Narratives can be fairly

comprehensive answering Social & Institutional:

Myths Belief System Shared with Group
ultimate questions Belief system is shared &
attitudes practiced by group. Often Rules for Identifying Membership

Stories There is a Concept of Participation

Narratives & Myths Non-Tangible Aspect

(Often regarded as
Forms Revelation)

Ceremonies
Ritual: Ordinary Objects
Functional
Forms & Orders of
Private & Public Model forIdentifying
Ceremonies Material: Ordinary Places
Order “Religion” by Ninian
Smart (1927-2001): Manifest Sacred or Supernatural
Seven Dimensions of
Revealed
Religions:

Guilt
Doctrinal & Philosophical
Dread Emotional & Experiental: (Systematic formulation):
Awe
Ethical & Legal: Also Philosophical
Mystery
Formulation of Religious Teachings
Devotion
Intellectually Coherent Form
Liberation

Ecstasy Also Philosophical Intellectually Coherent Form

Inner Peace

Bliss (private) Ninian Smart believed that “religion” should be studied (a) historically, (b) phenomenologically, (c) anthropologically,
(d) psychologically, & (e) philosophically. Smart also believed that the study of world religions should (f) engage
atheistic thought & (g) other religious traditions. Smart’s model of evaluating the seven dimensions of religion is anti-
reductionistic, functional, & open to alternatives & new insights as cultures continue to change, interesting relations
find expression, & new technologies (e.g., mediums) are created & used.