World Religions Midterm

Week 5 DB 3: Christian Persecution

The Emperor of the Western segment of the Roman Empire, Constantine, came to power in 272 until 337. When Constantine saw a cross symbol over his head before battle, he was able to confirm his loyalty to the Christian God. His policies became favorable for the sole reason that he was proud of what he believed in. Also, he was easily believable because of of the support of Christianity that allowed religion to flourish. I believe that in the 4th century if there was a separation between church and state Christianity would not have grown as quickly and spread across the empire. People believed what they wanted to believe and were strong believers, especially back then. I feel that it was for the best to combine the church and state in the 4th century. He believed is was essential for the church and state to be as close as they could be so that he could guarantee religious toleration. He also undermined the political function of the pagan religious system which forbade the erection and the worship of statues of himself. His idea of an integrated church and state was the called Constantinism. Dr. Hellweg was correct: history should not be taken for granted. If circumstances were different, our religious beliefs and freedoms could be vastly different today.

Week 5 DB 2: Christological Crisis (Heresies)

The Histological controversy that I have chosen to write about is the dispute over the nature of Jesus. In 451 CE, the dispute was resolved at the Council of Chalcedon in response to the argument that Christ has two natures. Those two natures were known as human and divine. The textbook states that "this view was a variation on a position known as monophysitism, according to which Christ had only one nature (divine)." In a way, Jesus's identity was at stake since no one could confirm his nature. There were two sides in this disagreement: those who believed Jesus had a single, divine nature, and those who believed he had mixture of His two natures, also known as Nicaea and Ephesus. The Council of Chalcedon created the Chalcedonies Definition which affirmed that Christ is to be acknowledged in two natures. The divine and human natures of Jesus Christ were united into one Person. Technically, neither side won nor lost. There was an affirmed resolution "that the two natures of Jesus, human and divine, are united in the second person of the Trinity," known as dyophysitism. I believe that the Council handled this controversy well for two main reasons: they were able to find a compromise instead of a losing and a winning side, and they were able to make logical sense out of the entire heresy. Both sides were able to have some sort of win, as well as loss, and the overall resolution makes sense. Jesus Christ was affirmed authenticity and perfection of two significant natures, human and divine.

Week 3 DB 3: Jewish Sectarianism

The Sadducees were responsible for running the Temple. They considered the Torah to be the main religious text. The Sadducees interpreted the Torah literally, unlike the Pharisees who interpreted scriptural text very broadly. They also believed in cultic worship as their primary obligation. By contrast, the Pharisees and the Essenes believed that the Bible should be applied to everyday life. They believed that the world was under control of evil forces. If I were part of this group, I would find their culture much different than my own. I would be in shock at some of the other groups' practices and beliefs, but they do have the freedom to practice what they wish to. I would find it bizarre in the Jewish sect called themselves Christians, but that might be how they view themselves at the point in time. Although some of their decisions and rituals may be vastly different or come across a lot harsher than those of my religion, I would stay open-minded because they do wholeheartedly believe in whatever it is they are practicing.

Week 6 DB 3: The Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation

"Until the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church was Christianity, there was no differences." The Protestant Reformation was considered to be led by Martin Luther. He translated the scripture into vernacular languages. Martin Luther feared he would not be accepted until he realized that humans are set right with God by faith. The change of an intellectual world, unhappiness with the Church, and access to scripture for people who did not hold power or authority within the Church created a platform for the Reformation. He also public protested "95 Theses" which declared him as the primary agent of the Protestant Reformation. The Protestant Reformation divided the Church into a variety of groups. Those involved in the Protestant reformation were very helpful. Jean Calvin, a French Protestant theologian, represents the second part of the Reformation, and Ulrich Zwingli was known as the father of Swiss Reformation. Many people believed that the Church needed to be separated, thus why they became involved. I'm sure people thought about their relationship with God and how He would take the whole separation and division. However, what happens to them is between Him and them only, not society. The division was a huge decision that one could follow or stay away from. People had to choose what was best for their situation, whether it brought them closer or further away from God. Churches began reforming under new leaders, as well as remaining true to their values and origins. The Protestant Reformation was effective in activation reform within the Roman Catholic Church and others; this change led to a revitalization as whole institutions. This Counter-Reformation created a fresh, revitalized spirituality.

