RLG101 - Study Guide

This may also be a question: “Please explain TWO ways in which Michel Desjardins’ essay “Religious Food Guidance” changed your understanding of what either or both of your interviewees for the fieldwork project told you. Briefly summarize two ideas from any part of his essay and explain how each one changed your understanding. In your answer, refer to specific things that either or both interviewees said about the connections between religion and food in their lives.” HAVE YOUR PART COMPLETED BY FRIDAY NIGHT PLZ. WE NEED THE WEEKEND TO STUDY EVERYTHING HERE! Once you have found your information for your part, just put your answer under your designated bullet point. For example, -Key components and characteristics of the academic study of religion ANSWER:............................. -Defining the term ‘Religion’ ANSWER…………. -Complexities and issues with the concept of ‘religion’ ANSWER……………… 1. Intro to RLG101 -Key components and characteristics of the academic study of religion Can 1. Interdisciplinary Approach: Draws from multiple academic fields. 2. Comparative Analysis: Analyzes similarities and differences across religions. 3. Objectivity and Neutrality: Aims for impartial analysis, setting aside personal beliefs. 4. Focus on Texts, Myths, and Rituals: Studies religious texts, myths, rituals, and symbols. 5. Critical Analysis: Examines religions' historical, social, and cultural impacts `objectively. 6. Respectful Inquiry: Shows respect for believers' perspectives while critically evaluating beliefs. 7. Cultural Sensitivity: Considers the context and values within each religious tradition. 8. Adaptability of Religions: Recognizes that religions evolve and adapt to changes. 9. Ethical Considerations: Handles sacred aspects ethically and responsibly. 10. Global Perspective: Acknowledges and studies religious diversity worldwide. -Defining the term ‘Religion’ Aastha ● Religion is too complex to be defined because of how multidimensional and multifaceted it is, which makes it subjective but Dr.Henry said the most objective definition would be the family resemblance definition which is: belief in supernatural beings, and having a distinctive difference between the sacred and profane, having Ritual acts focused on the sacred and profane objects, and having a moral code believed to be sanctioned by divine beings (I’d recommend having an idea about the different definitions that are in the first reading vid and who defined them just incase) Look at week 1 slides, it talks about EB tylor- animism, polytheism and monotheism, emile durkheim, clifford and J.Z Complexities and issues with the concept of ‘religion’ Aayat "The complexity inherent in defining religion adequately and satisfactorily is not ultimately a problem, even for scholars. It is common to most branches of learning. We routinely use words for a wide assortment of notions quite effectively without having to define them. The concept of "religion" is not particularly different from other subjects in this regard." Rodriguez and Harding 2. Intro to food & religion project -Ideas presented by Anne Valley and E.N. Anderson Adriana ● The text discusses the relationship between food and religion, emphasizing the role of food as a central and universal human concern in religious practices. ● Religious Restrictions on Meat: Various religions have different perspectives on meat consumption. Some advocate for it, especially during sacrificial rituals, while others, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, promote vegetarianism as a form of non-violence (ahimsa). ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Food Sharing in Religion: Food sharing is identified as a fundamental religious act, as studied by Robertson Smith. Emile Durkheim's perspective is introduced, highlighting religion as a means for societies to bind together and transmit ethics through rituals and celebrations. Role of Food in Religious Unity: The text emphasizes that sharing meals, such as Holy Communion in Christianity or communal meals in Sikh temples, fosters social cohesion and transcends religious and social divisions. Diverse Religious Feasts: Various religious traditions have specific feasts and celebrations centered around food, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas in Christianity, Passover and Hanukkah in Judaism, and Buddhist temple feasts in East and Southeast Asia. Cultural Influence on Religious Dietary Practices: Cultural biases can influence religious practices, as seen in the example of early American missionaries in Hawaii promoting American foods as essential for conversion. Impact of Religion on Nutrition: The text notes that religious dietary rules, when not carefully considered, can negatively impact nutrition, as seen in missionaries promoting imported low-nutrient foods over local nutritious options. Diversity in Religious Food Rules: The text contrasts the minimal management of food in