RELIGION DISCUSSION: Information for this discussion comes from a book called The Philosopher s Way by John Chaffee

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1 RELIGION DISCUSSION: Information for this discussion comes from a book called The Philosopher s Way by John Chaffee What is your definition of religion? What is the purpose of religion? Personal questions to consider (not necessarily meant for class discussion, but you are welcome to bring them up if you want to.) 1. How would you describe your religious beliefs? Does it include a belief in God? If so, describe your concept of God. 2. What was the origin of your religious beliefs (or lack of beliefs)? How do they compare to those you were raised with? If your beliefs are different explain what caused you to change your views. 3. What religious activities do you engage in (for example: worship, prayer, meditation, communion, singing, chanting, liturgy)? 4. Describe the role that religious leaders and holy books play in your religion. 5. Describe some of the symbols and myths of your religion. 6. How does your religion view religions that are different? 7. Does your definition of religion reduce religion to what you happen to be acquainted with by birth or socialization? 8. Does your definition of religion reflect a bias on your part (positive or negative) toward religion as a whole or toward a particular religion? 9. Does your definition limit religion to what it has been in the past, and nothing else, or does your definition make it possible to speak of emerging formes of religion Compare your definition of religion to the definitions of other students. What are the similarities? Differences? How do you explain these similarities and differences? What is the purpose of studying the philosophy of religion? Perhaps it is best to begin with what such study is not about. the purpose of studying the philosophy of religion is not designed to * transform you into an atheist or agnostic. * convert you from being an atheist or agnostic to a belief in God or gods. * undermine your religious beliefs or convert you to another religion. * engage you in emotional arguments with classmates over which is the one true religion. Instead, the philosophy of religion is designed to * develop your ability to think philosophically regarding the religious dimension of experience. * critically evaluate the reason, evidence, and arguments with respect to religion, both pro and con. * expand, enrich and deepen your understanding of other religions in the world. * encourage you to reflect on the nature and foundation of your own religious beliefs. Many people believe that there is in principle no necessary and compelling reason philosophy, science, and religion can t coexist (relatively) peacefully. It s only when one of the three disciplines intentionally encroaches on one or both of the other areas that problems may arise. For example: * If philosophy decrees, as the logical positivists did, that religious statements have no truth value because they cannot be verified empirically. * If science proclaims, as scientific materialists have, that only physical matter exists in the universe: entities such as souls, spirits, or gods are simply concocted fantasies. * If religion announces, as many religions have, that the conclusions of philosophy and science should be automatically dismissed if they appear to conflict with religious truths. Unfortunately, it is too often the loudest, most strident, and least-informed voices that capture the headlines and peoples attention. In contrast, a solid group of serious, reflective, and informed philosophers, scientists, and religious leaders believe that we should be using these three frameworks to achieve a more integrated, synthesized and enlightened view of the entirety of human experience.

2 As you approach the philosophy of religion, make a special effort to do so with an open mind. A person s religious beliefs are in intensely personal affair. Although religions have traditionally resulted in some of the grandest and most sublime contributions to human culture-- enlightened ethical systems, extraordinary art and architecture, deeply meaningful spiritual experiences--religions have also created some of the most devastating and destructive chapters in human history--wars, persecution, and religious discrimination. Our only hope to avoid getting pulled into this destructive vortex is to make extraordinary efforts to be ecumenical in our perspectives, transcending our own biases and religious tendencies. We need to honestly and openly seek to understand the religious experience in its deepest dimensions, endeavoring with intellectual empathy to appreciate the many was of being religious with which we are unfamiliar...we need to think critically and philosophically at the highest possible levels to navigate our way through the emotional minefield of religion. But forewarned is forearmed. If we are aware of the course we must steer, and we do consistently embody the values of openness, empathy, critical scrutiny, objectivity tolerance, and a willingness to grow in our understanding-- then exploring the philosophy of religion can be one of the most rewarding endeavors in which we can engage. And if we as individuals can become more enlightened and less myopic regarding religion, then we can share this more informed perspective with others who have not had the same opportunity to think philosophically about these issues. And by so doing we can elevate their understanding in an effort to create a more peaceful tolerant world. Questions to help us understand the phenomenon of religion. *What is the nature of various religious experiences, and how do they differ from one another? *What is the relationship between religious beliefs and our everyday lives? * How do various religions define the meaning and ultimate purpose of human life? * Are there compelling proofs or evidence for the existence of God (or Gods)? * If you believe in an all-powerful, all-good supernatural Being, how is it possible to account for the existence of evil in the world? * What is the relationship between faith and reason? * What are the reasons, evidence, and arguments for religious beliefs, both pro and con?

3 WORLD RELIGIONS What is religion? Spirtual expression: Organized religion: The Universality of Religion: Theories of the Origin of Religion - The need to: Animistic Nature-worship Original Monotheism Magic Wish-fulfillment

4 CHRISTIANITY

5 BUDDHISM

6 Types of Religion: Basic or Primitive Religions Religions orgininating in India Religions orgininating in China and Japan Religions orgininating in Middle East Extremism vs. Main stream

7 ISLAM

8 JUDAISM

9 HINDUISM

10 TAOISM

11 INDIGENOUS SACRED WAYS

12 Write their perspectives of the following: ATHIESM AGNOSTICISM