Week 1 DB 2: Defining World Religions

"World religions" has been used to define a variety of faiths, beliefs, and practices throughout the world. Researchers have used the term to label those beliefs and specified who follows them, why, and how. Some organizing principles are used to separate more common religions such as geography. Religions are not necessarily organized by time periods because the majority of them are very current in today's societies. The geographic location of one's belief definitely plays a part in their religious preference. If the majority of a society's people follow one religion or practice, I would believe that the number of adherents plays a part in someone's religion of choice. I also feel that the influence of society and those around one's environment would guide someone to joining a similar, if not the same, religion. However, I think religions such as Catholicism and Judaism are excluded from that category based off of personal experience. I would assume that a religion such as Hinduism would be included.

Chapter 2: Indigenous Traditions

A key problem in understanding Indigenous people and their religions is that they have long been defined, regulated, altered, and in many instances destroyed by non-Indigenous people. In the process, many incorrect and damaging views of Indigenous people and their traditions have been passed along, among them the belief that, before colonialism, Indigenous cultures were unchanging and illiterate---which is to say, "primitive." There is enormous diversity among Indigenous cultures, but many of them share certain broad beliefs and social structures. In addition, although some were literate long before colonialism, orality remains important to virtually all of them. Stories continue to transmit beliefs and values, although interpretation remains tricky. As with all religious texts, for example, it is difficult to know which stories people understand to be objectively true, and which ones they think about in a more figurative way. Different communities may perform similar rituals but attribute entirely different meanings to them. There is also, as we have noted, great diversity among Indigenous religions. Despite the harmful changes that have taken place in Indigenous communities over the past several hundred years, many of these communities are reviving and recreating their religious traditions in various ways. Not only are elements of religious traditions being presented in new forms or contexts---novels, paintings, films---but, perhaps most important, religious activity is increasingly linked with political activism. Indigenous people are working passionately to reclaim the alders and rights taken from them, and religion continues to be a critical component of those efforts.

Chapter 5: Muslim Traditions

A major development in the history of Islam is now underway in the West. Muslims who, through migration, have moved from majority to minority status are being spurred to define the priorities of their faith. Their decisions about what to pass on to their Western-born children will shape the contours of Islam in the future. At the same time, the Western emphasis on open discussion calls on muslims from different cultural and regional backgrounds to think clearly about what they do and do not share. Muslims living in the West will use Western technology and democratic institutions to hep brothers and sisters revitalize the Muslim communities in their countries of origin, as well as the rest of the Muslim ummah. The potential of modern communications to contribute to this process became clear during the "Arab Spring" of 2011.

Week 8 DB 1: Islamic Mysticism

As stated by Tejvan Pettinger, "Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam...The essence of Sufism is the simple path of loving God." I personally believe that the writings and poems of Sufism are beautifully and naturally created. They capture the simplicity of loving and embracing God, which is something that people of all religions need help doing. Petting wrote how the main goal of Sufism is to overcome the dependency we have and recognize our true identity with God Himself. I love how Sufism is considered a direct approach to God. Nothing written is strategically planned; everything is natural and whole, which allows me to feel comfortable that all is meant to be. Sufism's approach to the worship of God is beautiful and smart. The purpose of all creation is to sing God's praises and worship Him wholeheartedly, and that is exactly what Sufism does. The languages of erotic love, poetry, and lyrical eloquence are used to express the strength of love and adoration for God. These are the best types of languages that could have been used to accurately explain the intensity of how Sufism pursues absolute union with God. These ecstatic practices do in fact reach an altered state of consciousness that allows the individual a closer relationship with God for good reasons. Sufism is a type of all-consuming love that truly expresses great appreciation for God. Those who follow believe that outer religious forms proved no points unless inner devotion was fully inspired. Sunni and Shia Islam, as well as other traditions, are far different than Sufism. They are not as open-minded or mystical in their teachings and beliefs. I believe that a closer, more intimate relationship with god can be attained through Sufism because of its goal to unify God and His followers in the most natural and simple yet beautiful way.

