7.1.1

Types of Religion

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Types of Religion

There are many different ways to categorise religions. Within these categories there are many different religions.

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Theistic religions

  • Theistic religions:
    • Centred on a belief in a higher power.
    • This could be one God (monotheistic) or many gods (polytheistic).
    • This higher power is always sacred to the religion.
Illustrative background for AnimismIllustrative background for Animism ?? "content

Animism

  • Animism: 
    • The belief in spirits and ghosts that can positively or negatively impact the human world. 
Illustrative background for TotemismIllustrative background for Totemism ?? "content

Totemism

  • Totemism:
    • A form of animism  focused on the worship of a symbol (usually an animal or plant) that represents the group.
    • The symbol is often thought to protect the group and is therefore believed to be sacred.
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New Age Movements

  • New Age Movements: 
    • A spiritual, rather than religious, belief that focuses more on self-development and fulfilment rather than a devotion to a higher power. 

Jump to other topics

1Theory & Methods

2Education with Methods in Context

3Option 1: Culture & Identity

4Option 1: Families & Households

5Option 1: Health

6Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare

7Option 2: Beliefs in Society

8Option 2: Global Development

9Option 2: The Media

10Crime & Deviance

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