NATURE OF RELIGION AND BELIEFS

The Nature of Religion

Define the supernatural dimension

DEFINITION: Belief in a divine being or power greater than humankind and the
natural world.
Different religions have their own unique responses to the question of the
exact nature of the supernatural dimension.
The Semitic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam believe that the
supernatural dimension is a single divine being or power. This doctrine or
belief is known as monotheism.
The two Eastern religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, derive from an
understanding of a number of divine beings or powers, a belief known as
polytheism.

Discuss a transcendent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine

power and/or powers beyond the human

A transcendent worldview is one which has a belief in a divine power or

powers beyond the human.

The three Semitic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam emphasise the
idea of God being revealed to humankind from beyond the human spirit.

For example, Muslims believe that the will of Allah has been revealed to the
Prophet Mohammed and is contained in the writings of the Koran. This is a
transcendent worldview because the divine being is seen to be separate and
outside of the human and revealed to humankind through an intermediary.

Discuss an immanent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine

being or powers dwelling within the individual

An immanent worldview holds the belief that supernatural powers or divine

beings dwell within the human.
For the two Eastern religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, the emphasis is on the
finding of truth from within the human spirit.
For example Buddhists follow the Eightfold Path prescribed by the Buddha in
order to reach Enlightenment. This is an immanent religious worldview
because the divine power is believed to be found within the human and awaits
discovery through following the prescribed path.

Define the characteristics of religion (beliefs, believers, sacred texts and

writings, ethics and rituals and ceremonies)

That the most significant element of a religious worldview is this belief in a

divine being or power, which is greater than humankind and the natural world.
This being or power is believed to be responsible for the creation of the
world, for providing a moral framework for human life and being the
ultimate destiny of a human person at the end of their mortal life.
Jananee Sundarakumar | Studies of Religion | Preliminary
Course

Almost all religions have a moral code or a set of ethics of which they follow

Explore the ways in which these characteristics (beliefs, believers, sacred

texts and writings, ethics and rituals and ceremonies) interact to create a
dynamic, living religion
Appreciate the contribution of religion to: individuals and society and
culture
Australian Aboriginal Beliefs and Spiritualties- The Dreaming
Out the nature of the Breaming in relation to: origins of the universe,
sacred sites, stories of the Dreaming and symbolism and art.
Discuss the diversity of the Dreaming for Aboriginal peoples
Recognise the importance of the Dreaming for the life of Aboriginal
peoples
Investigate the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and
identity

BUDDHISM
Origins:
Out the historical and cultural context in which Buddhism began
Examine the principle event so the Buddhas life, including the
enlightenment
Explain why the Buddha is the model of Buddhist life
Describe the early formation for the Sangha within the first five years,
including Mahapajapatis request for a female Sangha
Identify the importance of the first two councils in the development of
Buddhism
Outline the unique features of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana
Buddhism.
Principle Beliefs:
Define the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
Describe the significance of the Four Noble Truths
Examine the beliefs of Annica, Dukkha and Anatta
Recognise the connection between Karma and Samsara

Jananee Sundarakumar | Studies of Religion | Preliminary

Course

Outline the importance of Nirvana in Buddhism

Sacred Texts and Writings
Identify the importance of: Tripitaka, Lotus of the Good Law and the
Tibetan book of the Dead
Examine extracts from the Tripitaka, Lotus of the Good Law and the
Tibetan book of the Dead which demonstrate the principal beliefs of
Buddhism
Core Ethical Teachings:
Outline the principal ethical teachings in Buddhism (The Five Precepts
and the Vinaya)
Describe the importance of ethical teachings in the life of adherents (The
Five Precepts and the Vinaya)
Personal Devotion in the Home
Outline puja as celebrate in the home.

JUDAISM
Origins:
Outline the life of Abraham
Describe the Covenant with the Patriarchs, including the promises of the
a People and a Land
Outline the unique features of Conservative Judaism, Orthodox Judaism
and Progressive Judaism
Principle Beliefs:
Discuss the belief in the one God and the attributes of God
Outline the concept of a divinely inspired moral law
Identify the importance of Covenant for the Jewish people
Sacred Texts and Writing
Identify the importance of the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud
Examine extracts from the Hebrew Scripture which demonstrate the
principal beliefs of Judaism
Core Ethical Teachings
Outline the principal ethical teachings of Judaism (LOOK AT SYLLABUS)
Jananee Sundarakumar | Studies of Religion | Preliminary
Course

Describe the importance of ethical teaching sin the life of adherents

Observance
Describe the importance of Shabbat

Jananee Sundarakumar | Studies of Religion | Preliminary

Course