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ECU RELI 1000 - Introduction to religion and it's definition

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RELI 1000 Lecture 1 Outline of Current Lecture II. What is religion?III. Why are humans religious?IV. Why study religion?V. How is religion studied?Current Lecture- The Difficulty of Defining Religion- Most definitions are inadequate: o limited, narrow, broad, or explanatory.- Some definitions limit religion to monotheism or just morality hence are inadequate e.g– Martineu & Kant- Some are too broad and or explanatory definitions like that of Tillich, Marx and Freud. Explanatory definitions attempt to explain away religion  They are deductive because they reduce religion to psychological or socioeconomic phenomenon. - Insider vs. Outsider - Perspectives inform definitions. - An Insider: o A “participant,” one with first hand experience. o Often positively biased in describing their religiono Thus may not be objective. - Outsidero Detached, lacks experience, usually very critical and prejudicial.- NOTE:o Both insiders and outsiders contribute something towards understanding of any religion.  E.g. Marx & Freud are atheists, very critical of religion but say certain truths about religion. - A working definition- A definition is necessary because it is like a working tool, a model of reference necessary to explain an object/ subject / topic. o “Religion is (1) a system of symbols which acts to (2) establish powerful, pervasive, and long lasting moods and motivations in [people] by (3) formulating conceptions ofThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.a general order of existence and (4) clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic (Geertz, 1973:90).- II Why are Humans Religious? - 1. – Homoreligious –Humans are religious animals. o Religion is universally common & unique to human species. o It is found in all cultures. o Excavations of burial sites dating as far back as 100,000 to 25,000 years provide evidence of religious practices. o Earliest forms of human life – Homo sapiens - the Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon practiced rites of propitiation – rites intended to appease or conciliate spirits or mysterious powers. - Self- consciousness- 2. As self- conscious beings, humans possess the ability to reflect upon existential questions.o As rational beings, humans possess wisdom and the ability to reflect upon ourselves, our environment and the entire world. o We seek meaning, value and the purpose of our life.o We ask questions like: Who am I?  Why am I here?  Why do people suffer?  Is death the end of life? - In search of meaning- 3. Meaning, values and purpose of life is a response to – existential questions.o Humans are conscious of our state of finitude, and powerlessness. e.g. moral failure, guilt, tragedy, inexplicable evil, despair and death. o We are terrified by our inability to control our situations. o Religion is a response to this powerlessness, uncertainty, a wider range of human experience. o Afterlife as solution to finitude- 4. Hope for an afterlife.o Seek deliverance from the loss of meaning, moral guilt, threat of finitude, fadedness.o Assurance of an afterlife – after death. (Heaven, paradise, Nirvana, Moksha


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ECU RELI 1000 - Introduction to religion and it's definition

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