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Re: Religion/TheologyGary Goodman (sap@TANK.RGS.UKY.EDU)Wed, 3 Jul 1996 21:18:50 EDT
defined." -- Gilbert Murray. A clear cut distinction seems very hard when the subject in question is so fluid and so varied in form. It seems to different not only between groups but between most individuals. Each person has a different take it seems on the Sacred. Religion seems to embody both sets of belief and the faith in them. Not necessarily together. Religion has been said to have grown out a need to feel complete, for closure and fulfillment in a world with little of this to offer. A quest for a part of life in the spiritual realm. And it is a reflection of humankind's awareness of imperfection. A response to an unseen but felt world which somehow invokes awe, confidence, and reverence. Theology could be said to be the study of humanity's quest for the Godhead, and religion is the journey. Another person I read compared Theology to Religion as Botany is to plant life. Aquinas suggests Theology deals with questions that are above reason and answerable only by contact with the Godhead. Religion deals with the individuals and groups day-to-day relationship with the Unknowable. In a more pragmatic sense Theology has two basic meanings: the particular religions set of creeds, dogma and system of doctrines. Or the general study of the same. The other is, as the word literally means, the study of God. Don't know if this helped or hurt. Have a good 4th! Come back safe. And give a cheer for Tom and the gang for saying: "UP YOURS King Georgie!" Gary D. Goodman [|8{) self portrait (recognizable!) sap@TANK.RGS.UKY.EDU Pentad Communications McDaniels, KY "One of the most frightening things in the Western world, and this country in particular, is the number of people who believe in things that are scientifically false. If someone tells me that the earth is less than 10,000 years old, in my opinion, he should see a psychiatrist." --Francis H. C. Crick (co-discoverer of DNA structure), interview, SciAm, Feb, 1992, pg 33
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