mainstream Protestant American churches with the intricate food rules of Orthodox Judaism and Hinduism, particularly the extensive dietary laws outlined in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Symbolism and Logic in Religious Food Rules: Some religious food rules are explained as related to symbolism, logic, sanitation, and kindness to animals. For example, the prohibition of boiling a kid in its mother's milk is suggested to be a rejection of a sacred dish of an opposing group. -‘Religious Food Guidance’ by Michel Desjardins (and applying his ideas to fieldwork data) Afnan 1. Introduction and Research Approach: ● The article is based on extensive fieldwork conducted across diverse religious communities worldwide from 2006 to the present. ● Explores the five main categories where religion intersects with food: permanent and temporary food restrictions, offerings, charity, and special religious occasions. ● Emphasizes the significance of understanding lived religion, which often differs from academic generalizations. 2. Permanent Food Restrictions in Different Religious Systems: ● Highlights differences between Indian-based and Middle Eastern-rooted religious systems regarding food restrictions. ● Explores the ethical and spiritual principles behind food choices and restrictions in religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Judaism, and Islam 3. Temporary Food Restrictions (Fasting): ● Examines fasting practices across various religions and their purposes, emphasizing the mindfulness and intentionality associated with these practices. 4. Food Offerings and Charity: ● Discusses the significance of making food offerings to deities and spirits, linking it to the value and preciousness of food. ● 5. 6. 7. 8. Explores the role of religious charity in feeding the poor and its relevance to critical food guidance in addressing food insecurity. Special Religious Occasions and Traditional Foods: ● Illustrates the integral role of food in religious festivals and celebrations, emphasizing the importance of specific foods in cultural and religious contexts. ● Highlights the challenges of preserving traditional foods and practices in the context of global migrations. Religion and Critical Food Guidance: ● Explores how religious beliefs, centered around a sense of something larger than oneself, can predispose individuals to make dietary changes for broader reasons. ● Acknowledges the limitations and variations in religious practices concerning food. Religious Food Guidance in Modern Contexts: ● Showcases examples of how religious organizations and communities engage in critical food guidance, focusing on issues like food waste, sustainable practices, and ethical consumption. ● Highlights Jewish and Muslim initiatives that align religious principles with contemporary concerns for health, sustainability, and ethical food choices Conclusion: ● Concludes by affirming the pivotal role of religion in shaping people's engagement with food, supporting and generating innovative approaches to eating while engaging constructively with the world. Religious food guidance is presented through five categories: permanent food restrictions, temporary food restrictions, food offerings, charity, and food for special occasions. 3. Enchantment and Disenchantment - “Is Religion Declining?” – Religion for Breakfast video Aima Secularization Theory- refers to the historical process in which religion loses social and cultural significance - World religions are growing and growing more religiously diverse. - The reason people think religion is declining is because of the difficulty of defining religion. - The big historical faiths are declining in Western Europe and the United States but the gains of religion in Africa and Asia are far greater. - New ways people define religion and how they practice. - Shift on how we view the world. (Miracles, gods involvement in everything -> a universe that is infinite and largely blind to our existence) - Secularism in the 21st century doesn’t mean a bonding religion, it means learning how your religious convictions should manifest themselves in a diverse cultural arena. -The Secularization Thesis - Aiman secularization thesis - sociological hypothesis that was popularized in the mid-20th century, suggests that as societies modernize and advance technologically, religious beliefs, practices, and institutions will decline in importance 1. Proposes that religion is declining Religions will decrease in importance and influence 2. Discusses the causes of secularization Various factors in modern society ( including science, technology, education, urbanization, individualism) contribute to decline of religion 3. Views secularization as a global trend Will affect societies across the world as they modernize -Max Weber’s “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” and his ideas around Enchantment and Disenchantment Alishah ● Max Weber wrote the essay "The