The existence of God has come under fire more and more over the last few years. All this questioning of God, in some way has created more interest and faith in God. The conflict between God and science is ongoing. The debate between Deepak Chopra and Michael Shermer was not professionally done if you ask me. Both sides were, at times, childish and knit-picky with each other. They were acting more like children in a sandbox fighting over a toy than two professionals debating God.
I don’t believe that either side really won or really lost. Both sides, from what I saw on the Nightline exclusive did not seem to have anything in order. Maybe that is due to the way the debate was cut up. I feel that they need to calm down and then have a real debate. One were voices are not raised, cutting remarks are not made and only the issues are discussed. When you attack the person you obviously do not have the appropriate ammunition for the battle.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Midterm Make Up Question #9
Confucius is a name popularly knows by the Chinese. Kung Fu-tzu or Kung the Master is knows as The First Teacher. Born in 551 B.C he was raised by his mother and did well in school. In his younger years he was a tutor. He had a good reputation and did well at what he did. He had high hopes of being a political leader, but that opportunity never came which was very discouraging for him. He then continued teaching and editing the classics of China’s past. He died in 479 B.C. as one of the world’s greatest teachers.
In Confucianism, the self is the center of every relationship. A confucian positions himself in the never-ending cross currants of human relationships. Without the relationship, there is no self. This is the Confucian Project: to conform one’s self, or “wings” at the angle that allows relationships carry to greater heights. Confucius calls this the goal of becoming more completely human.
Confucius summed up his thoughts in five structured ideals: 1) Jen which means love, goodness, benevolence or human-heartedness. 2) Chun Tzu or Superior Person and Humanity-at-its-Best. This person is a person of self-respect and thinks only of others rather than himself. 3) Li or the way things should be done, meaning everything having propriety. 4) Te meaning power. 5) Wen which means the arts of peace contrary to the arts of war.
It is very interesting to me that thought Confucius lived so many years ago, we can still see his influence or rather, relate his influence today. For example, the way relationships are the center of every soul. Without relationships what do we have? Nothing important and long-lasting, in my opinion. Confucius was a man of education, who appreciated art and who cared deeply about the people around him so much so that he was a striving politician. If people tried harder every day to care a little more like Confucius did, this world would be a better place.
In Confucianism, the self is the center of every relationship. A confucian positions himself in the never-ending cross currants of human relationships. Without the relationship, there is no self. This is the Confucian Project: to conform one’s self, or “wings” at the angle that allows relationships carry to greater heights. Confucius calls this the goal of becoming more completely human.
Confucius summed up his thoughts in five structured ideals: 1) Jen which means love, goodness, benevolence or human-heartedness. 2) Chun Tzu or Superior Person and Humanity-at-its-Best. This person is a person of self-respect and thinks only of others rather than himself. 3) Li or the way things should be done, meaning everything having propriety. 4) Te meaning power. 5) Wen which means the arts of peace contrary to the arts of war.
It is very interesting to me that thought Confucius lived so many years ago, we can still see his influence or rather, relate his influence today. For example, the way relationships are the center of every soul. Without relationships what do we have? Nothing important and long-lasting, in my opinion. Confucius was a man of education, who appreciated art and who cared deeply about the people around him so much so that he was a striving politician. If people tried harder every day to care a little more like Confucius did, this world would be a better place.
Major World Religions - FINAL
Jason Ruys
Major World Religions Final
February 18, 2011
13 PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS:
1. Jason Ruys
2. Jason Ruys
3. jruys@student.mtsac.edu
4. How many posts did you complete after the midterm?
Week 4
Post 7 - 2/9/11 2:19 PM
Post 8 - 2/2/11 8:58 PM
Week 5
Post 9 - 2/14/11 9:24 PM
Post 10 - 2/14/11 9:25 PM
Week 6
Post 11 - 2/15/11 7:37 PM
Post 12 - 2/15/11 8:25 PM
Interactive/Current Event Post - 2/18/11 8:26 PM
5. What reading did you complete in full in this course thus far? Be specific?
Week 4
The Gnostic Mystery
Chapter 6 – Smith Book
The Koran
Islam websites
Karen Armstrong interview
Week 5
Chapter 7 – Smith Book
BBC Website on Judaism
False Testament
Week 6
Triumph of Christianity
Chapter 8 – Smith Book
Biblical Scholarship - Crossan
6. New Testament
7. Out of all the reading that you were assigned what reading would you recommend for future world religions classes? The Koran. It would offer a better understanding to Islamic beliefs and it would help fix a stereotype that exists towards this religion.
Which books? which articles? which chapters? is there reading that you would absolutely not recommend? why? False Testament. I would not recommend this reading to anyone who is Christian. It does offer insight that maybe the Bible isn’t all that factual after all. The thing that it lacks is the how and the why to many of the arguments.
I am very interested in your response to Huston Smith's book....did this book work for you for an online class? Honestly, no. Yes, it offered more knowledge but everything else was online. 8. Films: List all of the films you watched in week 4-6. Do you have a favorite and why? Did you skip any films and which ones?
Week 4
Islam video 1
Week 5
Judaism video
Ricky Gervais video was removed…
Yale Lecture – Studying the Old Testament
Week 6
Who Wrote the Bible
Yale Lecture – Historical Jesus
Crossan Videos
9. What field trip did you complete? Where and when? Did you attend a service there?
February 5, my wife and I went to the Hindu Temple of Las Vegas and witnessed the Sri Balaji Abhishekam service. “Abhishekam is the process of bathing the deity. The Moorthi of Sri Balaji is cleansed with Water and Milk, followed by devotee recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranam and finally Arhana is performed.”
10. Which Religious Literature did you complete this term? (make sure to have completed at least four total for the semester; place this on your website under religious literature; this will make up part of your course grade)
Tao
Analects of Confucius
The Koran
Pali Buddha
11. Did you complete any extra credit in the course thus far? Be specific. (Make sure to include all extra credit in the e.c. section of your website.)
12. Please list what "grade" you received on your midterm examination. Was there any material you were asked to MAKEUP and did you? Include the makeup work on your website and clearly label it!
I believe that I was given a high B with the possibility of a low A.
I was instructed to write more about Confucius and place it under the makeup work label on my website.
13. Of all of the religions we studied this term, which religion (outside of your own; Eastern or Western) impacted you the most and explain in depth why? Offer personal insights how this alternative philosophy changes your thinking in some way.
Jainism is one religion that stood out to me more than the others. This is probably due to the field trip to one of their temples. I was intrigued by the worshipping methods of this people. I was also intrigued to learn more about them while writing my paper. They are a unique and peaceful people. Using their teachings would really help bring peace to this crazy world.
Religion Final Question 1 -
Muslim’s believe that it is through the great prophet Muhammad that Islam reached its definitive form. There is no other greater prophet than The Seal of the Prophet: Muhammad. He was born into the leading tribe or Mecca in 570 A.D., and was his name means, “highly praised.” We are told the angles of God opened his heart and filled it with light. His parents died while he was young so his uncle raised him. He married at the age of 35 to a woman named Khadija. Being mature for his age, Muhammad was a businessman and with his prudence and integrity he impressed Khadija which lead to a long life of love for the couple. After 15 years, Muhammad frequented a cave often to ponder and seek solitude. That is when his ministry began. Allah, the Muslim’s God, the only God, spoke to Muhammad and the perhaps the greatest phrase in the Arabic language was discovered: La ilaha illa ‘llah! There is no god but God. Muhammad continued to meditate and pray to Allah, receiving inspiration and direction for the Meccan people.
The Koran or God’s “standing miracle” is, in the eyes of Islam, the most grammatically perfect book that defies belief. It was through Muhammad that this book was produced. Over 23 years, Muhammad received direction on what the book should say and the contents the book should hold. For this reason, the words are most often times uttered out of the mouth of Muslims when speaking about Muhammad, “blessings and peace be upon him.”
Muslims believe there is only one god: The God Allah. It is through him that everything is done. Muslims are a god-fearing people but his compassion and mercy are cited in the Koran 192 times while his wrath and vengeance is cited 17 times. Muslims believe that it is Allah who created the world. It is also believed that the human self is entitled to self-respect and healthy self image. Though Allah is the only god, the true, one and only god it is not him who performs the final judgment. The Koran states that souls judge themselves. Speaking of the final judgment, “...it is one’s own actions that rise up to accuse or confirm.”
Islam counsels to lead a clean life full of integrity and good works. The Koran states that Muslims are to walk the straight path. The 5 main beliefs of Islam are: There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet, to keep life in perspective, charity, ramadan, and the pilgrimage. Muslims are counseled to not drink alcohol, steal or gamble. Sexual impurity is a sin. They are counseled to not eat a lot of meat. They pray five times a day: upon rising, afternoon, mid-day, sunset and before retiring.
The film narrated by Ben Kingsley was very interesting and educational. There was nothing in there that was new to me on Islam, but it was enjoyable to watch. There is such a difference in reading and in watching and I learned a lot in this film. It was neat to hear other experts’ opinions of Islam, Muhammad and the beliefs of Muslims. I enjoyed watching this video.
Religion Final Question 2 -
In every religion there are groups or parties that drift away from the essential truths of that certain religion. Within Islam there are three main branches that have divided into separate groups: Sunnis, shi’its and Sufis, or the mystics of Islam. The Sufis are a dedicated, spiritual people who are devoted to worshipping Allah in a different way than the majority of Muslims. After Muhammad died, a group of Muslims were drawn to the spiritual side of the Koran and started wearing wool garments, hence the name, suf, meaning wool. They were also drawn to the idea of doing more to worship Allah. To them there was an inward side and an outward side. To worship more, they developed three routes: mysticism of love, ecstasy and of intuitive discernment. Mysticism of love is often used as words or poetry. Ecstasy is described as being in a different physical state or a state of drunkenness. These two routes lead to the third route which can be described as mental knowledge.
Sufis may be described as taking the average Islamic idea a little farther. For example, when entered into a Mosque, one removes his shoes. The mystical idea would be to remove all clothing. Muslims believe that, “There is no god but God” but he mystical idea would be, “There is nothing but God.”
My wife visited Turkey a few years ago and had the experience of witnessing The Whirling Dervishes. She said it was one of the most unbelievable and awe inspiring things she’s ever seen. She sat in a room for one hour, watching men twirl around in organized, drifting circles as they went to a different place physically and spiritually to worship Allah. She had a new appreciation for Islam when she left that country.
Karen Armstrong is a humorous and very intriguing woman. She has done her studies and seems to know a lot about Catholicism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. In speaking about The Sufi Movement she says, “...when you had encountered God, you were neither a Jew, a Christian, a Muslim...” She goes on to talk about how you were in any church belonging to any religion because they all come from God and when you meet God, you’ve left everything behind. What she finds appealing about Islam is its pluralism. She likes how the Koran praises all the prophets of the past. She talked about Muhammad and how he was sent to the Arabs to fulfill his divine mission. She is very interested in the fact that there are so many similarities between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. When she was in Jerusalem she regained her love for religion and what religion was trying to do.
Religion Final Question 3 -
There are many thought provoking similarities between Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It is very interesting to learn about how they broke off into their own beliefs that ended in their own religions. These three religions have many of their own branches that have differing beliefs but as a whole they have many things in common. They all believe in one God. They all believe in doing what they believe is right. They all believe in charity, doing good to all men, living a healthy and virtuous life, a life here-after and in prophets. However, there are many simple but drastic differences to them all. Here are a few examples.
Islam and Christianity believe the Bible up to a certain point. In the Book of Genesis, God created the world. Adam and Eve were the first humans on the earth. They had children which led to Noah who had a son named Shem. The children of Shem led to Abraham. Abraham married Sarah and the had a son named Isaac. Abraham also married another woman named Hagar who had a son named Ishmael. Sarah then commanded that Hagar and her son Ishmael be cast out. Up to this point the Koran and the Bible agree. According to the Koran, Ishmael left and went to Mecca where his descendants are Muslim. Isaac stayed in Palestine and his descendants were later Jews.
Islam and Judaism pray multiple times a day. Muslims pray five times a day while Jews pray three times a day and four on holidays. For both religions there is a set recited prayer. For Christians there is not set schedule, time or amount to which a prayer should be said. Christians also pray freely, saying what they want.
Islam and Judaism believe that Abraham was a good prophet who had sons. Judaism believes that God told Abraham that his posterity will be long on the Earth. Islam doesn’t talk about Abraham’s posterity in the Koran.
To be a Jew, you are born a Jew. To be a Christian you can convert. To be a Muslim you are also born, speak a Arabic and are taught to believe the way a Muslim believes.
With all three religions, there are in most cases, religious clothing that is worn among the dedicated members or tribes. There are also buildings, temples or churches to which its followers go to for worship. All religions believe in one or more Gods and all religions believe in living a life dedicated to that God.
Religion Final Question 4
Christine Hayes - Studying the Old Testament -
Contrary to what I would say is popular belief, the ancient near eastern civilization with the most impact on their time was actually the Israelites. They were a population of no consequence during this time. They were a small kingdom that divided into two even lesser kingdoms. During this time there were stronger civilizations. We hear about these through other writings. These other civilizations had their gods as the Israelites had theirs. People and civilizations were conquered often in ancient times. Conquered people would trade their god for the conquerers god. The cultures would inter-marry and entire cultures were lost.
The Israelites had a radical view of god. Their view of an utterly transcendent god with absolute control over history made it possible for some Israelites to interpret even the most tragic and catastrophic events such as the destruction of their capital and the exile of their remaining peoples. This they taught to be part of god’s plan for the Israelites
We find that the traditions of the Bible did not just appear. They have deep roots that go into surrounding lands. She shares the same realization that Crossan does in that the stories of the Bible are actually stories that were taken from another story and retold with a new twist. We also find in the Bible a display of basic discontent with the surrounding cultures.
The presuppositions of the Bible would be dispelled if we read it and studied it. There are many sayings that we use in our lives that we don’t understand where they come from, i.e. - “An eye for an eye.”
THE BIBLE IS NOT...
1 - Bible is not a book. It is a library/anthology
2 - Pious tales - Psychological tales about real people. This is a book about humans and their behaviors. It is not about superhuman people. Real people with real conflicts and desires.
3 - For Children - The Bible is not for children. The subject matter in the Bible are not for naive optimists. The Bible is full of themes and stories that show that the world is cold and crude.
4 - Theology - It is not a book of theology or a manual of religion. Religions have taken stories and spun their own take on them. It is an account of the people of Israel and not an account of the divine
5 - Author - The Bible does not claim to be written by god. The Bible has been transmitted orally and then in written form. It has been revised, censored, edited and adjusted over the years.
The professor expresses her hopes that the class can be purely academic and not a class based on faith. Adhering to the articles of faith of anyone’s religion could present an issue to anyone who is religious and is trying to study the Bible objectively.
Many religions argue over what books can be considered “canons.” Her class is to old incorporate the 24 books that are common in all Bibles. They are contained in the Hebrew Bible. It is also called the Jewish TaNakh.
The Septuagin - The Greek translation of the Bible. This is a version of the Bible that has become more accepted among Christian religions over the years.
The end of the video covers administrative information about the class and where to find course books/information.
Religion Final Question 5 -
1 - Judaism At A Glance -
This section offers a high level view of Judaism. It points out that Judaism is one of three Abrahamic faiths, Christianity and Islam are the others. Judaism originated in the Middle East approximately 3,500 years ago. Judaism was founded by Moses but can be traced all the way back to Abraham. Jews believe that they are a people with a covenant with the Lord. Their most important religious text is contained in the Torah. They worship in synagogues and are taught by rabbis.
2 - Beliefs -
This section has many different subsections that express the beliefs of Judaism. The article describes the Jewish faith as one where a personal relationship with god is possible. Even though a personal relationship with god is possible, the Jewish faith focuses on the community and not the individual. Together they are bound by their faith. The Jewish faith also centers around the family. There are events in which a family can celebrate a stage in the life of their child, i.e. a circumcision. Family meals are also encouraged.
Becoming a Jew is not easy if you were not born Jewish. If you were to leave Judaism for another faith, you would still be considered a Jew. Interesting how one cannot “rid” themselves of their Jewish ties if one choses another faith or lifestyle. Like we have learned reading about Catholicism, there are Jews and Ultra-Orthodox Jews. Ultra-Orthodox or haredi Jews are those who align themselves strictly to the Jewish faith.
Jews have many different views of god. Here are a few: he is transcendent, he does not have a body, he is omnipotent and omnipresent.
Clive Lawton offers a 17-year-old perspective on Jesus through the eyes of a Jew. He describes the thoughts and understanding of Judaism and Christianity at such a young age. He describes how for many Christians it is hard to question Jesus or to acknowledge Muhammed. That is because it is not a central teaching of Christianity. That also applies to the relationship of Jews and Jesus.
Another subsection to Beliefs is about converting to Judaism. It is pretty intense. When one converts to Judaism, they embrace the culture and history of the Jews. One does not only study the doctrine, but they must be approved by a Jewish court to be considered a true convert. There are also two ritualistic requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to fully convert to Judaism. For males they need to be circumcised. If they are already circumcised, a drop of blood is drawn to symbolize the circumcision. The next ritual is that of immersion in a Jewish ritual bath (mikveh) while the corresponding prayers and performed. Inside Judaism, there are some who do not accept converts to Judaism. It is an ongoing “battle” between the orthodox and non-orthodox Jews. This subsection also lines out the major things that need to take place prior to becoming a Jewish convert.
3 - Customs
This section describes what the Sabbath is for the Jewish community. It outlines some of the customs that occur on the Sabbath. One of these customs is eating three meals, one of which must include bread. For men, prayer includes an added bonus. Men where a box called a tefillin around their arm and forehead during morning weekday prayers. This box contains scriptures from Deuteronomy and Exodus. This tefillin is only constructed by the approval of a rabbi.
Eruvs are areas where Jews may pass the Sabbath. In these areas they are permitted to carry certain objects. Outside of these areas they are not allowed to carry any object. These Eruvs must be completely enclosed by natural means and provide a way for Jews to keep the Sabbath holy in their eyes. Keep in mind that eruvs are areas for the orthodox Jews to pass their Sabbath. In the United Kingdom there is a little controversy surrounding these eruvs and if they should be permitted.
Orthodox Jewish men are identified as those who wear a kippah or yarmulke on the crown of their heads. This offers a signs of devoutness to god and the faith. These skull caps offer an outward expression to the world of their faith.
4 - History
Judaism has roots that are very deep. They are central to the Old Testament and this continues through the Bronze Age. Judaism is a very structured religion with ties to Saul, David and Solomon. Around 920 BCE there was an event that split the Jewish people into groups. Around 600 BCE Jews were exiled to Babylon. Around 300 BCE Jews began to grow in numbers and strengthen. Also at this time the King of Syria desecrated their temple and laws were established to eliminate the Jews in the area. This created a revolution that is the reason behind the celebration of Hanukkah. Years 1 through present day CE the Jews have been tried and tested. They have overcome all odds with corrupt leaders and are still a large religion to this day.
There are two covenants that the Jews believe god has made with them. The first is when a male is circumcised. This is a symbol of the first covenant that god made with abraham. The second covenant is with the people as a whole, not the individual. This section also describes the importance of several Jewish prophets, i.e. Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, David and Joseph. This section also describes how the Jews were exiled from Britain and have since celebrated over 350 years since their return.
5 - Holocaust
This section talks about how starting in the 1930’s the prejudices against the Jews become stronger over time. These prejudices included banning Jews from parks and schools. In 1939 the execution of the Jews began with the Nazis taking away the handicapped children and using them as guinea pigs in their euthanasia program. As time progressed, so did the methods of execution. Jews were round up into ghetto housing and some died in these housing units due to the living conditions and lack of nourishment. Despite all these horrible acts, there were many charitable acts that people did to help the Jews during this time. Kindertransport is one of those things that many people contributed to to ensure the safety of Jewish children. Although many men, women and children did perish during the holocaust, many did survive through these hardships.
Yom Hashoah is a day that is set aside each year to commemorate the holocaust. Candles are lit and memorial events are held throughout the world. In Israel a siren sounds for two minutes and all activity stops in order to show respect to the people who lost their lives during the holocaust.
6 - Holy Days
Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur are days recognized by the Jews for repentance. Jews can seek out those they have offended and apologize. Jews do not believe that it is up to them to forgive. They believe that power is in god’s hands only. Tashlich is the ceremony where their sins are cast away.
The Passover is a story found in Exodus. This is a commemoration of the ten plagues and god sparing the Jews. They partake of a meal of unleavened bread, bitter herbs while dipping their food in a liquid and while sitting in a reclined position. These four items serve the purpose of recalling the time of the exodus.
Shavuot is to commemorate when the Jews received the Torah on Mount Sinai. This traditionally coincides with the Christian festival of the Pentecost.
Tisha B’av is a solemn occasion that falls some time in July or August that commemorates all the tragedies that have befallen the Jews over the years. It is observed through prayer and fasting.
Hanukkah is the festival of lights used to commemorate the Jew’s struggle for religious freedom. Potato pancakes and deep fried doughnuts are traditional food for this time. A customary game for this time is the dreidel. Gifts are also given.
Purim is a time to commemorate when the Jews lived in Persia and were saved from extermination by Esther. This is a time of celebration. The story of Esther is read and noise is made when the name of Haman is read.
Sukkot is what is celebrated to commemorate the time the Jews spent away from the promised land. Sukkot is translated to mean hut. Jews are encouraged at this time to live in huts or in their own residence.
