Nature of Religion
What do all definitions of Religion share in common?
Transcendent dimension. "Something beyond the ordinary"
What is the Dreaming?
The centre of Aboriginal religion and life; closest translation of the Aboriginal concept of how the world works. Past present and future.
What does 'Islam' mean?
Submission to Allah. Also peace
Name one of the three major Jewish groups at the time of Jesus?
Pharisees
Sadducees
Essenes
What is a Myth?
A story usually passed on orally. Narrating the deeds of superhuman beings or gods. Societies use myths to explain 'truth' about the world, social customs, rituals and other realities
Name 4 aspects of the dreaming?
Land, Art, Rituals, Songs, Languages, Myths, Social order (Kinship), Relationships, Division of Labour, resource management, plants, animals, totems, spirit beings, territorial rights
Share two significant events in the life of Muhammad.
Born into the Qurash tribe 570ce,
Revelation of the Quran by the angel Jibril
Removed the polythiestic idols from the Kaba
Night Journey
Leader of the Muslim people
Conquest of Mecca
Final Sermon
What were 3 major events in Jesus' life?
Birth, Baptism, Miracles, calling of disciples, teachings, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Great commission, Ascension
What are the 4 characteristics of Religion
1. Beliefs and believers
2. Sacred texts and writings
3. Ethics
4. Rituals and Ceremonies
What are the 3 layers of meaning?
Aboriginal art, rituals, songs
1. Most obvious and accessible to all
2. Less obvious and require a deeper understanding of Aboriginal knowledge and experience
3. Secret/Sacred
Name the 4 'rightly guided' caliphs in order
Abu Bakr
Umar
Uthman
Ali
What were two of the four major stages of Christian development?
Death and Ressurection announced to the Jews at Pentecost
The Christian message is not tied to Jerusalem
You don't have to be a jew to be a Christian
Pauls missionary journeys through Asia Minor
What do we mean when we talk about a dynamic, living religion
One that is relevant to todays culture and true to its ideals. Is a force for good in society. Energy, ambition, new ideas, immersed in the real world not afraid of it.
What is 'initiation' in Aboriginal culture?
Formal admission into society, acknowledgement of adulthood and responsibility
What are the 5 pillars of faith? (Expressions of Faith)
Declaration of Faith (Shahada)
Daily Prayer (Salat)
Almsgiving (Zakat)
Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm)
Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
What was the 'Great Schism'?
The Catholic Church and The Eastern Orthodox church split in the 11th century
What are the 4 questions of human existence?
Is there a supreme being? (Is there a supernatural/spiritual dimension)
Who am I? (identity)
Why is there evil, pain and suffering?
Is there life after death? (destiny)
Also: Where did we all come from? (origin)
Why am I here? (purpose)
Why is 'the Land' significant in Aboriginal Spirituality? (2 ideas)
Gives them their identity, tells their story, birthed their people, provides what they need to survive and thrive, ensures their future. Its stories re-enacted in art, dance, stories, rituals and ceremonies, unique and diverse for each peoples.
What are the 6 principle beliefs?
Existence and Unity of God (Tawhid)
Angels (Mala'ika)
Gods revelation (Kutubu'llah)
Prophethood (Rusuluhu)
Resurection and life after death (al-akhira)
Gods will and freedom of choice (al-Qadr)
Name the 5 major variants of Christianity today.
Catholic
Orthodox
Anglican
Protestant
Pentecostal