When one becomes concerned about something the individual puts emphasis on the “thing” and makes it an idol.
This essay will assess these two types of definitions and their impact on the study of religion. Substantive definitions are concerned with what a religion ‘is’.... ... middle of paper ... ...
In addition, Durkheim’s sociology of religion consists of an attempt to identify the enduring essence of religion through an analysis of its most primitive forms, while the theory of knowledge made an attempt to connect the fundamental categories of human though to their social origins. More importantly, Durkheim proposed a sociological connection between the two, what essentially was the enduring essence of religion in the setting a part of the sacred from all that is profane. Additionally, the sacred are those aspects of social reality set a part from the everyday, which form the essence of religion (divine). On the other hand, the rest are defined as the profane or the commonplace aspects of life (everyday). Moreover, turning to the divine principle (which is featured in all religions), Durkheim viewed it as something that transcends human beings such as a sense of a powerful spirit such as God.
" Religion is not just a social, cultural, political, or ideological factor; instead it finds its power in the personal chambers of the soul of the individual. Within the soul we discover the source of the private motivation that forms perceptions and behavior ( pg 7, Rediscovering the Kingdom)."
Modern society and its people have the ability to make a vast range of choice when it comes to anything in their lives. People to today have the ability and free will to choose their partners, their careers, their aspirations in life and their own religion. In the opinion of Peter L. Berger, written in his 1979 book ‘The Heretical Imperative’, modern times provide three fundamental options in relation to religion; the first being ‘The deductive option’, which reaffirms a certain religious tradition in spit of counter claims against it (e.g. Islamic fundamentalism); the second is the reductive option, which modernizes a religious tradition in term which make it sensible or understandable in todays most important modes of though. The final option is called the ‘inductive option’, which turns external forms of authority to individual experience (e.g. William James and the varieties of religious experience). By looking at these options deeper and look at opposing views to Berger’s theory and personal religious preference will give the reader a clearer view of Berger’s ‘The Heretical Imperative’.