Nine
Dimensions of
Religion
LO ’s:
-Explain the differences between indigenous
and world religions
--Identify nine dimensions of religion and link
them to features of Catholicism
Starter Activity
Without looking at your notes from yesterday:


Come up with one-two sentences defining the
word religion.
List 5 of the major world religions.
Indigenous vs World
religions

Indigenous religion – originates within a culture
and is identified with that culture. Examples:
Aboriginal, Maori and people of Pacific regions,
North American

World religion – when a religion spreads beyond
its culture of origin, adapting to other cultures.
Examples: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism,
Buddhism, Judaism are the main world religions
Nine Dimensions of
Religion
There are many ways to analyse a religion.
Here are nine dimensions that will be extremely
valuable to you for the Unit Standard
Assessment at the conclusion of the Unit.
Sacred Texts
The holy books of the religion. Note that
some traditional religions had no sacred texts
because they were an oral tradition. However
their carvings and other works of art could be
regarded as their form of “sacred texts”
Sacred Beliefs
The central beliefs of a religious group
Sacred Symbols
The objects, places and, sometimes people that
are considered holy by the religions members.
Sacred Rituals
The Religious ceremonies, prayers and
practices through which a religion’s
members worship and celebrate.
Sacred Ethics
(Moral Laws) – The moral laws of a religion
Religious Social
Structure
The social organisation of the Religion
Religious Experience
The personal experience of the believer
Sacred Stories
The religious stories which explain meaning
for the religion
Religious History
History of religion and it’s development over
time. Includes ways in which individuals,
movements and events have shaped its identity.
Your Task
Get into groups of 2. Work out examples of each
dimension for the Roman Catholic Church
Pick your partner wisely and be prepared to share
your answers with the rest of the class!
Sacred Texts
The Bible
Catechism of the Catholic Church


Sacred Beliefs

That Jesus is truly the Son of God
 Heaven and Hell
 Being created in God’s Image
Sacred Symbols
Sacred Rituals
Baptism
 Eucharist
 Marriage
 Liturgy…

Sacred Ethics

Ten Commandments
 Modern ethics
 Bio-ethics
Religious Social
Structure
Headed by the Pope
 Cardinals and Bishops
 Priests and Religious
 Laity (us)

Religious Experience
Personal Revelation
 Mystical Experience
 Pilgrimage Experiences

Sacred Stories

The Story of Creation
 Noah’s Arc
 Parables
Religious History
Jewish Origins
 Roman influence in Church’s Infancy
 Middle Ages
 Reformation and Counter-Reformation
 Second Vatican Council
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