Protestant Ethics and The Spirit of Capitalism” (1905). Work on ‘disenchantment” contributed to the secularization thesis ● Enchantment – The concept of the "enchanted world" refers to a worldview or perspective in which the natural and supernatural realms are intertwined, and mystical or magical beliefs hold significant sway ● Disenchantment –This process is often associated with the rise of rationalization and secularization, and the decline of traditional religious beliefs and practices. Difference between secularization and disenchantment: Secularization: Decline of religion in society Disenchantment: Replacement of mystical, magical, or religious worldviews with rational and scientific explanations 4. Introduction to the Academic Study of Religion -The features of Religious Studies discussed by Rodriguez and Harding Amina -Historical development of Religious Studies (and the three phases including common features of each phase, defining ideas of each phase, scholars of each phase) Connor and Dhruv -The Science of Religion Approach Eman ● ● The "Science of Religion" approach, also known as Religionswissenschaft in German, is an academic discipline that investigates religion through scientific and scholarly methods. The emergence of this approach in the nineteenth century was inspired by the growth of scientific inquiry and the need to explore religion methodically and objectively. The Science of Religion approach is not shared by all religious studies researchers. Some researchers find the phrase "scientific method" inadequate for studying religion, and there is a wide range of perspectives and methodologies within the broader area of religious studies. ● In the mid-20th century, this approach experienced a decline due to several reasons like… ○ 1. It's limitations ○ 2. Cultural Relativism ○ 3. Interdisciplinary Approaches ○ 4. Postmodernism and Postcolonialism ○ 5. Religious Pluralism 5. Historical Perspective and Critique of Religious Studies - The purpose of Critical Studies Fatima The purpose of Critical Studies is to: ● Examine Power Structures: It scrutinizes power dynamics, social hierarchies, and dominant ideologies. ● Challenge Norms: It aims to deconstruct and question established norms and systems. ● Address Inequalities: Critical Studies addresses social and cultural inequalities and injustices. ● Promote Equity: The field seeks to foster greater equity, social justice, and inclusivity across disciplines. This interdisciplinary field encompasses various areas such as critical theory, gender studies, and more, analyzing texts and institutions to uncover biases and assumptions. -The World Religious paradigm Fizzah -Masuzawa’s critique of World Religions Gurveer 6. The Sacred & Profane (and Other Terms in Religious Studies) -The importance and purpose of Religious Studies concepts Harraj -Sacred & Profane Shanta - Sacred (holy, special, set apart) -Profane (not holy, not special, not set apart) - Religious Symbols and Icons - Examples include: Cross in Christianity, Ka'bah in Islam, the Lotus Flower in Buddhism - Rituals and Worship: - Examples include: Prayer, meditation, ceremonies - Religious Texts - Examples include: Torah in Judaism, the Quran in Islam, and the Bhagavad Gita in Hinduism - Sacred Spaces - Examples include: Western Wall in Jerusalem for Judaism, Mecca for Islam, or Varanasi for Hinduism - Features of the Sacred - Set Apart: Sacred objects, places, texts, or rituals are treated with reverence and respect, distinguished from the profane. - Transcendence and Otherness: The sacred is associated with a sense of otherworldliness, beyond everyday world - Defining Sacred: Emile Durkheim in The Elementary Forms of Religious Life: - "A religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden—beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them. - A system of interrelated elements within a system of allocation and designation. It is a system that sorts, privileges, and demotes, all according to the changeable (and therefore contestable) interests of those who are in the position to set whatever they wish apart. - We can call this setting apart as making things “special”—as in things, places, or people are deemed special all the while ensuring that the actions of others are policed in conformity with the authorized system of distinction and identification. - Hierophany- manifestation of the sacred - Kratophany- manifestation of power - Hinduism does not have a distinction between the sacred and profane, Hindu’s see it more as continuum -Taboo Javaid Taboos serve to control and channel human interaction and collective activity through a system of negative differentiation, meaning that it marks out certain persons, objects, and occasions by specifying what may not be done to, with, or on them. Food taboos include: Judaism: Not using the same utensils for preparing meat and dairy products. Islam and Judaism: Not eating pork, not eating meat that was