7 Dimensions of Religion

recap key terminology
overview of 7 dimensions of religion

1. What do these terms mean? Agnosticism Polytheism Scientism Naturalism Creationism Nihilism Paganism Atheism Monotheism A position that says it is not possible to make up your mind The belief in multiple gods or deities The belief that science will answer all the big questions The belief that the Ultimate Reality is nature; there is no supernatural The belief that all basic kinds of plants and animals came from sudden creative acts of God The negation of everything; there is no meaning to life Belief in fate and existence of many gods and spirits Denial of the existence of God Belief in One God BELIEF

2. 7 Dimensions Material

3. Experiential What Does it Mean? How Does it Apply to Christianity? People have an emotional experience within their tradition People experience God through prayer and worship… speaking in tongues, healing, the Holy Spirit (the Apostles)

4. Experiential

5. Mythical What Does it Mean? How Does it Apply to Christianity? The stories and narratives associated with the religion… usually to give meaning or revelation Parables, Gospels (the whole Bible), stories of Saints and Martyrs

6. Ritual What Does it Mean? How Does it Apply to Christianity? Often a re-enactment of the Mythical (narrative dimension) People find meaning through repetition Baptism (Christening), Confirmation, Rosary, Prayer, Worship

7. Doctrinal What Does it Mean? How Does it Apply to Christianity? The legal/written side of the religion… a statement of faith or belief Written laws and commandments exist within the Bible, the Church has produced many documents…

8. Ethical What Does it Mean? How Does it Apply to Christianity? Specification of the behaviours expected of individuals and communities Often debatable but rules such as Do Not Kill, Turn the Other Cheek etc… all apply. Goes deeper… abortion, Euthanasia

9. Social What Does it Mean? How Does it Apply to Christianity? Institutions, organisations, groups Churches, cell groups, meetings, schools

10. Material What Does it Mean? How Does it Apply to Christianity? Buildings, works of art, sacred artefacts and places Churches, Cathedrals, Art Work etc