...Contemporary Issues in Western Religions Religious beliefs have been the center of many conflicts across the entire world since the beginning of time. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism the major monotheist religious traditions have been at the heart of many of those religious conflicts. Historical connections and theological similarities are prevalent between the three. In parallel to the similarities exists the contemporary struggles affecting these western religious traditions. From the internal struggles within Christianity such as abortion, to its struggles with Islam and Muslim extremists, finally to the contempt against Christianity from actions of the Holocaust, each tradition faces contemporary struggles within their own right. Gaining a better understanding and insight into the historical, theological, and contemporary struggles between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism will enhance appreciation for each belief. Historical Connections and Theological Similarities: One main pillar of similar theology between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism is the belief in one god. However, each has different perspectives in relation to God. For example, Christians believe in [pic]the Trinity[pic] of [pic]God; God the Father, the Son (Jesus[pic] Christ), [pic]and the Holy Spirit[pic] ("Judaism, Islam, Christianity-Comparison", 2002-2011). Also Christians consider Jesus [pic]the son of God, born to the Virgin Mary, and[pic] had [pic]come to earth to offer redemption for...
Words: 2531 - Pages: 11
...Investigate a Social Issue Jacquelyn Wintersteen Don Anderson Introduction to Sociology December 9, 2012 Religion plays a large role in society across the globe, whether it’s being recognized by believers or non-believers. The main religions that have been viewed around the world for most of our developments are Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. There have been new religions forming, such as Mormonism, which have been aiding in the reshaping of our societies and tolerance. For a good part of human existence, religion has been a factor of life, shaping the mind of the Homo sapiens. Hinduism is viewed as the world’s oldest religion, dating back to 2nd century BCE. Hinduism had gone through great change over the centuries, beginning with the change of the Aryan Gods, originally including Indra, Soma, and Agni, with Vishnu and Shiva as minor deities that become the main deities by 300BCE. Mahatma Gandhi has become the ‘face’ of Hinduism since the 1950’s, when he attempted to abolish the caste system within the religion. Hinduism has segregated its followers into ‘castes’, which include the Brahmins, the ritual priests, Kshatriyas, the warriors, Vaishyas, the merchants, and lastly the Shudras, the manual laborers (Kinnard, 2012). The caste system is separated much like the class system of earlier eras where Church was at the top, followed by Nobles, merchants, and the lower class of laborers. Buddhism was created out of dissatisfaction for Hinduism in 5th...
Words: 1579 - Pages: 7
...Opposite Ends of the Belief Bench One subject darkly clouded with confusion is religion, and the idea that they are all the same. Mahatma Gandhi, an important Hindu teacher states, “The soul of religion is one, but it is encased in a multitude of forms.” Two of the most popular religions in the United States, Christianity and Islam, are facing this problem. I grew up Christian so the subject of religion is very important to me. After 9/11 the American public was on high alert for terrorists, and they still are today. Just recently a US Ambassador to Libya was killed along with two Navy Seals by an Islamic terrorist group. Some people may ask why do they attack, what motivates them it is what they believe. When your Sacred text, the Koran in this case, has verses that say, “And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution [of Muslims] is worse than slaughter [of non-believers]”, it is seen clearly why there are terrorist attacks ( Koran 2:191-193). Americans live in a culture where acceptance is the goal. Everything is acceptable because everyone has their own opinion. No one can refute that opinion because the refusal itself could be seen as offensive and the offender will likely get sued. As a result, most people keep their thoughts to themselves, creating the opposite of the desired environment. Instead of freedom of speech we have freedom to speak as long as you do not mind being chewed up by the media...
Words: 2792 - Pages: 12
...Christianity vs. Islam: A Religious Difference Brittnay Howell ENG 121 Professor Anna Crew Christianity vs. Islam: A Religious Difference Have you ever wondered about the differences and similarities between Christianity and Islam? Both Christianity and Islam are monotheistic, meaning they both believe in one God. In both religions God is the creator of everything and is loving and forgiving. He also has a special relationship with humans, and has made covenants with them. However, there is one major difference between the beliefs of Christians and Muslims regarding God. While Christians believe in the Holy Trinity, or three persons in one divine nature, Muslims believe that God is only one person. The trinity mentioned in the Christian religion is the belief in three God’s. The first major difference between these two religions is their founders. Muhammad is the founder of Islam. He, like all other Muslim prophets is believed by Muslims to be infallible and sinless. He was not only a religious leader, but also a political leader, which explains the common practice of integrated church and state in many Muslim countries. The founder of Christianity is Jesus. Although both Muslims and Christians recognize Jesus, their beliefs about him differ greatly. Both believe that Jesus was sinless, infallible, and born of the Virgin Mary. Both religions accept that Jesus preformed miracles, and was ascended, or raised up, to God. But while Muslims see Jesus...