Tu B’Shevat is the “New Year for Trees.” Jewish tradition forbids partaking of the fruit of a tree the first four years after it is planted. The fourth year the fruit is given as a tithe. This celebrates the blessing of the tree bearing fruit.
7 - Ethics
The Jews, I understand, to have a conservative stance on abortion. It is reviewed on a case by case basis. It is acceptable if life of the mother or the fetus is in jeopardy or if it is a result of incest or rape. Any other situation would need to be reviewed. Just getting an abortion due to negligence is not permitted.
The Jews are not in favor of living “an eye for an eye.” The Torah does teach this, however Jews seek alternate forms of retribution for offenses.
Contraception is an interesting topic for the Jews. Birth control methods, such as the pill, are encouraged for women. Men are discouraged from using any form of birth control as to not “waste the seed.” Couples are encouraged to multiply and replenish the earth.
The Jews have an interesting stance on war. It is permissible at times. These times include self defense, when all efforts at making peace were made, obligatory wars and defensive wars.
Jews also have a defined way on preparing/killing animals for human consumption. A shochet is a person that is trained in the correct method of slaughtering an animal. The animal has its throat slashed with a chalaf or sharp knife. The animal is allow to bleed and is inspected for evidence of suffering. If this in not performed correctly, the meat is not declared as kosher.
Jews believe in the sacredness of life and do not support any methods by which any person takes a life, even if it is their own. The decision to end one’s life is god’s decision and his alone. This belief results in the encouragement of organ donation to continue life for another if someone passes on.
8 - People
Abraham is regarded as the patriarch of the Jewish faith. He is responsible for Jews worshipping only one god. Isaiah was one of the prophets of old that prophesied of many events that were to transpire. Not much is known about him but some argue that the book of Isaiah is not entirely his work, but a compilation of many authors.
Moses did many things for the Jews. A few of these things are bringing the Jews out of bondage, bringing the ten commandments and teaching the Jews their faith. Joshua succeeded Moses when he passed on. Joshua is responsible for destroying the city of Jericho not by violence but by faith alone.
Joseph is a fun story because they made a musical about it. Joseph is an example to the Jews for his obedience and the guidance he provided to the pharaoh to preserve Egypt during the famine. David is an example to the Jews from an early age. He becomes king and starts bringing a relationship with god into society. David brings the Ark of the Covenant to the center of the city so a place of worship is established. He made the heart of the city the heart of worship.
9 - Rites
One rite is that of circumcision for boys. This takes place during the initiation ceremony called Brit Milah. Typically men attend this and this ceremony is to commemorate the covenant god made with Abraham. At this ceremony the baby boy is also given his name.
The other rite is that of the wedding. Weddings can take place on any day except the Sabbath. That is between sundown on friday to sundown on saturday. A week before the wedding it is customary for the groom to have a party called Ufruf while the bride participates in a ritual bath called a Mikveh. They are wed under a canopy called a chupa, traditionally with the groom in a black suit and the bride in a modest white dress. The couple fasts before they are wed and after the wedding, during the ceremony, 7 glasses of wine are drunk to signify god’s creation of the world in 7 days. The ceremony ends by the groom stepping on a glass.
10 - Subdivisions
Conservative Judaism - This falls half-way between orthodox Jews and reformed Jews. This is also called Judaism without the fundamentalism.
Liberal Judaism - This form of Judaism tries to make everyone equal. For example woman have essentially no limitations with regards to position in the church. They can be rabbis if that is what they chose.
Orthodox Judaism - These are Jews that are strict observers of the laws of Judaism.
Reform Judaism - This is a relaxed form of Judaism where services are not entirely in Hebrew anymore. English is permitted for understanding of the members.
Humanistic Judaism - They dont believe that there is no god, they just go on without one. It is more about Judaism being a culture and not just a religion.
Modern Orthodoxy - This is the union of Orthodoxy and accepting modern desires to be part of the world but not of the world.
11 - Texts
The Talmud is a written text containing the oral law of the Jews. This can be broken down to 6 sections. Seeds, festival, women, damages, holy things and purities. The Torah is the first part of the Jewish Bible. Throughout the week small portions of the Torah are read. God gave Moses the oral law and he relayed this to the people.
12 - Worship
Prayers are offered up a minimum of 3 times per day. There are many different prayers for many different occasions that can be said. In some synagogues men and women are separated (Orthodox) and in others they can sit together (reformed). Women typically cover their heads and men don kippahs. There are readings and prayers in this service. Jews are encouraged to meditate and internalize the teachings. This will help them become more pure.
Religion Final Question 6 -
I would argue that the main argument to False Testament is that of skepticism to the Bible being anything more than a compilation of good stories. He provides a lot of information and studies that back up this argument. Here are a few.
He states that, “Judaism appears to have been the product not of some dark and nebulous period of early history but of a more modern age of big-power politics in which every nation aspired to the imperial greatness of a Babylon or an Egypt.” After reading from him, Crossan and watching the Yale lecture on the Old Testament it makes me wonder if the Bible is precisely this; a political battlefield. These other readings/videos have done nothing more than back up this claim to a small town trying to hang with the bigger cities and their power.
In addition to speaking on the actual time and place that biblical cultures lived in comparison to what research shows and refutes (ie. The exodus never happened. That is backed up by mounting evidence such as border defenses or lack of camp sites), he also speaks about biblical figures. Given the knowledge we have today about Israelite origin, research leads us to believe that a character such as Abraham never existed. Crossan and the professor in the Christine Hayes video acknowledges this also. Bible stories can be just reiterations of stories that were told years prior but told in a way that would be more appealing to the current followers.
David is another example of someone that could possibly not have existed. We read about David and his insatiable habits and desires. He drank from the most exquisite of goblets and had the finest things made from all sorts of precious metals. In all the years of research, not one goblet or artifact has ever been recovered to argue his existence.
He is able to boldly state this due to his research concluding that the Israelites are now thought to be a culture developed on the west side of the Jordan River rather than that “band of invaders” that battled their way into the Holy Land. Christine Hayes explains the size of Israel very well in her lecture on the Old Testament. The Bible is written in the perspective of an Israelite. This perspective could have been biased. The perspective could have been one that is similar to a fishing story. The fish is never as big as told by the fisherman.
Using those few examples it is easy to understand why it would be called False Testament. He is arguing that the Bible might just be a compilation of stories. Nothing more. Some of the characters could be nothing more than fictional accounts taking material from other stories.
Religion Final Question 7 -
I elected to answer question #6 in lieu of this question.
Religion Final Question 8 -
Christianity, as we know, is centered around the belief in Christ. Christ, Smith states, was born somewhere around 4 B.C. in Palestine and grew up in Nazareth. As he grew he began to preach among the people. His teachings for many were too radical for that time. Christians believe that he was crucified and resurrected on the third day. It was not until after his ascension that his popularity grew and Christianity took hold of many individuals.
Christianity struggled after Jesus departed and left the Apostles to run the show. The Romans we not too fond of them and they struggled until 313 A.D. It was at this time that Christianity was finally recognized as a religion and had equal rights with other religions in the Roman empire. This church/faith stayed single until approximately 1054. This is the year that the church/faith divided from the Roman Catholic Church to the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. There was another division of the faith when the Western Church and Protestant Church were formed around the 16th century.
Over time, the Roman Catholic Church formed in part because of the members wanting someone to define the truth and error to the teachings. This helped lead to the establishment of the doctrine of papal infallibility. He would offer the guidance and answers that the members needed. The Church also established the Sacraments to help the members learn the doctrine and practice the doctrine.
The Eastern Orthodox Church broke from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054. Although they are different, they share more than they differ. Some of these doctrinal differences lie with the items that the Catholics believe are developments to the Bible, whereas the Orthodox believe they are simply additions. Eastern Orthodox believe that through the Church they can attain salvation. That is only if the individual is working to save not only themselves, but the entire Church.
The hardest split to understand is the split of the Protestant Church from the Roman Catholic Church. There are many outside factors to consider, however faith and the Protestant principle encouraged their split in the 16th century. The movements of the heart, mind and will are what makeup the Protestant faith principle. The Protestant Principle, as Smith states, “Philosophically, it warns against absolutizing the relative. Theologically, it warns against idolatry.”
All these religions formed as a result of individuals and then groups questioning the “group-think” of their own religion. They all have a common belief in Christ, they just differ in how they believe He should be worshiped.
Who Wrote the Bible
Lawrence Schiffman states how one can notice the human interference in the Torah.
Questioning the Bible/Torah and where it came from is a taboo topic among the religions that use this text.
It is believed that the Bible first started through sharing stories and genealogies around campfires.
The Old and New Testament comprise the Bible. The Apocrypha is sometimes included as an addendum to the Bible.
The Dead Sea Scrolls is a crucial discovery of ancient text that “backs up” the Bible. Many of these documents are those that are included in the Bible. Several of the manuscripts are different renditions of each other. They give the example of the Book of Samuel and how it is better and longer in the scroll version because many copies were in circulation. On the other side, the Book of Jeremiah is worse.
There was a scroll that was written on copper, suggesting that it was kept in the temple due to the temple having the nicer things of the world. The scrolls were probably hidden by a group of people who did not intend to leave these treasures hidden for long.
There have been discoveries leading people to believe that the Torah was not entirely written by Moses. For example, how could he write about his own death? It could have been him writing or it could have been written by Joshua.
There are portions of the Bible that are called “doublets.” There are stories that use one name of God and a doublet of the same story using another name of God. Something must have been going on.
The early European translation of the Hebrew Bible is the reason that Jehovah is used in lieu of Yahweh
The video starts to share the story of David and Solomon of the Bible. One of which was the separation of the two kingdoms and the formation of Judah and Israel. This division created a priest in each Kingdom. These priest begin to keep records for the Church and essentially both priests are writing the same history. This is possibly the reason for having the same stories written a different way. The Assyrians conquered the north kingdom and corrupted many teachings.
Josiah is reminded of how there should only be one god and many other laws. Josiah starts a cleansing due to his acknowledgement of the laws found in Deuteronomy. Isaiah is the book that describes the coming of a Messiah
Modern Jewish belief is that the Torah is the word of God written entirely by Moses. Questioning this belief to some Jews believe that this is questioning the divinity of God.
One of the gentlemen in the video spends some time defining the Bible and visiting the Holy Land while doing so. One thing I found interesting was that people go to Jerusalem and try to re-create the walk that Jesus made with a cross on his back. They actually carry a cross in the streets.
Egypt has proven to be one of the best places for these ancient texts to survive the elements due to its dry heat. Many manuscripts have been found here. That includes the discovery of the oldest piece of the New Testament written on papyrus.
Researchers have identified that the Bible has been written by many scribes. The stories of the scribes/writers of the Bible are not all written or found.
Religion Final Question 9 -
Quoting my post #7 from week 4, “Gnosticism is many things. That is because there is no set “religion” or “leader” defining its principles. There are many schools of thought; four of those being Marcion, Basilides, Valentinus and Mani. The Gnostic movement pulls from Zoroastrianism, Judaism, neo-Platonism, Christianity, possibly Hinduism and other mystical philosophies. Of these philosophies, Christianity and Gnosticism seem to be associated together more often. Those who were Christian and Gnostic claimed to have the “truth” in the teachings of Jesus. Many did not like this and felt as though this union of Christianity and Gnosticism was a destructive force to the faith. In fact, as the movement progressed, any thought of Gnosticism was condemned and thought of as heresy. It is because of the charge of heresy that writings of Gnosticism are not to be found at this time. They have been destroyed.
Gnosticism was not and is not limited to Christianity. Gnostics can also be found in Judaism. However, it is thought by Birger Peasron, and expert in Gnostic studies, that Jewish Gnosticism is not recognizable as part of Judaism as Christianity is with Gnosticism. He also believes and teaches that the Gnostic movement was a way for those who were Christian and Gnostic to become part of Christian circles/communities. This was accomplished by sharing “secrets” of the “true” teachings of Jesus. These “secrets” are the reason to skeptic’s belief that Jesus Christ came into play as a savior figure.
Many Gnostics have reversed the roles of “good” and “evil” in Christian teachings claiming to have a “deeper meaning” to the teachings. For example, the story of the creation found in the Bible; god, being the creator, is thought of to be of evil origin, therefore creation is evil. This is one example of Christian teachings that have been “undermined” by Gnostic beliefs.”
Tim Callahan asserts that Christianity prevailed through Roman history for three main factors: “1 - the broad base of its appeal to those searching for what was lacking in Rome’s state religion; 2 - acceptance of all people of whatever social station, race, or gender; 3 - its belief that the Kingdom of God was at hand.”
He continues to describe how there were also many other alternate religions that flourished during the Roman era. There were three main aspects that these alternate religions appealing to those who were searching during this time: “1 - a god who transcended the material cosmos and stood separate from it, 2 - a muth of bodily triumph over physical death, and 3 - a rigorous code of ethics.” Christianity was the only belief system at the time that offered all three.
Christianity also seemed to prevail due to strength in numbers. Other belief systems were possibly “choked out” or “suffocated” due to the over-bearing population of Christians. Another key factor to its survival is due to its apocalyptical beliefs. Why would Christians revolt against a system that they know is going to be replaced when the world is destroyed?
After viewing both of these texts, I believe that gnosticism has failed for a few reasons. My number one reason for believing it has not succeeded is due to there being no “head” or “director” to follow. Even though its principles can offer new insight to doctrinal principles, there is no organization to follow. Many people crave being told what to do and what to believe. It makes life easier being a lemming for many. Few want to stand out or make decisions that could possibly alienate themselves from society. The second reason I believe it has not taken hold of many is because of the many controversial teachings that go against mainstream beliefs. There are similar beliefs, but it is almost as though it is like a relationship of a parent with a child. No matter what the parent tries to tell the child, the child will do the opposite.
Religion Final Question 10 -
John Dominic Crossan brings to light for me a question that I have never asked. He question goes something like this, with the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, why would we ever question the story of Jesus? He argues that most people who read/study the Bible and the four gospels, they are reviewed in a vertical and consecutive manner. Reading the Bible this way gives the opinion that the gospels are in harmony and unity, one with another. Crossan contends that the gospels need to be read and studied using a horizontal and comparative manner. By doing this one will find disagreement among the gospel records.
He provides an example of the existence of another gospel, the Gospel of Thomas. This writing does not identify itself as a gospel until the end. This writing is more or less a quote book of what Jesus said during his ministry. There is no order to this and it is completely void of any miracles, deeds, account of the resurrection or the crucifixion. Crossan argues, that since there is another gospel, there could be other gospels. In addition to this belief, he argues that this gospel, due to its lack of organization or stories was not aloud to join the other four gospels in the Bible. It was more of a secret work due to its different style in writing.
Crossan locate the “hostorical Jesus” through three vectors and using triangulation to identify him. These three vectors are 1 - Cross-cultural anthropology, 2 - Greco-Roman and Jewish history and 3 - Literary or texts. Cross-cultural anthropology is searching for what is common between one society at one point in history with another society at a different point in history. By searching history to know the ins and outs of the cultures during those time periods we are eliminating Jesus from the equation. We are creating a methodology that permits study of cultures without creating a biased opinion of Jesus.
Greco-Roman and Jewish history has to be reviewed in order to understand what was going on around the time of Jesus. We look at the Jewish and Greco-Roman history together because the Jews were under Roman rule during this time in history. Crossan particularly likes the historian Josephus and his separate and parallel accounts of this period.
The final vector to Crossan’s method is the literary or textual vector. In this vector one needs to look at all writings from this era that are found in the New Testament and whatever gospels that are not found in the New Testament. In doing this, one can analyze the things found in and out of the New Testament better. At times there are things blatantly not included in the New Testament that are found in the other gospels not found in the New Testament. Using this method, one can more objectively study the historical Jesus.
Now that all this information has been compiled, one needs to start “peeling back the layers” as Crossan says. He also states that it is important for one to start where there are multiple accounts of an event or action. Singular accounts can be true, but how does one verify them? Especially an event or action that has taken place approximately 2,000 years ago. By using this method, it may not prove the exact truth, but it builds a strong case against proving whatever was discovered false.
The following is the summary of the videos that I provided for post 12.
“Video 1 - Death of Jesus - He discusses here how the four gospels seem to rely entirely on one writer, Mark. Mark appears to be relying on the Old Testament. He is not questioning the history of Jesus, he is focusing on the elements of the history of Jesus. There are echos of his story in the Old Testament. It seems as though the overall story is modeled after the Old Testament. Behind the story of Jesus is layers of Old Testament text that has been formed into a narrative story.
Video 2 - Methodology - Cross-cultural anthropology involves many things. The major items are power and privilege. This creates a large discrepancy between the peasants and the elites. In a traditional agrarian society the elites take the surplus of the peasants. In a commercialized/industrialized agrarian society the elites take the land from the peasants. Taking the land makes it easier for the elites to take control of the peasants. This control basically destroys the lifestyle of the peasants.
Video 3 - Compassion and Jesus - Violence is something that plagues the world. Crossan describes how Jesus is not a god of violence. He describes how he says to Pilate that “His kingdom is not of this world.” He describes how if Jesus had his kingdom in this world that his people would be here and there would be no violence. He argues that since God is not a violent god, therefore we should also be non-violent. This is a radical claim because as we know, man is violent.
Video 4 - Fundamentalism - Literalism is someone who takes everything in the Bible literally. Anything that could be taken literally should be taken literally. Fundamentalists say that if you don’t take it literally you’re not Christian. And if you say it shouldn’t be taken literally you are an anti-Christian. He states that there is a “genocidal germ” that exists in fundamentalism. He states how we would need to kill all the people who don’t know the truth or think like we do so that the truth could be preserved and believed. He uses Hitler’s book “Mien Kampf” as an example. Hitler called the Jews a disease and a plague. This led someone to think that we need to eliminate the disease or plague. Thus the holocaust was born.”
Religion Final Question 11 -
Differences between Matthew and Luke with regards to the birth narrative of Jesus. There are little inconsistencies with the two gospel’s versions of the time leading up to his birth with regards to where they were living or visiting before the birth of Jesus.
In order to make the story of his birth work with history, many parts would need to be “fudged” to make the story work.
The trial of Jesus also has its inconsistencies. Mr. Martin introduces the historical knowledge that in that period Romans crucified Jewish trouble-makers without any trial all the time. Was Jesus silent during his trial or did he have dialogue with Pilate? Mr. Martin argues that the Apostles (peasants of that time) would not have been at the trial. They would not have walked into Pilate’s “office” because of their status in society.
He brings up the point of how scholars speaking of the Historical Jesus can be detrimental to Christians and anti-Christians. Speaking to the Christians about the inconsistencies is borderline taking the carpet from right under their feet while the anti-Christians would take this same information and say to any believer that they are foolish for believing such things. Either way, Mr. Martin says both sides would be wrong. History leads us to believe certain things happened certain ways; however we cannot be certain how things actually happened.
Mr. Martin does assert that good scholars in fact believe that Jesus did exist. They are not asserting his miracles and other event happen. They are only agreeing to his existence.
The past is non-existent. All we can experience are different accounts of the past. We can only construct a historical Jesus using the information that we have been provided through our available records.
The title “King of the Jews” is a title that Mr. Martin expresses to be one that was given to Jesus years after his ministry was over.
Mr. Martin discusses 3 main rules to the Historical Jesus.
1 - Multiple Attestations - “More than 1 independent source that has a saying or an event about Jesus.”
2 - Dissimilarity - “When you find something in an early Christian source that seems to go against the very inclinations of the source, it is more likely to be historical.”
3 - Social Coherence - When you see something that would fit/not fit into the life of Jesus.
I believe that Mr. Martin and Mr. Crossan would get along very well. I believe that Crossan’s research methodology is very similart to the of Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin’s method of research falls into Mr. Crossan’s vector of literary or texts. Mr. Martin focuses on the actual writings that are from that time period and studies them in a horizontal way similar to that of Mr. Crossan’s. Mr. Crossan’s method may provide more depth than the method of Mr. Martin due to Mr. Crossan’s study of social studies and history from that era.
Major World Religions Final
February 18, 2011
13 PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS:
1. Jason Ruys
2. Jason Ruys
3. jruys@student.mtsac.edu
4. How many posts did you complete after the midterm?
Week 4
Post 7 - 2/9/11 2:19 PM
Post 8 - 2/2/11 8:58 PM
Week 5
Post 9 - 2/14/11 9:24 PM
Post 10 - 2/14/11 9:25 PM
Week 6
Post 11 - 2/15/11 7:37 PM
Post 12 - 2/15/11 8:25 PM
Interactive/Current Event Post - 2/18/11 8:26 PM
5. What reading did you complete in full in this course thus far? Be specific?
Week 4
The Gnostic Mystery
Chapter 6 – Smith Book
The Koran
Islam websites
Karen Armstrong interview
Week 5
Chapter 7 – Smith Book
BBC Website on Judaism
False Testament
Week 6
Triumph of Christianity
Chapter 8 – Smith Book
Biblical Scholarship - Crossan
6. New Testament
7. Out of all the reading that you were assigned what reading would you recommend for future world religions classes? The Koran. It would offer a better understanding to Islamic beliefs and it would help fix a stereotype that exists towards this religion.
