So. What is “religion”?
Created by Ms. Davies
Global Studies
According to Michael Young of Bath Spa
University College in Bath, England:
“Religion is a share positing of the identity of
and relationship between the world,
humanity and the supernatural in terms of
meaning assignment, value allocation and
validation enactment. A religion need not
accept or believe in the supernatural, but it
takes a position on it. Likewise, some
religions deny the reality or at least value of
the world, but they still take a position on it.”
Religion shapes people’s view of the world,
takes a position on the supernatural.
Bath Spa University Really
Exists...so there!
Okay…
So what does that mean?
According to
www.religioustolerance.org:
Religion is any specific system of belief
about deity, often involving rituals, a code
of ethics, a philosophy of life, and a
worldview.
Spark Chart Definition
Answers the “Big Questions” about the aspects of human
life dealing with ethics, society, and cultural structure.
P. 9/10 Explaination
 Religion is an important part of peoples
lives. It shapes peoples views of the world
and gives people a structure for their lives.
11-12 Rocket Definition
 Answers the “Big Questions,” shapes view
of the world, impacts culture, takes a
position on the Supernatural.
Another way to answer the
question is to find common factors
among different religions.
Common Factors:




Belief in something sacred (gods, texts, etc.)
Distinction between sacred and profane objects
Ritual acts focused on sacred objects
Moral code believed to have a sacred or
supernatural basis
 Religious feelings (awe, guilt) which tend to
surface in the presence of sacred objects and
during the practice of ritual.
Factors (continued)
 Prayer and other forms of communication
with the supernatural
 A worldview or general picture of the world
and how the individual fits into it
 Organization of one’s life based upon
worldview
 A social group bond
What is religion?
Assignment:
 Read over the positions/definitions on religion.
 Para. I - Pick a position that you feel either best suits




your personal definition of what religion is or one that
is most opposite of your personal definition.
Para. 2 – Pick a position that you feel best describes
how the majority of people in the world feel about
religion. This may be different from your own view.
Support each answer in a well thought out paragraph.
Each paragraph (2 total) should be 5 sentences.
Don’t forget a topic sentence. Let the reader know
what you’re doing.
Ex. The position that best suits my personal definition
of religion is #1…