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This is a course on world religions. We'll focus all of our attention in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. We will also cover parts of Confucianism, Taoism, and New Religious Movements.
This is a course on world religions. We'll focus all of our attention in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. We will also cover parts of Confucianism, Taoism, and New Religious Movements.
False
Religious studies and theology are very similar fields of study that generally ask the same types of questions about religion and use the same disciplinary tools.
Religious studies and theology are very similar fields of study that generally ask the same types of questions about religion and use the same disciplinary tools.
False
Religious studies is highly interdisciplinary and frequently draws on evidence and methods from psychology, political science, anthropology, sociology, history, and the sciences to draw conclusions about religion.
Religious studies is highly interdisciplinary and frequently draws on evidence and methods from psychology, political science, anthropology, sociology, history, and the sciences to draw conclusions about religion.
True
I may only use the sources in this course as my basis for contributing to discussion.
I may only use the sources in this course as my basis for contributing to discussion.
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I should use evidence to challenge people's beliefs, conclusions, and arguments in this class when I find them problematic.
I should use evidence to challenge people's beliefs, conclusions, and arguments in this class when I find them problematic.
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This course will teach me basic trivia (e.g., word lists and concepts) about major world religions such as Buddhism, Sihkism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
This course will teach me basic trivia (e.g., word lists and concepts) about major world religions such as Buddhism, Sihkism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
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Theology focuses on the human dimensions of religion.
Theology focuses on the human dimensions of religion.
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In this module, when we say we are "rethinking" religion, we mean that we are demanding that you criticize and change your religious beliefs to a new, rational system.
In this module, when we say we are "rethinking" religion, we mean that we are demanding that you criticize and change your religious beliefs to a new, rational system.
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Our preferred method for defining and studying religion in this course derives from the methods of sociology.
Our preferred method for defining and studying religion in this course derives from the methods of sociology.
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What is lived religion?
What is lived religion?
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What is an example of an entangled religion?
What is an example of an entangled religion?
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What is an example of established lived religion?
What is an example of established lived religion?
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What is an example of interstitial lived religion?
What is an example of interstitial lived religion?
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How is lived religion related to embodiment?
How is lived religion related to embodiment?
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How does lived religion connect with emotions?
How does lived religion connect with emotions?
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What is Émile Durkheim's key idea about society and individuals?
What is Émile Durkheim's key idea about society and individuals?
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What is the social role of a totem in Durkheim's theory?
What is the social role of a totem in Durkheim's theory?
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Explain Durkheim's concept of humans as "double."
Explain Durkheim's concept of humans as "double."
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What is collective effervescence?
What is collective effervescence?
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What are some examples of collective effervescence?
What are some examples of collective effervescence?
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Why do Christians in Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee handle snakes?
Why do Christians in Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee handle snakes?
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According to snake-handlers, what does snake-handling justify?
According to snake-handlers, what does snake-handling justify?
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What are the sociological circumstances that led to the rise of snake handling?
What are the sociological circumstances that led to the rise of snake handling?
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Explain the Pentecostal consensus on snake handling.
Explain the Pentecostal consensus on snake handling.
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How does Durkheim's theory apply to the practice of snake handling?
How does Durkheim's theory apply to the practice of snake handling?
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Explain secularization and its relationship to religion.
Explain secularization and its relationship to religion.
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Why is it inaccurate to assume all religious "nones" are alike?
Why is it inaccurate to assume all religious "nones" are alike?
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Why does Basil find Orthodox Christianity to be a meaningful alternative to being a "None"?
Why does Basil find Orthodox Christianity to be a meaningful alternative to being a "None"?
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Explain the various perspectives on tattoos in Christian communities.
Explain the various perspectives on tattoos in Christian communities.
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How does Durkheim's theory relate to the concept of material religiosity using items like WWJD bracelets?
How does Durkheim's theory relate to the concept of material religiosity using items like WWJD bracelets?
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What are some key questions to ask practitioners to understand the internal diversity within religions?
What are some key questions to ask practitioners to understand the internal diversity within religions?
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What is the central question of this course?
What is the central question of this course?
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How is this course different from a "World Religions" class or a theology class?
