Transcendent & Immanent Religious Worldview’sDiscuss a transcendent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine power and/or powers beyond the human. Spoiler
A worldview is the way in which someone views and interoperates the world they live in.
This system of understanding greatly impacts the way we live our lives by representing the relationship each person as an individual has with themselves, the world and God. Religion is used by many people as a way of searching for the meaning of existence, and although it means different things to different people, is commonly embraced in order to assist us in finding a way past the obstacles of life. There are two types of religious worldview’s; the belief in a divine power is beyond human dimension, and the belief that the divine power is held within the individual. A transcendent worldview is one that embraces the ideology of a divine power beyond human capabilities and experiences. Western “Abrahamic" religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam believe that the nature of God is transcendent; different from the rest of creation and therefore commonly seen as the “Father”. Transcendent religions such as these, embrace an eschatological outlook meaning God created the world we live in and will someday end it. Another popular belief common to these religions is that it is not in our mortal life where we serve our moral destiny, but rather after death in another dimension of being which we are punished or rewarded for or behaviour as humans. An example of Judaism as holding a transcendent worldview is that Jewish people believe that God is much higher above them, he is not present on earth alongside of them. Other popular Jewish transcendental beliefs include the idea that there is only one God, God is above and beyond all earthly existence, God doesn't have a body (neither male nor female), God created the universe without help, God is omnipresent; everywhere at all times, God is omnipotent; can do everything, God has and will always exist. An example of christianity as a transcendental religion is that in The Bible, when God gave Moses the 10 Commandments, Moses wanted to see what God really looked like and God replied with; “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” It is due to the belief in divine powers beyond the human which make christianity and Judaism a transcendent religion.
Spoiler
Contradictory to an transcendental religious worldview, an immanent religious worldview also exists. An immanent religion describes God as existing in and extending into all parts of the created universe. They hold the belief that the supernatural and divine powers dwell within the individual as a constant reality. These such worldview are evident in most Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. Unlike transcendental religions, immanent religions follow monism — having one kind of reality, and that all beings have value as they are products of reincarnation. In Buddhism an essential belief is that one must never search for the Buddhist equivalent of “God” but rather find truth from within themselves and their human spirit. Buddhist believe the ultimate goal or principle is the state of Nirvana or Dharma. This pathway to Enlightenment gives Buddhists a meaning for their lives. Buddhists also believe in reincarnation and that when someone or something dies, its soul will be reincarnated depending on how they lived their previous lives, with the law of karma reward the good and punish the evil. This cycle of re-incarnation continues until the said spirit reaches the state of Nirvana, therefore becoming a Buddha. In the Buddhist religion there is not just one Buddha but many buddhas in a variety of different forms. This is due to the ultimate life goal of the inner spirit reaching Enlightenment and therefor becoming a Buddha. This aspect of the imminent buddhist religion contradicts with that of the transcendental religious worldview as there is not one “God” but rather a liberation within the individual. Another aspect of the imminent religious worldview that follows the belief of a divine being/power residing within the individual is the notion of mindful training. Mental training is the idea that one can learn to see things more clearly, with deeper awareness and be conducive to living a happier, more fulfilled life through reflection of their life and actions, meditation and the state of relaxation swell as mindfulness. Religious approaches such as mental training in Buddhism represent the elements of the immanent religious worldview and the divine being or powers hosted within the individual as it aims to assist ones spirit into progressing through the stages of Enlightenment till Nirvana or Dharma is reached.
Spoiler
Religion is used by many people as a way of searching for the meaning of existence. Religion, although it means different things to different people, is commonly embraced in order to assist us in finding a way past the obstacles of life. Religion is an experience beyond the ordinary which people seek to understand. Religion is a transcendent dimension of faith meaning that it is above and beyond the range of normal human experience, with the common element among all religions involving; “something bigger than me”.
Our world today is comprised of 31.5% Christians, 22.3% Muslims, 13.9% Hindus, 5.25% Buddhists, 0.2% Jews and around 15.35% claim no religion wether it be secular, nonreligious, agonistic or atheist. It is estimated that by 2050, the Muslim and Christian religious population will dominate almost 60% of the worlds religions. Islam will grow and expand more than any other religion meaning that Christians and muslims will make up almost equal shares of the worlds population.
With this in mind, understanding and familiarising ourselves with the worlds religions will become crucial in order for western civilisations such as Australia to progress. The world religion population is growing therefore we need to quaint ourselves with what is happening as it impacts our lives. Religion needs to be studied so that others’ points of views may be recognised and we learn that “best isn't always west”. If we lack an understanding of the islamic faith, we shut out a huge proportion of european & asian culture resulting in alienation from other societies or possible future superpowers such as India. Not respecting or having an understanding of other religions may result in us endangering ourselves as some culture will have you killed for speaking agains them.
