This document discusses humanism and its criticisms of religion. It notes that humanism sees humankind as capable of reaching its potential without religion, stresses individual autonomy, and is linked to modernity. Modernity emphasized evidence, progress, and dismissed religious ethics. The 1933 Humanist Manifesto stated that traditional religions were powerless to solve 20th century problems. Notable humanists included John Dewey, Albert Einstein, and Kurt Vonnegut. Postmodernism reacted against modernism's emphasis on reason and progress, instead stressing experience and uncertainty. Postmodern theology focuses on human weakness and nonsensory religious experiences over doctrines.
Social philosophy and Political philosophy are both very closely related fields of philosophy generally dealing with the role of the individual in society, as well as the role of government.
Social philosophy is the philosophical study of questions about social behavior (typically, of humans). Social philosophy addresses a wide range of subjects, from individual meanings to legitimacy of laws, from the social contract to criteria for revolution, from the functions of everyday actions to the effects of science on culture, from changes in human demographics to the collective order of a wasp's nest. Social philosophy attempts to understand the patterns and nuances, changes and tendencies of societies. It is a wide field with many subdisciplines.Political philosophy is the study of questions about the city, government, politics, liberty, justice, property, rights, law and the enforcement of a legal code by authority: what they are, why (or even if) they are needed, what makes a government legitimate, what rights and freedoms it should protect and why, what form it should take and why, what the law is, and what duties citizens owe to a legitimate government, if any, and when it may be legitimately overthrown—if ever. In a vernacular sense, the term "political philosophy" often refers to a general view, or specific ethic, political belief or attitude, about politics that does not necessarily belong to the technical discipline of philosophy.
Political philosophy can also be understood by analysing it through the perspectives of metaphysics, epistemology and axiology thereby unearthing the ultimate reality side, the knowledge or methodical side and the value aspects of politics.There is often a considerable overlap between the questions addressed by social philosophy and ethics or value theory. Other forms of social philosophy include political philosophy and philosophy of law, which are largely concerned with the societies of state and government and their functioning. Social philosophy, ethics, and political philosophy all share intimate connections with other disciplines in the social sciences. In turn, the social sciences themselves are of focal interest to the philosophy of social science.
ISLAMIC CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Islamic law refers to the diverse legal systems that have been and continue to be produced with the objective of being in accord with the Islamic faith. It is also known as sharia law, the word sharia means the clear, well-trodden path to water in Arabic.
According to the Islamic law there are certain exceptions for criminal liability which are as follows :
An insane person till he becomes sane.
A child till he grows to the age of
puberty.
An intoxicated person.
Other conditions (coercion, necessity, mistake , performance of right or duty, or self defense)
The Quran directly provides for certain punishments such as murder and bodily injured (qisas) theft, fornication, robbery and defamation (Hudud). It also provide for the prohibition of drinking alcohol.
Social philosophy and Political philosophy are both very closely related fields of philosophy generally dealing with the role of the individual in society, as well as the role of government.
Social philosophy is the philosophical study of questions about social behavior (typically, of humans). Social philosophy addresses a wide range of subjects, from individual meanings to legitimacy of laws, from the social contract to criteria for revolution, from the functions of everyday actions to the effects of science on culture, from changes in human demographics to the collective order of a wasp's nest. Social philosophy attempts to understand the patterns and nuances, changes and tendencies of societies. It is a wide field with many subdisciplines.Political philosophy is the study of questions about the city, government, politics, liberty, justice, property, rights, law and the enforcement of a legal code by authority: what they are, why (or even if) they are needed, what makes a government legitimate, what rights and freedoms it should protect and why, what form it should take and why, what the law is, and what duties citizens owe to a legitimate government, if any, and when it may be legitimately overthrown—if ever. In a vernacular sense, the term "political philosophy" often refers to a general view, or specific ethic, political belief or attitude, about politics that does not necessarily belong to the technical discipline of philosophy.
Political philosophy can also be understood by analysing it through the perspectives of metaphysics, epistemology and axiology thereby unearthing the ultimate reality side, the knowledge or methodical side and the value aspects of politics.There is often a considerable overlap between the questions addressed by social philosophy and ethics or value theory. Other forms of social philosophy include political philosophy and philosophy of law, which are largely concerned with the societies of state and government and their functioning. Social philosophy, ethics, and political philosophy all share intimate connections with other disciplines in the social sciences. In turn, the social sciences themselves are of focal interest to the philosophy of social science.
ISLAMIC CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Islamic law refers to the diverse legal systems that have been and continue to be produced with the objective of being in accord with the Islamic faith. It is also known as sharia law, the word sharia means the clear, well-trodden path to water in Arabic.