incorrectly slaughtered. Inuit: Not to mix caribou and seal meat. A lot of critical studies scholars have explored how taboos are constructed, maintained, and wielded, asking who is involved in the construction and maintenance of such rules and what is the effect. They analyze how certain groups or individuals use taboos to stigmatize, marginalize, and suppress others based on their cultural, racial, gender, or social identities. Taboo is considered to be something that is unlawful and forbidden. Taboos are acts that predestination are prohibited in religion or society. Taboo can refer to dietary restrictions, sexual restrictions, bodily restrictions, as well as restrictions with abusive language, death and stress. -Culture Carl Olson: "In a general sense, culture is the totality of a social, historical, and creative heritage of human beings who represent a particular social group. A particular culture includes the human products of a society with a shared history and location. These human products include language, art and architecture, style of dress, distinct foods, social behavior, music, intellectual heritage, ethics, a legal system, government, religion, and a worldview." E.B Tylor defined culture as a complex whole that includes custom, belief, knowledge, art, morals, law, and other human creations Talal Asad's critique of the concept of "culture" 1. Hierarchies - culture has been used in ways to connote hierarchies of civilization. It also privileges the perspectives and values of the dominant group to define what a "culture" is. 2. Fixed and Essentialist - The concept of culture often presents cultures as fixed, bounded, and essential entities with distinct characteristics - an oversimplification. -Ethics Ethics reflects proper rules of conduct recognized as valid by a particular religious tradition. Ethics also suggests the values and moral principles related to human conduct and the analysis of such actions. Rules about what constitutes correct behavior can vary according to a person’s status in life, such as whether one is an adult or child. Ethics is often used interchangeably with morals in the West. Components of the study of ethics: 1. Guidelines 2. More Decision Making 3. Moral Norms and Practices 4. Religious Teachings 5. Ethical Dilemmas -Study examples of each of the above concepts that were introduced in class Krish Chavan 7. Religious Belief - Definitions of belief Krissh Makkar, Sukhraj Jawanda and Harman Bedi ● The mental action, condition, or habit of trusting to or having confidence in a person or thing; trust, dependence, reliance, confidence, faith ● Acceptance of a statement, supposed fact, etc., is true ● In early usage: a doctrine forming part of a religious system; a set of such doctrines, a religion -Cognitive vs. affective beliefs Laiba ● Richard Gombrich: ○ Cognitive beliefs: These beliefs are based on understanding and reasoning about religious teachings, scriptures, and principles ■ Example: believing that the Earth revolves around the sun (logical reasoning) ○ Affective beliefs: pertain to the emotional and experiential dimensions of faith, commonly associated with likes, dislikes, preferences, etc. -Examples of beliefs Maryam ● Buddhism - Four Noble Truths ○ Suffering: Life involves problems and dissatisfactions ○ Origin of Suffering: Craving and clinging to things causes problems ○ Cessation of Suffering: It is possible to stop these problems and find peace, achieving Nirvana, a state of liberation ○ Path to the Cessation of Suffering: Following the right way of thinking and living can lead to peace and happiness ○ ● Beliefs in Islam - 6 Articles of Faith ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Belief in God Belief in the existence of angels Belief in the scriptures as God revealed them (Qur’an) Belief in the Prophets of God Belief in the existence of a Day of Judgment Belief in the existence of God’s -Orthodoxy Mashal ● Orthodoxy in religion refers to sticking to important beliefs from sacred texts or traditions that are seen as essential in that faith ● Carl Olson on Orthodoxy ○ A group of believers decides which teachings are important ○ People look to respected figures from the past to understand the correct beliefs ○ Figuring out what is right often involves deciding what to include and what to exclude ○ Once decided, everyone must follow these beliefs, treating them like laws ○ Different groups may have different ideas about what is right -Issues and complexities with the concept of ‘belief’ Mamish ● Privileges Protestant Christian understanding of religion ● E.B. Tylor’s definition of religion = “the belief in spiritual things” ● Religions called “belief systems” or “faiths” -“What does it mean to be Religious?” – Religion for Breakfast video Nada - The Three B Framework (and applying the Three B Framework to formulate an interpretation) Noah ● Belief: theologies, doctrine, holy texts, social values and ethics that guide daily