In conclusion, it is crucial for people in this day and age to explore the worlds religions along with understanding and respecting the fundamentals of those religions so that we can move forward and progress. A common awareness wishing religion helps strengthen bonds between cultures and forms a communal identity. Our minds have to be open so that we do not form a “Christian Centric” society.
Spoiler
Religion: organized set of values/beliefs about the way in which people live, our creation and life after death. Creates purpose and a belief in a higher power.
Religion is something that people search for — find meaning for existence.
Can be in the form of an institution, or a way of life e.g Buddhism.
Agnostic — believe in a bigger power e.g science or yoga.
Religions is the transcendent dimension of faith.
All religions have a common element of something “bigger than me”.
All religion allows the person to find the meaning of life.
E.g Buddhism — way of life, reincarnation till reach Nirvana - a way of life.
Supernatural is something more than you and I will ever experience e.g Jesus - healing, Mother Theresa - capacity to be generous.
Supernatural — More than human.
Due to this there are two widely held perspectives;
-the divine power is beyond human dimension (christianity)
-the divine power is held within the individual
Muslim is the adherents (someone who follows islam)
Jewish faith has a divine power beyond humans
Buddhism holds the divine power within the individual
Worldview is way someone or group interprets world around them. System of understanding that gives sense of order + meaning. Religious or secular.
Supernatural dimension:
-Foundation on divine revelation/revealed faith
-Exceed ordinary limits of human power, existence or natural reality
-Can’t be explained by natural laws/occurrences- described as abnormal/miraculous
Can’t be considered without natural dimension- religious thought/practice that comes from unaided human reason. No reference to divine revelation from God
Transcendent Dimension – points us towards divine world and beyond this world.
Lets us exceed limits of existence + earthly concerns, focus on heavenly concerns.
Belief in divine being/powers whose existence goes beyond human limitations
Immanent Dimension- emphasis on gods within human existence in day-to-day, ordinary concerns of life rather than beyond it.
Spoiler
-A lifestyle
-A human construct
-Form of social control (establishing beliefs which forms basis of moral code)
-Experience of something beyond the ordinary, way of charting a course through obstacles + limits to human existence
-Acknowledges transcendent/divine dimension, trust power beyond oneself
-Believers use it to make sense of their world as they search for meaning.
-Provides answers to universal questions and helps you understand world
-Binds + connects us to what is most essential and meaningful
-Set of beliefs that give meaning to lives, that believers follow
-They use: sacred texts, beliefs, ethical systems, rituals and ceremonies to confirm beliefs and as guidance on how to live life
-Provides consolation (life after death)
-Binds people’s lives to God, their beliefs and religious community
-Understanding of religion changes with person’s life experiences
Experience beyond the ordinary
Find way past obstacles of life
mens different things to different people
whole of existence not one part of life
people seek to understand
Atheism substitutes religion with alternate forms to find their meaning of life.
For co-existance to occur, we both acknowledge the domains and existence of each religion.
Agnosticism: believe in a bigger power
Atheism: believe nothing
Spoiler
-We have to have an organized way of responding to and explaining sense of mystery, the holy, the transcendent and the ultimate reality.
Beliefs and Believers: all religions sustained by beliefs and believers. Religions need central beliefs (e.g. Jesus was son of God). Believers include living adherents of each tradition, holy people, saints, gurus, mystics, communion of saints and other inspirational figures, living and dead.
Sacred texts and writings: religions have central sacred texts, writings and stories.
-A religious response to the experience of the sacred; often about origin of universe.
-Way of expressing what ultimately remains a mystery (myths)
Ethics: explicit philosophical/religious reflection on moral beliefs within a tradition.
-Clarifies what is right and wrong, what followers can/can’t do. Central to religion
-Offers direction in living, attempts to distinguish way of living which is consistent with experiences of holy
Rituals and Ceremonies: enactments/systems of actions + beliefs that has beginning, middle and end. Directly linked to superhuman beings or forces.
-Patterned way of acting; private or public, secular or religious.
-E.g. prayer, worship, initiation (circumcision), commitment (marriage), treating dead
-Help participants renew and deepen relationship with ultimate reality
Beliefs and Believers
Guru: usually associated with buddhism & hinduism, someone who is able to intemperate the teachings of the beliefs.
Mystic: immerses themselves in a religion and becomes a model for others
Sacred Texts and Writing
All religions have sacred text
some religions have and oral tradition of passing down these texts e.g Indigenous
Ethics
moral code, a way of being
Atheists still have a moral code — the secular law (non religious)
Rituals & Ceremonies
connect present day believers back to the tradition of the religion
links to supernatural dimension of faith
Identifiable way of acknowledging your membership
Spoiler
Religion allows a person to examine there life as well as provide answers to mysteries of existence such as:
-Who am I?
-Why am I here?
-Is there a God?
-Why does evil exist?