According to the Islamic law there are certain exceptions for criminal liability which are as follows :
An insane person till he becomes sane.
A child till he grows to the age of
puberty.
An intoxicated person.
Other conditions (coercion, necessity, mistake , performance of right or duty, or self defense)
The Quran directly provides for certain punishments such as murder and bodily injured (qisas) theft, fornication, robbery and defamation (Hudud). It also provide for the prohibition of drinking alcohol.
Dr. John Oakes taught a class titled Christianity in a Postmodern World at the 2013 ICEC at San Diego State University. He proposes a rational Christian response to both the good and the bad which comes with postmodern thinking. The class covers the history of modernism and why it was replaced by postmodernism, as well as a brief bio of the major influences in the movement as well as suggesting both the strengths and weaknesses of the postmodern mood.
An Invitation to the Study of World Religions Chapter 1ProfessorWatson
Exploring Chapter 1: An Invitation to the Study of World Relgions
Invitation to World Religions (2nd Edition)
Authors: Jeffrey Brodd, Layne Little, Brad Nystrom, Robert Platzner, Richard Shek, Erin Stiles
Epiphany: Finding Truth Without Losing Faith. It challenges readers to celebrate and applaud their differences – as God does – and to seek their personal truth wherever it may come.
Essay 1 generally good content; but some issues with content as n.docxYASHU40
Essay 1: generally good content; but some issues with content as noted and some writing issues
Essay 2: good content, but writing issues in several places
Essay 3: good content, but lots of writing issues
Religion and Society
1. What is the “sociological perspective” and how does it impact the way we study religion? How is it different from non-social scientific (philosophical, theological) approaches to the study of religion? From other social scientific (psychological, anthropological) approaches?
The sociological perspective is a way of looking at religion that focuses on the human especially social aspects of religious belief and practice. It has two characteristics that separate it from non-scientific approaches to religion. It is empirical and objective. Sociologists usually try as much as possible to base their interpretations on empirical evidence. “They verify their images and explanations of social reality by experimental or experienced evidence. The objectivity in the sense that they do not attempt to evaluate accept or reject the content of religious beliefs .In the sociological perspective there is no religion that is superior to the other. One religion is not superior to another. Indeed the perspective does not presume the merits of religious over non-religious approaches. But if a religion has ideas on these subjects, it examines them and tries to understand them.
There are two central sociological perspectives which are: substantative and functional. Substantative tries to establish what religion is. It attempts to establish categories of religious content that qualify as religion and other categories specific as non-religion. Functional describes what religion does. It emphasizes what religion does for individual and social group. Accordingly religion is defined by the social functions it fulfills in the society
It emphasizes on the provision of meaning because the establishing of shared meaning is an essentially social event.
The sociological perspective impacts on the way we study religion in various ways. The aspects of the sociological perspective on religion may create elude a bad feeling to students who find their cherished beliefs and practices dispassionately treated as object of study as stipulated in (http://fasnafan.tripod.com/religion.pdf).Normal human beings due to their nature tend to feel bad when they find their religion becoming the subject of discussion and study. They feel that those people are abusing and disregarding their religion. It may be disturbing to have one’s own religion treated as comparable to other religions and not as superior or uniquely true.maybe maybe not---you need proof to make this claim--not just ideas
Also true, but awkward writingwhat the sociologist and the believer hold about a certain religion may be contradicting. What is central to the sociologist may be irrelevant and uninteresting to th ...
Religion and ScienceBy Albert Einstein(The following article b.docxdebishakespeare
Religion and Science
By Albert Einstein
(The following article by Albert Einstein appeared in the New York Times Magazine on
November 9, 1930 pp 1-4. It has been reprinted in Ideas and Opinions, Crown
Publishers, Inc. 1954, pp 36 - 40. It also appears in Einstein's book The World as I See
It, Philosophical Library, New York, 1949, pp. 24 - 28.)
