Nature of Religion: Worldview

Study Notes

Religion functions as a worldview, recognizing a supernatural dimension with beliefs in divine beings or powers that surpass human limitations.
Central to all religions is the belief in the supernatural, which involves a force or deity responsible for creation and guiding human existence.
Monotheistic religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, believe in a singular divine being, whereas polytheistic religions like Hinduism and Buddhism accept multiple divine entities.

A transcendent worldview refers to realities beyond human experience, emphasizing spiritual matters over earthly concerns.
In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the divine (God) is perceived as existing beyond humanity while still offering guidance for daily life.

An immanent worldview focuses on the internal aspects of spirituality and the divine presence within individuals.
In Buddhism and Hinduism, divine powers are believed to reside within individuals, while Buddhism aims for nirvana, symbolizing ultimate spiritual fulfillment.
Deities can embody both immanent and transcendent qualities, highlighting the balance in religious perspectives.

Belief: A foundational trust or faith in a superior being or reality.
Believer: Individuals committed to a specific religion, embodying its faith.
Sacred Texts and Writings: Major religious texts like the Qur’an, Hadith, and the Bible provide guidance and insights for believers.
Ethics: Moral principles that influence behavior and decision-making in adherents' lives.
Rituals and Ceremonies: Practices such as Salat (prayers), Hajj (pilgrimage), and Friday prayer that express and reinforce religious beliefs.

A dynamic living religion is characterized by active engagement with everyday experiences, evident in societal and cultural contexts.
Interactions among beliefs, believers, sacred texts, ethics, rituals, and ceremonies create a vibrant religious life.
Believers actively interpret and apply their faith in contemporary contexts, demonstrating active participation in religious practices.
Sacred texts, such as the Bible, provide ethical frameworks and role models for adherents, influencing their choices and actions in society.
Ethical and moral stances, shaped by core religious beliefs, inform adherents’ responses to contemporary issues, exemplified by the Christian pro-life stance on abortion.
Rituals allow practitioners to physically express their faith, reinforcing and manifesting core religious beliefs in their daily lives.