life ● Behavior: religious rituals and actions, as well as religiously inflected habits and practices associated with daily life ● Belonging: a sense of being part of a shared religious community that exists across time and cultures 8. Religious Words -Types of religious words Rayyan ● Oral Traditions ○ Oral Stories and Myths ○ Oral Prayers and Chants ○ Oral Sermons and Teachings ● Written Traditions ○ Scriptures and Holy Books ○ Religious Text Commentaries ○ Religious Law Codes ○ Religious Literature -Myth Aahir ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Myths are stories that carry important knowledge about important events and characters Mythology refers to all the myths in a particular religious tradition Often revolve around supernatural beings or heroes Tackle big topics like creation, life, and death Many cultures view myths as sacred history, explaining person and social conditions Provide models for how people should behave in rituals and cover various aspects of life Carry valuable knowledge, offering ways to understand the world Can change and evolve over time Indigenous Myths ○ Primarily oral traditions, passed down for generations ○ Important method of passing down knowledge and heritage ○ Myths that are passed down preserve values, knowledge, and culture, protect cultural memory ○ Turtle Island - The turtle serves as a symbol of life and earth; acts as a creation story -Scripture (including examples of scriptures and related ideas) Rubaes ● Important texts that are highly respected and considered sacred ● Canon includes officially approved texts by religious authorities ● Non-canonical religious literature refers to writings that aren’t officially recognized or part of the authoritative canon ● Examples of scriptures ○ Hinduism: Vedas, Upanishads ○ Buddhism: Tripitaka and Mahayana Sutras ○ Jainism: Agams ○ Judaism: Hebrew Bible ○ Christianity: Bible ○ Islam: Qur’an -Issues and complexities with the concept of ‘scripture’ Sahil ● Can be either oral/written ● Many things not included (Ex. “scripture-like” books) ● Hard to distinguish what is primary and secondary (subjective, varied views) -Scripture as a ‘relational concept’ according to Graham Saira ● Shape/content doesn’t automatically make text scripture ● Holiness depends on community’s view ● “Scripture” defined by community as powerful/meaningful ● Varied interpretations across groups ● Relational/contextual aspect vital in text study ● “Scriptural” features linked to community rolexo ● Not a specific literary genre, but a religious/historical concept -Scripture and ‘sacrality’ Gurnoor ● ● ● ● Key Features of Scripture: ○ Remarkable authority and sacredness ○ Supernatural authority and holiness in various traditions Authority in Communal order: ○ Forms legal foundation for communal order ○ Examples: Torah, Qur’an Sacredness in Communal Life: ○ Evident in various aspects of communal life ○ Reverence shown through handling, mentioning, citing, reciting, or reading Theological Emphasis ○ Theological doctrines distinguish scripture from other texts ○ Emphasizes profound sacred nature of scripture -Words and Power Sara ● Power of Spoken and Written Words ○ Both spoken and written words are powerful in human perception ○ Words are not just symbols; they perform tasks and actions ● Control and Sacredness ○ Uttering a name ritually is believed to exert control or summon the named ○ For believers, a sacred word is not just a word but an effective, saving word ● Transformative Power ○ Often linked to being spoken or written by a deity in Abrahamic traditions ○ In some cases, sound itself is considered sacred (Indian traditions) or scriptural word is seen as saving truth (many Buddhist traditions) ● ● Power in Religious Practices ○ Examples in various traditions: Veda recitation, mantra recitation, Buddhist chanting ○ Perceived power in both official religious practices and popular spirituality Magical Beliefs ○ Belief in the presence of divine wisdom or ultimate truth in sacred texts ○ Example: Placing hand on a Bible during a legal oath reflects notions of scripture’s sacred power 9. Religious Actions - Types of religious actions Searena ● Prayer ● Charitable Acts ● Study and Reflection ● Pilgrimage ● Conversion and Testimony ● Ethical Living ● Fasting and Abstinence ● Community Building -The concept of ritual Sn202786 ● Rituals were seen as actions representing beliefs and values of a society ● There is no unanimous agreement on specific qualifiers for rituals ● ● Ronald Grimes suggests 16 categories of ritual action, including rites of passage, marriage rites, pilgrimage, and worship Catherine Bell breaks it down into four categories: ○ Rites of passage ○ Calendrical rites ○ Rites of exchange and communion ○ Rites of affliction -Issues and complexities with the concept of ‘ritual’ and defining ‘ritual’ Harman and Omer Ritual definition according to Malory Nye - "A basic definition could even be that rituals are