Instructor Name: Professor Alicia Plant

Reference Cite for the book:
Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Week 1 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
"Understanding Religions and Indigenous Sacred Ways" Please respond to the following:

Define indigenous religion, and describe at least one aspect of indigenous religions that exists in a similar form in a traditional mainstream religion.
Define religion, and discuss why it is useful in society. Explain why it is important for you personally to understand the beliefs of other religious groups.

Unlike many of the world’s major religions, indigenous religions often centers their spirituality within the context of the natural world and on particular geographic features, including bodies of water, trees, mountains, animals and everything is perceived as being alive with sacred existence.
The word indigenous means originated in, and thus the term indigenous religion means the original religion of a place. Indigenous religions in the majority include those not considered to be 'world religions', such as Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, but instead are often rural in nature, do not seek converts, and identify with specific ethnic groups.
One aspect of indigenous religions that exists in a similar form in a traditional mainstream religion is African indigenous tradition is conceived as continuum, that follows the process of birth, death and rebirth, the same as Christians, we are born, we die and we have eternal life with Christ Jesus.
Religion has been the basic foundation of life, saturating all aspects of human existence. The definition of religion would be the belief of a higher power that is in control of all things and knows all things. Religion is useful in society because religious beliefs contribute to moral beliefs. Religion also inoculates against social problems such as drug abuse, divorce and suicide.

Understanding religious beliefs other than my own is a key element of tolerance, since faith often define a significant part of a person’s identity, it’s the clay that molds us into the people we become. I have been faced with many friends that are Jehovah Witnesses. I remember as a kids making fun of them knocking on my door but as an adult I respect their faith and I expect them to respect mine.

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. http://www.tolerance.org/lesson/understanding-other-religious-beliefs http://interfaith-centre.org/iic-resources/lectures/african-indigenous-religions-and-inter-religious-relationship

Week 2 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
"Hindu Way of Life" Please respond to the following:

Explain the key ways in which the teachings of the Vedas influence the daily lives of Hindus

According to theories advanced by eighteenth- and nineteenth-century European scholars, the highly organized cultures of the Indus Valley and other parts of the subcontinent were overrun by lighter-skinned nomadic invaders from some homeland to the north, whose peoples also spread westward and developed European civilizations. The theory argued that the Vedas, the religious texts often referred to as the foundations of Hinduism, were the product of the invaders and not of indigenous Indians, or perhaps a combination of both cultures.
The key ways in which the teachings of the Vedas influence the daily lives of Hindus is that for many Hindus, religion is a matter of practice rather than of beliefs. It's more what you do, than what you believe. Hindus believe in a universal soul or God called Brahman. Brahman takes on many forms that some Hindus worship as gods or goddesses in their own right. Hindus believe that there is a part of Brahman in everyone and this is called the Atman.
Hindus believe in reincarnation, a belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lifetimes, in one body after another. The soul is sometimes born in a human body, sometimes in an animal body and sometimes in a plant body. Hindus believe that all forms of life contain a soul, and all souls have the chance to experience life in different forms. Samsara means going through the cycle of repeated births and deaths (reincarnation). Hindus believe that existence of this cycle is governed by Karma.
Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. http://www.hinduwisdom.info/Hindu_Scriptures.htm Week 3 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
"Noble Action, Sacred Call, or Desire" Please respond to the following:

Explain whether or not you think Siddhārtha Gautama’s quest to find enlightenment falls under the category of noble action, sacred call, or desire. Discuss how his decision to leave his family would be received in today’s culture.