Which books? which articles? which chapters? is there reading that you would absolutely not recommend? why? False Testament. I would not recommend this reading to anyone who is Christian. It does offer insight that maybe the Bible isn’t all that factual after all. The thing that it lacks is the how and the why to many of the arguments.
I am very interested in your response to Huston Smith's book....did this book work for you for an online class? Honestly, no. Yes, it offered more knowledge but everything else was online. 8. Films: List all of the films you watched in week 4-6. Do you have a favorite and why? Did you skip any films and which ones?
Week 4
Islam video 1
Week 5
Judaism video
Ricky Gervais video was removed…
Yale Lecture – Studying the Old Testament
Week 6
Who Wrote the Bible
Yale Lecture – Historical Jesus
Crossan Videos
9. What field trip did you complete? Where and when? Did you attend a service there?
February 5, my wife and I went to the Hindu Temple of Las Vegas and witnessed the Sri Balaji Abhishekam service. “Abhishekam is the process of bathing the deity. The Moorthi of Sri Balaji is cleansed with Water and Milk, followed by devotee recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranam and finally Arhana is performed.”
10. Which Religious Literature did you complete this term? (make sure to have completed at least four total for the semester; place this on your website under religious literature; this will make up part of your course grade)
Tao
Analects of Confucius
The Koran
Pali Buddha
11. Did you complete any extra credit in the course thus far? Be specific. (Make sure to include all extra credit in the e.c. section of your website.)
12. Please list what "grade" you received on your midterm examination. Was there any material you were asked to MAKEUP and did you? Include the makeup work on your website and clearly label it!
I believe that I was given a high B with the possibility of a low A.
I was instructed to write more about Confucius and place it under the makeup work label on my website.
13. Of all of the religions we studied this term, which religion (outside of your own; Eastern or Western) impacted you the most and explain in depth why? Offer personal insights how this alternative philosophy changes your thinking in some way.
Jainism is one religion that stood out to me more than the others. This is probably due to the field trip to one of their temples. I was intrigued by the worshipping methods of this people. I was also intrigued to learn more about them while writing my paper. They are a unique and peaceful people. Using their teachings would really help bring peace to this crazy world.
Religion Final Question 1 -
Muslim’s believe that it is through the great prophet Muhammad that Islam reached its definitive form. There is no other greater prophet than The Seal of the Prophet: Muhammad. He was born into the leading tribe or Mecca in 570 A.D., and was his name means, “highly praised.” We are told the angles of God opened his heart and filled it with light. His parents died while he was young so his uncle raised him. He married at the age of 35 to a woman named Khadija. Being mature for his age, Muhammad was a businessman and with his prudence and integrity he impressed Khadija which lead to a long life of love for the couple. After 15 years, Muhammad frequented a cave often to ponder and seek solitude. That is when his ministry began. Allah, the Muslim’s God, the only God, spoke to Muhammad and the perhaps the greatest phrase in the Arabic language was discovered: La ilaha illa ‘llah! There is no god but God. Muhammad continued to meditate and pray to Allah, receiving inspiration and direction for the Meccan people.
The Koran or God’s “standing miracle” is, in the eyes of Islam, the most grammatically perfect book that defies belief. It was through Muhammad that this book was produced. Over 23 years, Muhammad received direction on what the book should say and the contents the book should hold. For this reason, the words are most often times uttered out of the mouth of Muslims when speaking about Muhammad, “blessings and peace be upon him.”
Muslims believe there is only one god: The God Allah. It is through him that everything is done. Muslims are a god-fearing people but his compassion and mercy are cited in the Koran 192 times while his wrath and vengeance is cited 17 times. Muslims believe that it is Allah who created the world. It is also believed that the human self is entitled to self-respect and healthy self image. Though Allah is the only god, the true, one and only god it is not him who performs the final judgment. The Koran states that souls judge themselves. Speaking of the final judgment, “...it is one’s own actions that rise up to accuse or confirm.”
Islam counsels to lead a clean life full of integrity and good works. The Koran states that Muslims are to walk the straight path. The 5 main beliefs of Islam are: There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet, to keep life in perspective, charity, ramadan, and the pilgrimage. Muslims are counseled to not drink alcohol, steal or gamble. Sexual impurity is a sin. They are counseled to not eat a lot of meat. They pray five times a day: upon rising, afternoon, mid-day, sunset and before retiring.
The film narrated by Ben Kingsley was very interesting and educational. There was nothing in there that was new to me on Islam, but it was enjoyable to watch. There is such a difference in reading and in watching and I learned a lot in this film. It was neat to hear other experts’ opinions of Islam, Muhammad and the beliefs of Muslims. I enjoyed watching this video.
Religion Final Question 2 -
In every religion there are groups or parties that drift away from the essential truths of that certain religion. Within Islam there are three main branches that have divided into separate groups: Sunnis, shi’its and Sufis, or the mystics of Islam. The Sufis are a dedicated, spiritual people who are devoted to worshipping Allah in a different way than the majority of Muslims. After Muhammad died, a group of Muslims were drawn to the spiritual side of the Koran and started wearing wool garments, hence the name, suf, meaning wool. They were also drawn to the idea of doing more to worship Allah. To them there was an inward side and an outward side. To worship more, they developed three routes: mysticism of love, ecstasy and of intuitive discernment. Mysticism of love is often used as words or poetry. Ecstasy is described as being in a different physical state or a state of drunkenness. These two routes lead to the third route which can be described as mental knowledge.
Sufis may be described as taking the average Islamic idea a little farther. For example, when entered into a Mosque, one removes his shoes. The mystical idea would be to remove all clothing. Muslims believe that, “There is no god but God” but he mystical idea would be, “There is nothing but God.”
My wife visited Turkey a few years ago and had the experience of witnessing The Whirling Dervishes. She said it was one of the most unbelievable and awe inspiring things she’s ever seen. She sat in a room for one hour, watching men twirl around in organized, drifting circles as they went to a different place physically and spiritually to worship Allah. She had a new appreciation for Islam when she left that country.
Karen Armstrong is a humorous and very intriguing woman. She has done her studies and seems to know a lot about Catholicism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. In speaking about The Sufi Movement she says, “...when you had encountered God, you were neither a Jew, a Christian, a Muslim...” She goes on to talk about how you were in any church belonging to any religion because they all come from God and when you meet God, you’ve left everything behind. What she finds appealing about Islam is its pluralism. She likes how the Koran praises all the prophets of the past. She talked about Muhammad and how he was sent to the Arabs to fulfill his divine mission. She is very interested in the fact that there are so many similarities between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. When she was in Jerusalem she regained her love for religion and what religion was trying to do.
Religion Final Question 3 -
There are many thought provoking similarities between Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It is very interesting to learn about how they broke off into their own beliefs that ended in their own religions. These three religions have many of their own branches that have differing beliefs but as a whole they have many things in common. They all believe in one God. They all believe in doing what they believe is right. They all believe in charity, doing good to all men, living a healthy and virtuous life, a life here-after and in prophets. However, there are many simple but drastic differences to them all. Here are a few examples.
Islam and Christianity believe the Bible up to a certain point. In the Book of Genesis, God created the world. Adam and Eve were the first humans on the earth. They had children which led to Noah who had a son named Shem. The children of Shem led to Abraham. Abraham married Sarah and the had a son named Isaac. Abraham also married another woman named Hagar who had a son named Ishmael. Sarah then commanded that Hagar and her son Ishmael be cast out. Up to this point the Koran and the Bible agree. According to the Koran, Ishmael left and went to Mecca where his descendants are Muslim. Isaac stayed in Palestine and his descendants were later Jews.
Islam and Judaism pray multiple times a day. Muslims pray five times a day while Jews pray three times a day and four on holidays. For both religions there is a set recited prayer. For Christians there is not set schedule, time or amount to which a prayer should be said. Christians also pray freely, saying what they want.
Islam and Judaism believe that Abraham was a good prophet who had sons. Judaism believes that God told Abraham that his posterity will be long on the Earth. Islam doesn’t talk about Abraham’s posterity in the Koran.
To be a Jew, you are born a Jew. To be a Christian you can convert. To be a Muslim you are also born, speak a Arabic and are taught to believe the way a Muslim believes.
With all three religions, there are in most cases, religious clothing that is worn among the dedicated members or tribes. There are also buildings, temples or churches to which its followers go to for worship. All religions believe in one or more Gods and all religions believe in living a life dedicated to that God.
Religion Final Question 4
Christine Hayes - Studying the Old Testament -
Contrary to what I would say is popular belief, the ancient near eastern civilization with the most impact on their time was actually the Israelites. They were a population of no consequence during this time. They were a small kingdom that divided into two even lesser kingdoms. During this time there were stronger civilizations. We hear about these through other writings. These other civilizations had their gods as the Israelites had theirs. People and civilizations were conquered often in ancient times. Conquered people would trade their god for the conquerers god. The cultures would inter-marry and entire cultures were lost.
The Israelites had a radical view of god. Their view of an utterly transcendent god with absolute control over history made it possible for some Israelites to interpret even the most tragic and catastrophic events such as the destruction of their capital and the exile of their remaining peoples. This they taught to be part of god’s plan for the Israelites
We find that the traditions of the Bible did not just appear. They have deep roots that go into surrounding lands. She shares the same realization that Crossan does in that the stories of the Bible are actually stories that were taken from another story and retold with a new twist. We also find in the Bible a display of basic discontent with the surrounding cultures.
The presuppositions of the Bible would be dispelled if we read it and studied it. There are many sayings that we use in our lives that we don’t understand where they come from, i.e. - “An eye for an eye.”
THE BIBLE IS NOT...
1 - Bible is not a book. It is a library/anthology
2 - Pious tales - Psychological tales about real people. This is a book about humans and their behaviors. It is not about superhuman people. Real people with real conflicts and desires.
3 - For Children - The Bible is not for children. The subject matter in the Bible are not for naive optimists. The Bible is full of themes and stories that show that the world is cold and crude.
4 - Theology - It is not a book of theology or a manual of religion. Religions have taken stories and spun their own take on them. It is an account of the people of Israel and not an account of the divine
5 - Author - The Bible does not claim to be written by god. The Bible has been transmitted orally and then in written form. It has been revised, censored, edited and adjusted over the years.
The professor expresses her hopes that the class can be purely academic and not a class based on faith. Adhering to the articles of faith of anyone’s religion could present an issue to anyone who is religious and is trying to study the Bible objectively.
Many religions argue over what books can be considered “canons.” Her class is to old incorporate the 24 books that are common in all Bibles. They are contained in the Hebrew Bible. It is also called the Jewish TaNakh.
The Septuagin - The Greek translation of the Bible. This is a version of the Bible that has become more accepted among Christian religions over the years.
The end of the video covers administrative information about the class and where to find course books/information.
Religion Final Question 5 -
1 - Judaism At A Glance -
This section offers a high level view of Judaism. It points out that Judaism is one of three Abrahamic faiths, Christianity and Islam are the others. Judaism originated in the Middle East approximately 3,500 years ago. Judaism was founded by Moses but can be traced all the way back to Abraham. Jews believe that they are a people with a covenant with the Lord. Their most important religious text is contained in the Torah. They worship in synagogues and are taught by rabbis.
2 - Beliefs -
This section has many different subsections that express the beliefs of Judaism. The article describes the Jewish faith as one where a personal relationship with god is possible. Even though a personal relationship with god is possible, the Jewish faith focuses on the community and not the individual. Together they are bound by their faith. The Jewish faith also centers around the family. There are events in which a family can celebrate a stage in the life of their child, i.e. a circumcision. Family meals are also encouraged.
Becoming a Jew is not easy if you were not born Jewish. If you were to leave Judaism for another faith, you would still be considered a Jew. Interesting how one cannot “rid” themselves of their Jewish ties if one choses another faith or lifestyle. Like we have learned reading about Catholicism, there are Jews and Ultra-Orthodox Jews. Ultra-Orthodox or haredi Jews are those who align themselves strictly to the Jewish faith.
Jews have many different views of god. Here are a few: he is transcendent, he does not have a body, he is omnipotent and omnipresent.
Clive Lawton offers a 17-year-old perspective on Jesus through the eyes of a Jew. He describes the thoughts and understanding of Judaism and Christianity at such a young age. He describes how for many Christians it is hard to question Jesus or to acknowledge Muhammed. That is because it is not a central teaching of Christianity. That also applies to the relationship of Jews and Jesus.
Another subsection to Beliefs is about converting to Judaism. It is pretty intense. When one converts to Judaism, they embrace the culture and history of the Jews. One does not only study the doctrine, but they must be approved by a Jewish court to be considered a true convert. There are also two ritualistic requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to fully convert to Judaism. For males they need to be circumcised. If they are already circumcised, a drop of blood is drawn to symbolize the circumcision. The next ritual is that of immersion in a Jewish ritual bath (mikveh) while the corresponding prayers and performed. Inside Judaism, there are some who do not accept converts to Judaism. It is an ongoing “battle” between the orthodox and non-orthodox Jews. This subsection also lines out the major things that need to take place prior to becoming a Jewish convert.
3 - Customs
This section describes what the Sabbath is for the Jewish community. It outlines some of the customs that occur on the Sabbath. One of these customs is eating three meals, one of which must include bread. For men, prayer includes an added bonus. Men where a box called a tefillin around their arm and forehead during morning weekday prayers. This box contains scriptures from Deuteronomy and Exodus. This tefillin is only constructed by the approval of a rabbi.
Eruvs are areas where Jews may pass the Sabbath. In these areas they are permitted to carry certain objects. Outside of these areas they are not allowed to carry any object. These Eruvs must be completely enclosed by natural means and provide a way for Jews to keep the Sabbath holy in their eyes. Keep in mind that eruvs are areas for the orthodox Jews to pass their Sabbath. In the United Kingdom there is a little controversy surrounding these eruvs and if they should be permitted.
Orthodox Jewish men are identified as those who wear a kippah or yarmulke on the crown of their heads. This offers a signs of devoutness to god and the faith. These skull caps offer an outward expression to the world of their faith.
4 - History
Judaism has roots that are very deep. They are central to the Old Testament and this continues through the Bronze Age. Judaism is a very structured religion with ties to Saul, David and Solomon. Around 920 BCE there was an event that split the Jewish people into groups. Around 600 BCE Jews were exiled to Babylon. Around 300 BCE Jews began to grow in numbers and strengthen. Also at this time the King of Syria desecrated their temple and laws were established to eliminate the Jews in the area. This created a revolution that is the reason behind the celebration of Hanukkah. Years 1 through present day CE the Jews have been tried and tested. They have overcome all odds with corrupt leaders and are still a large religion to this day.
There are two covenants that the Jews believe god has made with them. The first is when a male is circumcised. This is a symbol of the first covenant that god made with abraham. The second covenant is with the people as a whole, not the individual. This section also describes the importance of several Jewish prophets, i.e. Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, David and Joseph. This section also describes how the Jews were exiled from Britain and have since celebrated over 350 years since their return.
5 - Holocaust
This section talks about how starting in the 1930’s the prejudices against the Jews become stronger over time. These prejudices included banning Jews from parks and schools. In 1939 the execution of the Jews began with the Nazis taking away the handicapped children and using them as guinea pigs in their euthanasia program. As time progressed, so did the methods of execution. Jews were round up into ghetto housing and some died in these housing units due to the living conditions and lack of nourishment. Despite all these horrible acts, there were many charitable acts that people did to help the Jews during this time. Kindertransport is one of those things that many people contributed to to ensure the safety of Jewish children. Although many men, women and children did perish during the holocaust, many did survive through these hardships.
Yom Hashoah is a day that is set aside each year to commemorate the holocaust. Candles are lit and memorial events are held throughout the world. In Israel a siren sounds for two minutes and all activity stops in order to show respect to the people who lost their lives during the holocaust.
6 - Holy Days
Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur are days recognized by the Jews for repentance. Jews can seek out those they have offended and apologize. Jews do not believe that it is up to them to forgive. They believe that power is in god’s hands only. Tashlich is the ceremony where their sins are cast away.
The Passover is a story found in Exodus. This is a commemoration of the ten plagues and god sparing the Jews. They partake of a meal of unleavened bread, bitter herbs while dipping their food in a liquid and while sitting in a reclined position. These four items serve the purpose of recalling the time of the exodus.
Shavuot is to commemorate when the Jews received the Torah on Mount Sinai. This traditionally coincides with the Christian festival of the Pentecost.
Tisha B’av is a solemn occasion that falls some time in July or August that commemorates all the tragedies that have befallen the Jews over the years. It is observed through prayer and fasting.
Hanukkah is the festival of lights used to commemorate the Jew’s struggle for religious freedom. Potato pancakes and deep fried doughnuts are traditional food for this time. A customary game for this time is the dreidel. Gifts are also given.
Purim is a time to commemorate when the Jews lived in Persia and were saved from extermination by Esther. This is a time of celebration. The story of Esther is read and noise is made when the name of Haman is read.
Sukkot is what is celebrated to commemorate the time the Jews spent away from the promised land. Sukkot is translated to mean hut. Jews are encouraged at this time to live in huts or in their own residence.
Tu B’Shevat is the “New Year for Trees.” Jewish tradition forbids partaking of the fruit of a tree the first four years after it is planted. The fourth year the fruit is given as a tithe. This celebrates the blessing of the tree bearing fruit.
7 - Ethics
The Jews, I understand, to have a conservative stance on abortion. It is reviewed on a case by case basis. It is acceptable if life of the mother or the fetus is in jeopardy or if it is a result of incest or rape. Any other situation would need to be reviewed. Just getting an abortion due to negligence is not permitted.
The Jews are not in favor of living “an eye for an eye.” The Torah does teach this, however Jews seek alternate forms of retribution for offenses.
Contraception is an interesting topic for the Jews. Birth control methods, such as the pill, are encouraged for women. Men are discouraged from using any form of birth control as to not “waste the seed.” Couples are encouraged to multiply and replenish the earth.
The Jews have an interesting stance on war. It is permissible at times. These times include self defense, when all efforts at making peace were made, obligatory wars and defensive wars.
Jews also have a defined way on preparing/killing animals for human consumption. A shochet is a person that is trained in the correct method of slaughtering an animal. The animal has its throat slashed with a chalaf or sharp knife. The animal is allow to bleed and is inspected for evidence of suffering. If this in not performed correctly, the meat is not declared as kosher.
Jews believe in the sacredness of life and do not support any methods by which any person takes a life, even if it is their own. The decision to end one’s life is god’s decision and his alone. This belief results in the encouragement of organ donation to continue life for another if someone passes on.
8 - People
Abraham is regarded as the patriarch of the Jewish faith. He is responsible for Jews worshipping only one god. Isaiah was one of the prophets of old that prophesied of many events that were to transpire. Not much is known about him but some argue that the book of Isaiah is not entirely his work, but a compilation of many authors.
Moses did many things for the Jews. A few of these things are bringing the Jews out of bondage, bringing the ten commandments and teaching the Jews their faith. Joshua succeeded Moses when he passed on. Joshua is responsible for destroying the city of Jericho not by violence but by faith alone.
Joseph is a fun story because they made a musical about it. Joseph is an example to the Jews for his obedience and the guidance he provided to the pharaoh to preserve Egypt during the famine. David is an example to the Jews from an early age. He becomes king and starts bringing a relationship with god into society. David brings the Ark of the Covenant to the center of the city so a place of worship is established. He made the heart of the city the heart of worship.
9 - Rites
One rite is that of circumcision for boys. This takes place during the initiation ceremony called Brit Milah. Typically men attend this and this ceremony is to commemorate the covenant god made with Abraham. At this ceremony the baby boy is also given his name.
The other rite is that of the wedding. Weddings can take place on any day except the Sabbath. That is between sundown on friday to sundown on saturday. A week before the wedding it is customary for the groom to have a party called Ufruf while the bride participates in a ritual bath called a Mikveh. They are wed under a canopy called a chupa, traditionally with the groom in a black suit and the bride in a modest white dress. The couple fasts before they are wed and after the wedding, during the ceremony, 7 glasses of wine are drunk to signify god’s creation of the world in 7 days. The ceremony ends by the groom stepping on a glass.
10 - Subdivisions
Conservative Judaism - This falls half-way between orthodox Jews and reformed Jews. This is also called Judaism without the fundamentalism.
Liberal Judaism - This form of Judaism tries to make everyone equal. For example woman have essentially no limitations with regards to position in the church. They can be rabbis if that is what they chose.
Orthodox Judaism - These are Jews that are strict observers of the laws of Judaism.
Reform Judaism - This is a relaxed form of Judaism where services are not entirely in Hebrew anymore. English is permitted for understanding of the members.
Humanistic Judaism - They dont believe that there is no god, they just go on without one. It is more about Judaism being a culture and not just a religion.
Modern Orthodoxy - This is the union of Orthodoxy and accepting modern desires to be part of the world but not of the world.
11 - Texts
The Talmud is a written text containing the oral law of the Jews. This can be broken down to 6 sections. Seeds, festival, women, damages, holy things and purities. The Torah is the first part of the Jewish Bible. Throughout the week small portions of the Torah are read. God gave Moses the oral law and he relayed this to the people.
12 - Worship
Prayers are offered up a minimum of 3 times per day. There are many different prayers for many different occasions that can be said. In some synagogues men and women are separated (Orthodox) and in others they can sit together (reformed). Women typically cover their heads and men don kippahs. There are readings and prayers in this service. Jews are encouraged to meditate and internalize the teachings. This will help them become more pure.
