1ST SEMESTER SHS REVIEWER HUMSS, Study notes of Religious studies

Download 1ST SEMESTER SHS REVIEWER HUMSS and more Study notes Religious studies in PDF only on Docsity! Sociologists — Religion provides an agreed way of looking at the world. \ RELI Anthropologists — Religion helps unite people ina shared expenences and explanations of life. GION ~ Belief in Spiritual Being Historians describes religion in terms of events resulting from beliefs RELIGIO Theologians — concerned with the beliefs themselves ail. | — which means “conscientiousness"” or “reverence” (Referring to the awe or fear felt in the spirit or deity) RELIGARE — which means “to tie together” or “to bind fast” RELIGION ¢ Religion itself is a concept that is very contentious among scholars ¢ Religion informs how we view religious change, whether it is bound to fade away or simply evolve. Two ways of defining Religion SUBSTANTIVE « It is concerned with what constitutes religion. *Religion involves beliefs and practices which “assume the existence of supernatural being” ¢Edward Burnett Taylor argued that religion was the attempt of primitive individual experiences FUNCTIONAL «It is more concerned with the social consequences of religion. ¢It has to do with the sociological dimensions of beliefs and practices in the context of an organization *Emile Durkheim — religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things..., which unite into one single moral community. Variations of Religions MONOTHEISTIC Believing in the existence of one God ¢ POLYTHEISTIC Believing in the existence of multiple of God ¢ NONTHEISTIC Do not make any explicit mention of any personal deity ¢ MONISM Religion as a phenomenon is a complex reality. ¢ Itis a social phenomenon that is not simply about the pursuit of particular beliefs or practices prescribed for us by religious leaders. ¢ tis also a socially constructed institution with particular historical contexts and trajectories depending on the physical and social constraints that it is faced with. ¢ The beliefs and practices of a religion have consequences on its followers and the wider society that it is part of. ¢ The beliefs of a religion can compel an individual to exercise particular values; but these values are not merely individualistic. ¢ Values and beliefs can inform a particular religious group's behavior in the public sphere. ¢ Aperson’s religious experience cannot be observed by some else. ¢ Itunderstands religion as socially constructed realities. ¢ This means that the shape of religion as an institution with beliefs, moral codes, practices, texts, hierarchy and personalities is contingent upon the interaction of its human agents with one another. The suspension of belief in the divine is a fundamental character of any social scientific approach to the study of religion. ¢ «This is the fundamental character of any social scientific approach to the study of religion (Berger 1967). ¢ «This statement is not to deny the existence of the divine with a particular way of relating to the world, but an intellectual pursuit carried out by theology, a discipline, which has a systematic way of studying the divine. Religion is a search for the order of things Critically, religion is about ordering of events, people and the material world into a coherent whole Religion is a search for personal meaning Religion helps find meaning in an otherwise chaotic world. *Religion has become a very important aspect in the development of civilizations and cultures. + It has proven to be beneficial to the attainment and maintenance of social stability and cohesiveness. * But as time went by, it has also become the basis of conflicts between societies, even within societies. Positive Effects of Religion ¢ Promotes Social Harmony ¢ Provides Moral Values ¢ Provides Social Change ¢ Explains the Unknown ¢ Gives Positive Goal in Life ¢ Gives People a Sense of Belonging Negative Effects of Religion ¢ Affirms Social Hierarchy ¢ Causes Discrimination ¢ Triggers Conflicts and Fights ¢ Serves as an Economic Tool for Controlling the Masses ¢ Impedes Scientific Success and Development ¢ Obstructs the Use of Reason «From the frontiers of West Asia developed the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, known as the first monotheistic religions in the world. *They are called Abrahamic religion because they all trace their origins to the great patriarch Abraham and his descendants — the Jews, Christians and Muslims all believe that Abraham and his family played a significant role in the beginnings of their respective faiths. JUDAISM *One of the worla’s oldest religion (3,500 years ago) ¢ Throughout Judaism's history, their followers have been called many names: HEBREWS - those who accepted Yahweh as their God ISRAELITES — the descendants of the Hebrews, originated from Abraham JEW — comes from Yehuddah or Judah; now used to refer to someone who practices Judaism. ORIGINS «The origin of the Jewish people and the beginning of Judaism are recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Pentateuch. «Judaism is anchored upon God's revelation to Abraham that He is the creator ler of the universe, and th, Ss His creatures and demgatis ness from them (Losi tered into a covenant im promising him that he Wel ——ABRAARMNEr Of great nation and