Seven Dimensions of Religion 1. Practical and Ritual 2. Experiential and Emotional 3. Narrative or Mythic 4. Doctrinal or Philosophical 5.

Ethical and Legal 6. Social and Institutional 7. Material FAMILY TRAITS A. Belief in supernatural intelligent being or beings. B. Belief in a superior intelligent being or beings. C. Complex world view interpreting the significance of human life. D. Belief in experience after death. E. Moral code F. Belief that the moral code is sanctioned by a superior intelligent being or beings. G. An account of the nature of, origin of, and cure for evil. H. Theodicy. I. Prayer and ritual. J. Sacred objects and places. K. Revealed truths or interpretations of revelatory events. L. Religious experience-awe, mystical experience, revelations. M. Deep intense concern. N. Institutionalized social sharing of some of the family traits. Questions: 1. Using the seven dimensions and the family traits, discuss again the question: What is Religion? Specifically focus on the following issues: a) Is Nationalism a religion? Be specific in identifying the dimensions and/or traits you believe qualify or disqualify it as a religion. b) Is Science a religion? Be specific in identifying the dimensions and/or traits you believe qualify or disqualify it as a religion. c) Is a cult a religion? Be specific in identifying the dimensions and/or traits you believe qualify or disqualify it as a religion. 2. Edwards family traits chart identifies three almost universal traits of religion: (1) Complex world view interpreting the significance of human life; (2) An account of the nature or, origin or, and cure for evil; and (3) deep intense concern. Would you call something a religion that completely failed to involve these three traits? Why? Why not?

3. American philosopher, Josiah Royce believes human experience reveals the source of religious
insight to include three objects: the Ideal, the Need, and the Deliverer. An individuals Ideal is that standard by which he/she measures the sense and value of his/her own life. The Need is that one always falls short of attaining this Ideal because of ill fortune, own paralysis of will or inward baseness. The Deliverer is the power that may save him/her from his/her need, or as the light that may dispel darkness, or the truth that shows the way out, or the great companion who helps. (The Sources of Religious Insight, Charles Scribners Sons, 1912, 28-29. Do you find this a valuable way to view religion? Why? Why not? How is it related to the seven dimensions or the traits?