Week 6 DB 2: Women and Christianity

From the church's very beginning, women have had a minuscule amount of opportunity to lead the church as men have. However, they have played roles. At first they held the power of the household which allowed them to have a say in the gathering of early Christians; the roles became more and more restricted and they lost that role. Paul wrote in his gospels about equality, and for some time, women were acknowledged in the Church though small roles. He indicated that women performed "diaconal roles for the early community." This set a foundation for allowing women to be acknowledged as prophets. As the three orders of ministry arose, women were excluded once again. The positions women could hold were constantly changing, and eventually two lesser offices were open to them: deaconess and widow. As a widow, a woman was responsive to the needs of poor widows within the community. They were supported by the Church. As a deaconess, a woman could help prepare female candidates for baptism, as well as pray for the suffering and tend to sick children and women. Although women may have been excluded from the highest positions within the Church and Christian community, they took full advantage of every opportunity that was presented to them. the roles they did serve were very valuable and beneficial to society. They were servant leaders and helped others, prayed for the sick and helped the needs, and comforted those who were lost. Women proved that they did not need a title or form of power to make a difference or an impact from the very beginning to the 16th century.

Week 3 DB 2: Documentary Hypothesis

Genesis chapter 1 through 3 can be known as the Creation and Fall. They tell the story of how mankind and the world was created. There are two different accounts and both can be explained within these chapters. In the first account, man and woman are created equally in the image and likeness of God. In the second story, Eve is created after Adam; this is the more well-known version of the two. Both are significant to the history of the Creation story. I believe there is inconsistency in the second story when Adam created Eve with a rib as a form of teaching modesty, but it also shows how giving he was to create her with his own bone in the first place. It is constantly used a form of showing that man is greater than woman, but if that is true, why would he go through so much to bring her into this world? Man wanted woman here. It does not explain modesty; it shows entrusting. I don't think it makes sense, but it is what some people believe. I believe men and women are equal, but every one has different faiths, beliefs, and opinions.

Week 1 DB 3: Participant Observation

If I were a cultural anthropologist, I would research how Muslims fast during their holidays and special occasions and their sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. I feel it would be particularly difficult in performing this research due to the fact that I am not submerged in the Muslim religion on a daily basis. I have only studied it in school, and even then I learned the history of this religion to some degree, I have no studied it in depth. I would not understand what the Hajj to see the five pillars of Islam truly means. However, I would be more than willing to try to gain a full understanding of each religion's sacred traditions. I would use my open-mind to allow myself to gain insight and to listen to others' opinions as they share with me their beliefs and practices. I would also use my thirst for adventure to travel to the location with which each event or tradition is celebrated. For example, I would love to travel to the sacred city of Islam and explore the five pillars. I also would physically fast to experience what each Muslim experiences during times such as Ramadan.

Chapter 3: Jewish Traditions

In this chapter you have learned about the development of Judaism from its sacred beginnings a recorded in the Bible through its varied expressions during the Second Temple period to the innovations introduced in late antiquity by the rabbis. The importance of both oral and written texts was discusses, as well as the diverse types of literature produced through the centuries by Jewish communities. You have also learned about the history of the Jewish people, and their often creative responses to difficult times. Finally, you have seen how the challenges of the Enlightenment and modernity were reflected in the development of the multiple, frequently incompatible, approaches to Jewish law, practice, and identity that are manifest in the various branches of Judaism that exist today.