Wou, possess ast Sof lands. Abraham, f i ond a f Id the-vast tracts of lands. Abrah > | in return, must remain devoted to ihe Covenant. \/ JACOB * Acovenant has been Soon neg stile fRulecpeKoMe the ckabolihiertorUphgntness and holitéssvtolNterwtantstnit tne his worth to thategresmaetvas succeed BV AB SSOTISEA CTE grandson ACGB' ane iacue s Eseu's birthright and tricked his father way 2 tests pivaltetsonsh tHopfe, 19482 ancestor of the Jewish Isaac into giving him Esau's Se a people. -. oe blessing as the eldest son * While Abram and his wife * The most dificult trial given to + Later on, Jacob reconciled Sarai (later to be named Abraham came when God with Esau Aclose encounter Sarah) were initially childless, commanded that he sacrifice his with an an al merited him a Abram bore a son to Sarai's own son Isaac at an altar in h ry from Jacob t Egypiian handmade Hagar Mount Moria With Abraham's ‘igrgel"wich means the one” named ishmae! - considered Obedience being put to the test, wno wi with Goat as the ancestor of the Arabs. and angel stopped him and he estied . / was eventually reunited with his + Jacob fathered twelve sons But he was not an heir to y God's promise. son. and one daug nter - the twelve + His + Later on, Isaac married sons became the ancestors of His name was change to Rebecca who bore him twin \___ the tribes of Israel ‘Abraham or the “father of sons, Jacob and Esau A \ S many nations. . _ .-The story begins with the Moses-His survival -YHWH (I am who | am) -Ten Commandments -Babylonian Exile ¢The Second main section of the Tanakh belongs to the Judges and the Kings (also called as the Prophets) PROPEHTS (NEVIIM) Joshua (Yehoshua) Judges (Shofetim) Samuel (Shemuel) Kings (Melakhin) Isaiah (Yeshayabu) Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu) Ezekiel (Yehezagel) Book of the Twelve (Trei Assar): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi ‘THE WRITINGS (KETUVIM) Psalms (Tehilim) Proverbs (Mishlei) Job {lyav) Songs of Songs (Shir Hashirim) Ruth Rus) Lamentations (Eicha) Ecclesiastes (Koheles) Esther (Ester) Daniel (Doriel) Ezra-Nehemiah (Ezra-Nehemyah) Chronicles (Divrei Hayamin), Bible — biblia (books) ¢Hebrew Bible is not a single book, but a collection of individual books. ¢Hebrew Bible is also called as the Tanakh, divided into three sections: Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim BELIEFS AND PRACTICES Dietary Practices-Jews do not eat pork and shellfish.-Kosher (ritually correct), refers to food preparations and consumptions MESSIAH-One of the most fundamental Jewish belief, that a savior will come. SABBATH- The veneration of the Sabbath day originated with the Creation story. PASSOVER- It commemorates the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt.-Seder, a Paschal meal shared by the family on the eve of the first day of the Feast. - Matzah (unleavened bread), the primary food digestion ; symbolizes freedom and liberation Other Festivals of Judaism: * New Year (Rosh Hashanah) + Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) + Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) * Rejoicing the Law (Simchat Torah) + Lights (Hanukkah) + Purim * Pentecost (Shavout) : The Ninth of Av VARIETIES OF JUDAISM ORTHODOX JUDAISMsObserve the traditional practices and beliefs of Biblical Judaism. «They believe that God gave the Torah both written and Oral. *Keep the law as God-given. REFORM JUDAISM «Aims to modernize Judaism ¢They emphasize change ¢Consider the Torah as a statement of eternal principles with a particular historicity; abandon much of the original Torah as no longer relevant CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM *Recognizes that change has always been part of religion ‘Try to reconcile the traditional orthodoxy and the liberal form of Judaism They affirm the God-given standing of the Torah, but accommodate change. CONTEMPORARY JUDAISM «Committed to the belief in a single, personal, beneficent God ¢ It is founded on the worship of Jesus Christ (Jesus the Messiah) as son of God. ¢ Christian faith depends from the beginning to end of Jesus Christ who was born in Israel around the year 4 BC. JESUS CHRIST Jesus was born of a virgin Mary and to Joseph of Nazareth the carpenter. Jesus obeyed the laws and learned the Hebrew Scriptures. He chose 12 men to signify the establishment of the New Israel. Jesus’ two greatest commandments: 1.Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul with all your mind. 2.Love your neighbor as you love yourself. v Jesus was condemned to death due to His unorthodox teachings. v The cross has rightly become the symbol of Christianity, which signifies not entirely the death of Jesus Christ but the salvation. WHAT DISTINGUISHES CHRISTIANS FROM JEWS? v Christianity is a religion that developed from Judaism. v Christians accepts Jesus Christas the Messiah, or the Savior. v Jews considers Jesus as just another prophet of God and the real Messiah is yet to come. The new religion was ultimately founded in Jesus' life and teachings. vin the Last Supper, Jesus broke the bread and shared the wine to represent His Body and Blood and the Apostles shared His suffering. ¥ Christians gather in the church, and share the Body and Blood of Christ. Liturgical Calendar ¥ CHRISTMAS — commemorates Jesus’ birth, celebrated for 12 days, until the Epiphany(visitation of the wise men to Jesus) v EASTER - influenced by the Jewish Passover, recalling Jesus’ return to life which they believe to have occurred on the Sunday after the Jewish Passover v ADVENT- four-week preparation for Christmas v LENT- 40-day repentance to prepare for Easter VARIETIES OF CHRISTIANITY ROMAN CATHOLICISM Catholic —universal «In the early church, local Christian communities were often led by bishops who were often called Papa. *Current Pope: Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, better known as Pope Francis *Catechism- collection of the updated official teaching of the Roman Catholic Christianity EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH *Orthodox — right belief *The Greek-speaking Eastern empire developed its own form of Christianity until 1453 .*Settled on traditional beliefs throughout its reign PROTESTANTISM «Protestant — to make a solemn declaration «Martin Luther — opposed the idea that anything spiritual can be sold; pushed for the right of every individual to radically question and reinterpret Christian belief and practice. (Protestant Principle) PROTESTANTISM Sof ‘ Eve, ANGLICAN CHURCH anes = V7 CALVINISM Pentecostal Movement LUTHERANISM COUNTER REFORMATION ¢ The response of the Roman Catholic Church to the Protestant reformation ¢ It began with the Council of Trent in 1545 ECUMENISM « Amovement that aims to promote unity and cooperation among the different branches of Christianity ¢ First Ecumenical gathering (1910) — International Missionary Conference brought together Protestant denominations ISLAM Islam is the second most widespread religion, next to Christianity. Those who practice Islam are called Muslims. Islam considers itself as the final and definitive revelation in the history of humanity. Islam- (Arabic root) Salama: peace, purity, submission and obedience. islam means submission to the will of God and obedience to His law. Muhammad is the Prophet of Islam and he is often referred as the as ‘the Seal of Prophets’. Islam considers itself as the final revelation in the chain of prophecy that begins with Adam. Muslims claim that Abraham became the ancestors of the Arabs through his elder firstborn son—by the Egyptian maidservant Hagar—Ishmael Islam began in Mecca about AD 610. The dominant religion of Arabia at this time was a form of the old Semitic religion, with Shrines of various gods and goddesses in many places. There also appears to have been a widespread belief in a high god or supreme god, Allah. Most of the Arabs were members of nomadic tribes and believed more in human excellence than in any divine power. Some tribes or parts of tribes had become Christian and there Jewish communities in Medina and elsewhere in western Arabia. Thus, certain Jewish and Christian ideas were familiar to many Arabs. Merchants of Mecca gained monopoly of trade between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. Mecca had a sanctuary, the Ka'ba, which was an ancient pilgrimage center. History of Islam 570-632 C.E. — Life of Muhammad Muhammad was born in Mecca around 570 C.E. to an Arab clan called Banu Hashim. Sharia Law Sharia law is the law of Islam. The law is cast from the actions and word of Muhammad, which are called Sunnah, and the Qu'ran, which he authored. Five Pillars This is the foundation of the faith of the Muslims. They follow and practice these pillars as mentioned in the Quran Shahadah (Creed) There is no God butAllah and Muhammadis his messenger. The creed summarizes the faith of a Muslim Salat (Prayer) Muslims pray five times a day:1. Fajr — early morning prayer 2.Duh'r — noontime prayer 3.As'r — afternoon prayer 4.Maghrib — sunset praye 1r5.1sha — evening prayer Zakat (Charity) Muslims donate certain percentage of their wages to the poor. In Islamic countries, the government is involved in imposing taxes or zakat. Muslims are expected to perform isolated acts of generosity and charity for the poo. Sawm (Fasting on Ramadan) Ramadan- period of shared fasting among Muslims. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar, which commemorates Allah's first revelations to Muhammad. People abstain from food, drinks, tobacco and sex from dawn to dusk Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)Hajj is already a practice before Muhammad's time. Pilgrimage is a religious journey by a believer to a sacred city or site. All Muslims are expected to at least once in their lifetime visit Mecca. Muslim Practices * Prayer Customs atHome, during Traveland in the Mosque Muslims are required to pray five times a day. @ Wearing the Hijab for Muslim women, modest clothing is encouraged, and wearing the Hijab (head covering) is a mark of devotion and commitment to Faith. ¢ Shaking of Hands a handshake with a person of the opposite gender is not considered rude by some Muslims. e .Eye Contact maintaining eye contact when talking might make Asians or Muslims women and elderly uncomfortable; a better way is to look into their eyes briefly every So often and then look away. ¢ .Social Distance this is important to main interacting with Muslim women. Varieties of islam Sunni 90% majority Government by community consensus led (until 1924) by caliph Shiite 10% minority Led by Imam, a successor of Ali