Introduction to the Study of Religion

Exoteric: Externals of religion (creeds, rituals, practices, institutions…)

Esoteric: "secret", "hidden", "internal" - pertaining to the mystical elements and secret teachings of a religion

 

Three Aspects of Religion

Religion as philosophy, involving the intellect, is a way of thinking about…

• origins
• purpose/meaning
• destiny
• who we are
• who/what "God" is

Religion as Mysticism and spirituality, involving the emotions, is a way of feeling…

• awe
• faith
• hope
• gratitude
• appreciation
• ecstasy
• joy
• bliss
• fear
• reverence
• rejoicing
• etc., etc…

Religion in practice, involving the body, is a way of acting through…

• spiritual practices
• physical forms
• communal celebrations
• social laws
• institutions/organizations, religious/spiritual communities

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