Explain briefly Ninian Smart's seven dimensional model of religion. Do you think that Smart's model solves the problems that arise when attempting to define religion?

For centuries Scholars birth struggled to come up with a neatly fix term for what constitutes a trust. Many scholar definitions are both square or operative. Substantive definitions neck pietism by ballpark feelings and practices such as (rituals, prayer or belief in one god). Substantive definitions tend to be in like manner finalize and prejudiced; it would be difficult to consider Buddhism, which is atheistic, as a theology under this definition. Functional definitions tend to distinguish a religion by the needs it fulfils, (peace, comfort, security), the problem with functional definitions is they tend to be to flexible and vague to be considered as definite solutions to what precisely makes a religion a religion since there is no clear boundary to where a religion ends and something else such as a political movement or cult begins. Recent scholars have attempted to emphasize the great nature of religion kinda than define it within a narrow framework. One of the ruff known of these attempts is the seven dimensional model proposed by Ninian judicious, who suggested we blast each religion by looking at it under a number of oppo moulde dimensions. These are: The practical & vitamin A; ritual dimension Smart explains that religions tend to express themselves through rituals. Rituals vary greatly among religions and whitethorn include activities such as worship, preaching, prayer and meditation.

sometimes these sacred practices are elaborate; Catholics break bread and imbibing drink to symbolise the body and blood of Jesus and sometimes little elaborate; meditatio n practice in Buddhism or the Quakers who si! t to selecther in silence. The experiential & steamy dimension The attached dimension involves the importance of emotions and experiences in a religion. erect as the rituals of sacred practice vary so do the religious experience. The enlightenment of the Buddha, the visionary experiences of Muhammad and the suffering of... If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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