Week 8 DB 2: The Five Pillars

Islam was created on five pillars, known as The Five Pillars of Islam. They are known as a religious system of social responsibility and faith, piety, and worship. Each are very significant to the Islamic culture and ritual practice. My favorite pillar is Prayer, or salat. The Prayer pillar is my favorite because I am a firm believer in prayer and that it ahs the power to heal anything if done correctly and from the heart. The ritual practice accustomed with this pillar is that it must be done five times a day. It is known a the first Islamic ritual, but is the second pillar. Ritual washing must be done before praying in a strategic manner. This pillar is particularly interesting to me because Muslims are taught to see all things as parts of God's will, whether they are good or evil; they pray out of respect for Him and His mercy. I also found it different how they pray. they go through cycles known as rak'ahs and bow, kneel, and prostrate. When I pray, I either kneel or close my eyes and say a prayer to myself. They also will chant some parts of each prayer out loud. In the Catholic tradition, we normally pray to ourselves, unless it is a prayer like the "Our Father." The pillar of the Pilgrimage to Mecca was commanded by God to Abraham after he and his son were ordered to build the Ka'ba. This is a hajj pilgrimage that makes a journey to Mecca. The goal of this pillar is to receive freedom from all sin. It represents a resurrection or rebirth and marks a new phase of a Muslim's life. I like this pillar because it is one that requires physical, as well as mental and spiritual, cooperation. the best way to prove something is through actions, not words. By making the holy journey, one is proving to God and validating that they worship Him and only Him. I feel that this pillar is very ritualistic but is a huge part of the Islamic tradition. It is very unique, and the only thing I can relate it to is perhaps the seven sacraments. We must be baptized, confirmed, and confess our sins, etc. to receive God's blessings and forgiveness before our time comes. However, this pilgrimage is vastly different than anything I have done in my own religion.

Week 5 DB 1:Source Criticism in the Gospel of Matthew

Jesus made many statements throughout the Gospels, some very different and some very similar. "The Golden Rule" and "The Lord's Prayer" were two statements Jesus made in the Gospel of Matthew that are also in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. "The Golden Rule" is stated in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12 and is stated in very similar terms; both mean to do to others as you would like to be done to you. The only difference is that in Matthew 7:12 there is an extra sentence: "This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." This just means that perhaps it is taken more seriously in the Gospel of Matthew than in the Gospel of Luke. "The Lord's Prayer" is stated in Matthew 6:7-15, Mark 11:25, and Luke 11:1-4. They are all very similar, but they are also very different. Each statement speaks of forgiveness and how if we forgive those who hurt us we, too, will be forgiven. Mark is the most concise explanation, and Matthew is the longest one. All of them speak about keeping the prayer short and sweet because God already knows what we truly need.

Week 4 DB 2: Jewish Prayer

Jewish prayer has two main forms. The ancient period brought about pre-set, and created on the spot by the individual Jew is called spontaneous. Each prayers service revolves around the former type. Practicing Jews pray three times a day in communal worship services that revolve around three daily sacrifices performed at the Temple in jerusalem. They may also be recited during activities such as getting up each morning or before washing one's hands before a meal. Prayer is very important to observant Jews, thus how often it is practiced. The Torah and the Prophets are read. Also, tefillin, or small black boxes containing words of scripture from Exodus and Deuteronomy, are worn. Men wear a skullcap known as a kippah or a yarmulke. The tallit, or a fringed prayer shawl, is also worn by men. The Amidah prayer is the central prayer of the Jewish liturgy. It is recited by observant Jews. It's main themes consist of blessings that can be used for special occasions. Wha goes on during the week or days can affect each prayer. I believe it is important to have a structure prayer so that I remember everything I am praying for. On the other hand, one can pray whenever they wish to. By creating prayers on the spot, we are allowing ourselves to talk to God throughout our days and throughout every situation we face. A structured prayer may be traditional, but in this day in age, it is not crucial.

Week 4 DB 1: Medieval Jewish Philosophy

Moses Maimonides was one of the most famous Jewish philosophers and legal scholars of the Islamic age. He was a prolific writer who produced the famous 14-volume code of Jewish law. This was known as the Mishnah Torah, but his most important work was philosophical; The Guide of the Perplexed was aimed to Jews "perplexed" by the living situations brought about by the cosmopolitan and philosophically sophisticated environment that truly tested their faith. In summary, Maimonides was a skilled write who wrote about topics he was knowledgeable about. He chose to argue that the term likeness does not mean that God has any kind of physical form or body. Although the Hebrew Scriptures descries God as having body parts, Maimonides believes that what they chose to describe God as should be considered more philosophically, not literally. He felt that the term likeness should be taken in respect for a notion. He also states that Genesis clarifies that "he is 'in the image of God and in His likeness,' not that God, may He be exalted, is a body and possesses a shape." The concerns about God having a body come from the scriptural texts over the years, but it is all about how they should have been interpreted: in a more theoretically. I find hi argument convincing because I personally take most comments or stories theoretically. Everyone exaggerates, and the stories in the Scriptures are no exceptions. Some things are meant to be taken literally and word-for-word, but not stories of such importance such as those in the Scriptures.

