REL 1000 Lecture : 9 8 Notes
Document Summary
Phenomenological- based on similarities in religious life regardless of time or place. Traditionally oral (nothing written)-europeans wrote stuff down so we don"t know if they interpreted them as practioners would. Even information from native americans is not perfect, they were influenced by european settlers. These deities were usually polytheistic with one supreme being over all the others. Animistic-there are spiritual forces that animate the natural world. No stark distinctions between supernatural and natural and good and evil. Instrumentalist-religions where the purpose or focus is to bring about real world change. Taboos- actual events and punishment will take place in your life. Medicine men - through practices, a healing takes place. World came about because natured allowed it to. Totem-animal has a special spiritual connection with community or individual. If it"s your totem you show a greater respect for that animal.