Words: 733 - Pages: 3
...several common themes. Examine the basic tenets of the following two religious traditions: 1. Judeo/Christian and Islam, and then describe the significance of the similarities that you find. Jews and Muslims both worship the same God. Both Judaism and Islam faithfully believe in the existence of one and only one God. Many Americans understand that Jews and Christians worship the same God; however, they may be unaware that Muslims also worship that very same God. The Quran discusses Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and other biblical figures; the Islamic scripture itself makes it abundantly clear that the God of Muhammad, and the God of Jesus, and the God of Israel are of the same God. Since the Muslim God is also the Judeo-Christian God, Allah is in fact identical with and not different from the Hebrew God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Indeed, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are together regarded as “Abrahamic” religions, insofar as all three of them share common roots, which are traditionally traced back to the ancient Hebrew patriarch Abraham. (As founded by Muhammad in the 7th century AD, Islam was born in Arabia, and both Jews and Arabs are likewise classed as “Semitic” peoples; each group is traditionally regarded as descended from Shem, a son of Noah.) Jews and Muslims both reject specifically Christian beliefs about Jesus. Christianity is likewise an Abrahamic monotheism, believing in the same single supreme God as its two Semitic cousins. However, the...
Words: 1214 - Pages: 5
...The Rise and Spread of Islam •The Post Classical Period: Faith and Commerce - Spread of major world religions o Budhism o Christianity o Islam 1. Spread through preaching, trade routes - Development of Systematic o Boat trade 2. Indian Trade spread disease, religion, ideas - Three Big Ideas o Trans-regional communication and exchange networks o Forms of state organize. Diversify o All societies increased productive capacity • Pre-Islamic Arabia - Bedoin culture based on Kin/clan/tribal networks o Survival dependent on loyalty to clan o Magnified by harsh environment - Shayks- clan/tribal leaders o Conflict was frequent o Society was fragmented - Fierce inter clan rivalries and struggles for resources o Emphasis on revenge, “male honor” - Towns and long distance trade----Mecca and Medina o Medina (Yathrib) (established on oasis) o Mecca more important – Umayyad (ruling clan) – Quraysh; (Ka’ba) - Status of women varied by clan o More respect vs. less respect - Little art/architechture (no big civs) o Focus on poetry 1. Gives glimpse into daily life - Bedovin religions- blend of animism and polytheism o Animism- nature worship - The life of Myhammad and Genesis of Islam o Born around 570 CE – Merchant, married Khadijah ...
Words: 1390 - Pages: 6
...Religion is a topic that has been universally debated tracing back to the beginning of time. Religion shapes our lives and the way we live our lives as well as the way people behave. There are too many religions to study and discuss in a single paper; therefore, this paper will take a closer look at Christianity as it is the most common religion in the world covering 33% of the world’s population (Fisher, 2005). Why do so many people believe the words of the Holy Bible and claim the Christian faith? Is Christianity the truth? To truly understand Christianity, we must dive deep into the Biblical teachings and share the primary foundation of their beliefs. “Christianity is a faith based on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus” (Fisher, 2005, pg. 284). In the beginning of this story we must start with Jesus’ mother, the Virgin Mary was visited by an angel, whom told her that she would conceive a baby and he would be the Messiah. She should name him Immanuel, which means God with us. An angel visited Joseph as well, who told him that Mary was blessed by the Holy Spirit and would have a son, who would save the people from their sins. Mary and Joseph obeyed God, the baby was born in a stable, laid in a manager and they called him Jesus, meaning God with us (Matthew 1:18-25, New International Version). At the age of 30, Jesus started his mission and selected a group of 12 disciples to help him share his message. He went place to place and preached about God’s love...
