Flashcards on Philosophy and Theories of Religion

Philosophy and Theories of Religion: Comprehensive Student Guide

1 / 63

What are two main reasons early humans developed religion according to the content?

To explain natural phenomena and life events beyond their control (like weather, death, birth) and to find comfort/meaning in times of uncertainty, de

Tap to flip · Swipe to navigate

Religion

63 cards

Card 1

Question: What are two main reasons early humans developed religion according to the content?

Answer: To explain natural phenomena and life events beyond their control (like weather, death, birth) and to find comfort/meaning in times of uncertainty, de

Card 2

Question: How did religion help communities as societies became more complex?

Answer: Religion served to unify communities and establish a moral order, helping to regulate behaviour.

Card 3

Question: What is Freud's psychological theory about the origin of religion?

Answer: Religion is a projection of unconscious desires and fears, often reflecting a child’s relationship with their parents.

Card 4

Question: According to Carl Jung, where does religion stem from?

Answer: Religion stems from the collective unconscious and archetypes—universal patterns of human experience.

Card 5

Question: What was Émile Durkheim's sociological view of religion?

Answer: Religion is a social institution that promotes cohesion and solidarity and reinforces social norms and values.

Card 6

Question: How did Max Weber link religion to social and economic change?

Answer: He argued religion can drive economic and social change, e.g., Protestant ethics influencing the development of capitalism.

Card 7

Question: What did Edward Tylor propose about the origin of religion?

Answer: Religion arose from early humans' belief in spirits or souls that inhabit the natural world.

Card 8

Question: What was James Frazer's anthropological theory of religion's origin?

Answer: Religion evolved from primitive magical practices used to try to control the forces of nature.

Card 9

Question: What is theistic explanation for the existence of religion given in the content?

Answer: Religion is a response to the revelation of a divine being or beings who communicate moral and existential truths to humans.

Card 10

Question: How is revelation described in monotheistic religions in the content?

Answer: A single, personal God reveals Himself to humanity (examples given: Christianity, Islam).