How is this course different from a "World Religions" class or a theology class?
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Define empathy in the context of religious studies. How does it apply to this course?
Define empathy in the context of religious studies. How does it apply to this course?
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What does empathy NOT mean and NOT do in the context of religious studies?
What does empathy NOT mean and NOT do in the context of religious studies?
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What's so difficult about the study of religion?
What's so difficult about the study of religion?
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There's one preferred theory and method for the study of religion.
There's one preferred theory and method for the study of religion.
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Define "theodicy." Can you provide an example of a theodicy that we've seen in this course?
Define "theodicy." Can you provide an example of a theodicy that we've seen in this course?
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Why isn't "cult" a category of analysis that we frequently use in religious studies?
Why isn't "cult" a category of analysis that we frequently use in religious studies?
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Define the "Lottery of Birth" as discussed in the film. How does this idea relate to religious studies?
Define the "Lottery of Birth" as discussed in the film. How does this idea relate to religious studies?
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Explain the concept of the sacred and the profane as defined by Mircea Eliade.
Explain the concept of the sacred and the profane as defined by Mircea Eliade.
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What are some examples of the sacred vs. the profane?
What are some examples of the sacred vs. the profane?
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How do symbols create an "aura of factuality" according to Clifford Geertz?
How do symbols create an "aura of factuality" according to Clifford Geertz?
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Explain Peter Berger's concept of externalization.
Explain Peter Berger's concept of externalization.
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Explain Peter Berger's concept of objectivization.
Explain Peter Berger's concept of objectivization.
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Explain Peter Berger's concept of socialization.
Explain Peter Berger's concept of socialization.
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How does "power" differ from "authority" in Strenski's framework? Why does this distinction matter?
How does "power" differ from "authority" in Strenski's framework? Why does this distinction matter?
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Define "epistemology." How does understanding it aid our study of religion?
Define "epistemology." How does understanding it aid our study of religion?
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What does it mean to say that "facts are social?"
What does it mean to say that "facts are social?"
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What are the four contexts of lived religion?
What are the four contexts of lived religion?
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What are the four types of lived religion?
What are the four types of lived religion?
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Explain Galtung's Triangle. Differentiate between manifest and latent violence.
Explain Galtung's Triangle. Differentiate between manifest and latent violence.
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What are the objectives of the "Religion in Public Life" section of this course?
What are the objectives of the "Religion in Public Life" section of this course?
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Explain the cycle of war in the post-9/11 context.
Explain the cycle of war in the post-9/11 context.
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How do symbols play a role in Geertz's framework, particularly in the context of post-9/11?
How do symbols play a role in Geertz's framework, particularly in the context of post-9/11?
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What is jihad and how is it often misinterpreted?
What is jihad and how is it often misinterpreted?
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Who was Usama bin Ladin and what were his objectives for the 9/11 attacks?
Who was Usama bin Ladin and what were his objectives for the 9/11 attacks?
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What is al-Qa'ida and what are its objectives?
What is al-Qa'ida and what are its objectives?
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Describe the historical experience of Muslims in the United States.
Describe the historical experience of Muslims in the United States.
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Contrast the views of Thich Nhat Hanh and Wirathu Ashin.
Contrast the views of Thich Nhat Hanh and Wirathu Ashin.
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Explain the statement: "identity depends upon cultural and social context."
Explain the statement: "identity depends upon cultural and social context."
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Explain the statement: "Identity is formed in relation to other identities."
Explain the statement: "Identity is formed in relation to other identities."
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Explain the statement: "Identities are never singular but always plural."
Explain the statement: "Identities are never singular but always plural."
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Explain the statement: "Identities are not fixed."
Explain the statement: "Identities are not fixed."
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Explain the statement: "Identities are intertextual."
Explain the statement: "Identities are intertextual."
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Define Identity Salience. Provide examples.
Define Identity Salience. Provide examples.
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Explain the concept of "in-groups" and "out-groups" in relation to identities.
Explain the concept of "in-groups" and "out-groups" in relation to identities.
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Explain Robert Bellah's concept of "civil religion."
Explain Robert Bellah's concept of "civil religion."
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How does sound play a role in Balinese civil religion?