Religion Final Question 6 -
I would argue that the main argument to False Testament is that of skepticism to the Bible being anything more than a compilation of good stories. He provides a lot of information and studies that back up this argument. Here are a few.
He states that, “Judaism appears to have been the product not of some dark and nebulous period of early history but of a more modern age of big-power politics in which every nation aspired to the imperial greatness of a Babylon or an Egypt.” After reading from him, Crossan and watching the Yale lecture on the Old Testament it makes me wonder if the Bible is precisely this; a political battlefield. These other readings/videos have done nothing more than back up this claim to a small town trying to hang with the bigger cities and their power.
In addition to speaking on the actual time and place that biblical cultures lived in comparison to what research shows and refutes (ie. The exodus never happened. That is backed up by mounting evidence such as border defenses or lack of camp sites), he also speaks about biblical figures. Given the knowledge we have today about Israelite origin, research leads us to believe that a character such as Abraham never existed. Crossan and the professor in the Christine Hayes video acknowledges this also. Bible stories can be just reiterations of stories that were told years prior but told in a way that would be more appealing to the current followers.
David is another example of someone that could possibly not have existed. We read about David and his insatiable habits and desires. He drank from the most exquisite of goblets and had the finest things made from all sorts of precious metals. In all the years of research, not one goblet or artifact has ever been recovered to argue his existence.
He is able to boldly state this due to his research concluding that the Israelites are now thought to be a culture developed on the west side of the Jordan River rather than that “band of invaders” that battled their way into the Holy Land. Christine Hayes explains the size of Israel very well in her lecture on the Old Testament. The Bible is written in the perspective of an Israelite. This perspective could have been biased. The perspective could have been one that is similar to a fishing story. The fish is never as big as told by the fisherman.
Using those few examples it is easy to understand why it would be called False Testament. He is arguing that the Bible might just be a compilation of stories. Nothing more. Some of the characters could be nothing more than fictional accounts taking material from other stories.
Religion Final Question 7 -
I elected to answer question #6 in lieu of this question.
Religion Final Question 8 -
Christianity, as we know, is centered around the belief in Christ. Christ, Smith states, was born somewhere around 4 B.C. in Palestine and grew up in Nazareth. As he grew he began to preach among the people. His teachings for many were too radical for that time. Christians believe that he was crucified and resurrected on the third day. It was not until after his ascension that his popularity grew and Christianity took hold of many individuals.
Christianity struggled after Jesus departed and left the Apostles to run the show. The Romans we not too fond of them and they struggled until 313 A.D. It was at this time that Christianity was finally recognized as a religion and had equal rights with other religions in the Roman empire. This church/faith stayed single until approximately 1054. This is the year that the church/faith divided from the Roman Catholic Church to the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. There was another division of the faith when the Western Church and Protestant Church were formed around the 16th century.
Over time, the Roman Catholic Church formed in part because of the members wanting someone to define the truth and error to the teachings. This helped lead to the establishment of the doctrine of papal infallibility. He would offer the guidance and answers that the members needed. The Church also established the Sacraments to help the members learn the doctrine and practice the doctrine.
The Eastern Orthodox Church broke from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054. Although they are different, they share more than they differ. Some of these doctrinal differences lie with the items that the Catholics believe are developments to the Bible, whereas the Orthodox believe they are simply additions. Eastern Orthodox believe that through the Church they can attain salvation. That is only if the individual is working to save not only themselves, but the entire Church.
The hardest split to understand is the split of the Protestant Church from the Roman Catholic Church. There are many outside factors to consider, however faith and the Protestant principle encouraged their split in the 16th century. The movements of the heart, mind and will are what makeup the Protestant faith principle. The Protestant Principle, as Smith states, “Philosophically, it warns against absolutizing the relative. Theologically, it warns against idolatry.”
All these religions formed as a result of individuals and then groups questioning the “group-think” of their own religion. They all have a common belief in Christ, they just differ in how they believe He should be worshiped.
Who Wrote the Bible
Lawrence Schiffman states how one can notice the human interference in the Torah.
Questioning the Bible/Torah and where it came from is a taboo topic among the religions that use this text.
It is believed that the Bible first started through sharing stories and genealogies around campfires.
The Old and New Testament comprise the Bible. The Apocrypha is sometimes included as an addendum to the Bible.
The Dead Sea Scrolls is a crucial discovery of ancient text that “backs up” the Bible. Many of these documents are those that are included in the Bible. Several of the manuscripts are different renditions of each other. They give the example of the Book of Samuel and how it is better and longer in the scroll version because many copies were in circulation. On the other side, the Book of Jeremiah is worse.
There was a scroll that was written on copper, suggesting that it was kept in the temple due to the temple having the nicer things of the world. The scrolls were probably hidden by a group of people who did not intend to leave these treasures hidden for long.
There have been discoveries leading people to believe that the Torah was not entirely written by Moses. For example, how could he write about his own death? It could have been him writing or it could have been written by Joshua.
There are portions of the Bible that are called “doublets.” There are stories that use one name of God and a doublet of the same story using another name of God. Something must have been going on.
The early European translation of the Hebrew Bible is the reason that Jehovah is used in lieu of Yahweh
The video starts to share the story of David and Solomon of the Bible. One of which was the separation of the two kingdoms and the formation of Judah and Israel. This division created a priest in each Kingdom. These priest begin to keep records for the Church and essentially both priests are writing the same history. This is possibly the reason for having the same stories written a different way. The Assyrians conquered the north kingdom and corrupted many teachings.
Josiah is reminded of how there should only be one god and many other laws. Josiah starts a cleansing due to his acknowledgement of the laws found in Deuteronomy. Isaiah is the book that describes the coming of a Messiah
Modern Jewish belief is that the Torah is the word of God written entirely by Moses. Questioning this belief to some Jews believe that this is questioning the divinity of God.
One of the gentlemen in the video spends some time defining the Bible and visiting the Holy Land while doing so. One thing I found interesting was that people go to Jerusalem and try to re-create the walk that Jesus made with a cross on his back. They actually carry a cross in the streets.
Egypt has proven to be one of the best places for these ancient texts to survive the elements due to its dry heat. Many manuscripts have been found here. That includes the discovery of the oldest piece of the New Testament written on papyrus.
Researchers have identified that the Bible has been written by many scribes. The stories of the scribes/writers of the Bible are not all written or found.
Religion Final Question 9 -
Quoting my post #7 from week 4, “Gnosticism is many things. That is because there is no set “religion” or “leader” defining its principles. There are many schools of thought; four of those being Marcion, Basilides, Valentinus and Mani. The Gnostic movement pulls from Zoroastrianism, Judaism, neo-Platonism, Christianity, possibly Hinduism and other mystical philosophies. Of these philosophies, Christianity and Gnosticism seem to be associated together more often. Those who were Christian and Gnostic claimed to have the “truth” in the teachings of Jesus. Many did not like this and felt as though this union of Christianity and Gnosticism was a destructive force to the faith. In fact, as the movement progressed, any thought of Gnosticism was condemned and thought of as heresy. It is because of the charge of heresy that writings of Gnosticism are not to be found at this time. They have been destroyed.
Gnosticism was not and is not limited to Christianity. Gnostics can also be found in Judaism. However, it is thought by Birger Peasron, and expert in Gnostic studies, that Jewish Gnosticism is not recognizable as part of Judaism as Christianity is with Gnosticism. He also believes and teaches that the Gnostic movement was a way for those who were Christian and Gnostic to become part of Christian circles/communities. This was accomplished by sharing “secrets” of the “true” teachings of Jesus. These “secrets” are the reason to skeptic’s belief that Jesus Christ came into play as a savior figure.
Many Gnostics have reversed the roles of “good” and “evil” in Christian teachings claiming to have a “deeper meaning” to the teachings. For example, the story of the creation found in the Bible; god, being the creator, is thought of to be of evil origin, therefore creation is evil. This is one example of Christian teachings that have been “undermined” by Gnostic beliefs.”
Tim Callahan asserts that Christianity prevailed through Roman history for three main factors: “1 - the broad base of its appeal to those searching for what was lacking in Rome’s state religion; 2 - acceptance of all people of whatever social station, race, or gender; 3 - its belief that the Kingdom of God was at hand.”
He continues to describe how there were also many other alternate religions that flourished during the Roman era. There were three main aspects that these alternate religions appealing to those who were searching during this time: “1 - a god who transcended the material cosmos and stood separate from it, 2 - a muth of bodily triumph over physical death, and 3 - a rigorous code of ethics.” Christianity was the only belief system at the time that offered all three.
Christianity also seemed to prevail due to strength in numbers. Other belief systems were possibly “choked out” or “suffocated” due to the over-bearing population of Christians. Another key factor to its survival is due to its apocalyptical beliefs. Why would Christians revolt against a system that they know is going to be replaced when the world is destroyed?
After viewing both of these texts, I believe that gnosticism has failed for a few reasons. My number one reason for believing it has not succeeded is due to there being no “head” or “director” to follow. Even though its principles can offer new insight to doctrinal principles, there is no organization to follow. Many people crave being told what to do and what to believe. It makes life easier being a lemming for many. Few want to stand out or make decisions that could possibly alienate themselves from society. The second reason I believe it has not taken hold of many is because of the many controversial teachings that go against mainstream beliefs. There are similar beliefs, but it is almost as though it is like a relationship of a parent with a child. No matter what the parent tries to tell the child, the child will do the opposite.
Religion Final Question 10 -
John Dominic Crossan brings to light for me a question that I have never asked. He question goes something like this, with the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, why would we ever question the story of Jesus? He argues that most people who read/study the Bible and the four gospels, they are reviewed in a vertical and consecutive manner. Reading the Bible this way gives the opinion that the gospels are in harmony and unity, one with another. Crossan contends that the gospels need to be read and studied using a horizontal and comparative manner. By doing this one will find disagreement among the gospel records.
He provides an example of the existence of another gospel, the Gospel of Thomas. This writing does not identify itself as a gospel until the end. This writing is more or less a quote book of what Jesus said during his ministry. There is no order to this and it is completely void of any miracles, deeds, account of the resurrection or the crucifixion. Crossan argues, that since there is another gospel, there could be other gospels. In addition to this belief, he argues that this gospel, due to its lack of organization or stories was not aloud to join the other four gospels in the Bible. It was more of a secret work due to its different style in writing.
Crossan locate the “hostorical Jesus” through three vectors and using triangulation to identify him. These three vectors are 1 - Cross-cultural anthropology, 2 - Greco-Roman and Jewish history and 3 - Literary or texts. Cross-cultural anthropology is searching for what is common between one society at one point in history with another society at a different point in history. By searching history to know the ins and outs of the cultures during those time periods we are eliminating Jesus from the equation. We are creating a methodology that permits study of cultures without creating a biased opinion of Jesus.
Greco-Roman and Jewish history has to be reviewed in order to understand what was going on around the time of Jesus. We look at the Jewish and Greco-Roman history together because the Jews were under Roman rule during this time in history. Crossan particularly likes the historian Josephus and his separate and parallel accounts of this period.
The final vector to Crossan’s method is the literary or textual vector. In this vector one needs to look at all writings from this era that are found in the New Testament and whatever gospels that are not found in the New Testament. In doing this, one can analyze the things found in and out of the New Testament better. At times there are things blatantly not included in the New Testament that are found in the other gospels not found in the New Testament. Using this method, one can more objectively study the historical Jesus.
Now that all this information has been compiled, one needs to start “peeling back the layers” as Crossan says. He also states that it is important for one to start where there are multiple accounts of an event or action. Singular accounts can be true, but how does one verify them? Especially an event or action that has taken place approximately 2,000 years ago. By using this method, it may not prove the exact truth, but it builds a strong case against proving whatever was discovered false.
The following is the summary of the videos that I provided for post 12.
“Video 1 - Death of Jesus - He discusses here how the four gospels seem to rely entirely on one writer, Mark. Mark appears to be relying on the Old Testament. He is not questioning the history of Jesus, he is focusing on the elements of the history of Jesus. There are echos of his story in the Old Testament. It seems as though the overall story is modeled after the Old Testament. Behind the story of Jesus is layers of Old Testament text that has been formed into a narrative story.
Video 2 - Methodology - Cross-cultural anthropology involves many things. The major items are power and privilege. This creates a large discrepancy between the peasants and the elites. In a traditional agrarian society the elites take the surplus of the peasants. In a commercialized/industrialized agrarian society the elites take the land from the peasants. Taking the land makes it easier for the elites to take control of the peasants. This control basically destroys the lifestyle of the peasants.
Video 3 - Compassion and Jesus - Violence is something that plagues the world. Crossan describes how Jesus is not a god of violence. He describes how he says to Pilate that “His kingdom is not of this world.” He describes how if Jesus had his kingdom in this world that his people would be here and there would be no violence. He argues that since God is not a violent god, therefore we should also be non-violent. This is a radical claim because as we know, man is violent.
Video 4 - Fundamentalism - Literalism is someone who takes everything in the Bible literally. Anything that could be taken literally should be taken literally. Fundamentalists say that if you don’t take it literally you’re not Christian. And if you say it shouldn’t be taken literally you are an anti-Christian. He states that there is a “genocidal germ” that exists in fundamentalism. He states how we would need to kill all the people who don’t know the truth or think like we do so that the truth could be preserved and believed. He uses Hitler’s book “Mien Kampf” as an example. Hitler called the Jews a disease and a plague. This led someone to think that we need to eliminate the disease or plague. Thus the holocaust was born.”
Religion Final Question 11 -
Differences between Matthew and Luke with regards to the birth narrative of Jesus. There are little inconsistencies with the two gospel’s versions of the time leading up to his birth with regards to where they were living or visiting before the birth of Jesus.
In order to make the story of his birth work with history, many parts would need to be “fudged” to make the story work.
The trial of Jesus also has its inconsistencies. Mr. Martin introduces the historical knowledge that in that period Romans crucified Jewish trouble-makers without any trial all the time. Was Jesus silent during his trial or did he have dialogue with Pilate? Mr. Martin argues that the Apostles (peasants of that time) would not have been at the trial. They would not have walked into Pilate’s “office” because of their status in society.
He brings up the point of how scholars speaking of the Historical Jesus can be detrimental to Christians and anti-Christians. Speaking to the Christians about the inconsistencies is borderline taking the carpet from right under their feet while the anti-Christians would take this same information and say to any believer that they are foolish for believing such things. Either way, Mr. Martin says both sides would be wrong. History leads us to believe certain things happened certain ways; however we cannot be certain how things actually happened.
Mr. Martin does assert that good scholars in fact believe that Jesus did exist. They are not asserting his miracles and other event happen. They are only agreeing to his existence.
The past is non-existent. All we can experience are different accounts of the past. We can only construct a historical Jesus using the information that we have been provided through our available records.
The title “King of the Jews” is a title that Mr. Martin expresses to be one that was given to Jesus years after his ministry was over.
Mr. Martin discusses 3 main rules to the Historical Jesus.
1 - Multiple Attestations - “More than 1 independent source that has a saying or an event about Jesus.”
2 - Dissimilarity - “When you find something in an early Christian source that seems to go against the very inclinations of the source, it is more likely to be historical.”
3 - Social Coherence - When you see something that would fit/not fit into the life of Jesus.
I believe that Mr. Martin and Mr. Crossan would get along very well. I believe that Crossan’s research methodology is very similart to the of Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin’s method of research falls into Mr. Crossan’s vector of literary or texts. Mr. Martin focuses on the actual writings that are from that time period and studies them in a horizontal way similar to that of Mr. Crossan’s. Mr. Crossan’s method may provide more depth than the method of Mr. Martin due to Mr. Crossan’s study of social studies and history from that era.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Religious Literature - Pali Buddha
Chapter 1 –
This chapter addresses one’s inner self. If you harbor peace, you will share peace. If you harbor bitterness/guilt/hatred, you will share the same. If you seek pleasure in life you will fall to the tempter. If you live without looking for pleasures you will not fall to the tempter. There are many life lessons here. Happiness is a choice. One has to seek happiness. Happiness is not something that we are entitled to if we do not pursue it.
Chapter 7 –
I understand this section to imply death. I see this as teaching us that we need to keep all our appetites in check and control our emotions and actions so that when the day comes that we perish, we are not lost and can find joy in a new rebirth.
Chapter 11 –
This chapter is entitled, “Old Age.” Is it any wonder that this is what it talks about? To me it talks about how the body will age and the body will decompose and be tossed aside, that also applies to the belongings of the individual. I don’t quite grasp 153, 154. Is this implying that if one has attained nirvana that they will not be born again? Is this trying to teach that once you have learned or attained nirvana that you will no longer be born again?
Chapter 14 –
Restraint brings prosperity of the mind/soul. The Buddha is a simple, but complex supernatural individual. Seekers of Buddha and worshipers of Buddha can find peace. This peace is found by adhering to the Law and the Church. Seeking refuge in Buddha will also bring the peace that one needs.
Chapter 15 –
This chapter offers guidance as to where true happiness can be attained. It identifies where things that detract from happiness can be found. Even among the ailing or the unhappy we can find happiness; however, we should be wise in our decisions making. We should choose good individuals to associate with. This can help bring happiness to our lives.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Reaserch Paper/Field Trip
1) Give some brief background on the religion
On February 5, 2011 my wife and I visited the Hindu Temple of Las Vegas. This is a Jain temple. For a brief overview of the beliefs, I have included my post from week two (post #4).
“Jain believers/followers are taught that Jainism has always been around and that it will always be around. Here is a list of some of the beliefs:
Jainism is a belief that one needs to have absolute control over the mind and body. The goal is to teach the follower to be liberated from the negative effects that their thoughts, words and actions can have on their lives. The follower can achieve this by following the triple gems of Jainism
The right view - seeking to view reality correctly
The right knowledge - finding the true meaning of reality
The right conduct - applying the knowledge acquired into one’s life
Every creature is divine and every human has the potential to become divine
Karma. Unlike the Hindu belief it is something material. It is a reaction to something that is taking place. The reading gives the example of gravity acting on a falling object.
Here are some of the ethics followed by Jainism:
Non-violence - This is a blanket statement/belief to all living things. One should minimize violence, be it intentional or unintentional, to all living things.
Truthfulness - Speak the truth, but with tact. Be constructive and not destructive in word and thought
Non-stealing - Be honest in your dealings with your fellow man. Always be fair in all things
Jain followers participate in festivals and have traditions as many religions do. Some of the festivals are:
Diwali - A celebration of the new moon day of Kartik.
Mahavir Jayant - This is a birthday celebration for Mahavir.
Some traditions/practices are:
Fasting - There are a few ways to fast. Not eating or drinking for a period, minimal eating as to avoid hunger, limiting what you eat and abstaining from your favorite foods.
Jain monks will sweep the ground in front of them as they walk in order to ensure they do not harm any smaller living creature as they walk.
Prayer - There is preparation before prayer. One bathes in order to cleanse the body. Saffron paste or sandal paste is applied to certain spots on their body to assist in meditation. There are many other things that can be done in order to prepare one’s self for prayer.
Vegetarianism -
Jainism believes in non-violence. This belief applies to all aspects of life, including food choice. They do not consume root vegetables due to their harvesting would end the life of the plant. They also do not consume root vegetables due to their interaction with the soil and the nutrients they provide to the soil. It goes without saying that they do not consume animals.”
2) Give a "detailed" (thick) description of where you went and of the SERVICE you attended
The service my wife and I attended is called the Sri Balaji Abhishekam. The website for the Hindu Temple of Las Vegas describes this service as, “Abhishekam is the process of bathing the deity. The Moorthi of Sri Balaji is cleansed with Water and Milk, followed by devotee recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranam and finally Arhana is performed.” When I read this description before going to this service I was intrigued as to why they would ask the believers to bring milk to this service. I soon would find out.
Before we visited the temple we tried to call and get in contact with someone about this service and we were unable to have our messages returned. We dressed nicely in order to show respect to their temple. We showed up and asked if we could sit in on their service. The man we spoke with was very welcoming. Everyone we met that day was also very welcoming. The service started at 10:45 am. We were surprised to see few people in the temple at this time. As the service progressed, more and more people began to arrive. In total, approximately 25-30 people were present for this service.
The temple has an Indian style to it. Please refer to the picture of the temple. Walking into the temple you find a large open space with rugs placed together. This is where worshipers can sit, stand, kneel or even lay prostrated on the floor in a sense of worship. At the foot of these rugs are several compartments that have different gods/idols. They are all labeled and all appear to be made out of ceramic or are painted to give a high-gloss finish to them. The god that they are worshiping in today’s service is Balaji. From my understanding this is the god that destroys sins.
Balaji is black in color and is about 4-5 feet tall. It appears to be naked, with exception to a cloth about the waist. All those who have entered by this time have approached the stand containing the gods/idols and have offered up some sort of prayer or adoration to each god. They pass by each compartment and do the same ritual. Some put their hands together and touch their lips or forehead. Others will actually prostrate themselves onto the floor. As these people are entering and approaching the gods there is a man who appears to be preparing the Balaji statue for the service.
A curtain was pulled to cover Balaji from the worshipers all the while a chant or hymn of some sort was playing in the background while incense started burning. The ceremony started with the man behind the curtain ringing a bell. The worshipers got off the floor or benches and approached the curtain as it began opening. The man began to recite a prayer in a language that I can only assume was Indian. From what I gathered, he was praying for every member present. Each person gave him their name and he continued with the prayer. The man approached Balaji and began dumping water all over to start the symbolic washing. After washing with water, a rubbing compound of some sort was applied all over the body. The man proceeded to then rinse/wash the body with the milk that had been brought by the worshipers. During this time the man was reciting a prayer. After the washing with milk, the man proceeded to rinse the body with water. This process lasted about 30 minutes.
