A) Intro. To Religion 08 9

An Introduction

What is it and why is it important? Or not? 1. People experience religion all around

them. 2. People grow up in a certain religion. 3. People wonder about religion b/c of how

it influences different aspects of life. 4. People ask: ‘What is the meaning of

life?’

Beyond the human intellect or understanding…

Revealed texts and/or ancestral myths, passed on by oral tradition. Oral Tradition: looked to things around to

answer questions.

Why would science challenge theology?

The Catholic Church up until the Middle Ages The Catholic Church up until the Middle Ages controlled a great deal of the beliefs of the West. controlled a great deal of the beliefs of the West. Everything from when to plant to what one should Everything from when to plant to what one should ‘scientifically’ believe in.‘scientifically’ believe in.

The Catholic Church up until the Middle Ages The Catholic Church up until the Middle Ages controlled a great deal of the beliefs of the West. controlled a great deal of the beliefs of the West. Everything from when to plant to what one should Everything from when to plant to what one should ‘scientifically’ believe in.‘scientifically’ believe in.The Church: taught that Earth, not the sun, was the The Church: taught that Earth, not the sun, was the center of the universe. Scientists, like Galileo, were center of the universe. Scientists, like Galileo, were excommunicated because of such beliefs.excommunicated because of such beliefs.

The Church: taught that Earth, not the sun, was the The Church: taught that Earth, not the sun, was the center of the universe. Scientists, like Galileo, were center of the universe. Scientists, like Galileo, were excommunicated because of such beliefs.excommunicated because of such beliefs.

Science begins to challenge such beliefs as Creation, Science begins to challenge such beliefs as Creation, Creator, miracles, etc.Creator, miracles, etc.Science begins to challenge such beliefs as Creation, Science begins to challenge such beliefs as Creation, Creator, miracles, etc.Creator, miracles, etc.

Experiments, hypothesis, questions and ‘results’ challenged religion. Science attempted to answer these

questions that only religion attempted before.

Experiments, hypothesis, questions and ‘results’ challenged religion. Science attempted to answer these

questions that only religion attempted before.

Science: “How did we get here?” and then “Why are we here?”

Science: “How did we get here?” and then “Why are we here?”

Was used as a catalyst to which people used in order to seek answers about life.

No matter what religion, it seeks a higher understanding.

Answers that which we cannot effectively reason.

Theo - Logos “Faith seeking understanding” - St.

Anselm McGravey:

“Continuing journey to find God within, but more prevalent, outside the realm of the physical and set dimensions, by trusting in the revelations given to us by Christ and the Holy Spirit.”

Creed Code Cult

Religion & culture at times are intertwined. Separation of Church & State: NOT Universal

Elements of Islam are found throughout almost all of the “Islamic States.” The nation of Israel is based heavily on its relationship with Judaism. India & Hindu. Imperial Japan & religion, even China & atheism.

American Politics: debate whether religion belongs in political advertising and political agendas. The abortion issue.

Where do we see religion today??