week 2
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School
Mercer University *
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Course
110
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
2
Uploaded by KidWallabyMaster1004
1. How is the word "theory" generally understood? What is the difference between
theories of the natural world and "theoretical ideas" in the academic study of religion?
The term theory is understood as a well substantiated explanation of some aspect of the
natural world that is acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and
confirmed through observation and experimentation, theories in the natural sciences ae
based on empirical evidence, formed through observation and hard training. Theoretical
ideas are often interpretive, meaning they seek to provide an understanding of religious
beliefs, practices and phenomena.
2.According to Herling, is it possible for someone to be "religious" if he or she doesn't
believe in God/gods? Why or why not? Herling does believe that it is possible for
someone to be religious if they don’t believe in God/ gods
because religion is not solely
about belief in a deity or deities but understanding of the world.
3. According to Herling, what is the difference between substantive and functionalist
definitions? Which seems more appropriate for the study of religion, and why?
Substantive definition focuses on the content of religion they have attempts to identify
what religion is by specifying its unique and essential attributes such as: rituals, sacred
texts etc , whereas functionalist definition focuses on the role or function of religion in
society or In individual lives, they identify what religion does. I think it depends when it
comes to what is more appropriate for the study of religion, they both offer valuable
insights.
4. According to Herling, what is the relationship between definition and description in
the study of religion?
The relationship between definition and description in the study
of religion is complex and intertwined , definition focuses on religion in general ,
description focuses on the uniqueness of particulars.
5. Drawing on Herling, what's an example of a definition of religion that runs the risk of
reductionism? Why? What, if anything, is wrong with reductionism? Religion is the belief
in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods,
reductionism can be problematic because it can be bias, lack of university,
6. In reference to Herling, does religion make it particularly difficult to understand the
perspective of the insider? Who understands religion better: the insider or the outsider?
I think it would be easier to understand religion being a insider because they would know
more than a outsider that they are studying . Scholars often know more about the
history and traditions belong to , scholars have the ability to compare and analyze by
using intellectual tools
7. According to Herling, what, in general, is the relationship between theology and
religious studies? Should theology be excluded from the academic study of religion?
Why or why not?
Theology is a second order practice that reflects on religion from
within a community of faith and belief , specifically Christian beliefs. I think it should be
excluded because although it provides the opportunity to study other traditions.
8. According to Martin, what are some common definitions of religion? How do each of
these simultaneously capture and leave out common elements of religion?
According to
martin, religion can be defined in several ways functional, substantive, and phenome
logical . Functional captures societal and psychological roles, substantive captures
specific beliefs and practices and phenome logical captures personal, subjective
experience.
9.
Why does Martin reject the “my religion is true” and “religion is a belief system”
approaches to the study of religion? Martin rejects it because
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