After this washing, the curtains were then closed. The congregation began following along to a hymn book (my assumption that this is what it was) or chant or prayer. Most of the members joined in. One of the members approached me and offered me a book in English so I could follow along. Little did I know that this book in English was only going to help me pronounce the words being said. The booklet offered no explanation/translation. This continued for approximately 45 minutes. I was impressed at how a few of these worshipers recited the whole chant/hymn without the assistance of a booklet. They knew it in its entirety.
Soon after the hymn/chant ended a bell started to ring on the other side of the curtain. Everyone, again, approached the curtain as it opened. While the worshipers were singing/chanting the man behind the curtain was dressing Balaji. He did an excellent job. Balaji was decorated with an exquisite robe of white with gold trim, flowers were everywhere, and the fruit that the worshipers had also brought that morning was in dishes at Balaji’s feet.
3) Finally offer a reflection of the experience
During this 2-hour service I was taken aback at what I thought to be a lack of respect during the service. People walked in and out, answered their cell phones, talked loudly or opened and closed cabinet doors without regard to the service that was ongoing. I did not feel as though this behavior was appropriate in this setting. Then again, I was a visitor, so who am I to judge? As I was sitting there I reflected on the things that I have been learning in this class and the things that I have been taught from childhood. I was raised a Christian so going to a service such as this was definitely an eye opener. The biggest difference is their belief in many gods.
It made me think about how we all are raised to believe a certain way. It has made me come to the realization that no matte who we are or what religion we belong to or what nationality we are, etc, we all have the same basic needs and desires. We all need those items to sustain our lives. We all desire happiness in this life. Everyone finds this is different ways. Some find it in the religion of their childhood or they find it in a different religion along the way. Some find happiness in not believing in anything or anyone. Who am I to tell that person that they are wrong in their belief or non-belief?
For more information about the Hindu Temple of Las Vegas, please visit http://www.hindutemplelv.org/
Week 6 Post 12 - Crossan
Video 1 - Death of Jesus - He discusses here how the four gospels seem to rely entirely on one writer, Mark. Mark appears to be relying on the Old Testament. He is not questioning the history of Jesus, he is focusing on the elements of the history of Jesus. There are echos of his story in the Old Testament. It seems as though the overall story is modeled after the Old Testament. Behind the story of Jesus is layers of Old Testament text that has been formed into a narrative story.
Video 2 - Methodology - Cross-cultural anthropology involves many things. The major items are power and privilege. This creates a large discrepancy between the peasants and the elites. In a traditional agrarian society the elites take the surplus of the peasants. In a commercialized/industrialized agrarian society the elites take the land from the peasants. Taking the land makes it easier for the elites to take control of the peasants. This control basically destroys the lifestyle of the peasants.
Video 3 - Compassion and Jesus - Violence is something that plagues the world. Crossan describes how Jesus is not a god of violence. He describes how he says to Pilate that “His kingdom is not of this world.” He describes how if Jesus had his kingdom in this world that his people would be here and there would be no violence. He argues that since God is not a violent god, therefore we should also be non-violent. This is a radical claim because as we know, man is violent.
Video 4 - Fundamentalism - Literalism is someone who takes everything in the Bible literally. Anything that could be taken literally should be taken literally. Fundamentalists say that if you don’t take it literally you’re not Christian. And if you say it shouldn’t be taken literally you are an anti-Christian. He states that there is a “genocidal germ” that exists in fundamentalism. He states how we would need to kill all the people who don’t know the truth or think like we do so that the truth could be preserved and believed. He uses Hitler’s book “Mien Kampf” as an example. Hitler called the Jews a disease and a plague. This led someone to think that we need to eliminate the disease or plague. Thus the holocaust was born.
Personal Reflection -
Crossan, in my opinion, does not paint a picture of Christ that is incorrect. I do not believe that he is questioning who he was or what he stood for. I believe he is only questioning the actual stories and accounts of Jesus. I particularly enjoyed his depiction of Christ and how he is a non-violent god.
Video 2 - Methodology - Cross-cultural anthropology involves many things. The major items are power and privilege. This creates a large discrepancy between the peasants and the elites. In a traditional agrarian society the elites take the surplus of the peasants. In a commercialized/industrialized agrarian society the elites take the land from the peasants. Taking the land makes it easier for the elites to take control of the peasants. This control basically destroys the lifestyle of the peasants.
Video 3 - Compassion and Jesus - Violence is something that plagues the world. Crossan describes how Jesus is not a god of violence. He describes how he says to Pilate that “His kingdom is not of this world.” He describes how if Jesus had his kingdom in this world that his people would be here and there would be no violence. He argues that since God is not a violent god, therefore we should also be non-violent. This is a radical claim because as we know, man is violent.
Video 4 - Fundamentalism - Literalism is someone who takes everything in the Bible literally. Anything that could be taken literally should be taken literally. Fundamentalists say that if you don’t take it literally you’re not Christian. And if you say it shouldn’t be taken literally you are an anti-Christian. He states that there is a “genocidal germ” that exists in fundamentalism. He states how we would need to kill all the people who don’t know the truth or think like we do so that the truth could be preserved and believed. He uses Hitler’s book “Mien Kampf” as an example. Hitler called the Jews a disease and a plague. This led someone to think that we need to eliminate the disease or plague. Thus the holocaust was born.
Personal Reflection -
Crossan, in my opinion, does not paint a picture of Christ that is incorrect. I do not believe that he is questioning who he was or what he stood for. I believe he is only questioning the actual stories and accounts of Jesus. I particularly enjoyed his depiction of Christ and how he is a non-violent god.
Week 6 Post 11 - Christianity
There are many things that Smith describes in this section. I will try to outline a few. Jesus started his ministry when he stated, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled.” The Spirit is a large portion of Christianity. The Spirit is something that all could partake in. One needs to immerse themselves in it. Jesus was empowered with the Spirit and this offered him a “power” above that of a normal human being. It is through this power that he was able to heal the sick, cast out demons, etc.
During the time of Jesus’ ministry, there were many schools of thought. The Sadducees believed that the Jews should make the best of their situation and just grin and bear their problems. The Essenes believed the world was far too evil for any good to enter and flourish, so they retreated from society and formed their own communities. The Pharisees thought that they needed to strictly follow the Mosaic law. The final group thought that they could change society through a revolution of sorts.
Jesus came into play and introduced a new school of thought. He differed from all of the groups that were formed at the time. He wanted change, he stayed in the world, he believed in loving your neighbor/enemy and finally he stressed the compassion of Yahweh rather than the holiness of Yahweh. His identifying the compassion of Yahweh helped stir up change in the society of his time (although the changes were minimal at best). The Pharisees separated things in their culture as clean or unclean. This covered food items, people, cultures, etc. Jesus was not a fan of this and taught that Yahweh loved everyone and that all are equal.
Jesus, although he was a public icon, performed most of his miracles in intimate settings. He was always engaged in a good work. He spoke in a way that, to many, was authoritative. He spoke in such a way that inspired thought among the listeners. He practiced what he preached and then some. He was more concerned about what people thought of God rather than what they thought of him.
Upon Jesus’ death/crucifixion, the “good news” began to be spread among all the Middle Eastern world. These followers/believers were persecuted and would mark out where their secrete meetings would be by using the outline of a fish to point in the direction of such a meeting. These early Christians displayed their new-found beliefs. They treated everyone as equals and they were found to be full of joy. They were persecuted and treated horribly. Despite this, they were able to find joy in life.
There are 3 branches of Christianity today. Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism. Roman Catholicism contains a “supreme court” or a head to their church that has the power to define what doctrine is true or not. The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic church and he is infallible in the areas of morals and faith. The Sacraments offers the church the opportunity to teach its members. The Sacraments are: 1 - Baptism (this “delivers” the soul into the supernatural order), 2 - Confirmation (an added strength and reflection), 3 - Holy Matrimony (marriage) or 4 - Holy Orders (dedicating one’s life to God), 5 - Sacrament of the Sick (preparation for the soul’s final passage), 6 - Reconciliation (confession - performed often) and 7 - Mass (Holy Eucharist or Communion). Catholics believe that when they partake of the Holy Eucharist that they are partaking the actual body and blood of Christ.
The beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church are in part the same as those of the Catholic church but with a few differences. A common belief is in the seven Sacraments. They differ in their view of authority in the church. Catholics have the Pope as their leader whereas the Orthodox’s have the consensus of the members or the conscience of the church. Priest in the Catholic church are not able to be married while priest in the Orthodox church are permitted to. This church split from the Roman Catholic church, thus we have the similarities.
The Roman Catholic church is also the root of the Protestant church. The Protestant faith is not only a belief but a responsibility to the self. This includes the movements of the heart, mind and will. They believe that good works are faiths consequence and not its prelude. The Bible in the Protestant faith is in a way the ultimate. It is what contains all truth and light.
Personal Reflection -
I would say that I would fit under the Orthodox branch if I had to chose between these three religions. I understand it to be more about community rather than self. Without each other we are lost. I believe that the other branches are not bad/wrong/incorrect. I believe that every person has their agency to chose. If one choses a belief, I do not believe that they should be persecuted for such a belief. This person should also be a respecter of others beliefs.
During the time of Jesus’ ministry, there were many schools of thought. The Sadducees believed that the Jews should make the best of their situation and just grin and bear their problems. The Essenes believed the world was far too evil for any good to enter and flourish, so they retreated from society and formed their own communities. The Pharisees thought that they needed to strictly follow the Mosaic law. The final group thought that they could change society through a revolution of sorts.
Jesus came into play and introduced a new school of thought. He differed from all of the groups that were formed at the time. He wanted change, he stayed in the world, he believed in loving your neighbor/enemy and finally he stressed the compassion of Yahweh rather than the holiness of Yahweh. His identifying the compassion of Yahweh helped stir up change in the society of his time (although the changes were minimal at best). The Pharisees separated things in their culture as clean or unclean. This covered food items, people, cultures, etc. Jesus was not a fan of this and taught that Yahweh loved everyone and that all are equal.
Jesus, although he was a public icon, performed most of his miracles in intimate settings. He was always engaged in a good work. He spoke in a way that, to many, was authoritative. He spoke in such a way that inspired thought among the listeners. He practiced what he preached and then some. He was more concerned about what people thought of God rather than what they thought of him.
Upon Jesus’ death/crucifixion, the “good news” began to be spread among all the Middle Eastern world. These followers/believers were persecuted and would mark out where their secrete meetings would be by using the outline of a fish to point in the direction of such a meeting. These early Christians displayed their new-found beliefs. They treated everyone as equals and they were found to be full of joy. They were persecuted and treated horribly. Despite this, they were able to find joy in life.
There are 3 branches of Christianity today. Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism. Roman Catholicism contains a “supreme court” or a head to their church that has the power to define what doctrine is true or not. The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic church and he is infallible in the areas of morals and faith. The Sacraments offers the church the opportunity to teach its members. The Sacraments are: 1 - Baptism (this “delivers” the soul into the supernatural order), 2 - Confirmation (an added strength and reflection), 3 - Holy Matrimony (marriage) or 4 - Holy Orders (dedicating one’s life to God), 5 - Sacrament of the Sick (preparation for the soul’s final passage), 6 - Reconciliation (confession - performed often) and 7 - Mass (Holy Eucharist or Communion). Catholics believe that when they partake of the Holy Eucharist that they are partaking the actual body and blood of Christ.
The beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church are in part the same as those of the Catholic church but with a few differences. A common belief is in the seven Sacraments. They differ in their view of authority in the church. Catholics have the Pope as their leader whereas the Orthodox’s have the consensus of the members or the conscience of the church. Priest in the Catholic church are not able to be married while priest in the Orthodox church are permitted to. This church split from the Roman Catholic church, thus we have the similarities.
The Roman Catholic church is also the root of the Protestant church. The Protestant faith is not only a belief but a responsibility to the self. This includes the movements of the heart, mind and will. They believe that good works are faiths consequence and not its prelude. The Bible in the Protestant faith is in a way the ultimate. It is what contains all truth and light.
Personal Reflection -
I would say that I would fit under the Orthodox branch if I had to chose between these three religions. I understand it to be more about community rather than self. Without each other we are lost. I believe that the other branches are not bad/wrong/incorrect. I believe that every person has their agency to chose. If one choses a belief, I do not believe that they should be persecuted for such a belief. This person should also be a respecter of others beliefs.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Week 5 Post 10 - False Testament
This article by Daniel Lazare is very interesting. Through his research and that of others he shows how many of the stories and occurrences that are found in the Bible are not entirely accurate. He shows how, in some cases, these stories are just that, stories. Take for example the Davidic Empire. Archeologists once thought it was comparable to the Roman Empire. The research points to this not being the case. The Davidic Empire appears to be some sort of invention of the Jerusalem-based priest.
All of this research/documentation can be considered a controversial topic for many. Mr. Lazare is re-writing the history that many Christians/Jews know to be the history of Christianity/Judaism. He is bold to state, “Judaism appears to have been the product not of some dark and nebulous period of early history but of a more modern age of big-power politics in which every nation aspired to the imperial greatness of a Babylon or an Egypt.” He is able to boldly state this due to his research concluding that the Israelites are now thought to be a culture developed on the west side of the Jordan River rather than that “band of invaders” that battled their way into the Holy Land.
In addition to speaking on the actual time and place that biblical cultures lived in comparison to what research shows and refutes (ie. The exodus never happened. That is backed up by mounting evidence such as border defenses or lack of camp sites), he also speaks about biblical figures. Given the knowledge we have today about Israelite origin, research leads us to believe that a character such as Abraham never existed. The same can be said about Moses. These characters seem to be no more real than the Greek Gods.
Mr. Lazare continues with describing how this “new generation of archeologists [have] taken everything its teachers said about ancient Israel and stood it on its head.” His questioning and that of many others has shown that many things aren’t as they are taught in the Bible. They questioned because they exposed a mistake of the first archeologists. The first archeologists, “…rather than allowing the facts to speak for themselves, they had tried to fit them into a preconceived theoretical framework.” This could be one of the main reasons why the relationship between the Bible and science has become cold again.
Personal Reflection –
Traditionally I can see where individuals can have a problem with research and findings such as these. His research all but tells me I’m crazy for believing the writings found in the Bible. He is telling me that everything I know concerning the Bible and its history is false. Abraham and Moses are not real. The best way to describe the feeling that it creates is like telling a child that Santa does not exist. All that being said, I do believe his research is enlightening. It offers a different take on what most everyone I know does not question. The element of faith in what is written to be true comes into play here. I did not feel as though he was preaching opinion, but relating the facts, nothing more.
All of this research/documentation can be considered a controversial topic for many. Mr. Lazare is re-writing the history that many Christians/Jews know to be the history of Christianity/Judaism. He is bold to state, “Judaism appears to have been the product not of some dark and nebulous period of early history but of a more modern age of big-power politics in which every nation aspired to the imperial greatness of a Babylon or an Egypt.” He is able to boldly state this due to his research concluding that the Israelites are now thought to be a culture developed on the west side of the Jordan River rather than that “band of invaders” that battled their way into the Holy Land.
In addition to speaking on the actual time and place that biblical cultures lived in comparison to what research shows and refutes (ie. The exodus never happened. That is backed up by mounting evidence such as border defenses or lack of camp sites), he also speaks about biblical figures. Given the knowledge we have today about Israelite origin, research leads us to believe that a character such as Abraham never existed. The same can be said about Moses. These characters seem to be no more real than the Greek Gods.
Mr. Lazare continues with describing how this “new generation of archeologists [have] taken everything its teachers said about ancient Israel and stood it on its head.” His questioning and that of many others has shown that many things aren’t as they are taught in the Bible. They questioned because they exposed a mistake of the first archeologists. The first archeologists, “…rather than allowing the facts to speak for themselves, they had tried to fit them into a preconceived theoretical framework.” This could be one of the main reasons why the relationship between the Bible and science has become cold again.
Personal Reflection –
Traditionally I can see where individuals can have a problem with research and findings such as these. His research all but tells me I’m crazy for believing the writings found in the Bible. He is telling me that everything I know concerning the Bible and its history is false. Abraham and Moses are not real. The best way to describe the feeling that it creates is like telling a child that Santa does not exist. All that being said, I do believe his research is enlightening. It offers a different take on what most everyone I know does not question. The element of faith in what is written to be true comes into play here. I did not feel as though he was preaching opinion, but relating the facts, nothing more.
Week 5 Post 9 - Judaism
Smith starts out by describing the belief in something called “the Other.” There is a belief in this for two reasons. They are: 1 - No human being is self created and 2 - Everyone at some point finds their power limited. The Other is like Reality, it is more like a person than a thing. The Jews believed in monotheism due to the view that worshiping many gods would be like living a divided life. Smith describes their belief in one god to be their supreme achievement. This is in part because at a time where others were following gods that pursued beautiful women, the god of the Hebrew’s looked over women and children.
Smith portrays the Jewish optimism in this chapter. They seem to always wait for the meaning to a situation rather than question the why behind their problems. It describes how their god made the world and it was “good.” This teaching of goodness they have brought into their lives.
Israel’s outlook on life differed from that of their neighbors from India. In India, the caste system was as natural to them as the sun rising in the morning. In Israel, they were distinguishing between God and his workings. They seemed to conform to what was happening around them. Smith writes that it is Judaism that laid the foundation for the Western religions. If something needed to be adjusted, it was. This work was accomplished through the prophets of old and new.
He goes on to describe the movement of the prophets. These men were men of no consequence, but through them social change was able to take place. It may have not been through great movements, for the most part it was through example and teaching. These men were able to find teaching opportunities in any situation. Just when one thought that all lessons were exhausted, Smith states that the prophets were able to “find a new vein” by which they could find understanding and teach the followers. It ultimately comes down to the lesson of optimism that Smith portrays in the beginning of the chapter.
Personal Reflection -
The relation of Palestine to Israel is like a high school relationship. It’s he-said-she-said and it is childish in my opinion. Each side, in my opinion has the right to claim the land as theirs. I do not believe that Israel has acted morally with Palestine and vice versa. They are both casting stones from their glass houses. Who knows if we will ever see the day that there is longstanding peace in that region of the world. This conflict, in my opinion, has become or is becoming engrained into the culture of these people that it will or is no different than the caste system found in India. Things will not change unless individuals change themselves.
Smith portrays the Jewish optimism in this chapter. They seem to always wait for the meaning to a situation rather than question the why behind their problems. It describes how their god made the world and it was “good.” This teaching of goodness they have brought into their lives.
Israel’s outlook on life differed from that of their neighbors from India. In India, the caste system was as natural to them as the sun rising in the morning. In Israel, they were distinguishing between God and his workings. They seemed to conform to what was happening around them. Smith writes that it is Judaism that laid the foundation for the Western religions. If something needed to be adjusted, it was. This work was accomplished through the prophets of old and new.
He goes on to describe the movement of the prophets. These men were men of no consequence, but through them social change was able to take place. It may have not been through great movements, for the most part it was through example and teaching. These men were able to find teaching opportunities in any situation. Just when one thought that all lessons were exhausted, Smith states that the prophets were able to “find a new vein” by which they could find understanding and teach the followers. It ultimately comes down to the lesson of optimism that Smith portrays in the beginning of the chapter.
Personal Reflection -
The relation of Palestine to Israel is like a high school relationship. It’s he-said-she-said and it is childish in my opinion. Each side, in my opinion has the right to claim the land as theirs. I do not believe that Israel has acted morally with Palestine and vice versa. They are both casting stones from their glass houses. Who knows if we will ever see the day that there is longstanding peace in that region of the world. This conflict, in my opinion, has become or is becoming engrained into the culture of these people that it will or is no different than the caste system found in India. Things will not change unless individuals change themselves.
Week 4 Post 7 - Gnosticism
Gnosticism is many things. That is because there is no set “religion” or “leader” defining its principles. There are many schools of thought; four of those being Marcion, Basilides, Valentinus and Mani. The Gnostic movement pulls from Zoroastrianism, Judaism, neo-Platonism, Christianity, possibly Hinduism and other mystical philosophies. Of these philosophies, Christianity and Gnosticism seem to be associated together more often. Those who were Christian and Gnostic claimed to have the “truth” in the teachings of Jesus. Many did not like this and felt as though this union of Christianity and Gnosticism was a destructive force to the faith. In fact, as the movement progressed, any thought of Gnosticism was condemned and thought of as heresy. It is because of the charge of heresy that writings of Gnosticism are not to be found at this time. They have been destroyed.
Gnosticism was not and is not limited to Christianity. Gnostics can also be found in Judaism. However, it is thought by Birger Peasron, and expert in Gnostic studies, that Jewish Gnosticism is not recognizable as part of Judaism as Christianity is with Gnosticism. He also believes and teaches that the Gnostic movement was a way for those who were Christian and Gnostic to become part of Christian circles/communities. This was accomplished by sharing “secrets” of the “true” teachings of Jesus. These “secrets” are the reason to skeptic’s belief that Jesus Christ came into play as a savior figure.
