RELS 108 1st EditionLecture 7Outline of Last LectureI. Language of the SacredII. Functions of MythOutline of Current LectureIII. Language of the Sacred (cont.)IV. TheologyCurrent LectureV. Myths a. Located personality and self, we tend to look at our headb. Reality of the world exists objectively c. We regard rationality over objectivity d. Human beings are stewards of the earthe. Our ideas of process “technology” progressf. The world we made that opposed to the idea that we grew out of our mind or conscious arises from physical processes through the braing. Life is random and purposeless, not guided by any forceh. Faith and science are opposed; nothing in common VI. Scriptural cultures (that which is written)a. Considered privileged and normative, also economical and generally authoritative and orthodoxb. Canonicalc. Triptika (3 baskets)i. Vinaya – monastic codeii. Sutra – discourseiii. Abhidharma – higher dharmaVII. 4 Functions of Written Scripturea. Yardstick function – provides a framework b. Evoke the sacred whether sung or read aloudc. Defines a community; allows them to become contempt with textd. Means of preservation – cosmological view of the communityVIII. Theology: study of religions (western) a. Requires faith commitment/beliefb. Attempts to reflect on personal faith and interpret scripture to have modern developmentsc. Tools:i. Exegesis – art of interpretationii. History – attempt to understand its meaningiii. Systematic thought – develops relationshipsiv. Apologetics – theological self defense v. Critical though – current assessments and examine scientific topics from own perspectivevi. Ethics – values, religious behavior or belief theology has faith commitment to detached