PHIL 3100-Module 01-Homework Questions

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Feb 20, 2024

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PHIL 3100 World Religions Name: __Crystal Caruana_____ Module 01: Homework Questions 1. According to Molloy, what exactly are the eight key characteristics of religion? Explain. Malloy suggests that there is no concrete definition of religion, however there are a few elements which are fairly consistent among different religions. The first element is a belief system, this can also be referred to as a worldview, this is a system of beliefs which fit together in a fairly complete interpretation of the universe. This belief system is shared by the 2nd element, a community. This means that the ideals are practiced by a group of people. Within these belief systems, the third element of central myths occurs. In this instance, myth does not imply falsity, however, it suggests a story that is retold to express religious beliefs. An example of this can be the death and resurrection of Jesus. The next element is ritual. Rituals can be expressed by a groups religious practice, an example of this is baptism. The next element, ethics is established within the belief system, and it is composed of rules about human behavior. These are guided by a supernatural realm typically, however, sometimes they are socially generated. The next element is characteristic emotional experiences. This is an emotional experience which is shared by the community and associated with specific parts of their belief system. Molloy states that some of these experiences are associated with guilt, dread, liberation, ecstasy, or bliss. The next element is material expression, this can be seen in things like statues and paintings and in ritual objects, an example of this in Christianity would be the cross. The last element is sacredness. Ceremonies and rituals often use certain objects, people and places that are deemed sacred. An example of a sacred place is Mecca. (pg.6) 2.What is distinction between an immanent and a transcendent understanding of the sacred? Something immanent is something present and operating within nature. Things that are considered sacred in religion are often spoken of as imminent within the universe. While something that is transcendent is beyond the limits of space and time in the universe. God(s) in most religions is considered to be transcendent and unlimited by the world and all ordinary reality. (pg.7) 3.What role do symbols play in the practice and understanding of religion, according to Molloy? Malloy suggests symbols in religion are used as something concrete or ordinary that can represent something of greater complexity. An example of this is Holy Water in Catholicism which is meant to symbolize the spiritual cleansing of an individual, and it is used in baptisms to cleanse a child (or adult) after birth. (pg.7-9) 4.What are the three “orientations” by which religion and religiousness can be understood? The three orientations of religion can be found in the second pattern, which is designated as the focus of beliefs and practices. The first orientation is the sacramental orientation. This emphasizes carrying out rituals and ceremonies regularly as a path to salvation. An example of this is going to church on Sundays or haling to Mecca five times a day. The next orientation is prophetic. This stresses that contact with the sacred is ensured by proper belief and by adherence
to moral rules. An example of this is a profit speaking to a group of people on behalf of the Divine. Mohammed, the founder of Islam was considered a profit. The last is the mystical orientation. This seeks union with a greater reality than oneself, such as with God, the universe or reality. Techniques to succeed such orientation include meditation and praying. (pg.16) 5.What are some of the differences between sacred time and space and “normal” or secular time and space? We live our everyday lives in Normal or ordinary time in space. Secular time moves forward continuously into the future. And Ordinary space exists in the everyday. However sacred time is considered the time of eternity, this is the time where the Holy ancient past resides in which the gods lived and worked. The sacred space is the doorway through the other world of gods and ancestors. This can be used for us to contact them and for them to contact us. (pg.42)
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