Many Gnostics have reversed the roles of “good” and “evil” in Christian teachings claiming to have a “deeper meaning” to the teachings. For example, the story of the creation found in the Bible; god, being the creator, is thought of to be of evil origin, therefore creation is evil. This is one example of Christian teachings that have been “undermined” by Gnostic beliefs.
Eastern ideas are similar in many ways to Western ideas on Gnosticism. The Sant tradition is a philosophy that has a focus on reaching God through spiritual realms. They believe that this superior God of Gods invites all to know Him. In the West, the term “saint” typically means a person who is service oriented and shares the faith with others. In the East, the term Sant means this but much more. It has the meaning that the Sant has lost all identity and joined jiva in the Highest Reality, and is then considered as the embodiment of the Divine.
As with Gnosticism, there are many schools of thought or sects. With the Sants, it is believed that the words of a Sant after they pass are subject to misinterpretation. The followers hold on to their teachings but rely more on the living Sants. At the time of death of a Sant, there are many who tend to come forward stating their enlightenment and seeking to be the next Sant. With all these individuals claiming their enlightenment the followers tend to break out into different groups. Is it any wonder that there are many sects?
The Gnostic belief or representation of a god is comparable to nirguna Brahman of the northern Sants. He is described as “ineffable,” “immeasurable,” and “unnamable.” Another similarity is in the teaching of a Transcendent God and a lower demiurge. Brahm or kal represent a lower deity. Gnosticism shares a belief of a lower deity.
Personal Reflection –
All this talk of an unnamable god and knowing the “truth” about Jesus makes me skeptical of Gnosticism. In a way I understand Gnosticism to mean that there is no belief in a god but something that is incomprehensible is just confusing. Maybe this is because I was raised to believe a certain way, maybe not. I believe that one needs to be skeptical and question everything. At the same time, one must judge some things for their face value. Sometimes we dig too deep to find the meaning to something that is right in front of our faces. I believe that there is so much in front of our eyes that we do not need to dig deep to find. I believe that happiness is found by being less skeptical and more real. It helps to keep you happy and it allows other people to enjoy your company too.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Religious Lit - The Koran
Sura 2: The Cow
This Sura is a somewhat of a warning. It is directed to everyone to be guarded against evil, counseling to not be mischief makers but rather peacemakers. If they do not do this, Allah will payback in mockery. Allah says he is not ashamed to teach in parables. He will do whatever it takes to. This Sura talks about Adam, telling him to dwell with his wife and do what he’s been commanded to do. Then it says that, “Shaitan” made them fall and cause them to depart. It talks about how Shaitan is an open enemy and to never give into him.
Sura 4: The Women
This Sura talks about men having a portion of that which women have. It also talks about women having a portion of that which men and their children have. Allah spends some time going into depth about men having that which their family and extended family has. Then after he states all of this he explains that anyone who goes against Allah’s word or his prophet’s word will enter into fire and will dwell in it.
Sura 16: The Bee
This is the Sura that talks about what Allah created. It goes into detail talking about the order in which he created things and how he did it. Allah has created all men and also causes all men to die. He is all-knowing and powerful. He talks about a few parables. One is with two men and another one is with a house. Preparation is the key to success. Not giving into Shaitan you will be rewarded. Do good not evil and you will go to heaven.
Sura 75: The Resurrection
This Sure is full of questions and phrases that are quite thought provoking. For example, 36 says, “Does man think he is to be left to wander without an aim?” When man has lost himself and he has nowhere to go; when there is no light or darkness there is always Allah. He is the way. He is the only God.
Sura 87: The Most High
Allah is everything and everywhere. He is the one who makes things possible. He is the one who purifies the soul. He is the one who creates, then makes complete. The hereafter is better than the life one lives now.
This Sura is a somewhat of a warning. It is directed to everyone to be guarded against evil, counseling to not be mischief makers but rather peacemakers. If they do not do this, Allah will payback in mockery. Allah says he is not ashamed to teach in parables. He will do whatever it takes to. This Sura talks about Adam, telling him to dwell with his wife and do what he’s been commanded to do. Then it says that, “Shaitan” made them fall and cause them to depart. It talks about how Shaitan is an open enemy and to never give into him.
Sura 4: The Women
This Sura talks about men having a portion of that which women have. It also talks about women having a portion of that which men and their children have. Allah spends some time going into depth about men having that which their family and extended family has. Then after he states all of this he explains that anyone who goes against Allah’s word or his prophet’s word will enter into fire and will dwell in it.
Sura 16: The Bee
This is the Sura that talks about what Allah created. It goes into detail talking about the order in which he created things and how he did it. Allah has created all men and also causes all men to die. He is all-knowing and powerful. He talks about a few parables. One is with two men and another one is with a house. Preparation is the key to success. Not giving into Shaitan you will be rewarded. Do good not evil and you will go to heaven.
Sura 75: The Resurrection
This Sure is full of questions and phrases that are quite thought provoking. For example, 36 says, “Does man think he is to be left to wander without an aim?” When man has lost himself and he has nowhere to go; when there is no light or darkness there is always Allah. He is the way. He is the only God.
Sura 87: The Most High
Allah is everything and everywhere. He is the one who makes things possible. He is the one who purifies the soul. He is the one who creates, then makes complete. The hereafter is better than the life one lives now.
Week 4 Post 8 - Islam
Islam believes in only one god. The God. This God is Allah. Islam and Christianity see eye to eye from the beginning of the Bible to a certain point, according to the Koran: Ishmael, Abraham’s son migrated to Mecca and from there his descendants were Muslim. Ishmael’s brother, Isaac stayed in his birth place, Palestine and became a Jew.
If one ever hears about Islam, they will immediately hear about the, “highly praised” Muhammad. “The prophet through whom Islam reached its definitive form.” He is the greatest prophet that has ever and will ever succeed in Islam. Muslims rarely mention his name without these words immediately following, “blessings and peace be upon him.” Born in 570 A.D. his parents died at a young age and his uncle raised him. Muhammad was described as, “...sweet and gentle disposition.” At the age of 25 he married Khadija, who was 15 years older than him.
Muhammad felt very strongly that he had a mission in life, that there was more for him to do. He frequented in a mountain cave to pray, meditate and receive revelation from Allah. One of his first revelations came a commonly used phrase among Muslims: La ilaha illa ‘llah. THere is no god but God!
Muhammad was Allah’s instrument in bringing about the work of what they call God’s “standing miracle,” or the Koran. This book came through Muhammad in sections over a span of 23 years. When he would be receiving direction or revelation a change in him would visibly occur. The Koran’s message is that of unity, omnipotence and mercy of God. God speaks in first person, unlike other religious scripture, and Muslims consider this as commandments and direction coming directly from him.
The way Islams are counseled to live is summed up in one phrase: To walk the straight path. This phrase is stated in the opening surah of the Korah. Islam’s beliefs are broken up into five segments called the five pillars of Islam. The first is shahadah. This means, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet.” Muslims believe this is the ultimate answer to all questions. The second pillar of Islam is canonical prayer, meaning to keep life in perspective. This is the hardest pillar for Muslims to understand and apply. To help them keep their focus, they are directed to pray five times a day. Prayer is suggested on arising, when the sun is high in the sky, mid-afternoon, sunset, and before sleeping. The third pillar is charity. In the Koran it says that every Muslim should give two and one half percent to the poor annually. The fourth pillar is ramadan. This is a month of no food, drink, smoke, or sexual activity while the sun is present, for one month. The purpose of the ramadan is to help them reflect and refocus themselves. Islam’s fifth and final pillar is pilgrimage. Muslims who have the means are directed to go to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Mecca is a holy land where God’s first revelation descended. This journey to the holy land is one’s ultimate dream in the Islam faith.
Personal Reflection -
I can relate very well with Islamic beliefs. They believe in not gambling, stealing, lying, drinking, and immorality as I do. I think it is wise to have moderation and not lead a life of excess. It is interesting that they pray five times a day. It intrigues me how they keep themselves in focus and are continually striving to be better, do better and keep Allah in their thoughts. I think it’s very interesting that from the Book of Genesis to Abraham’s sons their beliefs are the same. And today Islam and Christianity are two of the largest religions in the world. I respect this people and think highly of them and how they are very diligent in their living style.
If one ever hears about Islam, they will immediately hear about the, “highly praised” Muhammad. “The prophet through whom Islam reached its definitive form.” He is the greatest prophet that has ever and will ever succeed in Islam. Muslims rarely mention his name without these words immediately following, “blessings and peace be upon him.” Born in 570 A.D. his parents died at a young age and his uncle raised him. Muhammad was described as, “...sweet and gentle disposition.” At the age of 25 he married Khadija, who was 15 years older than him.
Muhammad felt very strongly that he had a mission in life, that there was more for him to do. He frequented in a mountain cave to pray, meditate and receive revelation from Allah. One of his first revelations came a commonly used phrase among Muslims: La ilaha illa ‘llah. THere is no god but God!
Muhammad was Allah’s instrument in bringing about the work of what they call God’s “standing miracle,” or the Koran. This book came through Muhammad in sections over a span of 23 years. When he would be receiving direction or revelation a change in him would visibly occur. The Koran’s message is that of unity, omnipotence and mercy of God. God speaks in first person, unlike other religious scripture, and Muslims consider this as commandments and direction coming directly from him.
The way Islams are counseled to live is summed up in one phrase: To walk the straight path. This phrase is stated in the opening surah of the Korah. Islam’s beliefs are broken up into five segments called the five pillars of Islam. The first is shahadah. This means, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet.” Muslims believe this is the ultimate answer to all questions. The second pillar of Islam is canonical prayer, meaning to keep life in perspective. This is the hardest pillar for Muslims to understand and apply. To help them keep their focus, they are directed to pray five times a day. Prayer is suggested on arising, when the sun is high in the sky, mid-afternoon, sunset, and before sleeping. The third pillar is charity. In the Koran it says that every Muslim should give two and one half percent to the poor annually. The fourth pillar is ramadan. This is a month of no food, drink, smoke, or sexual activity while the sun is present, for one month. The purpose of the ramadan is to help them reflect and refocus themselves. Islam’s fifth and final pillar is pilgrimage. Muslims who have the means are directed to go to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Mecca is a holy land where God’s first revelation descended. This journey to the holy land is one’s ultimate dream in the Islam faith.
Personal Reflection -
I can relate very well with Islamic beliefs. They believe in not gambling, stealing, lying, drinking, and immorality as I do. I think it is wise to have moderation and not lead a life of excess. It is interesting that they pray five times a day. It intrigues me how they keep themselves in focus and are continually striving to be better, do better and keep Allah in their thoughts. I think it’s very interesting that from the Book of Genesis to Abraham’s sons their beliefs are the same. And today Islam and Christianity are two of the largest religions in the world. I respect this people and think highly of them and how they are very diligent in their living style.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Religion Midterm
Preliminary Questions -
1 - Jason Ruys
2 - jruys@student.mtsac.edu
3 - 6 posts completed
Post 1 - 1/17/11 6:13 PM
Post 2 - 1/23/11 9:38 PM
Post 3 - 1/25/11 8:03 PM
Post 4 - 1/26/11 12:12 AM
Post 5 - 1/26/11 12:14 AM
Post 6 - 1/26/11 6:49 PM
Interactive Post - 1/26/11 9:17 PM
Current Event Post - 1/30/11 9:47 AM
4 -
Week 1
- When Scholars Study the Sacred
- When Gods Decay
Week 2
Enchanted Land: A Journey of the Saints in India
Chapter 1 - Intro
Chapter 2 - Hinduism
Wikipedia article on Jainism
Why I Don’t Eat Faces
Lions in the Punjab
Week 3
Chapter 3 - Buddhism
Chinese Philosophy - Confucius The Analects
Tao
Chapter 4 - Confucianism
Chapter 5 - Taoism
5 - I am up to date on all the reading assignments
6 -
Week 1
Video on Education and Internet
Meme Theory
Week 2
Film on the guru
Hinduism - Smith Interview
The Story of India
Hinduism 1 - 5
All 3 Jainism videos
Week 3
Sikhism videos
All 4 Buddhist videos
All 4 Tao/Confucius related videos
My favorite video is the first video in the Jainism folder. People who are willing to share their religion with others are typically passionate about their religion. I love this man’s passion. He shares his beliefs in a way that is easy to understand. It was a personalized message rather than a text book message.
7 -
Week 1
Introduction of Huston Smith
8 - I plan to visit the Hindu Temple of Las Vegas on Saturday, February 5 with my wife and daughter.
9 - Tao & Confucius the Analects
10 - Negative
11 -
Week 1 - 14 hours
Week 2 - 12 hours
Week 3 - 23 hours
12 - Jainism has been the religion that has stood out to me the most. Their non-violent approach to everything is what we all need. Here in the United States we have become a shallow and insecure people. We are too judgmental and violent (be it physical or emotional) towards our fellow man. I have found myself falling into this pitfall of passing judgment when I have no right or saying things that are destructive of others. If I can apply the Jainistic principles into my life I know that I could have a better impact on those around me.
MISC INFO -
Website - http://jasonmwr.blogspot.com/
**Some of the essay responses contain excerpts from my prior weekly posts. If I state “the reading” in a question, it implies the quote is from the reading that was assigned for that question.**
RELIGION MIDTERM -
Question #1
Ninian Smart defined religion as being seven dimensional. The first dimension is myth. A religion must have myths in order to be classified as one per Smart’s dimensions. These myths are not false accounts, but stories about the sacred. These myths can hold a contain symbolism and doctrine along with hagiography. That all depends on who is giving an account of the myth. To illustrate this principle the reading contains the example of the game of telephone. The game could start out with the simplest of phrases or instructions but over the transference of this message some simple truth is lost. These myths can also contain symbolism. Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell profess that myths are similar to dreams. They believe that our dreams are universal symbols of our minds while we are sleeping.
The next dimension is called rituals. Every religion has its rituals no matter how big or small. For one it could be singing hymns while for another it could be reciting a written prayer or praying at certain times each day. These rituals are used to connect the follower/believer with the sense of the sacred. They are mostly simple activities that need to be carried out in a certain way. Sometimes they are repeated often, other times not so much. No matter what the ritual is, it is something that helps the believer define their faith.
In conjunction with rituals we have experiences. Experiences can occur at the same time as the ritual that is being performed or spontaneously. Either way it is these religious experiences that bring the believer/follower closer to the sacred.
Doctrine is next as what defines the “who, what, where, when and why” to the religion. It is what provides the structure to the belief system. It is what is passed down to the followers by word of mouth or through a written method. Religions also contain a code of Ethics that is passed down to the followers/believers. Most, if not all, share the same sentiment with regards to murder, lying, cheating, stealing, etc. Basically, all religions believe that you should do unto others as you would like done unto you.
An interesting aspect to religions is the Social aspect. Religions provide a place for the believer/follower to feel as though they are a part of something special. It provides them a place where beliefs and lifestyles are similar. This sense of one-ness provides a sense of security to the individual.
The final dimension is the Material aspect. It would be difficult to spread a religious message without having a place to meet at, a book/scripture to read from or a sort of dress code to follow. These material items provide a pathway to the divine.
It is important to understand that religions survive due to memes. Susan Blackmore describes memes as ideas that are copied into another believer. In the video she describes a little about how we humans have evolved and she says, “As memes evolve, as they inevitably must, they drive a bigger brain that is better for copying memes that are doing the driving.” Religions survive due to this method. In a way it’s a battle out there. Religions are fighting for their survival. If no one accepts the beliefs of a religion and the religion is not copied into others the religion will die out.
When discussing religion, one must also address cults. Cults are defined in the reading as, “simply a new religious movement.” Cults carry a negative connotations in our society as brainwashing centers among other names. Cults, if their memes are able to be copied into more and more followers will inevitably become more and more accepted in society. A prime example of this is that of the Mormon church. They have not been readily accepted, but are becoming more and more accepted as society embraces more and more of their beliefs.
In The Cult Experience J. Gordon Melton describes how diverse these United States/Western cultures are with regards to religion. He states that there are approximately 900 different mainline denominations and 600 alternative religions. He describes how many join these new religions (cults) to re-instill religion into their lives. He also describes that many of these individuals who join these cults are not uneducated. Some are middle-aged, well-educated individuals who are just looking to become a part of something special. For many it is the social aspect of a religion that Smart defines in his 7 dimensions to a religion.
Dick Anthony in source that we can turn to to help understand cults. If we are to discern between any new religion, he suggests that we discern between what groups are problematic or not. Problematic meaning promoting attitudes towards those who are not apart of the new religion.
What would I do if I were asked to create a religion? Coming to understand the many different criteria that need to be met to even be considered a religion and be able to pass this on to others is not an easy task. The only way I believe it can be done is for me to have an outrageously spiritual experience. That experience would have to tie into the core beliefs of the Christian society here in the United States in order for me to present something new. This religion would have to be based on a belief of the family unit and it would have to be something that is easy enough that a child could understand it. I would eliminate the complexity that is found in many religions. Rituals would be simple and members would have the end goal of making sure their fellow man was taken care of before themselves.
Question #2
Secularization is called the fuel of religion in the reading due to its ability to inspire innovation in a religion. It is what helps religions stay pertinent in todays society. There are a few groups that the reading describes as being the Classical Orthodox Groups. They are Fundamentalism, Orthodox Judaism and Evangelicalism.
Fundamentalism is a conservative movement that is considered an extreme movement of Christianity. The fundamentalists want a return back to the fundamentals of religion. Those being: a return to the traditional family model, high moral standards and taking the Bible literally. These have come about as a reaction to the secularization of religion. Orthodox Judaism has had a similar response to the modernization of religions. They also promote a return to the fundamental values of their religion.
Evangelicalism is a more conservative belief for Christians. They are not as strict as the Fundamentalists, but that does not mean that they do not believe in maintaining a strict code of conduct.
These groups have been fueled by what the reading calls the Baby Boomer Effect. As the baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) have grown older, for whatever reason that have turned to religion. In turning to religion, they have begun to question the establishment of religion and its principles. Unlike before, followers would follow like lemmings and not question what was being taught or research what was being taught. Now, these baby boomers have begun to question and seek for answers to the questions that they have about life. Many of these baby boomers have found answers to their questions by aligning themselves to a religion.
These baby boomers have been found to have certain characteristics. It is as though this generation of people have focused on the final stage of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualization. The baby boomers typically have more tolerance and in doing so have been called narcissistic. This argument that they should be considered narcissistic is not a fair argument since the baby boomers are more centered on being self-aware and not selfish. Their tolerance is due in part to the education level of these individuals. Baby boomers have sought education and this has allowed them to see more angles to the same teachings.
Baby boomers are able to be classified into three groups with regards to religion. Loyalist, Dropouts and Returnees. Loyalists make up a third of the population. They are those who have not wavered or turned away from the religion of their upbringing. Dropouts make up forty-two percent of this population. They remove themselves from the mainstream religions to align themselves with an alternative or secular religion. The final group of Returnees make up approximately twenty-five percent of the baby boomers. They are those who stay in their own religion, but try to make the change from within. It is comical to think that some may have denounced their religion only to return and try to change it on their own.
All these groups and individuals have challenged religion. The baby boomers have left a lasting impact on how one studies and aligns themselves to a religion. Before, it was as though people were following blindly. They accepted their religion to be the one and only truth. Baby boomers questioned establishment and in turn questioned religion. One thing the baby boomers have shown us is how durable religions are. Even after all the questioning and movements that have taken place since they were born, I would argue that the main religions have weathered the “storm” of questioning. The religions could have just molded to society or the individuals could have aligned themselves to the teachings.
While I was reading these two assignments I was fascinated by the many different ways there are to study religion. In my first post I wrote, “One could study any religion through theological, sociological, psychological, phenomenological, anthropological and many other “-ical” methods. Smart argues three methods (antipathy, sympathy and empathy) while Berger argues three similar, but altogether different methods (reduction, deduction and induction). It is not an easy task to maintain objectivity while studying any religion.”
Studying religion scientifically presents more questions to any religion, especially when it comes down to testing things that are un-falsifiable. How can you test if god exists? You cannot test the faith of a follower. Testing the psychology and the social aspects of a religion can provide some answers as to why people align themselves to any religion. There are many schools of though and practices as to how to practice and even study religion.
I am not sure I could study a religion objectively at this point in my life. I believe that I would have to devote more time to studying how religions work before questioning if they are true or not. I am set in my religion and while studying other religions I believe I might be trying to prove the other religions wrong while studying them. Maybe after some time I will be able to question and study any religion without presenting a biased point of view.
Question #3
Religion has proven to provide a social function. There are many different ways to look at this. We will look at Durkheim, Weber, Juergensmeyer and Simmel.
A 19th century scholar named Emile Durkheim believed that Freud’s teaching of totems (Early male humans, possessing the Oedipus complex wanted their fathers dead. In lieu of actually killing their father, they sacrificed an animal as a ritual and this animal became the clan totem.) was a personification of the forces of society rather than it being a substitute for the father. Using the totems, the early male humans were able to tackle the taboos that existed in their society.
In todays culture we do not have totems. In the United States we have God. We put our trust in Him and we behave a certain way if we want His approval. He puts order into our everyday lives. Socially, He has a great impact on His followers. When we disobey Him we live in the fear that we will be cast into hell. Thus, we try to live our lives in a way that is acceptable to Him.