-Is there life after death?
-Fixes adherents to here + now, at same time pointing them to spiritual and divine realm
-Changes affect the society and culture where changes take place
-Creation of dynamic living religion and society
Music: pieces composed for religious purposes/with religious themes (e.g. convey God’s glory such as the Messiah-Handel)
-Important part of religious rituals, ceremonies, stories, celebrations, teachings (e.g. Xmas concerts contain songs about Jesus Silent Night) Christian concerts
- Christian rock e.g. Switchfoot [popular music that promotes Christian views]
-Bach composed music with religious influence, as he was religious
Political Influence: Catholic Church powerful economically and politically
-Reformation times (1600s) Church powerful, helped other Christian communities, and gave Pope permission to crown certain kings
Today British monarch’s religion must be Church of England (time of Henry VIII)
Art: Statues of Jesus + Mary in many European cities (artworks)
-Da Vinci used religion as inspiration to some of his pieces
-Churches contain colored glass windows and mosaics depicting religious scenes/ppl
-Metalwork: started as way of making statues of gods in Indian region, then used for temple decorations + ornaments, soon used for bowls, pots etc. Popular today
Architecture: famous + spectacular buildings built for religious purposes
-Religion inspired architecture have sacred purpose (more awesome)
-Among most visited e.g. Taj mahal, Golden Pavilion temple in Japan
-Unique design focus of architectural studies e.g. Taj Mahal wondrous, perfect symmetry of building, domes, interior design (arches, high ceilings, chandeliers)
Contribution to Individuals:
-Happiness partially depends on health, sense of purpose and spirituality. Religion:
Provides answer to the human need of meaning of life
Gives sense of purpose and direction and belonging
Provides solution to questions and fears, often death
Provides set of living Gods and ethics, hope + reassurance in crisis
More spirituality aware people more likely to help others
Religious assume more positive outlook, lead lives of greater satisfaction, more self-esteem and optimism in life
Sense of security so no thinking about it everyday
Spoiler
-Universal questions of existence- who am I, why am I here, where am I going?
-Seek to understand, make connections and discover a purpose in life and death.
-Search for meaning personal, allows people to achieve inner peace and fulfillment
-Religion provides faith in which people’s understanding of life are shaped, offers path that can bring meaning and coherence to lives
-Possession accumulation way to trying to find happiness + give life meaning
Believers form communities due to commonality of beliefs
These communities form the basis of society and hence aid in the development of social cohesion.
Religion also allows a sense of communal identity when society undergoes rapid social change. It protects those who feel isolated and marginalised.
A community makes a pilgrimage
Religions contribution is not just in numbers, its how those people connect
“religion is the opiate of the people” Karl Marx is saying religion drowses you/zombifies you, for its ability to keep people trapped in a conservative mindset with no desire to see society change for the betterment of all
Why study Religion?
To understand what everyone else’s point of views.
To acknowledge that “west is not best”
-World religion population is growing therefore we need to know what is happening as it impacts our lives.
-If we don't understand about the islamic faith we shut out a huge proportion of european culture & asian culture.
-So that we understand the traditions and cultures of others
-by 2050 Christians and Muslims will make up almost 50% of the worlds religion(4 billion)
-India possible superpower — if we don't understand other religions, we will not progress
-If we don't respect other religions we endanger ourselves
-George W Bush: Christian Centric
Spoiler
Characterized by energy, ambition, new ideas, practical achievements
Powerful, refreshes constantly, avoids settling into predictable/conservative rut
Full of life, practical, real, immersed in everyday human existence
When characteristics of religion interact creatively, it helps nurture a religion that is alive, dynamic and active in the lives of its adherents, and in the society and culture where they exist.
E.g. sacred text interpretations affect beliefs, understanding of other texts, lives, ethics, morality and helps create dynamic religion
Provides its adherents with a source of meaning both transcends and contains their life and their world
Is that which binds or connects human beings back to what is most central, essential and meaningful in their relationships to that which is transcends human existence.
Offers believers a specific set of beliefs and practises that gives meaning to their lives.
Dimensions of Religion
Natural dimensions:
Refers to religious through & practises that emerges from unaided human reason.
It is ‘natural’ in the sense that it makes no reference to the supernatural.
Supernatural dimensions:
This dimension implies a foundation on some sort of divine revelation or revealed faith.
This revelation exceeds power and capacity of human nature and created reality, i.e. sunset.
Can’t not be explained according to natural laws (i.e. laws of gravity)
Sometimes described as abnormal, even miraculous.
Transcendent dimensions:
Enables humans to surpass the limits of their creaturely existence and earthly concerns to focus on heavenly or spiritual concerns.
Needs to be balanced by the immanent dimensions.
immanent dimensions
Emphasises the presence of God or gods within human existence, in the day to day, concrete, ordinary concerns of life.
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