definition of religion>>> commonly divided into 2 types: substantive and functional
*often, religions combine the two approaches
substantive
... [Show More] religion>>> attends to its substance, nature, essence; focus on the CONTENT or religious belief in God or the supernatural
Problem with this ->some religions don't do this (Buddhism) and therefore wouldn't be classified as a religion
Functional religion>>> emphasize that the religion is a constellation of social and ritual practices that an individual or society follows (the FORM)
Problem with this -> anything could be considered a religion, for example, football
realist>>> thinker who is committed that the objects of religion are part of the world, apart from our cognition, religions are out there for us to encounter
-Acquinas and Plato
-before 18th century, it was rare to find a thinker like this
-particularly interested in metaphysical questions (the nature of things)
-similar to substantive views
non-realist>>> not concerned with the world out there, but inside (internal) of a particular human being
-believe many of questions of the philosophy of religion are the wrong questions; for example: "Is religion true?" rather, the question to ask is "What does religion mean?"
-similar to functionalist views
Sigmund Freud>>> -non-realist
-talking about God helps us cope (eventually should outgrow religion -which is just an illusion)
Ludwig Wittgenstein>>> -non-realist
-wants to describe religion
-believes that the meanings of words (such as God or Brahman) have more to do with their use than with their denotation(literal meaning)
Philosophy of religion>>> two meanings...
1. Religion is the object of our philosophy (philosophizing upon religion), an external view; Kant is an example of this
OR
2. religion is subject and context, philosophy (or us) work within as a participant of religion (internal view), philosophy is religion's possessive; Keith Ward is an example of this
*second meaning is dealt with more often
What is the task of Philosophy of Religion?>>> 1. Explanation: trying to explain religion, where it comes from
-offers rational theory, what cause religion?
-epi-phenomenon: religion is a product of something (Freud and Dennett, who is more biological)
2. Interpretation: trying to understand religion
-Iris Murdock: think in terms of morals
-account of what religion means
3. Genealogy and Critique: aim is to not just explain religion but to explain religion away
- Neature
-religion is a problem so we need to make it go away
4. Apologetics and Rational Justification: aiming to defend religion itself
- Platinger, Sarah Copley: show how being religious is not hostile to being human
hinduism>>> the ultimate goal is moksha, release from the cycle of death and rebirth, and absorption into Brahman
Buddhism>>> The goal is nirvana, liberation from the wheel of samsara and extinction of all desires, cravings and suffering. This is accomplished by understanding the four noble truths and practicing the fourth one (by practicing the noble eightfold path)
Judaism>>> the goal is blessedness with God - here and perhaps in the hereafter. Accomplished by fulfilling the 10 commandments and engaging in the following practices: Sabbath, regular synagogue attendance, celebrating annual festivals and obeying Jewish law
Christianity>>> the goal is spiritual transformation and spending eternity with God in heaven. Accomplished by receiving God's grace of sin
Islam>>> the goal is blessedness in paradise through submission to the laws of Allah and by His mercy. Accomplished through five pillars
atheism>>> all religions are false; there is no religion whose central claims are true
Agnosticism>>> there is no way to determine which, if any, of the religions is most likely to be true, and thus the best response is to remain agnostic about the claims of any religion
Religious relativism>>> while each religion can be regarded as "true" and "effective" for its adherents, there is no objective or tradition-transcending sense in which we can speak of religious truth
-truth is subjective, therefore no relative truth by saying "there is no absolute truth for each religion" is an absolute truth claim
religious pluralism>>> ultimately all world religions are correct, each offering a different path and partial perspective to one Ultimate reality
religious inclusivism>>> only one world religion is fully correct, but other world religions participate in or partially reveal some of the truth of the one correct religion; it is possible however, to obtain salvation through other religions
religious exclusivism>>> one world religion is correct and all others are mistaken; salvation is found only through one religion (faith in Christ alone - rigorist)
what is the problem with plurality of religions?>>> -competing absolute claims (ex. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, no other way except through Him)
- Revelation
- Which God? (some religions don't even believe in a God)
types of pluralism>>> 1. Common Core: or "essence" to all religions
-parallels (ex. Trimurti and trinity/ one god)
-mystical elements to all faiths
-non-duality of soul and God
-esoteric (believe things are symbols - point to a deeper reality) vs exoteric(focus on materiality) believers
2. Historical Relativity: no "superior" tradition [Show Less]