Max Weber also has his understanding of how the social function of religion can control our lives. He contends that religion itself can be the instrument to instill social change. He gives the example of how Protestants were vital to capitalism in the world. Catholics had a different approach than that of the Protestants. He noticed that business leaders were mostly Protestant. Something in their beliefs differed enough to create a different mind set regarding work ethic and worshipping their god. This could have been their acknowledging god in all aspects of life and not only the sacred.
Mark Juergensmeyer agrees with Weber that religion can play a vital role in bringing social change. In the reading we are presented with the example of the Untouchables in India. The Ad Dharm movement in the early 1920’s proved that change can be brought socially through religious a movement. Although this movement ended up becoming more politically charged than religiously charged, this movement proved Juergensmeyer’s point that religions can bring about social change.
George Simmel argues that for society to function properly it needs religion. He contends that society would not exist without it. He speaks of religious rituals, pilgrimages and festivals that bring people together in the spirit of worship and love for their fellow man. These activities truly are for the common good. He expresses how the group think of god changes as the group changes. This change in dynamics helps keep the order in the group.
As shown through these sociologists, religion has a huge impact on society. Religions provide that outlet for individuals to feel a part of something bigger than themselves. Many religions have rituals that take place several times a week, providing an opportunity to interact with others while learning and sharing about their beliefs. I know that without the religious influences in my life I would not be where I am today. I know I could have made choices that would have greatly influenced my life today. More than anything, a religion provides a place for someone to be a part of something good. It teaches one how to be a good person in society and how to be a good neighbor to those around you. The only problem is that we learn these principles but it seems as though everyone has a problem putting these principles into practice.
Question #4
I chose to answer question #3 in lieu of question #4.
Question #5
One of the most basic yet important beliefs of Hinduism is that which people really want. We may ask ourselves what we really want in life. Most people may say wealth, pleasure or responsibility. But according Hindus, that is not what people really want. What is it that we desire most? The answer is simple: we already have it. That which people really want, they already have. Huston Smith says of Hindus, “...what we really want is to be, to know, and to be happy.”
Hindus believe that the human being has a body, naturally. They also believe that a human being encompasses personality with mind, memories, and thoughts. Others may believe that there isn’t much more to a person but the Hindus disagree. Huston Smith describes what Hindus think of one’s self as, “...a reservoir of being that never dies, is never exhausted, and is unrestricted in consciousness and bliss.” Hinduism calls this inner self the Atman. Along with the Atman is Brahman or the Godhead. The complete human being or self is not complete with these three: Body, personality, and Atman-Brahman.
There are many different personalities and goals that each person possesses. Not one person is ever in the same place emotionally and mentally as another person. For this reason, Hindus have four main paths to enlightenment. The key word in describing the various ways to arrive at these paths to enlightenment is yoga. Yoga means to unite or to discipline. It is a way of training that leads to unions. The ultimate goal to God. The first way to God is through knowledge or Inana Yoga. It is said to be the shortest way to God but the hardest. People function and react more on emotion than they do logic. Which brings us to the second way to God: bhakti yoga- the yoga of love. Bhakti yoga is the most popular of the yogas. The goal in this yoga is the adore God. Japam, or repeating God’s name in worship is the method in which bhakta uses to love God. The third way to God is through Karma Yoga, the way through work. Hinduism is passionate about work and working unselfishly. To work with an unselfish heart, always thinking about others, then the end goal will be accomplished. The fourth and last of the yogas is what they call, “the royal road to integration.” Raja yoga: the way to God through psychophysical experiments. Hindus believe that there are four layers that make up the human being: the body, the mind, the subconscious, and the fourth being the eternal part of the human being. These four things make up the human being and this fourth yoga is the final way to enlightenment.
Hinduism belies each person enters and experiences a stage of life. At every age, one is always involved in a different stage of life. The first stage of life are between the ages of eight and twelve called the student. The second stage usually begins when marriage has taken place called the householder. Time will be divided into family, vocation and community. The third stage of life is the stage of renunciation- the time of retirement. This is where one learns and understand the world to it’s fullest.
Difference in people, their phases of life and what they are currently experiencing is admired by Hindus. They have four ways or groups that people are put in to describe how they best fit into society and develop their own potentials. The first is Brahmins or seers. These are spiritual and intellectual leaders. The second group are the organizers. The third are the producers. And you always have to have the followers- this is the fourth group. Usually in one lifetime, one will fall into each group and experience what it is like to be in each one. Each group is embraced and respected.
One final idea of Hinduism is that there are “many paths to the same summit.” Hindus believe that though one may be Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, or Sikh, every individual is trying accomplish the same goal to get to the same God. There may be different names and ways to practice, worship and reach the end goal. There are multiple ways to achieve what all are working toward. This idea of accepted difference is embraced and respected by Hindus.
Question #6
Jainism started around the ninth century BC although they believe that Jainism has always existed and will always exist. It started spreading in the south of India in the third century BC. Jainism has been appressed by rulers in India but has weathered the storm and can now be found in many different countries. The first Jain temple to be built outside of India was in 1960 in Mombasa, Kenya. Jainism has spread to many countries and temples can be found in many of them. These countries include, Suriname, the United States, South Africa, Nepal and Japan.
Jainism believes that one needs to have complete and absolute control over the mind and body. The followers try to do everything to liberate themselves from the negative effects that their thoughts and actions can have on their lives. They try to prevent this through abiding by three principles. 1 - The right view (seeking to view reality correctly) 2 - The right knowledge (finding the true meaning of reality) 3 - The right conduct (applying the knowledge acquired into one’s life) Jainism also preaches that every creature is divine and every human has the potential to become divine. It is also preached that Karma is a reaction to something taking place (unlike the Hindu belief).
Jainism follows a firm code of ethics. One of them being non-violence. This belief of non-violence applies to all living things. One should minimize violence, be it intentional or unintentional, to all living things. Another belief is that of truthfulness. Speak the truth, but with tact. Be constructive and not destructive in word and thought.
One of the Jainistic philosophies is that of vegetarianism. Their belief is all encompassing. Their non-violent approach to living things includes plants. Jain followers will not consume root vegetables because if one is to harvest a root vegetable you would, in essence, be ending the life of that plant. Also, they do not partake of this food because of the impact it has on the soils.
Jainism has been and can be compared to many different religions. Buddhism is a religion that I will compare Jainism to.
Similarities -
Jainism and Buddhism can both be considered atheistic religions. They do acknowledge the divine in all living things, but not the divine in the non-living things.
They also believe in the presence of gods and higher beings who can change and evolve just as we can according to their karma.
Both religions welcome people from all walks of life into their religion. There is no distinction for the caste system or anything of the sort.
Both religions feature a monastic lifestyle for those who chose. Their monks live together in monastic communities and these individuals seek to attain knowledge and also impart their knowledge to those around them.
Both religions began in India.
Differences -
Jainism was propagated from a lineage of several thirthankaras from royal families. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama who became Buddha after he received his enlightenment.
Jainism believes the soul is eternal and that death separates the soul from the body and the soul is sent to another body. That body is determined by the individuals prior actions. Buddhists do not believe in an eternal soul.
Jainism believes in complete vegetarianism and non-violence (ahimsa). Buddhism is not as stringent. For example, a Buddhist could eat a fish that was caught by others.
Question #7
The history is Sikhism is complex yet simple. It can be understood in three different ideas: 1) Guru Nanak founding Sikhism, 2) Guru Har Gobind turning to militancy in times of unrest and 3) The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh organizing the Khalsa. Though in the history of Sikhism there have been more than ten gurus, it is only necessary to mention the original and most important ten gurus as they will briefly be discussed.
Starting with Guru Nanak who is the founder of Sikhism. Nanak felt the need for gurus was very important. He meditated often and his message was that of love and peace. He was followed by guru Angad who didn’t change much in his rule. Guru Angad is followed by guru Amar Das who is the third guru. Amar Das organized the manji system: a Sikh administration. He established a system that allowed Sikhs to fall into debate with the hierarchies of the Hindu World. One important thing Amar Das did was collected the gurus’ words that became the govindval pothis that ended up being the Ani Granth. Then comes guru Ram Das, who had three sons but felt his youngest was the most qualified to follow in his guruship. Arjan is the fifth guru, son of guru Ram Das. During Arjan’s rule there was much persecution and upheaval. Because of this unrest, Arjan was a martyr. The day of his death marks a day of holiness to the Sikhs. The sixth guru was instrumental in the history of Sikhism, guru Har Gobind. He is the son of Arjan. He felt there was much to be changed and done because of everything that had happened with his dad. Guru Har Gobind wore two swords around his wrists symbolizing temporal and spiritual strength. When Har Gobind died, he appointed his second grandson, Har Rai as the next guru. Har Rai appointed his young son to be the next guru. Har Krishan is the son of Har Rai. A distance family member then takes the lead. The ninth guru is Tegh Bahadur who was also a martyr. He had a nine year-old son who took on the great responsibility of leading the people after his father. Bringing the tenth and final guru to Gobind Singh.
Gobind Singh is credited for organizing the Khalsa which also means the community of the pure. These Sikhs were viewed as Orthodox. This stated the many rules and regulations of expected Sikh behavior. The two reasons for the Khalsa: to establish the Sikh community in times of such upheaval, and the obtain a peace and independence in the community.
In the online video about Sikhism I learned that Sikhs are just ordinary people who live next door. There are many all around and they actually take up an important part of our lives. I learned that Sikhs believe that God is without form or gender. They believe that their Sikh god is also a god of Islams and Buddhists and Christians. He expresses the notion of tolerance and love. Sikhs take up less than 2% of India’s population. It is said that Sikhim has championed the concept of freedom and democracy.
Question #8
In every religion there are many different people. Many people come together with the same idea and beliefs. Within this group of people, however, there are those with differing opinions on how to live these ideas and beliefs. Standards vary with certain individuals. One person may see and live a belief a different way than another person. This happens in every aspect of life. It happened especially with the Buddhists. There was a group who insisted that Buddhism was a full-time job. The other group didn’t see the importance on making their religion their life. Both of these groups were called yanas, rafts or ferries for which to carry themselves across life’s river. To be more specific, the second, more relaxed in their religion group was named Mahayana meaning the big raft. Which means the first group was called Hinayana, or the little raft. This didn’t settle with with the Hinayanas so they preferred calling themselves the Way of the Elders or Theravada. This group claimed to be the original Buddhist, taught by Gautama himself. These two groups continued seeing many things from a different perspective. They believe different things. For example, Mahayanasists that Buddha taught more by example than he did by words. Theravadians believe it is all about the letter of the law. What is said is what is done. However, there are more than just two schools of Buddhism.
After Buddhism split into two schools, Theravada and Mahayana, more divisions continued happening. Theravada continued unified in their beliefs, traditions and practices whereas Mahayana divided into smaller schools. One of the main schools is called the Pure Land School. These people believe in having faith in Buddha to carry them to their Pure Land, a sort of heaven. Another school that was branched off is a school that set on learning and social harmony called Tendai. One of the main sects of Mahayana is Zen. Like many sects, this one actually claims that they can trace themselves back to Gautama himself. Zen is a different world. Huston Smith describes it as, “...charmingly mad... a world of bewildering dialogues, obscure conundrums, stunning paradoxes... all carried off in the most urbane, cheerful, and innocent style imaginable.”
Another sect that developed from the branching off of Buddhism is Vajrayana, meaning the Diamond Way. When Mahayana turned Buddha into a cosmic figure, Vajrayana turned Buddha into a diamond scepter. Their roots are mostly in Tibet. The Diamond Way is a powerful way. To them this is a symbol of strength.
Unfortunately where Buddhist were first formed and originated, they no longer exist. From the text, “Today Buddhists abound in every Asian land except India.” Hinduism is greatly practiced in India, which is why the merge of the two religions happened and Buddhism eventually died out. Though these religions have many similarities, they are very different. Among those in India, Hinduism seems to be the preferred practice of religion.
Question #9
Tao essentially means the path or the way. Everything is centered around it. The way has three meanings. It can mean the way of ultimate reality. This ultimate reality is taught to mean too much for one’s mind to conceive. Next is the way of the universe. This has reference to the spirit rather than matter. It can in no way be exhausted. This also refers to the mother of the world (Mother Earth). Lastly we have the way of human life. This simply means the way life is.
There are three approaches to power that are preached with Tao. They are Efficient Power, Augmented Power and Vicarious Power. Efficient power is also referred to as philosophical taoism. This is essentially an attitude toward life. There are teachers and there are students. It, however, is not organized as a religion. Huston Smith writes, “The object of philosophical Taoism is to align one’s daily life to the Tao, to ride its boundless tide and delight in its flow.” In this power, Wu Wei is subscribed to. That means that all friction, be it in a relationship or with one’s self, is reduced to the minimum. Wu wei is also described as supreme action and simplicity. Wu wei is also a way to teach one to be non-competitive. Tao is non-competitive by nature.
Augmented power describes says to be alive is good, to be more alive is better, hence the importance leading a healthy life. The healthy lifestyle also includes meditation and yoga. There is teaching that if you are able to have control over your mind much is possible. Smith illustrates this when he says, “Without lifting a finger , a ruler who had mastered this stillness could order an entire people with his mystical-moral power. Without being aware of what was happening, his subjects would spontaneously forego unruly ways.”
The last power is vicarious power. This is also referred to as religious taoism. Much of Taoism can be considered “crude superstition.” Taoism is thought to have powers and through the creation of a church, these powers were able to be shared with the most ordinary of people.
The principles taught in Tao is very much applicable today. Just think if everyone was thinking about wu wei in their daily lives. We would have a lot less road rage because no one would be competing for little things in life that do not matter. I have read a majority of the religious literature assignment “Tao Te Ching” and I have loved reading its simple yet profound ideals in each one of the chapters. I have shared these simple passages with family and friends and I have been active in trying to incorporate these teachings into my life. I have already seen how they can bring peace and tranquility into my life.
While reading on Confucius I was astonished to learn that he did not find a following until after his death. In life he was arguably a failure in his endeavors. One of the things that I admire about him is that he sought to learn continuously. He hated being called a “sage.” He did not believe that you could never know everything. Often times many educated individuals start to believe too much in themselves and that makes life miserable for the student. The teacher student relationship cannot flourish because the teacher is on a different level than the student and therefore communication can be lost.
Question #10 -
Hinduism - The thing I learned most from these two videos are the Hindu words. Everything that Michael Wood taught and talked about in this video he stated the Hindu word after. I thought that was very good and very teachable. It was nice to see a visual on how they worship to the way they do things.
Buddhism - These videos were very interesting to watched. It was nice to look and listen to these instead of reading. These videos put Buddhism into a different perspective for me. Especially the BBC Life of Buddha documentary. I loved how he went into depth about each guru and how they felt about their sons, grandsons, and successors. The detail he went into to talk about how they felt and what they were going through was very educational.
Chinese Religions -
The three great teachings of China are Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Confucianism teaches political and social harmony. Taoism teaches soundness in physical body and mind. Buddhism teaches psychology. All three of these religions together provide the bedrock of ancient culture.
Confucius - Everyone must assume their rightful place in society determined by their abilities.
Taoism -
Buddhism - Imported from India. Not a great influence in China back in the day. Present day Buddhist temples are all over the place. Understanding true nature of the mind.
Interview with Huston Smith -
He was born in China in 1919 to American missionaries. He was surrounded by rich culture from an early age.
The yin and yang is an interesting symbol. It shows the undefined relationship between the opposites in life. It shows how opposites are in need of each other. He shares many stories that illustrate how each side of the yin and yang encroaches on the other. He shares an article from “Dear Abby.” This woman wanted to find a mate, but she described how she attended and practiced many different religions. Abby responded in a way that Smith identifies as being “Western.” He illustrates that Japanese and Chinese religions intertwined with each other, thus illustrating how the yin and yang overlap upon each other.
Confucius - 5 basic relationships
1 - Parent and Child
2 - Spouse and Spouse
3 - Elder Brother and Younger Brother
4 - Elder Friend and Younger Friend
5 - Ruler and Subject
We are always in the middle of one of these relationships. If we keep our “wings” up we will build up ourselves and make ourselves better. If they are tilted down we will go down to the path of bitterness and despair. The symbol for love contains the symbol of the heart in the middle.
1 - Jason Ruys
2 - jruys@student.mtsac.edu
3 - 6 posts completed
Post 1 - 1/17/11 6:13 PM
Post 2 - 1/23/11 9:38 PM
Post 3 - 1/25/11 8:03 PM
Post 4 - 1/26/11 12:12 AM
Post 5 - 1/26/11 12:14 AM
Post 6 - 1/26/11 6:49 PM
Interactive Post - 1/26/11 9:17 PM
Current Event Post - 1/30/11 9:47 AM
4 -
Week 1
- When Scholars Study the Sacred
- When Gods Decay
Week 2
Enchanted Land: A Journey of the Saints in India
Chapter 1 - Intro
Chapter 2 - Hinduism
Wikipedia article on Jainism
Why I Don’t Eat Faces
Lions in the Punjab
Week 3
Chapter 3 - Buddhism
Chinese Philosophy - Confucius The Analects
Tao
Chapter 4 - Confucianism
Chapter 5 - Taoism
5 - I am up to date on all the reading assignments
6 -
Week 1
Video on Education and Internet
Meme Theory
Week 2
Film on the guru
Hinduism - Smith Interview
The Story of India
Hinduism 1 - 5
All 3 Jainism videos
Week 3
Sikhism videos
All 4 Buddhist videos
All 4 Tao/Confucius related videos
My favorite video is the first video in the Jainism folder. People who are willing to share their religion with others are typically passionate about their religion. I love this man’s passion. He shares his beliefs in a way that is easy to understand. It was a personalized message rather than a text book message.
7 -
Week 1
Introduction of Huston Smith
8 - I plan to visit the Hindu Temple of Las Vegas on Saturday, February 5 with my wife and daughter.
9 - Tao & Confucius the Analects
10 - Negative
11 -
Week 1 - 14 hours
Week 2 - 12 hours
Week 3 - 23 hours
12 - Jainism has been the religion that has stood out to me the most. Their non-violent approach to everything is what we all need. Here in the United States we have become a shallow and insecure people. We are too judgmental and violent (be it physical or emotional) towards our fellow man. I have found myself falling into this pitfall of passing judgment when I have no right or saying things that are destructive of others. If I can apply the Jainistic principles into my life I know that I could have a better impact on those around me.
MISC INFO -
Website - http://jasonmwr.blogspot.com/
**Some of the essay responses contain excerpts from my prior weekly posts. If I state “the reading” in a question, it implies the quote is from the reading that was assigned for that question.**
RELIGION MIDTERM -
Question #1
Ninian Smart defined religion as being seven dimensional. The first dimension is myth. A religion must have myths in order to be classified as one per Smart’s dimensions. These myths are not false accounts, but stories about the sacred. These myths can hold a contain symbolism and doctrine along with hagiography. That all depends on who is giving an account of the myth. To illustrate this principle the reading contains the example of the game of telephone. The game could start out with the simplest of phrases or instructions but over the transference of this message some simple truth is lost. These myths can also contain symbolism. Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell profess that myths are similar to dreams. They believe that our dreams are universal symbols of our minds while we are sleeping.
The next dimension is called rituals. Every religion has its rituals no matter how big or small. For one it could be singing hymns while for another it could be reciting a written prayer or praying at certain times each day. These rituals are used to connect the follower/believer with the sense of the sacred. They are mostly simple activities that need to be carried out in a certain way. Sometimes they are repeated often, other times not so much. No matter what the ritual is, it is something that helps the believer define their faith.
In conjunction with rituals we have experiences. Experiences can occur at the same time as the ritual that is being performed or spontaneously. Either way it is these religious experiences that bring the believer/follower closer to the sacred.
Doctrine is next as what defines the “who, what, where, when and why” to the religion. It is what provides the structure to the belief system. It is what is passed down to the followers by word of mouth or through a written method. Religions also contain a code of Ethics that is passed down to the followers/believers. Most, if not all, share the same sentiment with regards to murder, lying, cheating, stealing, etc. Basically, all religions believe that you should do unto others as you would like done unto you.
An interesting aspect to religions is the Social aspect. Religions provide a place for the believer/follower to feel as though they are a part of something special. It provides them a place where beliefs and lifestyles are similar. This sense of one-ness provides a sense of security to the individual.
The final dimension is the Material aspect. It would be difficult to spread a religious message without having a place to meet at, a book/scripture to read from or a sort of dress code to follow. These material items provide a pathway to the divine.
It is important to understand that religions survive due to memes. Susan Blackmore describes memes as ideas that are copied into another believer. In the video she describes a little about how we humans have evolved and she says, “As memes evolve, as they inevitably must, they drive a bigger brain that is better for copying memes that are doing the driving.” Religions survive due to this method. In a way it’s a battle out there. Religions are fighting for their survival. If no one accepts the beliefs of a religion and the religion is not copied into others the religion will die out.
When discussing religion, one must also address cults. Cults are defined in the reading as, “simply a new religious movement.” Cults carry a negative connotations in our society as brainwashing centers among other names. Cults, if their memes are able to be copied into more and more followers will inevitably become more and more accepted in society. A prime example of this is that of the Mormon church. They have not been readily accepted, but are becoming more and more accepted as society embraces more and more of their beliefs.
In The Cult Experience J. Gordon Melton describes how diverse these United States/Western cultures are with regards to religion. He states that there are approximately 900 different mainline denominations and 600 alternative religions. He describes how many join these new religions (cults) to re-instill religion into their lives. He also describes that many of these individuals who join these cults are not uneducated. Some are middle-aged, well-educated individuals who are just looking to become a part of something special. For many it is the social aspect of a religion that Smart defines in his 7 dimensions to a religion.
