The 8 Aspects of Religion
By Jenny Dickson
SYMBOLS
What Are Symbols?
Often, just by looking at a symbol, you will be able to gather what it represents, the meaning of it, or understand what is trying to be said through the image. Symbols are used all over the world in many different circumstances, not just in religions.
Catholic Symbols
Other symbols are alpha and omega, the crucifix, the Sacred Heart, the fish, the dove and the lamb.
Jewish Symbols
There are other symbols of Judaism, such as the Ten Commandments and the Menorah.
Beliefs
What Are Belief's?
Roman Catholic Belief's
-Jesus is God
-The authority of the church lies within the hierarchy
-Baptism is a sacrament that regenerates and justifies
-The truth is found in the bible
-Forgiveness of sin is achieved through church ritual
-Private prayer is essential
Jewish Belief's
-There is only One God
-God has not come to the world in a human form
-The Torah
-Every person is equally important because they were created in "the image of God"
-One day a Messiah will unite the world and bring peace to humanity
-Prayer is to be directed to God alone and no-one other
-God will reward the good and punish the wicked
-The Messiah will come
Rituals
What Are Rituals?
Rituals are generally things done over as tradition, such as on a certain day or date, or a certain place or time.
Roman Catholic Rituals
Jewish Rituals
Jewish rituals include circumcision, bar mitzvah, daily prayer in the Synagogue, the Sabbath, Hanukkah and Passover.
Sacred Texts
What are Sacred Texts?
Sacred texts often contain instructions on how to live a morally virtuous life. They are valuable and relevant for today when it comes to how to treat others and how to have a relationship with a deity. Sacred texts are things that those who value them wish to treat with respect and preserve and teach to their children.
Roman CATHOLIC SACRED TEXTS
JEWISH SACRED TEXTS
MYTHS AND OTHER STORIES
What are myths and other stories?
Myths are a traditional story, usually concerning early history of people. They may or may not be true. Often they contain mythical creatures, so they are unlikely to be true.
In mythology a myth is often regarded as sacred, and explains how the world and its inhabitants came to have their present form.
A story is either an account of imaginary or real people which is told for entertainment.
Roman Catholic Myths
Jewish Myths
Jewish mythology is the sacred and traditional narratives that help explain and symbolise Judaism.
Jewish myths include the legend of Abraham, the stories of Moses and the Israelites, and many more.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
What is social structure?
Social class is one example of social structure.
Social structure of the Roman catholic church
-Pope
-Bishop
-Archbishop
-Priest
-Deacon
-Cardinals
social structure of the jewish church
-Rabbi
-Chazan
-Gabbai
-Kohein
-Levi
-Rebbe
-Tzaddik
ETHICS
What are ethics?
ethics of the roman catholic church
The Ten Commandments and Jesus' life are the foundations for Catholic moral action, which has resulted in the Church's strong social teachings. Catholics believe that acting morally means acting in accordance with the eternal laws of God.
Catholics stress intervention or Intercession by Saints and Angels, and believe in Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, and a special place called Limbo for babies. They believe in God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. They believe in the morals Mary represents as the mother of Jesus.
Ethics and morality are considered as rules more than choices, although as Catholics mature from children to adults, morality and ethics should become personal choices based on religious instruction.
ethics of the jewish church
RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY
what is religious experience and spirituality?
A religious experience is an experience in which someone reports contact with a transcendent reality, an encounter or union with the divine. It is when someone connects with God.
Spirituality is an individual practice and has to do with having a sense of peace or purpose. It also relates to the process of developing beliefs around the meaning of life and connection with others.