actions carried out for more than their utilitarian purpose. That is, rituals are actions which have meanings beyond the actions themselves. Perhaps a simpler – indeed minimalistic – definition of ritual is ‘meaningful action’. ● ● ● ● ● Ritual Overview: ○ Ritual is a broad category that includes festivals and cultural practices ○ It’s not always religious and lacks a precise definition Terminology ○ Terms like “ritual”, “rite”, “ritualizing”, and “ritualization” are used interchangeably Cultural Perspectives ○ Some argue ritual is a Western construct, but many scholars in religious studies still find value in the concept Continued Usage ○ Scholars continue to use and theorize about the term Varied Definitions ○ Definitions range from broad, like “culturally defined sets of behavior”, to narrow, like “traditional, prescribed communication with the sacred -“What is Ritual?” – Religion for Breakfast video Somto Ritual is a certain way of acting but when we frame that action in a very specific place or period suddenly this action becomes a ritual action which these strategies distinguish ritual actions from ordinary actions ultimately ritual being an assertion of difference . The fundamental purpose of ritual (what does ritual do) was grounds to defining it as "ritual is an assertion of difference". -Rituals and meaning, symbolism, communication, and transformation Masooma Rituals have transformative power • Some rituals can transform a participant's view of the world or themselves; confer new status, title; change social status, group Membership • Happens in significant times of life (eg. birth, adulthood, death) • Main participants are transformed into a new state with a different lifestyle, identity, and social group • Two notable scholars are Victor Turner and Arnold van Gennep -Rites of Passage according to Arnold van Gennep (and applying Rites of Passage to formulate an interpretation) Tia and Wareesha Rites of passage consist of three crucial stages: separation, liminality, and incorporation • Participants initially undergo separation (pre-liminal stage), detaching from their usual world, roles, and obligations • The transition or liminal stage is marked by crossing a symbolic threshold and is a vital part of the transformative process • The final incorporation or post-liminal stage signifies the participants' return as transformed individuals with new roles • Van Gennep emphasized the variability of these stages, with no fixed duration What is Liminality? Omer Liminality (the in-between stage) • The phase of liminality is emphasized here as it is the crossing between the before and after • Liminality is the space of change where participants are fundamentally transformed • The liminal stage often involves a passage or movement, which can be physical or symbolic • The liminal stage may entail an inversion of 'normal' life, marked by different forms of dress, place, and behavior • Behavior during the liminal stage may be I’m in the opposite of what is usually considered correct • Alternatively, solemn behavior requiring isolation and quiet contemplation may be expected 10. Lived Religion -Purpose and features of the Lived Religion movement William ● Focuses on how religion is lived in daily life, in various settings like home, work, and community ● Explores how individuals apply their religious beliefs in practical, everyday situations ● Recognizes the diversity in how people within the same religious tradition express and experience their faith ● Considers personal rituals and individual interpretations of sacred texts alongside formal practices ● Associated with scholars like David Hall and Robert Orsi -Methods and focuses of the Lived Religion movement Yaakhater ● Aims to understand religious experiences holistically, considering social, cultural, and personal aspects ● Acknowledges religious diversity and pluralism ● Material culture: considers physical objects and spaces ● Descriptive and interpretive approach: scholars observe and consider self-understanding -Orthopraxy vs. Lived Religion Zoya ● Orthodoxy is about sticking to established rules ● A set of authorized and accepted beliefs within a religious tradition that govern proper practices and rituals. ● Considered correct and authoritative by a group of believers and is often determined by religious authorities. ● Once established, orthodoxy becomes binding on all adherents, regulating their beliefs and religious behavior. ● Lived Religion is about how people actually live and express their faith in various ways ● The term “Lived Religion” changed as times did but essentially meant to represent the way people lived their everyday lives linking it to their beliefs/religions. It is not about religion on a generalized basis, but actually more on a personal level on how humans practice their religious beliefs in practical life. ● Focus on how individuals experience and practice religion in their daily lives. ● Contrasts with