...Religious studies are a broad, multidisciplinary academic discipline to study the beliefs, and behaviors pertaining to different world religions. According to the author, unlike other major academic disciplines, the study of religion is not based on any unique methodology but is derived from several other fields of academia. This field of study is so broad that any attempt to develop a unique methodology would limit the scope of understanding and further research into the subject. Hence, religious studies derive inputs from several other fields of study and provide its scholars with a plethora of these derived methodologies. The absence of any unique methodology is dealt by incorporating several other academic fields and developing different approaches for interpretation and research. Scholars, who look at religion from the perspective of society, use one such approach. They look at both sides of the coin and study how society shapes religion and how religion has been shaped by the various societal factors. They also try to analyze the changing symbiosis of religion and society by adopting either a quantitative approach of statistical surveys or a qualitative approach. Another such methodology involves anthropological study of religion. The rituals, practices and behaviors of tribal groups provide a deep insight into the oldest form of religious habits, which have been carried for ages. This approach studies the traditions that have been carried by all these traditions from...
Words: 510 - Pages: 3
... HUMA 1110 A Thursday March 17, 2016 Colangelo 2 It is accurate to suggest that gender inequality is an ever present problem in today's society. But in taking a deeper look at the substantial issue, is one of its main sources of instigation from religion? There is imbalance in the way in which men and women are treated and respected in the Bible. And despite the blatancy of this concern, studies conducted on the disparity in religion, culture, and gender are still relatively new. In Mallory Nye's Religion: The Basics, Darlene Juschka comments, "it is evident that some fields of study are less receptive to feminist perspectives...The study of religion has been one of those disciplines." There is a lack of recognition and awareness for the issue, mostly due to androcentrism. Although this will be discussed in further detail later on, it is important to understand this concept as a point of reference. Androcentrism denotes that the male perspective is held at the central point of one's world view and therefore holds great weight for why the female perspective has not been properly acknowledged. But the Bible is not the only source of gender prejudice. Greek mythology encompasses similar distinctions in sexual orientation and their respective male and...
Words: 2251 - Pages: 10
...chapters, Barret (Exploring Religion’s Basement) and Emmons & Schnitker (Gods and Goals) seem to take quite different approaches to whether there is unique content to religion. Barret argues that, at the core, religion is based on normal mechanisms of cognition applied to the religious domain. Emmons & Schnitker argue that sanctification is a psychological process unique to religion. Whose approach do you find more compelling and why, or in what situation? The work of Justin Barrett in In Religion’s Basement, in which he compares a religion with an architectural artifact, such as a cathedral, attempts to explain the significance of psycho- cultural context. Barrett argues that just as a cathedral has plumbing, basements, and architectural constraints, so does a religion: besides the rituals and other ornamentation that is usually of interest to psychologists, there is a supporting substructure of beliefs and needs, which can be informed by the Cognitive Science of Religion. In his own words, his assumption is that “ordinary human pan-cultural psychological dynamics (cognition) inform and constrain cultural expressions, including those we might deem religious.” Barrett’s survey of CSR sees religion as an organic concept, grown from ordinary psychology and not from particular situations or needs; it is an imprecise concept, with a “folk” rather than a precise definition, and may include contradictions, as people are capable of “skating ...
Words: 416 - Pages: 2
...Defining Abnormality Lizbeth Escobar, Tandy Noonan, Charlie Fritz, Holly Keeling, and Velinda Chandler PSY/410 March 18, 2012 Melda Jones Defining Abnormality Psychologist, for years have given their theory on normal and abnormal behavior, but all the studies they have done seems to give more evidence to prove what make each individual do what they do and why. In the normal and abnormal behavior we use all research and take all of its studies into consideration and apply it to why such behaviors have occurred. Reading this paper you can see that there are many experiments that challenge the theory of behavior no matter if it’s normal or abnormal. We will clarify some of the challeges as we define and classify both normal and abnormal behavior when we look at the challenges in Culture, gender and sexual preferences/practices and religion. Cultural normal and abnormal behaviors Culture is a challenge to abnormal behavior because these behaviors establish through socio-cultural traditions. The sociocultural perspective explains that abnormal behaviors are a result of family influences and social forces. Similar to the behavioral perspective, socio-cultural theorists believe mental disorders are learned behaviors. They tend to focus on social class, gender, and ethnicity in the explanation of mental disorders. An understanding of one’s sociocultural forces is also taken into consideration concerning...
