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Is religion more than a system of beliefs?

Gramps49Gramps49 Shipmate
in Purgatory
Came across this video that argues religion is more than a belief system, but rather a communal practice. The presenter uses the celebration of the ascension not because the followers believe it happened, but because the followers act as if it is true.

Something to think about.

Comments

  • Jengie JonJengie Jon Shipmate
    Well, hardly news. I did my PhD under Martin Stringer and he is known for his theory of Situational Belief. The debate about believing (belief system) and belonging (community) dates back in the UK at least to Grace Davie and her book in the 1990s, "Believing without Belonging". Abby Day, my PhD examiner, argued that belief was a performative part of belonging; in her case, holding Christian belief was part of being British to many people.

    Religion is complex, and the way it is portrayed as mainly about "belief" is off-putting to quite a bit of interfaith sociological work. It is not surprising that we talk of interfaith rather than inter-religion or interbelief conversations.
  • Alan Cresswell Alan Cresswell Admin, 8th Day Host
    Of course, that same "belief" or "belonging" question informs discussion within/between the Christian traditions on issues such as baptism or who may receive Communion. Is baptism a response to what we believe to be true ("believers baptism") or is it a mark of joining a community of believers? Is the receipt of Communion dependent upon affirming some defined beliefs, or of belonging to the community celebrating the sacrament?
  • Gamma GamalielGamma Gamaliel Shipmate
    Or both/and?

    Sorry ...
  • BullfrogBullfrog Shipmate
    Short answer: Of course it is.
  • ArethosemyfeetArethosemyfeet Shipmate, Heaven Host
    Gamma Gamaliel wrote: »
    Or both/and?

    Sorry ...

    I was going to say it but knew you'd be along shortly.
  • Alan29Alan29 Shipmate
    Gamma Gamaliel wrote: »
    Or both/and?

    Sorry ...

    Beat me to it.
    The root of the word "religion" - "Religiō was often used for a sense of right, social obligation, and caution (similar to being bound by oath).", or later, Rule as in the Rule of St Benedict.
  • Nick TamenNick Tamen Shipmate
    Bullfrog wrote: »
    Short answer: Of course it is.
    Yes, I would have thought it was a given.


  • Gamma GamalielGamma Gamaliel Shipmate
    I am regular and boringly predictable that way, @Arethosemyfeet, @Alan29 and @Nick Tamen.

    Interestingly perhaps, I took the train down to Lichfield today to see an impressive icon exhibition in the cathedral there.

    They've also got a splendid table made from a giant oak that fell into the East Anglian peat 5,000 years ago.

    I was struck by how much variation there was on familiar themes and how something of the artist's personality still comes through despite the very prescribed rules and protocols.

    The iconographer was there painting and fielding enquiries. She explained to all who stopped to chat that they are intrinsically linked with prayer.

    Yes, they are 'works of art' but can't be separated from their primary purpose as objects of veneration and vehicles for prayer.

    In the same way any communal practice associated with any religion is going to express the particular beliefs and values of its adherents.

    Lex orandi, lex credendi I think.
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