traditional views that emphasize elite practitioners and sacred texts. ● "Lived experience" gained prominence in the second half of the twentieth century. ● David D. Hall's edited collection, "Lived Religion in America: Toward a History of Practice" (1997), significantly contributed to the development of the field. ● Lived religion offers a new perspective by examining the integration of religion into daily life. ● Challenges traditional scholarly norms and assumptions, emphasizing the importance of studying practices over beliefs. -Robert Orsi’s arguments about why the Lived Religion framework is necessary Obei ● Shows that religion is not isolated but part of daily experiences ● Recognizes that religion evolves through ongoing interactions with real-life situations ● Highlights how both religious authorities and practitioners shape each other ● Emphasizes the significance of religion as practiced by actual individuals in their unique situations ● Challenges the idea of a strict divide between sacred and profane, emphasizing the interconnectedness of religious daily life 11. Religious Identity -Key aspects of religious identity Zara ● Encompasses a sense of self and the recognition of one’s place in the world ● Qualities that make an individual or a group recognizable and unique ● Shaped by personal experiences, cultural influences, social interaction, and affiliations ● ● ● ● ● ● Beliefs Practices/Religious Actions Community Affiliation Ethic/Moral Framework Personal Experience Culture and Society -Arguments made by Tweet in the chapter “Who is a Buddhist?: Nightstand Buddhists and Other Creatures” Omer -Normative approaches in studying religious identity ● Examining how religious identity serves practical purposes in individuals’ lives ● Acknowledging the blending of traditions, especially in colonial contexts or situations with forced conversions ● Exploring how conversion can offer social benefits while individuals retain aspects of their original traditions ● Studying how individuals navigate boundaries within specific contexts, especially where certain traditions are forbidden or dominant norms are challenged -Adherents vs. Sympathisers ● Adherents are actively and formally associated, often participating in organized activities ● Sympathizers express support or understanding but may not formally join or engage in organized activities POSSIBLE MCQ Which of the following statements about the liminal stage in a rite of passage is NOT correct? a. During the liminal stage participants exist between the world they are leaving behind and the world that the ritual is preparing them for. b. The English word liminal originates from the Latin word limen, which means “threshold.” c. The liminal stage may last a long time or it may be very short. d. During the liminal stage, behavior may be quite unusual. e. None of the above are incorrect (i.e., all of the above statements are correct). f. Both b and c are not correct. Which of the following does NOT fit one of the five ways that Michel Desjardins says religions intersect with food? a. Providing lunch for homeless people b. Avoiding donuts for a month c. Having turkey for Christmas dinner d. Giving alcohol to your long dead grandmother e. Never eating cheeseburgers f. None of the above (i.e., all of the above fit one of the five ways that Desjardins says religions intersect with food) Which of the following ideas about studying religion was taught in RLG101H? a. The academic study of religion can’t tell us the truth about god(s). b. The academic study of religion should focus on people.l c. Religions are not basically all the same. d. There is great variation within every religious tradition (there is not just one “true” version of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc.). e. All of the above ideas were taught in RLG101H5. f. Both b and d were taught in RLG101H5. Which of the following does NOT constitute an academic offense at UTM? a. Identifying the source of any words or ideas that are not your own. b. Explaining someone else’s ideas in your own words without providing a citation. c. Submitting the same assignment for a grade in more than one course. d. Using an author’s exact words without quotation marks. e. Totally copying your best friend’s essay and changing a few words and submitting it as your own work even though you know your friend will be SO MAD at you for this and if they found out they would definitely not invite you to that cool thing at that place. f. Both c and d. True or false: A person who is not Buddhist will have a more objective understanding of Buddhism than someone who is part of the religion. a. True b. False Which of these questions would be acceptable for the RLG101H5 Fieldwork Project? a. How is food important to you as a Buddhist? b. Do you fast during Ramadan? c. What memories do you have of foods eaten during Diwali? d. What do you think about some of the unnecessary food restrictions practiced by Jains? e. Why do fewer Christians these days give up certain foods during Lent? f. Both a and c are acceptable. 