Words: 1157 - Pages: 5
...religion in as succinct a manner as possible. To be all things to all religions, the book is very vague and difficult to understand. Bataille created a chart or table to explain what he was doing and to give body to the work. ALAS! The chart is not in the book, lost to time. Thus, as it exists, Bataille’s book is a glimpse into the inner workings of a genius mind. It is a colorful attempt to understand “religion,” whatever that is. Further, it is an off-the beaten path romp through the daisies of the study of religion, sweet flowers that often remain unromped. Theory of Religion brings to philosophy what Bataille’s earlier book, The Accursed Share, brought to anthropology and history; namely, an analysis based on notions of excess and expenditure. Bataille brilliantly defines religion as so many different attempts to respond to the universe’s relentless generosity. Framed within his original theory of generalized economics and based on his masterly reading of archaic religious activity, Theory of Religion constitutes, along with The Accursed Share, the most important articulation of Bataille’s work. Theory of...
Words: 1976 - Pages: 8
...Religious studies is the academic field of multi-disciplinary, secular study of religious beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. It describes, compares, interprets, and explains religion, emphasizing systematic, historically based, and cross-cultural perspectives. While theology attempts to understand the nature of transcendent or supernatural forces (such as deities), religious studies tries to study religious behavior and belief from outside any particular religious viewpoint. Religious studies draws upon multiple disciplines and their methodologies including anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and history of religion. Religious studies originated in the nineteenth century, when scholarly and historical analysis of the Bible had flourished, and Hindu and Buddhist texts were first being translated into European languages. Early influential scholars included Friedrich Max Müller, in England, and Cornelius P. Tiele, in the Netherlands. Today religious studies is practiced by scholars worldwide. In its early years, it was known as Comparative Religion or the Science of Religion and, in the USA, there are those who today also know the field as the History of religion (associated with methodological traditions traced to the University of Chicago in general, and in particular Mircea Eliade, from the late 1950s through to the late 1980s). The field is known as Religionswissenschaft in Germany and Sciences des religions in the French-speaking world. The term "religion"...
Words: 329 - Pages: 2
...Phuong Nguyen Caring and Compassion 1/ Following the example of the Sisters of Jesus who lived among the tapirape as midwives, and living a caring and sharing life with the these people are possible for anyone of us in global society. The important thing that we all need to learn from the good example of the Sisters of Jesus is living the gospel without a connection with power because power represents the privilege of a certain group such as social, political, or cultural groups, but not the majority of people. First of all, living the gospel is living with the true attitude of compassion and caring towards the other who is in need, and being willing to help the other without any prejudice. In particular, when we find anyone who need help, in spite that he is not close to us, not from our cultural group, racial group, or nationality etc, we have to fill ourselves with compassion and with love to treat the other right. It is just like how the Sisters chose to live with the Tapirape. Despite all the hardships that they were facing, they helped the tribe wholeheartedly by all means without expecting to have any return. The Sisters helped the tribe with their orchards, shared understanding, and endurance throughout their daily strive for food, maintain their language, culture, customs and religion. This concept is also demonstrated by Jesus. During his mission on earth, he never shared any prejudice toward the other in spite of whichever group he belongs to, either Jews or Samaritans...
Words: 1795 - Pages: 8
...Religious Traditions and Religious Studies Religious Traditions and Religious Studies Historically, religion has influenced the decision making of humankind throughout the world. The decision of believers has significant impacts on how society is governed. The study of religion in most cases begins at an early age. An individual’s childhood beliefs and values influence their religious practices, as an adult. The predominant religion of a region, also influence an individual to practice a religion. Religion and religious beliefs has received notable attention in an effort to resolve social, ecological and economic issues that plague our nation. Governments around the world understand the need to develop sustainable relationships with religious organizations. Developing sustainable relationships requires defining the term religion in a matter that respects all cultures, and developing an understanding of the common elements of religion. The question of why does religion exist is the premise of understanding human life and life after death. There have been many wars because of religious differences. The beliefs of religious followers argue one religion is right and another is wrong is a critical issue. Some believers think they have been given special gifts and talent that only one religion possesses. Interpretations of religion are studied through the common approaches to religion. The common approaches includes, psychology, mythology, philosophy, theology, anthropology...