Siddhārtha Gautama known as Buddha, was born a Prince in Lumbini. His father had a holy man prophesied that he would be a great spiritual leader or a great military conqueror. The king took things into his own hands and molded him to become a great warrior. But fate had another plan, one day the Prince wanted to journey outside the palace walls and saw sickness, disease and death. The prince was so disdained with what he saw that he no longer enjoyed the palace life and one day decided to leave.
Siddhārtha Gautama’s quest to find enlightenment falls under the category of desire. Bhuddha desire to find enlightment encouraged him to do the noble acts, such as renounce pleasure and eventually answer his sacred calling of spiritual leader.
Bhuddha’s decision to leave his family not would be received in today’s culture. Talking in context of today’s world, an act like this is a clear indication of a person running away from his responsibilities of family. This act in today’s world won’t be much appreciated and why leave the family behind to get enlightenment; they too need enlightening and peace. The wife and kids he left behind was left with grief and pain.
Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Week 4 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
"Actionless Action (Daosim) and the Practice of Virtue (Confucianism)" Please respond to the following:

Identify and explain at least three aspects of wu wei (non-doing) that would be practical in the busy lives of city dwellers, especially those living in the West. Provide a rationale for your response.
Wu wei is action less action or taking no intentional on invasive action contrary to the natural flow of things. Wu wei is spontaneous, creative activity, action without ego-assertion. Going with the flow and rhythms of the Dao, not striving or working against the nature of the Dao. It is letting things take their natural course in their own time one should yield to nature or follow nature and not the dictates of society; one should practice non-artificiality. Thus one should take no action against nature nor interfere with natural ways. Many city dwellers live life at a fast pace, constantly multitasking and very demanding. Three aspects of Wu wei (non-doing) that would be practical in the busy lives of city dwellers would be going with the flow or behavior occurring in response to the flow of the Tao. The second aspect of Wu-wei that city dwellers can incorporate is the need to consciously experience ourselves as part of the unity of life that is the Tao. Lao Tzu writes that we must be quiet and watchful, learning to listen to both our own inner voices and to the voices of our environment in a non-interfering, receptive manner. Lastly, in the words of Chuang Tzu, we learn "detachment, forgetfulness of results, and abandonment of all hope of profit." By allowing the Tao to work through us, we render our actions truly spontaneous, natural, and effortless. We thus flow with all experiences and feelings as they come and go. We know intuitively that actions which are not ego-motivated, but in response to the needs of the environment, lead toward harmonious balance and give ultimate meaning and "purpose" to our lives. Such actions are attuned to the deepest flow of life itself. All three aspects are harmonious when practiced but being a city dweller myself, I cannot foresee it evolving because we are so selfish in nature.

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. http://www.jadedragon.com/archives/june98/tao.html Week 5 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
No discussion: Midterm Exam

Week 6 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
"The Role of the Torah and Special Covenant" Please respond to the following:

Discuss the significance of the “special covenant” between the Jewish people and God. Name at least two examples of this covenant in the Jewish religion.

The Torah enlightens that God established a special covenant with the people of Israel in which he would exalt them above other peoples of the earth for which they were required to strictly obey his law. Belief in this covenant relationship between God and the Israelites largely shaped Jewish identity in biblical times and provided a framework for Jewish history. As the people of Israel abided by the law as given to them by Moses the Jewish Bible indicates that they were blessed. When they were defiant, the Bible records that God sent prophets to remind the Israelites of their duties, urge them to repent and return to God, and warn them of the impending chastisements that awaited them at the hand of God if they continued to disregard their covenant. Jewish men were circumcised as a symbol of this covenant.
You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.
Genesis 17

The continuation of the covenant with Jacob and the story of wrestling with the angel and being renamed “Israel”.
Genesis 32:4-36:43

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. http://www.faithology.com/beliefs/the-jewish-covenant Week 7 Discussion for World Religions – REL212

"Why Can’t We Just Get Along?" Please respond to the following:

•Explain at least three reasons why there are so many divisions / denominations in the Christian religion.
•Explain what is meant by the term “synoptic gospels”, and discuss why this term is important for Christians when reading the Bible.