Everything that the human race has done and thought is concerned with the satisfaction
of deeply felt needs and the assuagement of pain. One has to keep this constantly in
mind if one wishes to understand spiritual movements and their development. Feeling
and longing are the motive force behind all human endeavor and human creation, in
however exalted a guise the latter may present themselves to us. Now what are the
feelings and needs that have led men to religious thought and belief in the widest sense
of the words? A little consideration will suffice to show us that the most varying
emotions preside over the birth of religious thought and experience. With primitive man
it is above all fear that evokes religious notions - fear of hunger, wild beasts, sickness,
death. Since at this stage of existence understanding of causal connections is usually
poorly developed, the human mind creates illusory beings more or less analogous to
itself on whose wills and actions these fearful happenings depend. Thus one tries to
secure the favor of these beings by carrying out actions and offering sacrifices which,
according to the tradition handed down from generation to generation, propitiate them or
make them well disposed toward a mortal. In this sense I am speaking of a religion of
fear. This, though not created, is in an important degree stabilized by the formation of a
special priestly caste which sets itself up as a mediator between the people and the
beings they fear, and erects a hegemony on this basis. In many cases a leader or ruler or
a privileged class whose position rests on other factors combines priestly functions with
its secular authority in order to make the latter more secure; or the political rulers and the
priestly caste make common cause in their own interests.
The social impulses are another source of the crystallization of religion. Fathers and
mothers and the leaders of larger human communities are mortal and fallible. The desire
for guidance, love, and support prompts men to form the social or moral conception of
God. This is the God of Providence, who protects, disposes, rewards, and punishes; the
God who, according to the limits of the believer's outlook, loves and cherishes the life of
the tribe or of the human race, or even or life itself; the comforter in sorrow and
unsatisfied longing; he who preserves the souls of the dead. This is the social or moral
conception of God.
The Jewish scriptures admirably illustrate the development from the religion of fear to
moral religion, a development continued in the New Testament. The religions of all
civilized peoples, especially the peoples of the ...
1)JudaismChildren of the Cool,There are a couple of topi.docxteresehearn
1)
Judaism
Children of the Cool,
There are a couple of topics worth discussing with regard to Judaism.
The first is testimonial. Do you know people who are anti-Semitic? Is it a "thing" in your own family or other circles? Maybe your church has a specific view of the role of the Jews in the end-times; maybe you've heard conspiracy theories. Or maybe not.
Second, reflect if you will on the concept of there being a "chosen people." Does this seem reasonable or likely to you, as a way God (if there is a god) would go about things? (The philosopher Bertrand Russell once said "How odd / of God / to choose / the Jews." He was an atheist.
Third, Jews have long had what many of us have only acquired in the past few decades: an absolute obsession with figuring out our identity. Put your own identity in dialogue with the debates Jews have about it: is
your
identity religious? political? ethnic or racial? cultural? Who or what do you identify as? That is, distinguish what happens to be true of you, from what makes you be you. You *are* a Muslim; you happen to be from Alabama. You *are* pro-life, you happen to be African-American. You get the i dea.
Dr. Curtis-Thames
2)
Hinduism
All
I never know how much wind-shear it will be for students to first encounter Hinduism. The "Californication" of south and east Asian religions, whereby they all get the juicy bits picked over and Vitamixed together into a New Age spirituality, makes it hard to understand what these religions are in themselves, apart from our Western appropriation of them.
Let's talk about a couple of things.
x) Every religion seems to have morally-awkward things about especially its history, yet religions have been and arguably still are the major channels for teaching morals and for bringing them up in public, especially in political contexts. So Muhammad fought, Christianity persecuted heretics and Jews violently; Yahweh seems to endorse ethnic cleansing in the oldest parts of the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament. Hinduism says you deserve the horrors of your life: poverty, abuse, discrimination, etc. Given all of this--and I'm not saying atheism raises fewer problems, I'm just setting it aside for the moment--how do you think about Hinduism's understanding of karma? If we *don't* get everything we deserve, how can the universe be just? If it's not, what's the point of being moral? On the other hand, if we do, how would it make you feel, thinking about the circumstances of your own life, to realize that your own past actions set you up for the life you have had so far?
x) Americans can't stay on a diet for two weeks. Is there a positive message about communal discipline and self-discipline that Hinduism could direct towards American society? What stands out to you?
3)
Buddhism
Buddhism is both the most intellectually-challenging of the major world religions, and one with a strongly-appealing spiritual practice.
x) Both Shankara's jnana-marga Hindu idea that I am a part of G.
FIGURE 15.1 Religions come in many forms, such as this large m.docxgreg1eden90113
FIGURE 15.1 Religions come in many forms, such as this large megachurch. (Credit: ToBeDaniel/Wikimedia
Commons)
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER OUTLINE
15.1 The Sociological Approach to Religion
15.2 World Religions
15.3 Religion in the United States
Why do sociologists study religion? For centuries, humankind has sought to understand and
explain the “meaning of life.” Many philosophers believe this contemplation and the desire to understand our
place in the universe are what differentiate humankind from other species. Religion, in one form or another,
has been found in all human societies since human societies first appeared. Archaeological digs have revealed
ritual objects, ceremonial burial sites, and other religious artifacts. Social conflict and even wars often result
from religious disputes. To understand a culture, sociologists must study its religion.
