Welcome! Welcome! Date:12/03/09Date:12/03/09

Warm Up:Create your own

definition of religion◦ what is it? ◦ How would you

describe what it is to someone who had never heard the word “religion” before?

Write at least 5 lines total

Homework/announcements:Talent show Today.Take homework out to be graded

Topic/Goals1)Create definition of religion2)How do religions start?

Today’s AgendaDiscuss Warm up – definition of religionCommon parts of religionInfluence of religionWrap up

What is a definition of What is a definition of religion?religion?Your definition of religion? (warm-

up)◦What is it?◦How would you describe it to someone

who didn’t know what it is?

What is a definition of What is a definition of religion?religion?Your definition of religion? (warm-

up)◦What is it?◦How would you describe it to someone

who didn’t know what it is?

Religion: literally means “tie/bind back” or “to bind together”.

Think of a “ligament”; it binds bones together

Discussion Question:Discussion Question:How do people bind together over

religion?

How is religion created?

Religion QuoteReligion Quote57:4“He is the One who created the heavens and

the earth in six days, then assumed all authority. He knows everything that enters into the earth, and everything that comes out of it, and everything that comes down from the sky, and everything that climbs into it. He is with you wherever you may be. GOD is Seer of everything you do.”

What is this quote describing?How does this quote help people

come together?

Myths and StoriesMyths and StoriesReligion binds us together using

stories and myths to explain the unknown (how the world was created)

Religions are created to explain the unknown.◦Creation stories

Religion QuoteReligion QuoteAnne Frank: “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.”

What is this quote saying about why we create/need religion?

The Vertical RelationshipThe Vertical RelationshipRelationship with Ultimate Reality/"God" - source and origin, something bigger than yourself.

Binds us (everyone) to something bigger than ourselves, to our origins, the ultimate reality behind our existence (ex: God)

Helps us understand powers we might not fully grasp at the moment

Horizontal RelationshipHorizontal Relationship

Ralph Waldo Emerson:“Religion is to do right. It is to love,

it is to serve, it is to think, it is to be humble.”

According to this quote, how can religion tell us how to act?

The Horizontal The Horizontal RelationshipRelationshipRelationship with other people (moral and social aspects of religion) ◦Shows us how we treat others and how we want to be treated

◦A relationship with aspects of nature (ex: Native American earth traditions)

Binds people together in a community with other people and shows us how to act when we aren’t sure.

Discussion QuestionDiscussion QuestionWhat are three things you believe are

true despite not having much evidence or proof. Why do you believe they are true?

Make a list in your notes.

““Everyone’s got an agenda Everyone’s got an agenda and a personal perspective and a personal perspective that will influence how they that will influence how they think about religion”think about religion”

What do you think this statement means? WRITE YOUR THOUGTHS DOWN ON PAPER. 5-7 lines

Final thoughts: Final thoughts:

Wrap up/exit slip:

Homework: What are three things

you believe are true despite not having much evidence or proof. Why do you believe they are true?