World 
Religions
Introduction to World Religions
Origins, Primal Religions and Neo-Paganism

 

Back to Main Religion

Back to Main Page

Introduction- Hopfe  Write out all answers to questions
Which definition of religion offered seems the best to you?  Why? 
Keep written notes on the various theories offered for the origin of religion. 
Which is your favorite?  Can you think of one not listed here? 

Freud and/or Sagan article(one or both)- Underline the main arguments and points Freud (Sagan) makes.  Write out your response to his points.

Ch. 1- Hopfe
Keep written notes on the sources of our knowledge about primal religions and the definitions and examples of the common features or characteristics of basic religions. 

Ch. 9- Smith

1.  How is the Australian aborigine life different from yours in the largest sense?  Itemize a few of the most significant differences. 

2.  Briefy explain the importance of the following for primal people- orality, place, time. 

3.  Explain how primal people see themselves in relationship to the rest of nature, both the animate and inanimate.  How does this relate to human activities? 

4.  What is the meaning and significance of the "symbolic mind?" 

Ch. 2 or 3- Hopfe
Keep written notes on how your primal religion expresses the commonfeatures of basic religions discussed in Ch. 1.  Be prepared to explain or summarize the religion. In a group of two or three, put together a chart that shows how the features of basic  religion are expressed in African religion, Native American religion, and modern U.S. society.  Each member of the group should have a copy of the chart. 


Paganism- Handout (Woman's Encyclopedia...)
1.  What is the meaning of "pagan" ? 

2. Explain how religious cultural diffusion aided the spread of Christianity? 

3.  What has been the affect of paganism on Christianity 

Neo-Paganism Speaker
In your own words, explain the theology and philosophy of Neo-Paganism.  What 
sort of person would be attracted to this belief? 
 


 
 
 
 
 

WEB SITES

Native web- Indigenous tribes around the world
What Neo-Pagans believe
Native American spirituality
Paganism
Starhawk
Medea's Chariot

These web pages contain links to one or more web pages that are outside
 the FCPS network. FCPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages.

Back to Top