What is religion? Pioneer sociologist Émile Durkheim described it with the ethereal statement that it consists
of “things that surpass the limits of our knowledge” (1915). He went on to elaborate: Religion is “a unified
system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say set apart and forbidden, beliefs and
practices which unite into one single moral community, called a church, all those who adhere to them” (1915).
Some people associate religion with places of worship (a synagogue or church), others with a practice
(confession or meditation), and still others with a concept that guides their daily lives (like dharma or sin). All
these people can agree that religion is a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person
holds sacred or considers to be spiritually significant.
Does religion bring fear, wonder, relief, explanation of the unknown or control over freedom and choice? How
do our religious perspectives affect our behavior? These are questions sociologists ask and are reasons they
study religion. What are peoples' conceptions of the profane and the sacred? How do religious ideas affect the
real-world reactions and choices of people in a society?
15Religion
Religion can also serve as a filter for examining other issues in society and other components of a culture. For
example, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and later in during the rise and predominant of the
terrorist group ISIS, it became important for teachers, church leaders, and the media to educate Americans
about Islam to prevent stereotyping and to promote religious tolerance. Sociological tools and methods, such
as surveys, polls, interviews, and analysis of historical data, can be applied to the study of religion in a culture
to help us better understand the role religion plays in people’s lives and the way it influences society.
15.1 The Sociological Approach to Religion
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this section, you should be able to:
• Discuss the historical view of religion from a sociological perspective
• Describe how the major sociological paradigms vie.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptx
Rel 101 secular humanism and postmodernism
1. REL 101 Introduction toREL 101 Introduction to
ReligionReligion
Criticisms of ReligionCriticisms of Religion
HumanismHumanism
2. HumanismHumanism
Not to be confused with classicalNot to be confused with classical
humanism of the 16humanism of the 16thth
century.century.
Has a positive outlook on the ability ofHas a positive outlook on the ability of
humankind to reach it’s potentialhumankind to reach it’s potential
independent of traditional religion.independent of traditional religion.
Stresses the autonomy of the individual.Stresses the autonomy of the individual.
Movement closely linked to modernity.Movement closely linked to modernity.
3. ModernityModernity
Marked and defined by an obsession withMarked and defined by an obsession with
evidence.evidence.
Generally had an optimistic view of theGenerally had an optimistic view of the
progress of humankind.progress of humankind.
Dismissed religiously based ethics.Dismissed religiously based ethics.
4. Humanist ManifestoHumanist Manifesto
Signed in 1933Signed in 1933
Stated that traditional religions had lost their lostStated that traditional religions had lost their lost
their significance and where are powerless totheir significance and where are powerless to
solve the problems of humans living in thesolve the problems of humans living in the
Twentieth Century.Twentieth Century.
““Religion consists of those actions, purposes,Religion consists of those actions, purposes,
and experiences which are humanly significant.”and experiences which are humanly significant.”
““In the place of the old attitudes involved inIn the place of the old attitudes involved in
worship and prayer the humanist finds hisworship and prayer the humanist finds his
religious emotions expressed in a heightenedreligious emotions expressed in a heightened
sense of personal life and in a cooperative effortsense of personal life and in a cooperative effort
to promote social well-being.”to promote social well-being.”
5. Notable HumanistsNotable Humanists
John Dewey (1859-1952)John Dewey (1859-1952)
Influential philosopher andInfluential philosopher and
educator.educator.
““[[Religion] has been petrified
into a slavery of thought and
sentiment, as intolerant
superiority on the part of the
few and an intolerable burden
on the part of the many.”
“Religion has lost itself in cults,
dogmas and myths.” (Human Nature
and Conduct 1922)
6. Late Secular HumanismLate Secular Humanism
Distanced itself further from religion.Distanced itself further from religion.
““Humanism is a progressive philosophy ofHumanism is a progressive philosophy of
life that, without supernaturalism, affirmslife that, without supernaturalism, affirms
our ability and responsibility to lead ethicalour ability and responsibility to lead ethical
lives of personal fulfillment that aspire tolives of personal fulfillment that aspire to
the greater good of humanity.”the greater good of humanity.” (Humanist Manifesto(Humanist Manifesto
III)III)
7. Other notable humanistsOther notable humanists
ISAAC ASIMOV - scientist, author, and pastISAAC ASIMOV - scientist, author, and past
president of the American Humanist Association.president of the American Humanist Association.
