Premium Essay

Personal Narrative: What Religion Are You?

Submitted By
Words 702
Pages 3
Religion. It is because of religion that millions have died. More will die, due to religion. For hundreds of years, religion has created barriers between people. Outspoken and strong followers of a religion shake and whither the coexistence between different faiths. On a much smaller and nonviolent scale, I have experienced the wake of religious differences. I was raised a Catholic, but as I grew older, I veered away from this practice. Growing up in an area where religion wasn't a focal point of life, it was a major culture shock when my family hunkered down in Austin, Texas. Religion was one of the main aspects of life in my new home of Austin, which is something I was unaccustomed to. Everyone I knew was a Christian; all attending the same churches, same retreats, same summer camps, same clubs. I was a fish out of water. My friend Jackson was the son of a pastor. One day, a large group of friends gathered in effort to have a surprise party for jackson. Jacksons family was also in attendance at the party. So, the cast for the evening consisted of Jackson, his family, which contained a …show more content…
“What church do you attend?”, “Does your family belong to a church?” “What religion are you?”. I was feeling completely bombarded. Mainly I felt shame. In all my life, I had never been so uncomfortable about a discussion pertaining to religion. Normally religion intrigues me, and I find myself having no trouble at all discussing my beliefs with others. But this time I wanted the conversation to be over before it had even started. Words were strangling me; I felt that being myself was wrong. This interaction between a recognized christian, and myself, a nonreligious teen, was causing me to feel troublesome. I was quite timid with my responses, for I wanted to communicate properly my own beliefs without possibly offending the pastor. Through maintaining a calm and benevolent manner, there were no battle wounds for either party in the

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Harding's Rhetoric Analysis

...In an attempt at analyzing born-again Christians, Harding focuses on the usage of religious rhetoric in the conversions of fundamentalist American Baptists. Harding analyzes a non-socialized link to converted adults, which is distinctly different than that of children. Harding emphasizes on the conversion process and the persuasive and interpersonal language that convinces susceptible people to convert. However, it is debatable if Harding was objective in her analysis. Her use of religious language, the structure of the essay, and the definitional usage of “disbelief” in comparison to “belief”, discredits Harding’s analysis. In order to be converted as a born-again Christian as an adult who wasn’t initially socialized into Baptist Christianity,...

Words: 619 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

What Is Religion

...What is Religion? What is religion? Personally religion is defined as believing in a higher power. This gives us an identity and relationships. Religion has two categories and seven dimensions. One category is Dualism. Dualism posits a cosmos or universe in which the Creator, God, is separate and distinct from the creation. The in-world experience is a threat or stumbling block to real experience - be it in Heaven or some other transcendent realm - will thrust believers into a pattern of using force to remake that world (http://faculty.deanza.edu/burkesusan/stories/storyReader$39). The other category is Monism Sacred power was diffused throughout the natural world (http://faculty.deanza.edu/burkesusan/stories/storyReader$39). This first dimension is The Practical and Ritual Dimension. Both Dualism and Monism have practices, prayers, and rituals. Christianity practices prayers, churches, and hymns. This happens every Sundays, Sunday evenings, and with personal experiences even on Wednesdays. As the Hindu and Buddhist Religion focus on meditation to focus on love and so on (Philosophy of Religion, Gary E. Kessel). The Second Dimension to religion is Experiential and Emotional Dimensions. This means religions with its rituals give us a sense of peace and satisfaction. No matter what type of religion we are. If it wasn’t for the sense of peace or satisfaction we probably wouldn’t believe in our religions. One of the main reason music is so potent in religions...

Words: 806 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Iberian Converso

...Christians, Converso’s, and the Jews of the Iberian Peninsula. The plan of forced conversions in 1391 was indeed successful, but nobody was prepared for the aftermath of what transpired. How to deal with the massive influx of converts into Christianity was an enormous problem, and the question of identity became the central area of concern. As one will see, religious incentive was the dominant motivator for forcible conversion that ultimately led to the problematic question of identity amongst the...

Words: 1361 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Mesoamerica

...Anthony Flores MAS 10A 12:00pm Professor Covarrubias, Professor Gamboa 10/15/14 SECTION ONE: Indigenous Mesoamerica b. To what extent has the history of Mesoamerica been taught from a Eurocentric perspective? What theories, ideas, and/or terminology are problematic when trying to assert an Indigenous perspective? (For example: Bering Strait, Malintzin, Cuauhtemoc, Human Sacrifice...there are many more examples!) In the United States the history of Mesoamerica has always been included in textbooks and lectures around the nation. The parts of the history that are included, however, are what is often put into question. While writing any piece or publishing any book there will always be a set bias. There is only so much you can include and many times what is chosen not to be included speaks more volumes then what is included. In secondary education one is taught the history of the Americas in a Eurocentric perspective. Many of the ugly truths are hidden and many of the people we were made to believe were American heroes would largely be construed as villains to many if all the facts were presented. This has a lot to do with why its is not universally presented in such a manner, as many of the facts and ideas paint the roots of the countries foundation as villainous and the indigenous perspective is very intricate to explain. While the barriers of the ideas and terminology may be present it is still inexplicable how the history of Mesoamerica is still taught in...