Words: 2446 - Pages: 10
...Scientology vs. Islam For my term paper, I chose to compare two religions that most Americans are not familiar with the principles of: Islam and scientology. I will look into the differences that these religions present and examine different parts of their them. Over the course of this paper I’ll look at seven aspects of these religions, which include their origins and histories, size, their view on the purpose of life and the roles that humans play, their beliefs of on the afterlife, specific practices they take part in, and the texts from which their religion can be applied from. First of all, the origins and histories of these two religions differ greatly. Islam is considered to be the youngest of the seven great world religions, dating back to its creation in seventh-century Saudi Arabia. The prophet Muhammad introduced Islam in 610 AD after experiencing an “angelic visitation.” Muslims believe that Qu’ran, which is the holy book of Islam, were the preexistent and perfect words from Allah. Muhammad dictated the Qu’ran. Muhammad is loosely credited with the origin of Islam, although many Muslims believe that Islam existed way before Muhammad was even alive. And although Muhammad dictated the Qu’ran, the Qu’ran states that Muhammad was not the originator. The Qu’ran instead states that God wrote the Qu’ran, who in turn had the angel Gabriel dictate it to the prophet Muhammad (“Origin”). In contrast, the church of Scientology was formed just 55 years ago, in 1954. The...
Words: 1806 - Pages: 8
...Assignment notes Christianity vs. Judaism: The major differencesHere, in great brevity, is a summary of some of the major differences between Judaism and Christianity. | Principle | | Christianity | | Judaism | Nature of God | | Trinity | | Unity | Nature of Messiah | | Divine, Sin Sacrifice | | Only human, Righteous King | Atonement | | Blood Required | | Prayer and Repentance | Sin | | Everyone stained by Adam and Eve ("original sin") | | All begin with clean slate | Righteousness | | No one | | Within our power to choose | Satan | | Fallen angel | | Agent of God | Torah | | Written only | | Written and Oral | Commandments | | Not eternal or valuable | | Eternal and of ultimate value | Exclusivity | | Only Christians go to heaven | | All righteous have a place in the world to come. | Land of Israel | | Irrelevant | | Crucial | Jews | | Replaced by the church; or irrelevant | | God’s chosen people | Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions, dating back up to 2000 years BC from the time when God first called Abraham to leave his home and follow Him. At that time, God made a covenant (or agreement) with Abraham in which He promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation and that one day his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan if Abraham followed him. God’s plan was gradually revealed through the Old Testament and built on with further promises to Moses, David and the prophets...
Words: 5210 - Pages: 21
...Religions and Politics (Prof. Mondonga M. Mokoli, Ph.D.) According to the scientific theory of evolution, life on Earth evolved naturally over time. Evolutionary theory was proposed by Charles Darwin in the 19th century and it was affirmed by the 20th century biologists and geneticists. Thus, this theory has achieved scientific consensus as the origin of human humankind. In contrast, supporters of intelligent design believe that all life on the Earth was created deliberately. Intelligent design theory proposes that the overwhelming complexity of the universe suggests a rational, omnipotent designer, be it God, an alien, or some other source. Thus, intelligent design theory was developed as an alternative not only to Darwin’s evolutionism but also to religious creationism which argues that God is the only creator of life, universe and their contents. The Purpose of this Chapter • Our purpose in this chapter is not to show the truth or falsehood of any of these perspectives nor the doctrines of any particular faith. Rather, it is: - To describe the nature of religion and the general character of certain major religions of the past and the present; - To give some attention to the role that religion has played in the development of human societies, that is; o not only to integrate and stabilize them but also, o at times, to create conflicts; - To consider the present-day influence of social change on religion and, - conversely, the influence of religion...
Words: 2856 - Pages: 12
...1. Theological Arguments: Theism vs. Atheism Assuming God to have, at least, the properties of omnipotence, omniscience and ‘omni-goodness’ (being all-good) evaluate one argument for the existence of God and one argument against the existence of God. Explain each argument and show why it is potentially helpful or dangerous for the theist. Then, explain which of these arguments you find more convincing, and why. 2.Comparing Religions: Compare the worldview of one of the monotheistic religions we have discussed with one other religion we have studied, mono or polytheistic. Explain three specific points of similarity and three clear differences in each world view. Given these similarities and differences, would you say the two religions compared are fundamentally at odds or in agreement concerning their understandings of human transformation in response to perceived ultimacy? 3.Buddha, Jesus, Mohammad: Compare and contrast TWO of the three figures above. Using specific examples, explain a major similarity and a major difference in the account of their lives, their teachings, and in the role given to each by their respective religions. Who do you find to be the more compelling spiritual leader and why? 4.Compare two different sects of the same western religion, either Judaism, Christianity or Islam. Explain three major ways the sects are similar in their understanding or practice of the religion, and three major differences. Based on the similarities and differences...
