RELI 1000 Lecture 2 Current Lecture- Why study religion1. To understand Homoreligiosusa. To understand ourselves. b. Religious study adds to our knowledge that we acquire in subjects like biology, political science, and health sciences.c. Studying religion helps complete this knowledge of life2. To overcome ignorancea. Humans are often ethnocentric & prejudiced about life, the world, & other humans. b. To appreciate other peoples world views, we must think outside the box, beyondour own comfort zones. 3. To comprehend our culturea. Our own history and culture informs or is informed by other cultures. i. E.g. American culture is informed by:1. European Puritanism2. Native American culture/ religion3. African culture and religionii. Asian culture is informed by Buddhist/ Daoist/ Confucianist culture.iii. African culture is informed by European/ indigenous cultures, religions. 4. To achieve a Global Perspectivea. We live in a global world where humans are interdependent, by way of their cultures and religions.b. To understand actions and general attitudes of those we relate with.c. Religion helps us understand sources of global conflict/ peace and how to negotiate lasting peace.- Helps formulate beliefs or Philosophies of lifeo By studying religion you get an opportunity to reflect upon ultimate human questions of life and death, power and powerlessness of humans, and to formulate informed principles of life.o Socrates – The Greek Philosopher once said. “The unexamined life is not worth living.”- Approaches to the study of ReligionThese 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.o Theology –Latin for study about a God, gods. Often considered prejudicial / apologetic (biased) Religion preferred in academic because it connotes objectivity.o Literary criticism: Analysis of scriptures (examines fact of events, beliefs, and authority in teaching). In literary criticism of sacred texts the following questions are asked e.g- Who is the author of the Gospels? When was it composed? What was the author’s
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