Christianity and the World_01_Fall 2023 First week_removed.pdf

Religion? Defining definition What is the study of religion(Religious Studies)? Definition “To determine fixed limits of the concept(s). To offer a precise descriptive characterization of the concept.” Some classical attempts to define religion “The perception of the infinite” (F. Max Mü ller)...

Religion? Defining definition What is the study of religion(Religious Studies)? Definition “To determine fixed limits of the concept(s). To offer a precise descriptive characterization of the concept.” Some classical attempts to define religion “The perception of the infinite” (F. Max Mü ller) “Belief in spiritual things”(E. B. Tylor) →“I am religious because I believe that gods exist.” “procipiation and conciliation of powers believed to be superior to man” (Brian Morris) Religion vs. Science→ Problematic: Religion persists even . . . Functionalist approach Durkheim, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life(종교생활의 원초적 형태) 토테미즘(totemism) 연구. “a religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden.” →anything can be sacred in a given society. (for instance, the flag in the U.S.) 태극기 부대? → Religion serves for communal solidarity (social function).