Words: 2145 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

History

...Foundations of Mythology Short Answers HUM/105 Professor * How is the word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, “It’s a myth” mean? In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? After considering the things in the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words. The word myth is used in stories told people don’t know if the stories told are true or not. My personal belief is that a myths can be both true and not true tales. My reason for this because things in the area that happened more than fifty years ago or longer could be turned into false information after the years and years of being restated, no one knows because this area has happened so long ago in time. Myths are stories that were passed on from one generation to the next one its fiction and non -fiction. Myth is used in academic context as being an explanatory narrative, & illustrates how people should act and the existing social order. They are collectively authored and are created by people traditions and oral traditions are told and retold over time. My definition of myth is something that has reason for it could be true or untrue depending on the topic; you just have to use logic to determine the truth of the quote or statement. * Why do myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes? Think about how myths explain the unknown and the tribulations of mankind...

Words: 808 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Bible Among the Myths.” Anglican Theological Review

...Whether the Bible is Historical? The Problem of History (2) 9 Chapter 9. Origins of the Biblical Worldview: Alternatives 10 Conclusions 11 Introduction Oswalt starts with a concise and well-written introduction that is compelling reading.   He shares some very revealing personal information dating back to the 1960s, when he attended Asbury Theological Seminary.  Oswalt quickly points out that one of the main points the book will focus on is determining if “the religion of the Old Testament [is] essentially similar to, or essentially different from, the religions of its neighbors.”   In the introduction, he provides a brief overview of scholarly thought regarding the Old Testament literature and Ancient Near East literature and how perspectives have changed over the last 50 years.  Oswalt states at the time he was introduced to the subject, scholars believed the Old Testament and its theology stood alone from other Ancient Near East religions.   He now contends...

Words: 3230 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Religious Life of Planet Earth

...Earth Religion 212 April 29, 2012 I was asked by my superiors to visit the planet Earth and ascertain if people and the planet are religious and what they practice in the aspects of religion. First, it is important, for you to understand my opinion of religion and supporting aspects or views of religion. Religion is not only a way of living but also considered artifacts, practices and traditions of a belief that one worships a deity. People should not only have a belief but also contribute, participate, relinquish and devote their lives in living and having faith in their deity. I observed and researched what and how the people of Earth worship, how often they praise or worship their deity and what they do while practicing these traditions of beliefs. People long to make sense of life; to find the key that will unlock its mysteries and enable them to understand themselves and their place within the universe. Each religion presents us with a particular view of life, expressed in its teachings, scriptures, and traditions. But is it necessary to be committed to that religion in order to understand and appreciate what it teaches. In this human journey for finding sense, some turn to philosophy, the creative arts, and others- in fact the majority of humankind-take to some form of religion. Almost every aspect of life can become the raw material out of which a religious interpretation of life may be built. The word religion has many different meanings. Religion is a...

Words: 1303 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

What Sacagawea Means To Man

...Things are not always what they appear to be When you read something on the surface, without really digging into it, you may not see the true meaning of what the author is trying to tell you. When looking at Mein Kampf (My Struggle) by Art Spiegleman, Resurrection by Frederick Douglas and What Sacagawea Means to Me by Sherman Alexie, it is very easy to miss the point that each author is trying to get across. Although each of these stories was written for a different audience the stories being told are very similar in nature. One purpose of each story is to tell a story, which is why both authors used narration in which to do so. Narratives are usually very sequential in nature. Using narration when telling a story helps to draw people...

Words: 1164 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Religion and Worldview

...RELIGION AND WORLDVIEW ASSIGNMENT # 4 GARY APARICIO STUDENT ID: 506201 10/07/13 INTRO TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY VANGUARD UNIVERSITY FALL 2013 PROFESSOR ADAM AYERS “Religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence. Many religions have narratives, symbols, and sacred histories that are intended to explain the meaning of life and/or to explain the origin of life or the Universe. From their beliefs about the cosmos and human nature, people derive morality, ethics, religious laws or a preferred lifestyle. According to some estimates, there are roughly 4,200 religions in the world.” (Wikipedia.) Unlike some other cultures where a single religion is dominant; Korean culture has a wide variety elements of religion that have shaped the way people behave and think. When I asked Dr Ong if they are different kinds of Spiritual forces in life. Dr Ong replied that he does not believe in any spirits, ancestors, divine beings, curses, karma or magic. He claims to believe in Science. Dr Ong mentioned that he believes that we live in a primarily natural world not a supernatural one just like many others think. He said “ 1 plus one equals to two not to three”. He also mentioned believing that in life you give what you get. If you work/study hard you will go further than if you don’t. After doing some research, I realize that Dr Ong is influenced in Confucionism. Many Koreans don’t realize that they...