Dick Anthony in source that we can turn to to help understand cults. If we are to discern between any new religion, he suggests that we discern between what groups are problematic or not. Problematic meaning promoting attitudes towards those who are not apart of the new religion.
What would I do if I were asked to create a religion? Coming to understand the many different criteria that need to be met to even be considered a religion and be able to pass this on to others is not an easy task. The only way I believe it can be done is for me to have an outrageously spiritual experience. That experience would have to tie into the core beliefs of the Christian society here in the United States in order for me to present something new. This religion would have to be based on a belief of the family unit and it would have to be something that is easy enough that a child could understand it. I would eliminate the complexity that is found in many religions. Rituals would be simple and members would have the end goal of making sure their fellow man was taken care of before themselves.
Question #2
Secularization is called the fuel of religion in the reading due to its ability to inspire innovation in a religion. It is what helps religions stay pertinent in todays society. There are a few groups that the reading describes as being the Classical Orthodox Groups. They are Fundamentalism, Orthodox Judaism and Evangelicalism.
Fundamentalism is a conservative movement that is considered an extreme movement of Christianity. The fundamentalists want a return back to the fundamentals of religion. Those being: a return to the traditional family model, high moral standards and taking the Bible literally. These have come about as a reaction to the secularization of religion. Orthodox Judaism has had a similar response to the modernization of religions. They also promote a return to the fundamental values of their religion.
Evangelicalism is a more conservative belief for Christians. They are not as strict as the Fundamentalists, but that does not mean that they do not believe in maintaining a strict code of conduct.
These groups have been fueled by what the reading calls the Baby Boomer Effect. As the baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) have grown older, for whatever reason that have turned to religion. In turning to religion, they have begun to question the establishment of religion and its principles. Unlike before, followers would follow like lemmings and not question what was being taught or research what was being taught. Now, these baby boomers have begun to question and seek for answers to the questions that they have about life. Many of these baby boomers have found answers to their questions by aligning themselves to a religion.
These baby boomers have been found to have certain characteristics. It is as though this generation of people have focused on the final stage of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualization. The baby boomers typically have more tolerance and in doing so have been called narcissistic. This argument that they should be considered narcissistic is not a fair argument since the baby boomers are more centered on being self-aware and not selfish. Their tolerance is due in part to the education level of these individuals. Baby boomers have sought education and this has allowed them to see more angles to the same teachings.
Baby boomers are able to be classified into three groups with regards to religion. Loyalist, Dropouts and Returnees. Loyalists make up a third of the population. They are those who have not wavered or turned away from the religion of their upbringing. Dropouts make up forty-two percent of this population. They remove themselves from the mainstream religions to align themselves with an alternative or secular religion. The final group of Returnees make up approximately twenty-five percent of the baby boomers. They are those who stay in their own religion, but try to make the change from within. It is comical to think that some may have denounced their religion only to return and try to change it on their own.
All these groups and individuals have challenged religion. The baby boomers have left a lasting impact on how one studies and aligns themselves to a religion. Before, it was as though people were following blindly. They accepted their religion to be the one and only truth. Baby boomers questioned establishment and in turn questioned religion. One thing the baby boomers have shown us is how durable religions are. Even after all the questioning and movements that have taken place since they were born, I would argue that the main religions have weathered the “storm” of questioning. The religions could have just molded to society or the individuals could have aligned themselves to the teachings.
While I was reading these two assignments I was fascinated by the many different ways there are to study religion. In my first post I wrote, “One could study any religion through theological, sociological, psychological, phenomenological, anthropological and many other “-ical” methods. Smart argues three methods (antipathy, sympathy and empathy) while Berger argues three similar, but altogether different methods (reduction, deduction and induction). It is not an easy task to maintain objectivity while studying any religion.”
Studying religion scientifically presents more questions to any religion, especially when it comes down to testing things that are un-falsifiable. How can you test if god exists? You cannot test the faith of a follower. Testing the psychology and the social aspects of a religion can provide some answers as to why people align themselves to any religion. There are many schools of though and practices as to how to practice and even study religion.
I am not sure I could study a religion objectively at this point in my life. I believe that I would have to devote more time to studying how religions work before questioning if they are true or not. I am set in my religion and while studying other religions I believe I might be trying to prove the other religions wrong while studying them. Maybe after some time I will be able to question and study any religion without presenting a biased point of view.
Question #3
Religion has proven to provide a social function. There are many different ways to look at this. We will look at Durkheim, Weber, Juergensmeyer and Simmel.
A 19th century scholar named Emile Durkheim believed that Freud’s teaching of totems (Early male humans, possessing the Oedipus complex wanted their fathers dead. In lieu of actually killing their father, they sacrificed an animal as a ritual and this animal became the clan totem.) was a personification of the forces of society rather than it being a substitute for the father. Using the totems, the early male humans were able to tackle the taboos that existed in their society.
In todays culture we do not have totems. In the United States we have God. We put our trust in Him and we behave a certain way if we want His approval. He puts order into our everyday lives. Socially, He has a great impact on His followers. When we disobey Him we live in the fear that we will be cast into hell. Thus, we try to live our lives in a way that is acceptable to Him.
Max Weber also has his understanding of how the social function of religion can control our lives. He contends that religion itself can be the instrument to instill social change. He gives the example of how Protestants were vital to capitalism in the world. Catholics had a different approach than that of the Protestants. He noticed that business leaders were mostly Protestant. Something in their beliefs differed enough to create a different mind set regarding work ethic and worshipping their god. This could have been their acknowledging god in all aspects of life and not only the sacred.
Mark Juergensmeyer agrees with Weber that religion can play a vital role in bringing social change. In the reading we are presented with the example of the Untouchables in India. The Ad Dharm movement in the early 1920’s proved that change can be brought socially through religious a movement. Although this movement ended up becoming more politically charged than religiously charged, this movement proved Juergensmeyer’s point that religions can bring about social change.
George Simmel argues that for society to function properly it needs religion. He contends that society would not exist without it. He speaks of religious rituals, pilgrimages and festivals that bring people together in the spirit of worship and love for their fellow man. These activities truly are for the common good. He expresses how the group think of god changes as the group changes. This change in dynamics helps keep the order in the group.
As shown through these sociologists, religion has a huge impact on society. Religions provide that outlet for individuals to feel a part of something bigger than themselves. Many religions have rituals that take place several times a week, providing an opportunity to interact with others while learning and sharing about their beliefs. I know that without the religious influences in my life I would not be where I am today. I know I could have made choices that would have greatly influenced my life today. More than anything, a religion provides a place for someone to be a part of something good. It teaches one how to be a good person in society and how to be a good neighbor to those around you. The only problem is that we learn these principles but it seems as though everyone has a problem putting these principles into practice.
Question #4
I chose to answer question #3 in lieu of question #4.
Question #5
One of the most basic yet important beliefs of Hinduism is that which people really want. We may ask ourselves what we really want in life. Most people may say wealth, pleasure or responsibility. But according Hindus, that is not what people really want. What is it that we desire most? The answer is simple: we already have it. That which people really want, they already have. Huston Smith says of Hindus, “...what we really want is to be, to know, and to be happy.”
Hindus believe that the human being has a body, naturally. They also believe that a human being encompasses personality with mind, memories, and thoughts. Others may believe that there isn’t much more to a person but the Hindus disagree. Huston Smith describes what Hindus think of one’s self as, “...a reservoir of being that never dies, is never exhausted, and is unrestricted in consciousness and bliss.” Hinduism calls this inner self the Atman. Along with the Atman is Brahman or the Godhead. The complete human being or self is not complete with these three: Body, personality, and Atman-Brahman.
There are many different personalities and goals that each person possesses. Not one person is ever in the same place emotionally and mentally as another person. For this reason, Hindus have four main paths to enlightenment. The key word in describing the various ways to arrive at these paths to enlightenment is yoga. Yoga means to unite or to discipline. It is a way of training that leads to unions. The ultimate goal to God. The first way to God is through knowledge or Inana Yoga. It is said to be the shortest way to God but the hardest. People function and react more on emotion than they do logic. Which brings us to the second way to God: bhakti yoga- the yoga of love. Bhakti yoga is the most popular of the yogas. The goal in this yoga is the adore God. Japam, or repeating God’s name in worship is the method in which bhakta uses to love God. The third way to God is through Karma Yoga, the way through work. Hinduism is passionate about work and working unselfishly. To work with an unselfish heart, always thinking about others, then the end goal will be accomplished. The fourth and last of the yogas is what they call, “the royal road to integration.” Raja yoga: the way to God through psychophysical experiments. Hindus believe that there are four layers that make up the human being: the body, the mind, the subconscious, and the fourth being the eternal part of the human being. These four things make up the human being and this fourth yoga is the final way to enlightenment.
Hinduism belies each person enters and experiences a stage of life. At every age, one is always involved in a different stage of life. The first stage of life are between the ages of eight and twelve called the student. The second stage usually begins when marriage has taken place called the householder. Time will be divided into family, vocation and community. The third stage of life is the stage of renunciation- the time of retirement. This is where one learns and understand the world to it’s fullest.
Difference in people, their phases of life and what they are currently experiencing is admired by Hindus. They have four ways or groups that people are put in to describe how they best fit into society and develop their own potentials. The first is Brahmins or seers. These are spiritual and intellectual leaders. The second group are the organizers. The third are the producers. And you always have to have the followers- this is the fourth group. Usually in one lifetime, one will fall into each group and experience what it is like to be in each one. Each group is embraced and respected.
One final idea of Hinduism is that there are “many paths to the same summit.” Hindus believe that though one may be Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, or Sikh, every individual is trying accomplish the same goal to get to the same God. There may be different names and ways to practice, worship and reach the end goal. There are multiple ways to achieve what all are working toward. This idea of accepted difference is embraced and respected by Hindus.
Question #6
Jainism started around the ninth century BC although they believe that Jainism has always existed and will always exist. It started spreading in the south of India in the third century BC. Jainism has been appressed by rulers in India but has weathered the storm and can now be found in many different countries. The first Jain temple to be built outside of India was in 1960 in Mombasa, Kenya. Jainism has spread to many countries and temples can be found in many of them. These countries include, Suriname, the United States, South Africa, Nepal and Japan.
Jainism believes that one needs to have complete and absolute control over the mind and body. The followers try to do everything to liberate themselves from the negative effects that their thoughts and actions can have on their lives. They try to prevent this through abiding by three principles. 1 - The right view (seeking to view reality correctly) 2 - The right knowledge (finding the true meaning of reality) 3 - The right conduct (applying the knowledge acquired into one’s life) Jainism also preaches that every creature is divine and every human has the potential to become divine. It is also preached that Karma is a reaction to something taking place (unlike the Hindu belief).
Jainism follows a firm code of ethics. One of them being non-violence. This belief of non-violence applies to all living things. One should minimize violence, be it intentional or unintentional, to all living things. Another belief is that of truthfulness. Speak the truth, but with tact. Be constructive and not destructive in word and thought.
One of the Jainistic philosophies is that of vegetarianism. Their belief is all encompassing. Their non-violent approach to living things includes plants. Jain followers will not consume root vegetables because if one is to harvest a root vegetable you would, in essence, be ending the life of that plant. Also, they do not partake of this food because of the impact it has on the soils.
Jainism has been and can be compared to many different religions. Buddhism is a religion that I will compare Jainism to.
Similarities -
Jainism and Buddhism can both be considered atheistic religions. They do acknowledge the divine in all living things, but not the divine in the non-living things.
They also believe in the presence of gods and higher beings who can change and evolve just as we can according to their karma.
Both religions welcome people from all walks of life into their religion. There is no distinction for the caste system or anything of the sort.
Both religions feature a monastic lifestyle for those who chose. Their monks live together in monastic communities and these individuals seek to attain knowledge and also impart their knowledge to those around them.
Both religions began in India.
Differences -
Jainism was propagated from a lineage of several thirthankaras from royal families. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama who became Buddha after he received his enlightenment.
Jainism believes the soul is eternal and that death separates the soul from the body and the soul is sent to another body. That body is determined by the individuals prior actions. Buddhists do not believe in an eternal soul.
Jainism believes in complete vegetarianism and non-violence (ahimsa). Buddhism is not as stringent. For example, a Buddhist could eat a fish that was caught by others.
Question #7
The history is Sikhism is complex yet simple. It can be understood in three different ideas: 1) Guru Nanak founding Sikhism, 2) Guru Har Gobind turning to militancy in times of unrest and 3) The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh organizing the Khalsa. Though in the history of Sikhism there have been more than ten gurus, it is only necessary to mention the original and most important ten gurus as they will briefly be discussed.
Starting with Guru Nanak who is the founder of Sikhism. Nanak felt the need for gurus was very important. He meditated often and his message was that of love and peace. He was followed by guru Angad who didn’t change much in his rule. Guru Angad is followed by guru Amar Das who is the third guru. Amar Das organized the manji system: a Sikh administration. He established a system that allowed Sikhs to fall into debate with the hierarchies of the Hindu World. One important thing Amar Das did was collected the gurus’ words that became the govindval pothis that ended up being the Ani Granth. Then comes guru Ram Das, who had three sons but felt his youngest was the most qualified to follow in his guruship. Arjan is the fifth guru, son of guru Ram Das. During Arjan’s rule there was much persecution and upheaval. Because of this unrest, Arjan was a martyr. The day of his death marks a day of holiness to the Sikhs. The sixth guru was instrumental in the history of Sikhism, guru Har Gobind. He is the son of Arjan. He felt there was much to be changed and done because of everything that had happened with his dad. Guru Har Gobind wore two swords around his wrists symbolizing temporal and spiritual strength. When Har Gobind died, he appointed his second grandson, Har Rai as the next guru. Har Rai appointed his young son to be the next guru. Har Krishan is the son of Har Rai. A distance family member then takes the lead. The ninth guru is Tegh Bahadur who was also a martyr. He had a nine year-old son who took on the great responsibility of leading the people after his father. Bringing the tenth and final guru to Gobind Singh.
Gobind Singh is credited for organizing the Khalsa which also means the community of the pure. These Sikhs were viewed as Orthodox. This stated the many rules and regulations of expected Sikh behavior. The two reasons for the Khalsa: to establish the Sikh community in times of such upheaval, and the obtain a peace and independence in the community.
In the online video about Sikhism I learned that Sikhs are just ordinary people who live next door. There are many all around and they actually take up an important part of our lives. I learned that Sikhs believe that God is without form or gender. They believe that their Sikh god is also a god of Islams and Buddhists and Christians. He expresses the notion of tolerance and love. Sikhs take up less than 2% of India’s population. It is said that Sikhim has championed the concept of freedom and democracy.
Question #8
In every religion there are many different people. Many people come together with the same idea and beliefs. Within this group of people, however, there are those with differing opinions on how to live these ideas and beliefs. Standards vary with certain individuals. One person may see and live a belief a different way than another person. This happens in every aspect of life. It happened especially with the Buddhists. There was a group who insisted that Buddhism was a full-time job. The other group didn’t see the importance on making their religion their life. Both of these groups were called yanas, rafts or ferries for which to carry themselves across life’s river. To be more specific, the second, more relaxed in their religion group was named Mahayana meaning the big raft. Which means the first group was called Hinayana, or the little raft. This didn’t settle with with the Hinayanas so they preferred calling themselves the Way of the Elders or Theravada. This group claimed to be the original Buddhist, taught by Gautama himself. These two groups continued seeing many things from a different perspective. They believe different things. For example, Mahayanasists that Buddha taught more by example than he did by words. Theravadians believe it is all about the letter of the law. What is said is what is done. However, there are more than just two schools of Buddhism.
After Buddhism split into two schools, Theravada and Mahayana, more divisions continued happening. Theravada continued unified in their beliefs, traditions and practices whereas Mahayana divided into smaller schools. One of the main schools is called the Pure Land School. These people believe in having faith in Buddha to carry them to their Pure Land, a sort of heaven. Another school that was branched off is a school that set on learning and social harmony called Tendai. One of the main sects of Mahayana is Zen. Like many sects, this one actually claims that they can trace themselves back to Gautama himself. Zen is a different world. Huston Smith describes it as, “...charmingly mad... a world of bewildering dialogues, obscure conundrums, stunning paradoxes... all carried off in the most urbane, cheerful, and innocent style imaginable.”
Another sect that developed from the branching off of Buddhism is Vajrayana, meaning the Diamond Way. When Mahayana turned Buddha into a cosmic figure, Vajrayana turned Buddha into a diamond scepter. Their roots are mostly in Tibet. The Diamond Way is a powerful way. To them this is a symbol of strength.
Unfortunately where Buddhist were first formed and originated, they no longer exist. From the text, “Today Buddhists abound in every Asian land except India.” Hinduism is greatly practiced in India, which is why the merge of the two religions happened and Buddhism eventually died out. Though these religions have many similarities, they are very different. Among those in India, Hinduism seems to be the preferred practice of religion.
Question #9
Tao essentially means the path or the way. Everything is centered around it. The way has three meanings. It can mean the way of ultimate reality. This ultimate reality is taught to mean too much for one’s mind to conceive. Next is the way of the universe. This has reference to the spirit rather than matter. It can in no way be exhausted. This also refers to the mother of the world (Mother Earth). Lastly we have the way of human life. This simply means the way life is.
There are three approaches to power that are preached with Tao. They are Efficient Power, Augmented Power and Vicarious Power. Efficient power is also referred to as philosophical taoism. This is essentially an attitude toward life. There are teachers and there are students. It, however, is not organized as a religion. Huston Smith writes, “The object of philosophical Taoism is to align one’s daily life to the Tao, to ride its boundless tide and delight in its flow.” In this power, Wu Wei is subscribed to. That means that all friction, be it in a relationship or with one’s self, is reduced to the minimum. Wu wei is also described as supreme action and simplicity. Wu wei is also a way to teach one to be non-competitive. Tao is non-competitive by nature.
Augmented power describes says to be alive is good, to be more alive is better, hence the importance leading a healthy life. The healthy lifestyle also includes meditation and yoga. There is teaching that if you are able to have control over your mind much is possible. Smith illustrates this when he says, “Without lifting a finger , a ruler who had mastered this stillness could order an entire people with his mystical-moral power. Without being aware of what was happening, his subjects would spontaneously forego unruly ways.”
The last power is vicarious power. This is also referred to as religious taoism. Much of Taoism can be considered “crude superstition.” Taoism is thought to have powers and through the creation of a church, these powers were able to be shared with the most ordinary of people.
The principles taught in Tao is very much applicable today. Just think if everyone was thinking about wu wei in their daily lives. We would have a lot less road rage because no one would be competing for little things in life that do not matter. I have read a majority of the religious literature assignment “Tao Te Ching” and I have loved reading its simple yet profound ideals in each one of the chapters. I have shared these simple passages with family and friends and I have been active in trying to incorporate these teachings into my life. I have already seen how they can bring peace and tranquility into my life.
While reading on Confucius I was astonished to learn that he did not find a following until after his death. In life he was arguably a failure in his endeavors. One of the things that I admire about him is that he sought to learn continuously. He hated being called a “sage.” He did not believe that you could never know everything. Often times many educated individuals start to believe too much in themselves and that makes life miserable for the student. The teacher student relationship cannot flourish because the teacher is on a different level than the student and therefore communication can be lost.
Question #10 -
Hinduism - The thing I learned most from these two videos are the Hindu words. Everything that Michael Wood taught and talked about in this video he stated the Hindu word after. I thought that was very good and very teachable. It was nice to see a visual on how they worship to the way they do things.
Buddhism - These videos were very interesting to watched. It was nice to look and listen to these instead of reading. These videos put Buddhism into a different perspective for me. Especially the BBC Life of Buddha documentary. I loved how he went into depth about each guru and how they felt about their sons, grandsons, and successors. The detail he went into to talk about how they felt and what they were going through was very educational.
Chinese Religions -
The three great teachings of China are Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Confucianism teaches political and social harmony. Taoism teaches soundness in physical body and mind. Buddhism teaches psychology. All three of these religions together provide the bedrock of ancient culture.
Confucius - Everyone must assume their rightful place in society determined by their abilities.
Taoism -
Buddhism - Imported from India. Not a great influence in China back in the day. Present day Buddhist temples are all over the place. Understanding true nature of the mind.
Interview with Huston Smith -
He was born in China in 1919 to American missionaries. He was surrounded by rich culture from an early age.
The yin and yang is an interesting symbol. It shows the undefined relationship between the opposites in life. It shows how opposites are in need of each other. He shares many stories that illustrate how each side of the yin and yang encroaches on the other. He shares an article from “Dear Abby.” This woman wanted to find a mate, but she described how she attended and practiced many different religions. Abby responded in a way that Smith identifies as being “Western.” He illustrates that Japanese and Chinese religions intertwined with each other, thus illustrating how the yin and yang overlap upon each other.
Confucius - 5 basic relationships
1 - Parent and Child
2 - Spouse and Spouse
3 - Elder Brother and Younger Brother
4 - Elder Friend and Younger Friend
5 - Ruler and Subject
We are always in the middle of one of these relationships. If we keep our “wings” up we will build up ourselves and make ourselves better. If they are tilted down we will go down to the path of bitterness and despair. The symbol for love contains the symbol of the heart in the middle.
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