UWS BA ePDPs

After today’s lecture I have learned that Religion is a way of life and religious culture is a form of identity. There are material claims which provide people in need with material resources; claims of community which also provide material rescourses for people of a wider community and spiritual claims which influences its believers live on earth to prepare for the afterlife. In addition the definition of Religious Diversity is that there is differences between religious groups in society and that it has become the a large cause of conflict.

I also acquired knowledge about spirituality that I didn’t know before. I learned that there are different forms of spirituality that aren’t associated with organised religions and this can be defined as a sectular society. These secular societies believe in something but do not belong to an organised religion therefore are outside the churches. Due to sectularisation there has been a decline in religiousness as there is an increase of people not attending church. This can be seen as the west becoming more spiritual and less religious.

In the tutorial when trying to answer exam style questions at the start we found it difficult to expand on the information given and link it in with the scholars to try and achieve the 25 marks needed. Although after group discussion we found it clear how to answer the questions and realised we were going off on tangents and that wider reading plays a major role in fully understanding the concepts which helps answer the questions to gain more marks.

My knowledge developed a lot after today as I had very little knowledge about spirituality and all of its characteristics. I was also unaware that organised religion is on decline and spirituality is on the increase. This knowledge has helped me as I now understand how to apply it to the questions and how to answer them.

 

In today’s lecture from societies and lifestyle, I have learned that religion is linked with society. There are many different viewpoints as to what religion means such as the Anthropologists viewpoint and the Theologians viewpoint. I have also learned about some of the differing functions of religion and how this can be categorised into two main parts – manifest and latent.

 

In addition, I have understood the majority of the main concepts and issues in today’s lecture. When I was in high school I chose to take RMPS as a subject and study it at a higher level and therefore my knowledge from this has helped me understand a great deal from the lecture. However, in saying this I do not fully understand and comprehend all the aspects and so to further build on this previous knowledge I will complete more reading of academic sources in relation to this topic and read more about functionalist theories to help expand my knowledge in this area.

 

 

An area that I need to further my understanding and comprehension of is the functionalist theories and therefore to resolve this I will do some personal research and look into the theories in more depth to enhance my knowledge and understanding on this part of the course.

 

Furthermore, as a result of today’s input I feel I have benefitted greatly in increasing my understanding on functionalist theories and from rereading the notes I have taken from today’s lecture I feel I have a better understanding on the subject. However, the functionalist theories is still an area where I need to enhance my understanding and therefore to resolve this I will do some personal research and look into the theories in more depth to enhance my knowledge and understanding on this part of the course.

 

 

Subsequently, a result of today’s lecture I will look over and study all notes and continue to do this so that I can attempt some exam style questions in order to enhance my understanding on how to answer these types of questions. Therefore, hopefully when the exam comes I will be able to answer the questions to the best of my ability and feel confident in doing so.

After today’s input, I learned that religion is a form of knowledge and that it is part of today’s society, culture and it also is an identity for many people. I learned that religion for many people defines who they are. Following a religion unites people in a shared experience and makes them feel part of a community where they feel welcomed and this is where they belong. I learned that religion is part of today’s society and it is an individual’s choice if they would like to take part or not.

 I found today’s lecture difficult to follow as I have never took part or participated in any aspect of religious education. It was interesting to learn something different and have an open mind set to different peoples beliefs.

 I would like to widen my knowledge therefore I will continue with academic reading on this subject. I will also speak to the people around me about the religion they follow to gain an understanding of different peoples beliefs and thoughts.