During Jesus’ ministry, he prayed that his future followers would exhibit a special kind of unity that would be a testimony to the world. So what happened? Rather than unity, harmony, and cooperation, Christians are often known for their squabbles and divisions. Even when they appear to get along, they divide up into hundreds of different groups, churches, and denominations. Denominations are made up of churches and churches are made of people; and sometimes people just don’t get along. After all, just because people are Christians doesn’t mean they always agree. Moreover, Christians still struggle with pride, selfishness, and stubbornness, and this means they sometimes respond to relational conflict poorly. This has often led to debates and divisions within churches and denominations, which in turn leads to the creation of new churches and denominations. It’s an unfortunate situation, but a reality given human nature. Maybe this is why Jesus focused so much on unconditional love and forgiveness as an expression of the kind of people he wants us to be.
Three reasons why there are so many divisions or denominations in the Christian religion are Christian’s debate over baptism, what does baptism mean and who should get baptized? Another reason is the debate over salvation, once saved always saved or is salvation gained by faith of given by the grace of GOD. Lastly some believe in speaking in tongues and some Christians do not, which was derived from the day of Pentecost, when the disciples where filled with a gift from GOD called the Holy Spirit and they spoke in different languages.
The word synoptic is defined as taking a common view, the three Gospels that take a common view of Christ’s life are Matthew, Mark and Luke. This is what is meant by the term synoptic gospels. Each writer illustrates a special look into the life and teachings of Christ in a different way. The term synoptic gospel is important for Christians when reading the Bible because through His Holy Spirit, inspired the Bible to be written through human instruments. The Bible is God’s instruction book to humanity in answering why human beings exist and giving us hope for the future. It provides us with what only God can do for us and what we have as a personal responsibility to do with His help through the Holy Spirit.

The synoptic Gospels provide humanity with a view of our Creator and Savior Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we have access to God the Father and the path to fulfilling our purpose in life. The synoptic Gospels are three books that provide valuable lessons and guides for us in our daily lives and in the way that leads to eternal life in God’s family.

http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/holy-bible/new-testament/gospels/synoptic-gospels/ http://startingpoint.com/member/why-are-there-so-many-christian-denominations/ Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Week 8 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
"Differences in Islam" Please respond to the following:

•Discuss the main similarities and differences between at least two sects of the Islamic religion.
•Discuss the overall role of women in the Islamic religion. Name at least two ways in which the role of women is different in Islam from the role of women in another mainstream religion we have studied.

Sunni and Shi'a are the two main Islam denominations, Sunni, the larger of the two, represents about 80% of the Muslim population (Fisher, 2014, p. 423). They both believe in the sacred text from the Qur'an. Their differences originate from leadership; Sunni’s elected the first caliph, Abu Bakr to lead “the people of Sunnah”. The Shi’a believed the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad was ‘Ali (Fisher, 2014, p. 424-425).
Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance.
In Islam, a man can have up to four wives at the same time (Sura 4:3). In addition, a man is given the right to beat his disobedient wife until she obeys (Sura 4:34, Bukhari 8:68). According the Quran, "Men are in charge of women, because Allah has made some of them to excel others...and (as to) those on whose part you fear rebellion, admonish them, and leave them alone in beds apart, and beat them." Note that in one popular English translation of the Quran the term "lightly" is placed after "beat them." But "lightly" is not in the Arabic. Here are six translations of Sura 4:34. Men are superior to women in Islamic teaching. (See Suras 2:228, 4:34). Interestingly, Islam teaches that the majority of people in hell are women (Bukhari 1:28, 1:301, and 2:161).

Fundamentalist Christianity condones none of the above abuses of women. While Old Testament figures had multiple wives, this is seen as sinful behavior. Jesus insisted on the sanctity of marriage with one woman (Mark 10:5-12).

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. http://www.faithfacts.org/world-religions-and-theology/christianity-vs.-islam Week 9 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
"5 Ks of Sikhism" Please respond to the following:

•Identify the 5 Ks of Sikhism, and explain which one intrigues you the most.
The five Ks are:
Kesh (uncut hair)
Various reasons and symbolisms have been put forward for the Sikh practice of keeping hair uncut. Throughout history hair (kesh) has been regarded as a symbol both of holiness and strength. One's hair is part of God's creation. Keeping hair uncut indicates that one is willing to accept God's gift as God intended it. Uncut hair symbolizes adoption of a simple life, and denial of pride in one's appearance. Not cutting one's hair is a symbol of one's wish to move beyond concerns of the body and attain spiritual maturity. A Sikh should only bow his head to the Guru, and not to a barber. It is a highly visible symbol of membership of the group. It follows the appearance of Guru Gobind Singh, founder of the Khalsa. Sikh women are just as forbidden to cut any body hair or even trim their eyebrows, as Sikh men are forbidden to trim their beards.

