Description
This week we are reading the last three dimensions (ethical, ritual, and social) and Smart’s final thoughts on the study of religion. I would like to see what you have to write on these last three dimensions and particularly what Smart discusses in his chapter “Reflections on the Future of Religion and Ideology,” especially what Smart states on page 152, beginning with “It seems to me….,” through to page 153. It is very telling of Smart and his position as a researcher in religious studies.
Then to end the discussion, if you will, tell me about the class, what works, what does not work, what you think should be different, and what do you think about religion now, same or different, in regards to how you thought about religion prior to the class?
Shoot for five hundred words, but I will be more lax this week. Do respond to at least two classmates as is typical for this class.
TWO PEER RESPOND REQUIRES
Explanation & Answer
Hello find attached the answer and tell me if you are satisfied. I will make any corrections if need be. Thanks
Running head: RELIGION OF THE WORLD
Religion of the World
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
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RELIGION OF THE WORLD
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Religion of the World
The Ethical Dimension
The ethical dimension presented by Smart is very interesting and educative. Smart
believes that ethics is shaped by the worldviews and vice versa. He believes that religions have a
special attitude towards moral action such that they ensure they are in line with the requirements
of the numinous. The next question that arises is how our morality is affected with all these. The
general worldview and our picture of the ideal affect morality, according to Smart.
Smart also presents that ethical dimensions relate to religious experiences through
doctrines, cosmos, myth and the historical heroes of tradition. This explains why every ethical
system tries to raise questions about worldviews. He mentions ethical theories such as
utilitarianism and Kant’s approach. For example, utilitarianism sees moral action in terms of
utility and utility in terms of whether it produces happiness or not. Therefore, utilitarianism
points out that an action is good as long as they lead to the creation of an ideal society where
human beings live in harmony.
From the ethical perspectives presented by Smart, it is clear that there are likeness and
differences across cultures as to what is wrong or right. Ethics is never treated in isolation, rather
what is wrong or right is seen in the wider cosmic vision. Therefore, the purport of religion is to
stress the spiritual life and morality has to be related to such spiritual vision and life.
The Ritual Dimension
From the ritual dimension, Smart believes that rituals are central to religion and living
worldviews. Because rituals have a bodily basis, worship also ought to be a bodily reaction to
RELIGION OF THE WORLD
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something unseen. In addition, religious rituals convey feelings and relationships and transfer an
unseen reality from one sphere to another. They require sacrifices, which must be made sacred
because they will be transferred beyond to the sacred god. According to Smart, ...