RLG200H1 Lecture Notes - Meiji Period, Rudolf Otto, Unchurched
Document Summary
State of life bound by monastic vows , conduct indicating a belief in a divine power (13th cent) The systematic study of religion [from within a religion] Does not challenge the truth of a religion. Not only christian, could be buddhist theology or hindu theology. The study of religion outside of a religious viewpoint. Translation of hindu and buddhist texts into european languages. Attempt to explain universal characteristics of a religios thought and practice. Substantive theories = describes the contents of religions and their impact on people. Functional theories = describes what functions religions perform for society. There is no one true definition of religion. There is not one common set of characteristics of religion. 1)ritual 2)mythical 3)doctrinal 4)ethical -good and bad 5)social social configurations 6)experiential. First free our minds from preconcieved notions of religions. Don"t ask what is the most important characteristic of religion but look for what is common in all religions.
