RLG200H1 Lecture Notes - Shinto
Document Summary
Coming to terms with religion: world religion and its presuppositions. The author describes religion as: a common and general aspect of humanity (universal, specific religions, using religion as a description, using it as an adjective. Framed in terms of each religion having certain characteristics: major texts, foundational ideas, beliefs, and worldviews, particular histories and leaders, a distinct identity. Criticizes the table that separates all the religions and their characteristics. Assumes uniformity within each tradition (e. g. all muslims are the same ) Geographical gaps: christianity, islam, judaism, hinduism, sikhism, buddhism, jainism, Taoism, and shintoism are not the only religious traditions in the world. Denies internal variations within each religion (which may be extraordinary drastic) Cannot adequately accommodate indigenous religions, because there is too much diversity among them. Obscures historical differences (e. g. religion in 21st century america vs. medieval. Privileges classification categories that resemble christianity (e. g. 1 book, 1 founder, 1.