How does sound play a role in Balinese civil religion?
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How does music relate to identity?
How does music relate to identity?
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Explain Bruce Lincoln's distinction between myth and history. Why is this distinction important for the study of religion?
Explain Bruce Lincoln's distinction between myth and history. Why is this distinction important for the study of religion?
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How is land and territory connected to Native American identities?
How is land and territory connected to Native American identities?
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Discuss Miami University's religious history and its transformation over time. Why is it relevant to our study?
Discuss Miami University's religious history and its transformation over time. Why is it relevant to our study?
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What are some of the claims and challenges we've explored throughout this semester?
What are some of the claims and challenges we've explored throughout this semester?
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Why can't scholars agree on a definition of "religion?"
Why can't scholars agree on a definition of "religion?"
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What role does empathy play in religious studies?
What role does empathy play in religious studies?
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Study Notes
Course Focus
- This course examines Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, and New Religious Movements.
- It is NOT a "World Religions" or theology course. Focuses on the human dimensions of religion.
Study Methods
- Interdisciplinary approach using evidence and methods from psychology, political science, anthropology, sociology, history, and the sciences.
- Use evidence to challenge arguments, rather than just stating trivia.
- Employ empathy to understand religious perspectives without imposing bias.
- Acknowledge multiple theories and methods are valid, not just one.
- Avoid using 'cult' as a category.
- Critically evaluate sources. Acknowledge that facts are social.
Lived Religion
- Lived religion emphasizes how individuals experience and practice religion in everyday life.
- Four types of lived religion:
- Entangled: Linked with culture and personal experience (e.g., family Christmas).
- Established: Formalized practices within tradition (e.g., church attendance).
- Institutional: Practices defined and supported by institutions (e.g., official rituals).
- Interstitial: Practices outside formal institutions or traditions (e.g., personal meditation).
- Lived religion has connections to embodiment, emotions, personal experiences, social context, cultural background, and historical factors.
Key Theorists
- Durkheim: Religion strengthens social bonds through shared beliefs and rituals ("collective effervescence"). Totems are symbols of community. Humans are both individuals and members of society.
- Geertz: Symbols create meaning and factuality in religion.
- Berger: Religion's creation, establishment, and internalization are social processes (externalization, objectivization, internalization).
- Lincoln: Examines myth, history, and the social construction of religious narratives.
- Weber: Examines links between religion and economics.
Power vs. Authority
- Power: The ability to control others, potentially through force.
- Authority: Legitimate right to exercise power, often rooted in social acceptance.
Religion in Public Life
- Religion affects society, law, politics, and identity.
- Religious diversity and change are important subjects to consider.
- Issues of conflict and understanding of different beliefs are necessary.
- The study of religion aids analysis of global conflicts and cultural differences.
- Empathetic analysis is needed – acknowledge the complexity of issues such as extremist behaviors.
Important Concepts
- Theodicy: An explanation for suffering and evil in the context of a benevolent, powerful God.
- Secularization: The idea that religion fades in modernity, but spirituality still exists in various forms.
- Epistemology: The study of knowledge, which guides how different religious belief systems are constructed and understood.
- Galtung's Triangle: Direct, structural, and cultural violence. Religion plays a role in all types, not just direct violence.
Modern Examples
- Snake Handling: Religious practice with socio-historical context.
- Islamophobia: and other religious biases, particularly following 9/11.
- Civil Religion: Shared beliefs and rituals that unite citizens.
- Music and Identity: How music is used to express and shape identity (e.g., national anthems).
- Land and Territory Disputes: Importance of land in religious identities (e.g., Native American lands).
General Summary
- Studying religion requires an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on multiple social, cultural, and historical contexts.
- Religious beliefs, practices, and institutions are multifaceted and vary across cultures and history.
- Empathetic understanding is critical to fairly and thoughtfully analyzing religion.
- Recognize that "facts" are not always objective, but are shaped by social and cultural contexts.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores the human dimensions of various religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and more. It emphasizes how individuals interact with their faith in everyday life, using an interdisciplinary approach. Engage critically with the material and develop a deeper understanding of lived religion's impact on culture and personal experiences.