The document discusses thoughts on religion from two scholars. The first scholar discusses religion as the inward experience of God through one's encounter with the world and an absolute dependence on God. The second scholar argues that society needs religion and laws from a supreme being to prevent injustice and protect rights, as such a being would be impartial. The document then prompts reflection on questions about religion and God, and discusses how God may reveal himself to the world.

1. THOUGHTS ON RELIGION
For the following 2 slides, discuss with peers
at your table, try to put it into simpler words
and make some notes about the meaning
of each like we did in class yesterday.
Take about 7-10 minutes for each

2. THOUGHTS ON RELIGION
Religion or piety is the preconscious inward
experience of God acting upon a human
being through that person’s encounter with
the world. The essence of religion lay in the
Feeling of absolute dependence upon God,
and that the primary need which mankind
has is the need to be restored to God-
consciousness.
Freidrich Schleiermacher

3. THOUGHTS ON RELIGION
Every man lives within society and depends
upon others for his life and necessities. Every
society needs laws to prevent injustice and to
preserve the rights of every member of society.
But who is the right authority to make the Law? It
is necessary that the laws should be made by a
supreme being who is superior to man, who has
nothing to lose or gain by that law and with
whom every man has equal relation. Hence we
need religion
Unknown Islamic Scholar

4. THOUGHTS ON RELIGION
Write down which 3 questions from those listed below
are important to you. Briefly explain why for each.
Who am I? What am I? Is there a God?
What is God like? Is God involved in our lives?
Is there a purpose in living? Is there an afterlife?
What is true happiness? Why is there so much suffering
in the world? Where did the world come from?
Will the world end one day? Is God the source of
morality?

5. THOUGHTS ON RELIGION
Discuss with peers at your table and make
some notes...
Let’s assume that you believe in God. How do
you think God reveals himself to the world?
Would you be able to believe someone who
says they had a vision from God and they now
hold the truth? Why or why not? Is there
some test to their claim?

6. THOUGHTS ON RELIGION
Write down 3 questions that you have about
your own religion that you either struggle with,
question its importance and relevance, or you
just want to know more about it.