Philosophy of Religion Course Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is spirituality primarily characterized by?

A belief in only material reality

The practice of organized religious rituals only

A strict adherence to religious doctrines

A sense of the universe beyond everyday existence (correct)

Which of the following can be a component of spirituality?

Characters from religious texts

Only traditional religious practices

Personal spiritual practices like meditation (correct)

Secular philosophical discussions

What attitude might spirituality involve according to the content?

An attitude of humility and love for humanity (correct)

A dismissal of natural beings

A focus solely on individual success

A competitive view of existence

Which reality can spirituality include a belief in?

A personal or impersonal ultimate reality Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested approach for choosing a religion to study in the feedback exercise?

Pick a religion with which you are less familiar Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a dictionary definition of religion provided in the content?

A collection of laws and moral codes to live by Signup and view all the answers

According to the sociological perspective, religion can include which of the following components?

Political and economic aspects Signup and view all the answers

William James defines religion from which perspective?

Psychological Signup and view all the answers

How does John Hick define religion?

Humanity's response to the divine Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible objective of measuring 'religiosity' in sociology?

To quantify beliefs against dimensions of religious practice Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does a theological definition of religion primarily focus on?

Humanity's response to the divine Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the content suggest students express their interest in the course?

Through in-class discussions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates the aim of the course based on student responses?

To examine diverse philosophical perspectives on religion Signup and view all the answers

How do functionalists define religion?

By focusing on the effects and functions religion has in society. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a good definition of religion?

It should be framed negatively. Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible etymological origin of the word 'religion'?

To bind. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ludwig Wittgenstein suggest about the term 'religion'?

It is a 'family resemblance' term with no singular meaning. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect differentiates 'Ultimate Reality' according to differing views?

Whether it is observed collectively or individually. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'supra-natural' refer to in the context of Ultimate Reality?

That which transcends the natural world. Signup and view all the answers

According to Wilfred Cantwell Smith, how is the concept of 'religion' viewed?

As a product of Enlightenment thought characterized by intellectual systems. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of religion, what does the Latin verb 'relegere' imply?

To thoroughly observe or heed. Signup and view all the answers

What important dimension of religions is largely concerned with moral actions and relationships?

Ethical/Social Signup and view all the answers

According to the philosophy presented, what is a component of religion?

Experiences both personal and collective. Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension of religion involves a transition from a 'radically unsatisfactory state' to one that is 'limitlessly better'?

Salvation/liberation Signup and view all the answers

Why is Michael Peterson's definition of religion considered potentially problematic?

It is too vague and allows for multiple interpretations. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of religion does John Hick categorize as involving symbolic speech and stories to convey ultimate reality?

Mythic Signup and view all the answers

Which religious dimension explains the prescribed behaviors for the worship of the divine?

Ritual Signup and view all the answers

According to the views of Smith, what is a significant characteristic of religious systems?

They are seen as ideological communities that are mutually exclusive. Signup and view all the answers

What quality does the experiential dimension of religion include?

Individual mystical consciousness and sense of divine presence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Overview: Philosophy of Religion

Philosophy 242-L01, Dr. Roger A. Petry, Luther College at the University of Regina.
Course materials available on UR Courses.
Initial reading: Johan Chaffee, “The Philosopher's Way: A Text with Readings.”
Student participation grade includes responding to questions on personal interest in the study of religion.

Defining Religion

Diverse perspectives on religion exist based on personal experience and various disciplinary approaches.
Dictionary definitions emphasize faith, worship, and a superhuman controlling power.
Psychological perspectives (William James) focus on individual feelings, acts, and experiences linked to the divine.
Sociological perspectives (T. Parsons) view religion as a set of beliefs, practices, and institutions, sometimes measuring "religiosity."
Theological perspectives (John Hick) define religion as humanity's response to the divine.
Religious Studies uses substantivist (content-focused) and functionalist (function-focused) approaches to define religion.

Criteria for Defining Religion

A good definition should be neither too broad nor too narrow, avoid circularity, avoid purely negative framing, and avoid figurative language.
A possible philosophical definition: Religion involves beliefs, actions, and experiences organized around a concept of Ultimate Reality demanding devotion or life orientation (Peterson et al.).
Ultimate Reality can be viewed as beyond or within the natural world, personal or impersonal, experienced individually or collectively.

Possible etymologies link "religion" to "to bind" (obligation) or "to reread" (observance).
Spirituality involves a sense of connection to a reality beyond everyday existence, encompassing beliefs, practices, and attitudes.

Initial Assignment and Feedback

Initial assignment: Read a religious summary from Chaffee's "The Philosopher's Way," choose a less familiar religion, and respond to prompts on interesting beliefs and supporting/opposing arguments.
Feedback exercise: Respond to prompts in UR Courses on interest in philosophy of religion and preferred topics.

Critiques of Defining Religion

Ludwig Wittgenstein suggests "family resemblance," a lack of a single definition.
Wilfred Cantwell Smith argues "religion" is an Enlightenment construct, creating competing belief systems.

Dimensions of Religion (John Hick)

Salvation/liberation: Transition from an unsatisfactory state to a better one, often involving a transcendent reality.
Experiential: Personal experiences like divine presence or mystic consciousness.
Mythic: Symbolic stories and speech conveying understanding of ultimate reality.
Ethical/social: Moral guidelines, interpersonal relations, and life orientation.
Ritual: Prescribed behaviors for worship.

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Description

Explore the diverse perspectives on religion through the course Philosophy 242. Delve into definitions from psychology, sociology, and theology while engaging with Johan Chaffee's readings. Join discussions and reflect on your personal interest in the study of religion.