Ways of Being Religious

Read pages 4, 5 and 6:


Describe each of the 6 "ways of being religious" in all religions

Sacred Rite-physical things to do to be religious, following traditions

Reasoned Inquiry-answer questions with what you know/ are taught

Right Action-taking what your religion says into the real world, like 10 commandments

Devotion-worship the god or trust in what one is following

Shamanic Mediation-like praying, speaking with "spiritual reality" or a god of some sort

Mythical Quest-use right action to follow a journey in life with the aim of being rewarded

Using page 9 - 10:What are the advantages of studying religion using this method?

1. They help avoid generalizations- make people stop assuming things about religions and realize that if they hear of one tradition, it does not represent the entire religion

2. They help one understand examples in a religion
-must consider how traditions answer the eternal questions
-look at all traditions within a religion to understand the religion
-don't focus on the specific "mystical experiences", but instead study how their teachings are carried on in the religion

3. They define religious differences-expolore the ways each religion answers the eternal questions. This helps further apreciate differences between religions. We also inadvertantly find similarities.

4. They get rid of false religious contrasts- need to remember when contrasting traditions of different religions that they both answer the eternal questions in their own way

5. They promote in depth studies of religion- the framework allows one to explore the religion in multiple aspects, allowing for a more in depth study

6. They promote peaceful discussions between members of different religions- these six ways promote mutual understanding between people of different religions without fear of attack on their religion



Using the "distinctive traits of Western Religions"Explain what you think are the two greatest differences between the western and eastern traditions.

One God: In western religions there is a God which unites what is and what will be within himself. He is the beginning and the end. He commands all. Everything depends on him for its being and meaning. Anything is possible with God, in essence- miracles are possible. He can do whatever he pleases, but still shows his faithfulness through regular occurances such as seasons.

No God: In eastern religions there is no God. Everything is of one order and works together. These religions worship more person-like beings who have acheived a higher state of being.

Good and Evil: God is the ultimate judge of good and evil. He decides and executes the rewards and punishments. God represents the right, good and just, and is the ultimate enemy of injustice and evil. These beliefs are found in western religions.

Good and Evil: Everything is beyond good and evil. There is more meaning to life such as the belief of Karma. Karma states that "as you sow, so you shall reap (Cannon)."
Right and wrong are impersonal standards. Ultimate reality is composed of both good and evil, maintaining a balance of both. These beliefs are found in eastern religions.

The Human Ego: The human ego should be redeemed not destroyed. One can "cleanse their soul" by following traditions common of western religions.

The Human Ego: The human ego should be destroyed, and the person should become one with Ultimate reality by following traditions commonly found in eastern religions.

Sara