Words: 4757 - Pages: 20
...Ancient Rome had Indo Europeans living there in 1500 BCE to 1100 BCE. Greeks lived in Rome in 800 BCE which influenced the Romans, but Etruscans influenced Romans the most with their amazing organized army and how to build a city. Christianity is what the U.S. and Rome had in common when dealing with religions. Ancient Rome was Polytheistic, and tolerant of other religions because most Roman religion was impersonal and only for the god of Rome. The United States isn’t strict towards religion in the country. Everyone is entitled to their decisions and freedom. It doesn’t matter if your religion is Christianity, Islam, Atheism or Judaism because you’ll still be treated the same as everyone else. In Rome, the social structure was mainly divided into 3 parts. Their Patricians were the rich upper class, their plebeians were the fair middle classes, and their slaves were the poor low class. Only a few were Patricians, most of the Ancient Rome community were Plebeians. The United States is similar to Rome’s social structure but there’s no specific name for them. The rich were considered upper class. People with a fair amount of money were classified as middle class, and the poor/ homeless people in the lower class. The U.S. government consists of Democrats vs. Republicans and three main branches. These branches are; Legislative Branch (100 Senators; 435 elected representatives), Executive Branch (President, Vice President; cabinet members), and Judicial Branch (Supreme Court; other federal...
Words: 964 - Pages: 4
...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...
Words: 3605 - Pages: 15
...Management 22 (International Business and Cross-Cultural Management) Jan Ray O. Macanas 3rd Year BSBA FM The Importance of Investment in an Emerging Country Developing countries, also known as emerging markets, are becoming the driver of global growth. It is expected to grow two to three times faster than developed countries like the US according to the International Monetary Fund. And because of the growth many investors are being pulled in to invest to some emerging markets. This growth is very important among investors because it simply enables them to foresee the future of their investment. (Forbes. “What Makes Emerging Markets Great Invesment?”.www.Forbes.com.) China has become a leading foreign investor among all emerging countries, According to the main stream of international business literature on the topic of multinationals from emerging countries, there are generally five motivations for multinationals to invest abroad; they seek resources, technology, markets, diversification, and strategic asset. A careful analysis of the data and the investment by Chinese multinationals indicates the similar motivations provided by China. Chinese government has, to a great extent, played a crucial role in shaping the structure of the country's outward investment; this is consistent that China's FDI has been part of the government's development scenario. Since the 1980s, the government has required the overseas subsidiaries to achieve one of the four goals--introduction...
Words: 2849 - Pages: 12
...Religion | Origin of All Things | Nature of God | View of Human Nature | View of Good and Evil | View of “Salvation” | View of After Life | Practices and Rituals | Celebrations and Festivals | Week 2 Hinduism and Jainism | Ohm – an inert void of being and non being. From this void a desire was born to create beings. | God perceived in three ways. Brahman (residing everywhere) Antaryami (residing within) and Bhagavan (residing outside, beyond) | Karma – the moral law in which the cycle of birth-death-rebirth (reincarnation) takes place, giving opportunities to escape the limitations of life and death. | Doesn't recognize “sin” , views good and evil from the principle of karma. | Moksha – when an enlightened person is freed from the reincarnation cycle and comes into a state of completeness. | Doesn't punish or reward the souls, but reminds them of the true purpose of their existance before returning to earth to continue living. | Many practices center on fulfilling the duties associated with social position: brahmacharga (learning), grastha (worldy pursuits) vanaprastha (focus on spirithood) and sanngasu (contemplation) | Montly celbrations include: Saravati Puja, Maha Shiva Ratri, Holi, Rama Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, RathaYatra, Raksha Bandhana, Janmashtami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali | Week 3 Buddhism | Doesn't believe in a beginning, says the origin of all things is inconceivable...
Words: 1085 - Pages: 5
