Explain the meaning of the following terms, in the context of religion:
2.1.1 Denomination
In Christianity, denominations represent a group or a church, each with its own distinct beliefs, practices, and organizational structures. Examples include Baptists, Methodists, and Anglicans. Although the term was originally used within Christianity, it is now applied to other religions.
Denominations are formed due to differences in how religious texts are interpreted, influenced by theological beliefs, or cultural factors. This results in various expressions of the same faith, each with its unique perspective.
2.1.2 Deity
A deity refers to a god or goddess worshipped by humans, and typically considered superior to humans in power, knowledge, and often in other attributes as well. They are revered, prayed to, and sometimes believed to influence or govern aspects of the natural world or human life. Worship of deities often involves rituals, prayers, and offerings as acts of devotion and reverence.
2.1.3 Dharma
Dharma is a term that holds great significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism. It refers to the essential teachings, principles, and moral duties that individuals must follow in order to live a righteous and spiritually fulfilling life. In Hinduism, dharma includes various aspects such as one’s duties based on caste, societal norms, and personal ethics. In Buddhism, dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddha, encompassing the path to enlightenment and the understanding of the nature of reality. Dharma is considered to be the fundamental cosmic order and moral law that governs the universe and individual conduct.
2.1.4 Eucharist
In Christianity, particularly within Catholicism and some Protestant denominations, the Eucharist is the bread that is eaten at Christian rituals of worship in remembrance of the death of Jesus Christ
It is a sacramental ritual commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It involves the consumption of consecrated bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ. It signifies remembrance, thanksgiving, and the spiritual presence of Christ among the faithful.
2.1.5 Dogma
A Dogma is teaching with absolute authority in a religion and may not be contested, hence it’s not subject to debate or reinterpretation. Dogmas often serve as foundational pillars of religious faith, shaping theology, ethics, and religious practices. They are typically enshrined in sacred texts, decrees, or authoritative pronouncements by religious authorities, to provide a framework for divine understanding and guide the beliefs and behaviours of followers.
2.1.6 Comparability
Comparability in the context is the study of the similarities and differences between religions. It aims to explore the commonalities and distinctions among various faiths by examining their religious traditions, doctrines, practices, and beliefs. By delving into themes such as morality, cosmology, ritual practices, and theological concepts across different religions, comparability fosters a deeper understanding of human spirituality, cultural diversity, and the interconnectedness of religious traditions. This helps to provide insights into universal human experiences and how religious beliefs and practices shape societies and individuals.
2.2 State TWO unique features regarding the beliefs of the following religions:
Judaism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, is characterized by several unique beliefs and practices that distinguish it from other faiths.
Covenant with God
Central to Judaism is the concept of a covenant between the Jewish people and God. This covenant serves as the foundation of Jewish identity and establishes a sacred bond between God and His chosen people. It outlines the responsibilities and obligations that Jews must uphold in their relationship with the divine.
The Ten Commandments
Judaism venerates the Ten Commandments, a set of moral and ethical principles that were revealed directly by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments form the cornerstone of Jewish law, guiding followers on the path of righteousness and shaping their conduct in all aspects of life.
First to observe the Sabbath
In addition, Judaism holds the distinction of being the first religious group to observe a special day of worship—the Sabbath. Instituted as a day of rest and spiritual reflection, the Sabbath, or Shabbat, begins at sundown on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. During this time, Jews engage in prayer, study, and communal gatherings to honour God and commemorate the completion of creation.
Incarnation
Christianity, with its roots deeply embedded in the belief system that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. At the core of its doctrine lies the concept of the Incarnation, wherein Jesus, believed to be the Son of God, took on human form. This profound belief forms the bedrock of the Christian faith, emphasizing Jesus and his role as the intermediary between humanity and God.
The Trinity
Furthermore, Christianity is characterized by its unique teaching of the Trinity, which sets it apart from other monotheistic religions. The Trinity is the belief in the three-fold nature of God, consisting of three distinct individuals within one divine entity the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This intricate theological concept provides a profound understanding of God’s nature as both singular and multifaceted
The Trinitarian Dynamics
At the core of Christian theology lies the belief in three distinct persons coexisting within the divine essence, each functioning in perfect harmony. The Father embodies the role of the creator and sustainer of the universe, while the Son embodies the redemptive aspect of God’s love through his sacrifice. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, represents the divine presence within believers, guiding and empowering them in their spiritual journey.
Islam, one of the world’s major religions, boasts several unique features that distinguish it from others.
The Shahada
At the core of Islamic belief lies the Shahada, a fundamental declaration that affirms the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. This statement, which reads “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet,” embodies the very essence of the Islamic faith. Through this declaration, Muslims express their unwavering commitment to monotheism and recognize Muhammad as God’s final messenger.
The final truth
Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad received the ultimate truth from Allah. This belief forms the foundation of Islam and is reflected in the Quran, which is considered the literal word of God by Muslims. Through Muhammad, Allah conveyed divine guidance on various aspects of human life, including morality, spirituality, and jurisprudence. As a result, the Quran acts as a guiding light for Muslims, helping them to lead a righteous life and find spiritual fulfilment.
An inclusive approach to spirituality,
Muslims acknowledge all messengers of God from Adam to Prophet Muhammad. Prophets are believed to have continued to guide humanity, with each messenger playing an integral part in God’s plan for the world. Messengers, like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, are revered as noble prophets who conveyed divine messages to humanity.
Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow.
DOES THE EAST MEET THE WEST?
According to Professor Sharma, a Hindu professor of comparative religion, the concept of religious freedom articulated in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), presupposes a certain concept of religion itself, a concept associated with Western religion and culture.
A different concept of religion, associated with Eastern and especially the Hindu religion and culture, leads to a different concept of religious freedom. Unless human rights discourse is able to harmonise these two concepts of religious freedom, ironically, the clash of the two concepts might ultimately result in the restriction of religious freedom.
3.1.1 What is the difference between the Western and the Eastern view
of religious freedom?
The Western view of religious freedom centres around the individual, emphasizing personal autonomy in choosing one’s religion or non-religion without interference. Furthermore, in the Western understanding, an individual typically belongs to only one religion at a time, reflecting a more exclusive approach to religious identity.
On the other hand, the Eastern view is not individualistic; it is community-minded and places a greater emphasis on inclusivity. Religion is acknowledged as a communal activity, and people are allowed to belong to multiple religions. For example, it is not unusual for someone in Japan to practice both Shinto and Buddhism, or identify as both a Buddhist and a follower of Confucius.
The Eastern view sees religion as a communal endeavor, promoting a spirit of tolerance and inclusivity. Unlike the Western emphasis on individual rights, Eastern cultures prioritize harmony within communities. Therefore, religious expression is often seen as compatible with other belief systems, fostering a more pluralistic approach to spirituality.
Additionally, while in the West, the exercise of religious freedom is typically constrained by the requirement not to impinge upon the rights of others, in Eastern cultures, the coexistence of multiple religious identities is often accepted without such strict boundaries.
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