Words: 1076 - Pages: 5
...According to Turner the ritual process involves of three different stages. The primary stage deals with segregation. Segregation is basically done by creating a sense of separation from ordinary social structures. Moreover, one is separated from the everyday flow of activities, involving a passage through a threshold state or limen into a ritual world removed from everyday notions of time and space. In other words, the participant is made to feel detached from the social structure surrounding him/her as well as the daily flow of activities. The second stage is known as luminal stage. In this particular stage the participant is outside of ‘normal’ society. Moreover, the participant is no longer a part of the society and has reached a neutral stage. In other words, one imagines an alternative sphere of equality, unity and transcendence. The final stage comprises of incorporation. The participant in this stage returns back to the society and becomes united or combined into an organized body. In other words, it’s like re-entering into the everyday world according to him. Rituals and rites of passage guide the development and realization of interpersonal bonds. Turner argues that it is this bonding that is the core of society and social values, meanings, and functions. This is a contrasting approach to other scholars who usually view ritual as in service to the social order. The passage through a liminal state tempers the pleasure of the individual...
Words: 275 - Pages: 2
...How far were the teachings of jesus regarding the kingdom of god to be consistent with his background? The proclamation of the kingdom is a major feature of the teaching of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels, e.g. Mark 1 : 15, as against the epistles, where Jesus and his return are preached. But is this an already present or future kingdom? What does it mean to say that the Kingdom of God is ‘at hand’? Many scholars, particularly CH Dodd, would argue that in Jesus’ teaching he is showing us that the Kingdom of God has already arrived with no future crisis. This interpretation is called realised or present eschatology. It can be argued that through the gospels Jesus is shown to fulfil (OT)prophecies relating to the coming of the Kingdom of God. “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raise and the poor have good news brought to them.” (Matt. 11 : 5) Here Jesus appears to make a direct reference back to Isaiah 35 which looks forward to the Kingdom of God when “the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; the lame shall leap like deer and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy” (vs5-6). It can be seen from this that the Kingdom of God had arrived; Jesus appeared to be saying that these were si gns that the prophecies had been fulfilled and the kingdom was present. The parables, a central source of eschatological teaching, also can interpreted by such scholars to show that the Kingdom had arrived...
Words: 1114 - Pages: 5
...a) What is meant by the term Equality? Equality is when individuals are treated fairly and are respected of their values there is an quotation which supports equality ‘all people are born equal in a sense that no one brings any possession with him; and they die equal in the sense that they take back nothing of their worldly belongings. b) Give two examples of inequality Some Muslims say that they are free from inequality but there is some areas that can be debatable such as woman rights in Islam, another equality is animal rights as Allah believes that animals should be applied the same treated the same on how we should be treated since he created eveyything on this earth. c) Describe what Muslims believe about reconciliation In Islam they do not accept aggression or assault and should show repentance and peace, in islam it teaches that they should be acceptance of race, religion, gender, e.tc There is a quotation which supports the people who are spreading positivity and having a positive contribution to the world The Messenger of Allah was asked: ‘Who is the most beloved of Allah’.’’ He said: “The most beneficial of people to the people.” d) Explain Muslims Beliefs about Racism O Mankind! Most certainly, it is We (God almighty) who have created you all from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and it is We who have made you into nations and tribes, that you may recognize each other (not that you may despise each other).Verily, the noblest of...