Week 8 DB 3: Responding to the Challenges of Modernity

One of the most important topics of discussion within the Muslim community today is the question of women's rights. Although the Qur'an explains that men and women have the same religious obligations and duties, the equality f men and women has not been carried out to its entirety. The hijab, or the veil covering a woman's head, "demands that women avoid wearing jewelry and dress modestly," (Textbook page 272). The Muslim tradition has carried out an extreme form of the practice of wearing the hijab, which has been scrutinized by other religions and societies for many years. However, it is their tradition and is considered sacred to them. For example, the system of purdah instructs women to be veiled at all times as well as isolated from men. This seclusion has been continues for years and is a part of their culture. Other traditions use the hijab to cover the entire face and only allow the eyes to be visible. Non-Muslim societies and religions might view the hijab as a form of oppression because it does not allow the basic freedom of women, such as freedom of dress. It shows that women have very little say, especially in a topic as basic as that of clothing. The responses might be negative, but it is their culture and has been for centuries. In today's society, the hijab has become a power symbol; it has become "widely condemned as a limitation of women's rights, but often defended by Muslim women themselves as a freely chosen affirmation of their Islamic identity," (Textbook page 272). With that said, although it is their customs to wear the hijab and although it may represent a sort of oppression or negative connotation to women's rights, most women choose to follow their religion wholeheartedly by wearing the hijab. It affirms their religious beliefs and unified them with God. Therefore, the hijab could be a symbol of oppression as well as one of liberation because of its covering and how it is almost a "required" or "demanded" to be worn, but it also represents their strength and trust in their faith.

Week 1 DB 1: Definitions of Religion

Sigmund Freud believed that civilization invented a monotheistic God so that they would have a higher being to believe in. With this in mind, he became a fan of evolution. He felt that science had a huge part in the creation of life. Unlike Freud, Otto was certain there was a higher power: God. Similar to Otto's beliefs, Durkheim felt that religion was a solid way for people to validate their beliefs and find comfort within society. I firmly believe in a God, but I also believe that religion is something people follow to put their faith in to feel whole. It does not necessarily have to be a validated belief, but they must be able to put their faith into something that gives them consolation. What I believe may be entirely different than what someone else believes, but all are contributions to forming a whole society.

Week 7 DB 3: Islamic Sectarianism

Sunni and Shia Muslims have been battling for centuries, but are still fighting and affecting Iraq's path to a stable democracy today. The article summarizes how the fighting continues to worsen between the groups, especially after an attack in 2013 by the Islamic State. President Obama authorized air strikes against the militants in order to stop the violence, but with a variety of successes and failures. In 2014, a series of bomb attacks targeting Shia neighborhoods led officials to the extremists' arrests. With that said, the sectarian violence in Iraq is continuing to grow which could possibly turn into a state of civil war. The history of sectarian conflict is related to the news article because the acts of violence were caused from personal beliefs, or from the sides with which the extremists were on. The history of Islam is very powerful when it comes to affecting it's current positions. Extremists who have been raised to defend their people turn to history and religion for answers and paths. These choices have led to outbursts of violence that are causing deeper divisions between the Sunni and Shia Muslims. As of today, there has been no official resolution and no guarantee that the violence between the two sides will come to an end.

Week 7 DB 2: Themes in the Quran

Surahs, also known as chapters, make up the Qur'an. They were revealed to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel throughout 23 years. With that said, the first surah was called "The Opening." This chapter signifies the beauty of God, or how merciful and gracious He truly is. It mentions how He should be worshipped as our one Divine God, as well as how He is praised and looked to for guidance and prayers towards the right path. This theme can also be considered the base of the Muslim religion. One of the shorter surahs is known as "The Earthquake." "In the name of God, the AlI-merciful, the Compassionate," (TB page 229). feel the earthquake represents the Lord our Savior coming. The theme discusses how those who do good will be rewarded by seeing Him; they will be blessed with His love and guidance. However, those who do wrong will not.

