REL 1000 : Rel 1000 Exam 1 Notes Spring '17
Document Summary
Karl marx: 19th century germany, "the opiate of the masses, "the sigh of the oppressed creature" Sigmund freud: 19th century austria, religion is a neurosis i. e. , projection of father-figure onto the unknown. Spirituality brings about peak experiences: make us generally healthier/adaptive, william james, religion is an attempt to harmonize oneself with a transcendent divine reality. Paul tillich: american, religion is that which is of ultimate concern. E. g. , family, country, sex, money, loyalty: catholic philosopher, religion is the relationship with intermediary beings. Ninian smart: saw a common mistake: reducing religion down to one dimension, saw seven dimensions of religion, myth, the stories that are essential to the religious identity, folklore. Ritual: consistent, patterned religious behavior, e. g. , prayers, meditation. Philosophical: provides answers to some sort of philosophical questions. Ethical: provides laws or doctrines to be followed. Social: some sort of gathered community joined under a common cause, material, any tangible aspect of the religion, e. g. , buildings, clothing, sacred articles.