Kara (a steel bracelet)
A symbol of restraint and gentility. A symbol that a Sikh is linked to the Guru. It acts as a reminder that a Sikh should not do anything of which the Guru would not approve. A symbol of God having no beginning or end. A symbol of permanent bonding to the community-being a link in the chain of Khalsa Sikhs (the word for link is 'kari'). The Kara is made of steel, rather than gold or silver, because it is not an ornament.

Kanga (a wooden comb)
This symbolizes a clean mind and body; since it keeps the uncut hair neat and tidy. It symbolizes the importance of looking after the body which God has created. This does not conflict with the Sikh's aim to move beyond bodily concerns; since the body is one's vehicle for enlightenment one should care for it appropriately

Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera (cotton underwear)
This is a pair of breeches that must not come below the knee. It was a particularly useful garment for Sikh warriors of the 18th and 19th centuries, being very suitable for warfare when riding a horse. It's a symbol of chastity. There is no fixed style of Kirpan, the ceremonial sword

Kirpan (steel sword)
There is no fixed style of Kirpan and it can be anything from a few inches to three feet long. It is kept in a sheath and can be worn over or under clothing.
The Kirpan can symbolise:
•Spirituality
•The soldier part of the Soldier-Saints
•Defence of good
•Defence of the weak
•The struggle against injustice
•A metaphor for God

Kirpan intrigues me the most. The other four are things that a person does for themselves while Kirpan has another aspect as it is something that the Sikh does for another. It is up to that Sikh to defend those that cannot defend themselves. In addition to the sword’s other personal meanings. It’s not every person who is willing to help out another in need. Most people run away from a burning building it takes a special person to run in. For example in NYC in the 1960s there was a woman whose murder was witnessed by 37 people and none of them called 9-1-1 because everyone else assumed someone else was doing it. So Kirpan to me is the most intriguing to me because in my experience most people would rather hope someone else is taking care of the issue instead of getting involved themselves.

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. http://www.mrsikhnet.com/2010/03/18/experiencing-my-new-kirpan/ Week 10 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
"The Present and the Future of Religion" Please respond to the following:

•Among the religions we discussed this week, identify one religion that you find the most interesting. Explain your response.
•Explain at least three ways that social trends affect the formation of new religions and dictate new religious movements

Let me first say that when it comes to religion, I am very closed minded. I have this belief that other religions exist but I cannot allow their beliefs to brainwash my own beliefs. Now that can be said about me and my religion of Christianity. Among the religions we discussed this week the one religion that I find the most interesting is last week discussion over the Sikhism religion. Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good actions rather than merely carrying out rituals. Sikhs believe that the way to lead a good life is to keep God in heart and mind at all times, live honestly and work hard, treat everyone equally, be generous to the less fortunate and serve others. These are some of the same principles I live by as a Christian.

The formation of new religion is not a new phenomenon. Social trends results in the formation of new religion and dictate new religious movement. Some of the social groups which have developed are Hinduism.
Three ways that social trends affect the formation of new religions and dictate new religious movements are social conflict, social constructionist and plausibility. Social-conflict approach to religion highlights how it functions to maintain social inequality by providing a worldview that justifies oppression. The social constructionist approach to religion presents a naturalistic explanation of the origins of religion. Plausibility structures are the societal elements that provide the support for a set of beliefs but not necessarily religious.

http://www.religionfacts.com/
Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

Week 11 Discussion for World Religions – REL212
"After It’s All Said and Done…" Please respond to the following:

•Explain what religion is, and give your opinion as to whether religion is different from spirituality.
•Identify three surprising concepts that you learned about religion in this course, and explain why they surprised you.