Words: 575 - Pages: 3
...Philosophy of Culture Summary Sheet The second module covers Philosophy of Culture. This encompasses the three main world views. These views are theism, transcendentalism, and naturalism. First Week - Introduction The first class covered the introduction ot the Philosophy of Culture course by having us answer seven thought-provoking questions. Each question, though simple, was worded in such a way as to make one think about it in-depth. These questions dealt with our perception of reality and our thoughts concerning life and its meaning. It challenged our religious faith and made us declare not only what we believed, but why we believed it. We read “An Atheist’s Values”, a statement of secular humanism. We then wrote a paragraph describing the views of this type of naturalist. Although brotherly love, courage, cheerfulness, and dignity are promoted in the statement, no basis or foundation upon which these virtues should come is given other than the author’s opinion. We read and discussed in class the three basic world views. By studying these views, we will be able to understand the mindset of those whose world views differs from ours. Second Week – Overview of World Views Theism is the belief in one superior being, a creator or god. This can be broken down even further into monotheistic and polytheistic beliefs. Monotheistic religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, believe in one god. Polytheistic religions, such as those practiced by the ancient Greeks...
Words: 946 - Pages: 4
...Religion is a big part of most people’s lives. With religion usually always comes hand in hand with a church or a sanctuary for people to worship their faith in. Thus making Church an important place that is needed in the eyes of the people. Church is necessary because it gives a sense of protection. Even today there are several people who believe that a Church is sacred ground being blessed and it protects from evil. It may be true but something that is known as a fact is that people from olden time to today believe that Church is necessary and a sacred place. It is believed that there is tremendous spiritual and economic power with in a Church and that can be felt and even transcended upon the community. It is a place that gives spiritual guidance to the lost. It even helps the poor as it provides services for the less fortunate. This is a common and still powerful tradition that most Churches have and hold on to today. There are always people who feel like they have fallen on their luck and needed help or guidance and a Church is and will always be there for those people. A Church is like a home but not for just a single family it is open to everyone with open arms willing give a warm embrace of comfort and protection. It is truly a place where sin is forgiven and where light shine through even on the dimmest of days. Of course, the Church being strong and mighty in its community, is still defined by the people who believe in it and help create what it is. If the Church is...
Words: 439 - Pages: 2
...COMMUNICATION REVISION Communication theory Briefly explain the following terms i) Noise (2) ii) Feedback (2) iii) Communication channel (2) iv) Verbal Communication (2) v) Grapevine (2) vi) Medium vii) Communication Discuss the following forms of nonverbal communication. 1) Kinesics (2) 2) Posture (2) 3) Pictures (2) 4) Colors (2) 5) Proxemics (2) Question 3 Letter writing A customer has written a letter of complaint about the unnecessary delay on the delivery of its order. You have investigated the matter and you have found out that he has cause for complaint. Write a letter of adjustment to this letter (15) Letters a) Briefly explain how you would write a letter of complaint (5) b) What is a letter of adjustment? (2) c) State at least three disadvantages of written communication (3) Question 3 Listening Discuss any five guidelines to follow if you want to be an effective listener (10) Question 4 Report You have used the branch of your bank for many years and you come to know the manager well He respects your ability to write a report and your fairness about the knowledge of the difficulties facing customers. Accordingly he has asked you to write a report on the services which the branch provides, and suggest how they could be improved. He has asked you not to make any comments on the efficiency or otherwise of any individual members of staff (25) Question5 Notice As a lecturer in the Engineering department write a notice...
Words: 1023 - Pages: 5
...prejudice is men earning more money than women on average -- even if they are similarly qualified and performing the same tasks. Rather than paying their workers based on their performance and experience, many employers pay a fraction of their employees more simply because they are male while the others receive less due to the fact that they are not. This is not the only factor that plays in role in the sharp contrast in pay between males and females, however it does play a part. There have been many forms of prejudice throughout history that exist even to this day and have become more widespread such as colorism, ableism, sizeism, religious intolerance, racism, and nativism. Colorism is a form of prejudice based on the color of a person’s skin. It is prevalent among people who share the same ethnicity or race but it can also occur in multi-ethnic and non-white communities. In most cases, colorism is in favour of those with lighter skin tones. Albeism, yet another type of prejudice -- is not as widely known as its counterparts. It refers to prejudice against people who have disabilities that can be easily perceived or seen such as those who are wheelchair-bound, deaf, blind, or suffer from Down’s syndrome. The visibly disabled are faced with prejudice from just about anyone including --...
Words: 722 - Pages: 3
