Humn448 Chamberlain
1) Compare and contrast a psychological view of religion with a sociological point of view. Defend one of the two theories you selected as a better explanation as to the origin of religion.
One psychological view of religion is that of William James. He deduced that there were different temperaments and that these influenced our values and choices in life. Our realities consist of the relation between our emotional and active life and whatever excites and stimulates our interest is real. James never tried to prove that individual's personal religious experiences were real, but he did believe that religious experiences connect us to a reality beyond the ordinary. He also said that "if the hypothesis of God works satisfactorily in the widest sense of the word, then it is true." One sociological point of view is that of Emile Durkheim. Durkheim recognized the social origin of religion. He argued that religion acted as a source of solidarity and identification for the individuals within a society. Religion provides a meaning for life, provides authority, and reinforces the morals and social norms held by all within a society. Durkheim saw religion as a critical part of the social system. Durkheim studied religion as a group phenomenon with social laws as opposed to the creation of a great founder (God). He argued that societies create religions to enforce their beliefs and laws. It is for this reason exactly that I choose to defend William James' work. James never dismissed the possibility of there being one God, the creator. He simply believed that a person's religion affected the choices in life that they would make.
2) Identify and analyze the Three Marks of Reality in Buddhism. How do these differ from the Hindu concept of reality? Use details to support your answer.
Dukkha: suffering, unease, sorrow
The Buddha analyzed the nature and causes of suffering to understand and overcome them. States that life can never be fully satisfying, though Buddhism is
One psychological view of religion is that of William James. He deduced that there were different temperaments and that these influenced our values and choices in life. Our realities consist of the relation between our emotional and active life and whatever excites and stimulates our interest is real. James never tried to prove that individual's personal religious experiences were real, but he did believe that religious experiences connect us to a reality beyond the ordinary. He also said that "if the hypothesis of God works satisfactorily in the widest sense of the word, then it is true." One sociological point of view is that of Emile Durkheim. Durkheim recognized the social origin of religion. He argued that religion acted as a source of solidarity and identification for the individuals within a society. Religion provides a meaning for life, provides authority, and reinforces the morals and social norms held by all within a society. Durkheim saw religion as a critical part of the social system. Durkheim studied religion as a group phenomenon with social laws as opposed to the creation of a great founder (God). He argued that societies create religions to enforce their beliefs and laws. It is for this reason exactly that I choose to defend William James' work. James never dismissed the possibility of there being one God, the creator. He simply believed that a person's religion affected the choices in life that they would make.
2) Identify and analyze the Three Marks of Reality in Buddhism. How do these differ from the Hindu concept of reality? Use details to support your answer.
Dukkha: suffering, unease, sorrow
The Buddha analyzed the nature and causes of suffering to understand and overcome them. States that life can never be fully satisfying, though Buddhism is