Words: 593 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Reflection On Frederick Douglass

...topics that even though were interesting to read were my least favorite. The body of this essay is going to be talking about my three favorite as well as my three least topic, essays, forums and reading throughout the course. My first is Anti-Slavery and Slave Narratives in week seven forum, some of the challenges Linda Brent faced while she lived under Flint. While reading, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” it actually made me feel very sad for this...

Words: 820 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Literacy And Chiasmus In Frederick Douglass

...Literacy and chiasmus in Douglass’s Narrative of the Life Slavery in a history was a time period where humans did not treat other as humans, just because of the color of the skin and their education. To support this white people in the new land (America) used great religious texts such as Bible to prove that what they are doing is part of nature and that’s what is also written in text that is foundation of great religion of that time. The education point that was used by the whites for slavery was later proved wrong by many great autobiographies, one of them is Narrative life of Frederick Douglas. Even though Douglas was a slave he was able to prove that if one has interest and support, anyone can be educated. We can see how he educates himself...

Words: 843 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Self Awareness

...self-awareness in social work practice is emphasized in Standard 2. Self-Awareness of the NASW Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice “Social workers shall develop an understanding of their own personal and cultural values and beliefs as a first step in appreciating the importance of multicultural identities in the lives of people….Cultural competence includes knowing and acknowledging how fears, ignorance, and the “isms” (racism, sexism, ethnocentrism, heterosexism, ageism, classism) have influenced their attitudes, beliefs, and feelings.” The skill of self-awareness refers to the ability to recognize our own thoughts, beliefs, emotions, personality traits, personal values, habits, biases, strengths, weaknesses, and the psychological needs that drive our behaviors. It includes the ability to recognize how we react to cues in the environment and how our emotions affect our way of relating to others. Social work is a profession that is founded on the ability to cultivate positive relationships with people who may be very different from us. There may be differences in age, race, personality, gender, socioeconomic status, health, sexual orientation, rank, power, and privilege, as well as beliefs regarding religion and politics. The experience of these differences can cause a social worker to feel emotionally and cognitively disturbed. The ability to...

Words: 775 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Dehumanization African Americans

...Whiteness A primary tool used by white people in America to discriminate against and disenfranchise Black people is the creation of the other category to describe African-Americans. They created this category using two main tactics. These tactics include: using religion to justify the dehumanization of black people and using white pride to ensure black people always remain the most disenfranchised group in America (always below poor white Americans). During the slave era, white people used the bible to justify the dehumanization of the black race. They claimed that it was god's will for black people to be slaves. Ta-nehisi Coates includes (in his article) a quote from Jefferson Davis on the eve of secession who argues that the “degradation...

Words: 1226 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Jonathan Edwards Personal Narrative

...Jonathan Edwards was born on Oct. 5, 1703, in East Windsor, Connecticut. In Johnathan Edwards "Personal Narrative", he reflects on his experience with religion during his childhood. Hes long appeared to me perfectly ineffable, and swallowing up all thought and imagination; like an infinite deluge, or mountains over my head. I know not how to express better what my sins appear to me to be, than by heaping infinite upon infinite, and multiplying infinite by infinite”(276). Edward realized through continuous struggles and sins that true religious experience originates from God and can be reached beyond emotions, actions, thoughts, and etc. Edwards gave this sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" to his congregation in Enfield, CT, in 1741....

Words: 259 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Correlation Between Reoccurring Themes in African American Literature

...African American literature is surprising, captivating, and spirited. Once you start reading a story it is easy to get caught up in the tale being told. The descriptive nature of the works makes it easy to relate to them. Throughout my readings thus far in the class I have noticed some common themes that reoccur in many of the stories and poems. Of course slavery was a very common topic but there were others such as inequality between the races and sexes, injustice and resentment, the black identity, and a strong faith and religion. Even though the words can be separated in the end they all come back together. There were many narratives written by fugitive slaves before the Civil War and by former slaves in the postbellum era. These narratives document slave life from the perspective of first-hand experience. The stories they tell are dark and ugly. The authors like Douglas and Jacobs reveal the struggles, sorrows, aspirations, and triumphs of slaves in absorbingly personal story-telling. Harriet Jacobs’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl was the first autobiography by a formerly enslaved African American woman. In it she describes her experience of the sexual exploitation that made slavery especially oppressive for black women. She also recounts her life in slavery in the context of family relationships with her escape and her struggle to free her children. Fredrick Douglas who wrote Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglas, an American Slave, Written by Himself depicts...

Words: 1263 - Pages: 6