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Ryedale Religious Studies Mind map for Year 7 (The Belief Spectrum…
Ryedale Religious Studies Mind map for Year 7
The Belief Spectrum
Agnostic
Belief that no one can ever know if god exists
Derivation:
(a)=no
(gnosis) = knowledge (Ism)= belief
Theist
Belief in god.
Derivation:
(theos)= God (ism)= belief
Atheist
Belief there is no god
Derivation:
(A)=no
(theos)=God
(ism)= belief
Types Religious Belief
Polytheism
Belief in many gods
Derivation:(Poly)= Many (Theos)= God
E.g Romans, Vikings and Ancient Greeks
Animism
Belief that everything is alive and has breath
Derivation: (Anima)= Latin for breath(Ism)=Belief
E.g: Celtics, Maoris
Monotheism
Belief in One God
Derivation: (Mono)= One (Theos)=God
(Ism)=Belief
Divine Attributes of the Monotheistic God:
Omniscience
All knowing
Derivation: (Omni)= All (Science)= Facts/Knowledge
Omnibenevolence
All loving
Derivation: (Omni)= All (Bene)=Good (Volere)= Wanting
Omnipotence
All Powerful
Derivation: (Omni)= All (Potent)= Power
E.g: Christianity, Islam, Judaism
Religious arguments
The Cosmological Argument (Or the first Cause argument)
Everything in the universe has a cause. If you trace all those causes back there must be either infinite regress (where there is no beginning to the universe) or, an un-caused first cause. A first cause is more logical, so there must be a starting point to the universe. We can call this starting point god.
Problems:
If everthing has to have a cause, then who caused God? If it is possible God is uncaused, why is it impossible the universe is uncaused?
The Design Argument (Or technological argument)
Things in the natural world are complex and harmonious and have to have a purpose For example, the eye is made up of many complex parts that work together to make us see. Complex and harmonious things with a purpose must be designed, they don't happen by chance. Therefore, something must have designed the universe. We can call this designer God.
Problems:
It is not obvious what the overall purpose of the universe is. The Evolutionary theory suggests that complex and harmonious things can evolve over time without a designer.
Atheistic Explanations for Religious Belief
Sociological reasons
Positive:
Sigmund Freud and Law and Order: Religions teach people to ignore their desires and do what is right for the community. The threat of hell and the promise of heaven makes this world a nicer place to live in, because people are on their best behaviour.
Negative:
Karl Marx and Power: Religions are supported by the rich and powerful because they help keep the poor and powerless in their place. They teach poor and powerless people to accept the rules of this world and wait until they die to get a good life (in Heaven). Therefore, religions are bad and need to be abolished in order for us to ensure this world is improved.
Psychological Explanation:
Ludwig Feuerbach and Wish Fulfilment:
Life is scary and complicated and stressful. Humans have invented God because this makes us feel happy. It reassures us that there is justice in the world and that we will never die; but will go to heaven and live forever in a different form. This makes belief in religions very useful,and powerful. But it doesn't make religions in themselves true.
Key Features Of Religions
Sacred Places
These are special places of worship where believers go to be close to god, for instance a church or Mosque. There are also holy sites where key events in a religion are believed to have happened, and these often become places of pilgrimage (destinations religious believers walk to whilst thinking about their life and relationship with god).
Scripture
The teachings of religion,or the word of god, are believed to be contained in special books. These are called scripture, or holy books. Examples would include the Christian bible and the Muslim Qur'an. Believers read these during worship and on their own. They think about the stories and what messages they give them about how to live their life.
Holy People
Religions have important people who pass on the teachings of the faith, lead worship and perform significant rituals.
Rules
Religions have clear rules about how to live a good life. An example would be the Ten Commandments in Judaism and Christianity. Rules also tell believers what they can wear, what they can eat, the sorts of things they can buy and sell, who they can marry, and how to raise their children.