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Introduction to the Study of Religion

Science, Religion and Philosophy

Science

  • physical/concrete/tangible

  • nature (space & time)

  • objective

  • facts (answers "how", "when" "where" "what")

 

Religion (& Philosophy)

  • non-physical/abstract/intangible

  • The Ultimate (the infinite & eternal)

  • moral & emotive (subjective)

  • meaning/values (answers "why" and "who" did it [man or god])

 

 

Philosophy

  • Rational

  • Logical

  • Individual thinkers

  • Theoretical

  • Believed/thought

 

Religion

  • Non-Rational

  • Intuitive (faith)

  • Communal-social

  • Practical

  • Lived/acted

 

 

Kinds of language & its uses

The Historian
uses Directive language
to discuss social & physical activity of the body

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Hermeneutics
uses Informative language
to discuss intellectual ideas of the mind

The Behavioral Scientist
uses Affective language
to discuss emotions & feelings

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Created by Laura Ellen Shulman 
Last updated: January 2002