To avoid semantic confusion in our class discussion we should agree on the meaning of these terms.
Here is my proposed interpretation:
RELIGION: what today is called "organized religion": the hierarchy, the buildings, the structure, the holy books, the authoritative interpretation of the holy books, the dogma(ta), the rituals, the collective prayers, the memorized instructions, the official theology, the doctrine, the "sins," the excommunication, plus the popular beliefs.
RELIGIOUSNESS: the general sense of belonging to an organized religion, but not completely, with deviations from the dogma(ta) and beliefs, but a strong sense of spirituality, a belief in life-after-death, in the existence of God.
FAITH: the strong belief that God exists and that s/he intervenes in human affairs, s/he can be moved by prayers and other rituals to perform miracles, to protect from evil and individual tragedies. In some cases, God acts through intermediaries, like angels, saints and prophets who can perform miracles.
POST YOUR COMMENTS:
- Are the definitions clear enough to guide us through the discussion? (We don't want to get bogged down in endless semantic disputes. Rather, we need a basic consensus on the meaning of these terms so that we can make progress.)
- OPTIONAL: do discussions about religion, faith etc. make you uncomfortable? Yes? No? Indifferent? Tell us why.
I agree to the definition of ‘religion’, but I wonder why ‘religiousness’ and ‘faith’ can’t be considered one and the same. Discussions about religion would not affect me, as I have never been religious. I would have an outside view on this topic.
ReplyDeleteI believe these definitions are perfect for discussion. A lot of dialogue within the novel hit these points exactly. I also really like the differentiation between the definition of religiousness and faith. I never really thought about what a difference could be. However, both definitions help to give a different perspective of what each is.
ReplyDeleteThe definitions seem clear enough to me. It makes sense that some people don’t believe in a religion, but they believe that there is a god. Discussions about religion do not bother me. It’s always nice learning new things.
ReplyDeleteThe definitions are clear . I guess I never recognized that faith was a matter of belief in god . I never thought about it but I guess Id have assumed that even those who don't believe In God have a sense of faith . That being the universe beholds what is meant to be and under no circumstances can the outcome be altered . Discussions about religion don't make me uncomfortable at all . I am intrigued to learn about the beliefs of others . I am sure that despite the many differences, we all pray to the same god .
ReplyDeleteThe definitions are clear enough to follow, however I do believe that an individual can have faith without believe that God has a hand in it. Many individuals have faith in things that are not related to a higher power, or a specific deity. Discussions about religion intrigue me. I think it is interesting to hear other people's viewpoints concerning religion and their religious beliefs or lackthereof.
ReplyDeleteThe definition are clear enough to follow. We was raised to believe in God however I feel that when we experience a tragic we always think if there is a God why doe he let things happen. I feel that is it great to hear about other peoples views on religion and who they believe in.
ReplyDeleteThe definitions are clear enough, however I personally think that "FAITH" isn't a belief in God. It can be anything, starting with God and finishing with Satan ( and it is a religion also, Satanism) Also it can be ( and in many cases) belief in yourself. But in that case , if we deny any religion( we all know about atheism) and only believe in a human power then we are sort of a God. I guess it sounds too complicated..
ReplyDeleteAnyway, religion is a topic to discuss and I am willing to discuss it in class.
I think the definitions are clear but it might be a little challenging at first to discuss because not everyone has these same definitions
ReplyDeleteI think the definitions are clear but it might be a little challenging at first to discuss because not everyone has these same definitions
ReplyDeleteThe explanations are straight forward and right for the context in which they would be used.
ReplyDeletethe definitions are clear and make sense but every person has there own definition and understanding of these terms
ReplyDeleteI do not know how to feel honestly because do not get me wrong, they are clear, but does not incorporate a good amount of the spectrum that we can cover. Does religion only mean that God has to be involved? I guess that is my only question that is another discussion in the grand scheme of things, but other than that I can go with the flow. I like it.
ReplyDeleteDiscussions of religion does not make me uncomfortable. I do feel as if they are pointless AT TIMES because people are going to believe what they are going to believe. At the end of the day I and others in this class hold nothing for each other, so for the discussion to actually matter, we would have to matter to one another. I have been proven wrong many, many times, so I would not be surprised by anything that occurs.
The definitions are clear.
ReplyDeleteDiscussions of religion does not make me uncomfortable because i'm open to everything because i don't have any religion so i don't take offense to what others believe in.
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