2 of the short answers will be from the homework questions according to Professor. STUFF ON THE EXAM 3B framework on exam and rites of passage Essay Prompt: Throughout this term, I have presented various concepts and ideas, encouraging critical analysis and introducing alternative perspectives for a deeper understanding of religion and Religious Studies. In your essay, delve into 4 ideas (chosen from a list of 10 ideas that will be provided on the exam), explaining the multiple aspects of our critical examination of each concept in this course. In your paragraphs you can potentially: o Explore the analytical strengths of the concept; o Explore weaknesses and/or underlying assumptions associated with these ideas; oHighlight improved approaches to understanding religion that attempt to overcome issues and assumptions. Please note: The direction of the essay is defined by you, but you will be graded on your understanding of the concepts and your ability to explain the multiple ways in which we have understood each term or idea. These are 6 out of the 10 prompts already provided to us in advance. We must choose 4 of them to write our essay on. 1. Scripture - narrowed texts of a certain type. Eg. Abrahamic texts is a type of scripture (William Graham) 2. Ritual - The assumption that all actions can be analyzed through ritual. (Carl Olson, EB Tylor, Dr Henry, Malory Nye, Arnold Van Gennep) 3. Lived Religion vs. Orthodoxy/Orthoproxy (Robert Orsi) 4. Religion - hard to define etc. (Rodriguez and Harding) 5. World Religions (Tomoko Masuzawa) 6. Belief - you can talk about the 3B framework (Dr Henry 3B framework, Jonathan Smith) Three phases of religion - generated by chatgpt but is kind of similar to week 4’s slide show The historical development of Religious Studies can be divided into three main phases, each characterized by common features and defining ideas. Here's a brief overview: First Phase: Pre-Modern Antecedents (Ancient Times - 18th Century) Common Features: Religious inquiry was primarily theological and tied to the dominant religious traditions of the time. The study of religion was often conducted within the framework of a particular faith. Defining Ideas: Focus on understanding and promoting a specific religious tradition. Limited exploration of other belief systems. Scholar Theologians and religious authorities within specific traditions. Second Phase: Enlightenment and Comparative Studies (Late 18th - 19th Century) Common Features: Emergence of secular perspectives and emphasis on reason. Interest in comparing and categorizing diverse religious traditions. Defining Ideas: Comparative analysis of religions to identify universal principles. Shift towards objective, academic inquiry. Scholars: Max Müller (comparative mythology), Friedrich Schleiermacher (theology), E.B. Tylor (anthropology). Third Phase: Interdisciplinary and Cultural Approaches (20th Century - Present) Common Features: Recognition of religion as a complex, cultural phenomenon. Interdisciplinary collaboration with fields like anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Defining Ideas: Emphasis on understanding religious practices, rituals, and social contexts. Inclusion of diverse perspectives and voices, acknowledging cultural relativity. Scholars: Mircea Eliade (phenomenology), Clifford Geertz (cultural anthropology), Ninian Smart (phenomenology of religion). This progression reflects a shift from religiously-centric perspectives to a more inclusive, interdisciplinary study of religion that considers cultural diversity and context. The evolving field continues to adapt and expand in response to new insights and challenges. HW 7 The 3B framework states understanding religion involves believing, behaving and belonging. It means believing in the ideologies of a religion and how you interpret it. Behaving can be considered as how you practice your religion, it could involve offering prayers, doing charity work or keeping away from acts that your religion prohibits. Belonging is the third B which means affiliation with a religion, to be seen as a member or a follower of your religion. The 3B's can be very broad because of how many religions exist. The framework is important because it means that religion is more than just believing in your faith. It encourages you to not blindly follow your religion, but to also understand the concepts of your religion, participate in it by completing rituals, offering prayers, connecting with god or any other way that can boost your spiritual connection. A point that Henry made was that some people may keep coming back to church, not for the sake of worshipping Jesus, but because they feel a sense of belonging. The 3B framework shows that the idea of belief, behaviour and belonging work together to show that religion is more than just an individuals belief.