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Why study Religion?

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Question- answer individually Think of conflicts in the world today and in the past that are based on religion. What are some of them, why did they happen, and why do you think religion has played a factor?

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Sharing Discuss your thoughts with a partner How can conflicts like this be avoided?

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What is Religion? Definition Traditions and practices of groups of people who live by a set of guidelines and worship particular figures or phenomenon

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World Religions

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Religious Studies How and Why people are religious More answers come out of that Culture, History, Law, Society The academic study of religion aims to treat all religious traditions even-handedly

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Theology Works within a religion taking the truth claims in that religion as valid Theology studies religion from the perspective of a particular community of believers

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Question What aspects of religion can be seen in our culture or other cultures? What are some of the effects various religions have had on the world and societies within it?

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Problems with Religious Studies We take from our own culture and apply that knowledge to traditions from other cultures It is difficult to eliminate cultural bias Ex.

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Functions of Religion 1. Social cohesion 2. Support system 3. Emotional health 4. Social service 5. Social contract 6. Social change These ideas support the functionalist theory of religion

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Dysfunctionalists Conflict can disrupt social cohesion We are one in Christ, but there are also those who are one in Allah, Shiva, Buddha Spiritual diversity weakens social cohesion Religion must compete with other institutions for sources of identity

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Expression of Religious Beliefs Animism earth spirits Theism one or more beings are more powerful than people Polytheism belief in many gods Monotheism one all-powerful, all- knowing god

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Religious Organizations Church an inclusive religious body that brings together a moral community of believers in formalized worship Denomination a subgroup within a religion that has its own system of organization, including many churches Sect a body of persons adhering to a particular religious faith

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Learning about religion You will study about the five major world religions For each religion answer the questions to create a chart or notes for each religion. Starts on page 701 Think about the question of the day: How can a basic knowledge of world religions help you to understand global issues?