ALBERT EINSTEIN - scientist, NobelALBERT EINSTEIN - scientist, Nobel
prizewinner in physics, originator of the theory ofprizewinner in physics, originator of the theory of
relativity.relativity.
ALBERT SCHWEITZER – theologian, physician,ALBERT SCHWEITZER – theologian, physician,
Nobel prize winner.Nobel prize winner.
KURT VONNEGUT - author, lecturer,KURT VONNEGUT - author, lecturer,
philanthropist and former honorary president ofphilanthropist and former honorary president of
the American Humanist Association.the American Humanist Association.
8. Humanists question whether we needHumanists question whether we need
religion to justify morality.religion to justify morality.
If we can be “good” without God, thenIf we can be “good” without God, then
talking about God or sacred realitytalking about God or sacred reality
becomes morally superfluous.becomes morally superfluous.
If religion has no other function thanIf religion has no other function than
shaping our conduct, it can easily beshaping our conduct, it can easily be
replaced by non-religious ethics.replaced by non-religious ethics.
9. Postmodernism and ReligionPostmodernism and Religion
A reaction against ModernismA reaction against Modernism
Recall that Modernism stressesRecall that Modernism stresses
The empiricalThe empirical
The progress of manThe progress of man
An optimistic view of the futureAn optimistic view of the future
The dominance of reason over faithThe dominance of reason over faith
10. PostmodernismPostmodernism
StressesStresses
the uncertainty of empirical truththe uncertainty of empirical truth
intuition and experience over reason and knowledgeintuition and experience over reason and knowledge
a concern for the environment and restorationa concern for the environment and restoration
Postmodernism generally holds that thePostmodernism generally holds that the
continuity of modernity threatens the verycontinuity of modernity threatens the very
survival of life on our planet.survival of life on our planet.
The biggest criticism of modernity is that certainThe biggest criticism of modernity is that certain
overarching stories (or narratives) are allowed tooverarching stories (or narratives) are allowed to
make a claim to absolute truth, and do somake a claim to absolute truth, and do so
unquestioned.unquestioned.
11.
12.
13. Postmodern theology:Postmodern theology:
defines religion as the awareness of humandefines religion as the awareness of human
insufficiency which is lived in the admission ofinsufficiency which is lived in the admission of
weakness.weakness.
is not concerned with doctrines or definitions ofis not concerned with doctrines or definitions of
God and religionGod and religion
holds that experience is fully real and is aholds that experience is fully real and is a
reliable indicator of sacred realityreliable indicator of sacred reality
looks to narratives (the story of a religion) tolooks to narratives (the story of a religion) to
discover the meta-narrativediscover the meta-narrative
14. Postmodern theology is based on thePostmodern theology is based on the
affirmation of nonsensory perception.affirmation of nonsensory perception.
““It allows for a dimension or element ofIt allows for a dimension or element of
perceptual experience that is not a product ofperceptual experience that is not a product of
culturally conditioned frameworks and isculturally conditioned frameworks and is
therefore common to us all.” -- (therefore common to us all.” -- (God andGod and
Religion in the Postmodern WorldReligion in the Postmodern World by D.R.by D.R.
Griffen)Griffen)
15. Postmodern religion tends to considerPostmodern religion tends to consider
religion to be more important thanreligion to be more important than
modernism.modernism.
The type of religion that it is most interested inThe type of religion that it is most interested in
is of a sacramental or mystical nature.is of a sacramental or mystical nature.
Editor's Notes
Modernity reaches its apex in the early half of the 20th century. There is a decline from the 1930’s onward among intellectual elites
Humanist Manifesto II in 1973 and Manifesto III in 2003
Vonnegut – known for Slaughterhouse Five.
The EPCOT center at Disneyworld is a classic example of modern thinking. Disney got his ideas from many of the turn of the century industrialists such as Henry Ford.
Examples of postmodernism in contemporary culture: “You can’t be sure of truth”, interest in the ancient and fantasy – ie Harry Potter.
They enter the world of fairy tales from the perspective of an ogre – a character that has never been painted so sympathetically. But from this perspective, the story – all the stories, really – is turned on its head. Prince Charming, the traditional hero, is a whiny bad guy. His mother, Fairy Godmother, is evil. The message is that all the stories, the narratives that you were told to be true are not necessarily so, if viewed from another perpective.
For Christian mythologists such as Lewis and Tolkien, the universe and the good and evil within it exist in reference to the One who made it. In Rowling’s cosmology there is no reference to God to anchor her presentation of the struggle between good and evil. For Rowling, these things are embodied in very finite characters—Harry and Dumbledore on the side of good, and Voldemort serving as the latest embodiment of evil.