Week 3 DB 1: Scriptural Narratives

The Babylonian Exile occurred when the northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians. The Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and those who once held power were deported to Babylonia. This situation began the Babylonian captivity, also known as Exile. In 539 BCE it came to an end, and Babylonia became one of Judaism's intellectual centers. From this event, the Babylonian Talmud was created and completed. The Babylonian Exile is crucial to Israelite-Jewish history. This event was the very beginning of the Diaspora, which was the dispersion of Jews outside Israel. It sparked chaos for the Jews and brought about large amounts of trauma of detachment and isolation from their homelands. It is discussed a variety of times throughout the Hebrew bible.

Week 4 DB 3: Jewish Denominations

The bar mitzvah is known as the "Son of the commandment." It is the title given to a thirteen-year-old boy when he is initiated int adult ritual responsibilities. Reconstructionists practiced this ceremony regularly, as well as Reform Jews and Conservative jews. After Reconstructionism, a bar mitzvah was conducted for Mordechai Kaplan's daughter. Those of one group would never allow a bar mitzvah to be conducted for a young girl, but those of another are fully in favor of doing so. Reconstuctionists believe that individual faith is active participation in a community and the effort to honor Jewish history by retaining meaningful symbols and customs. Some Jews feel that judaism is a way of eating. For example, food is an essential part of Jewish observance. Jewish dietary laws establish foods that are to be avoided, that are acceptable, and when they should be eaten. Kosher food is food that is proper in accordance with the jewish law. Many Jews stick to kosher diets, but in today's society, there are more foods available which ahem turned some away from doing so. However, there are still some Jews that consider it very important to separate certain kosher foods from touching each other, let alone from eating them at the same time. All respect the Jewish views of kosher foods, but not all follow it to this day.

Week 9 DB 3: The Hindu Caste System

The caste system is considered the strongest social force in India. It has a variety of levels that represent the diversity of social classes. The structure was developed from the "Hymn to the Supreme Person," or priests, rulers, merchants, and servants. It is so strategic and traditional that it cannot be influenced by other traditions. "As the Laws of Manu put it, 'the seniority of brahmins comes from sacred knowledge, that of kshatriyas from valor, vaishyas from wealth, and shudras, only from old age,'" (Textbook page 301). There are many pros and cons to the caste system. The caste system has been around for over one thousand years and it is true, it cannot be all that bad or evil. For example, it separates people by their profession, earnings, and lifestyles, which is a positive thing for those high up in the system. It gives them a leg-up on jobs and social status within their society, and normally comes from their social status, which means that they or their ancestors have worked diligently to out them there. With that said, you can't help which caste you are born into, and it is almost u heard of to switch levels of the caste system. If someone is held with great importance, someone is held with little to no importance. those at the bottom of the caste system ahem very little, if any, say within society, are generally poorer, and live and work in harsher conditions than those at the top. Those at the top are considered royalty, but those at the bottom are considered outcastes. As children of God or people of a "Supreme Being," the caste system excludes those less fortunate. Similar to everything in life, the caste system has its pros and cons, but at the end of the day, it is a significant part of the Hinduism religion and without it, the religion would be vastly different.

Week 7 DB 1: The Early Muslim Community

The first years were very significant in the Muslim community. In 622, the hijrah marked the very beginning of community life in Islamic history. It was a migration to Yathrib, also known as "the city of the Prophet" or Medina. Perhaps one of the most important events in history was when Muhammad founded the "first Islamic commonwealth: a theocracy led by a prophet who was believed to be guided by a divine scripture," (TB page 224), which empowered a stronger, more unified religion. With that said, a strong religion was created and more people became involved. I feel that this is very important because this journey was the foundation of community life, which without having this unification, the religion would not be as whole as it is today. This establishment was crucial for the continuation and expansion of the Muslim community and religion. Another crucial event was the "Battle of the Trench" and perhaps more importantly, it's outcome. This battle was fought between Mecca and Medina, and was particularly fought to defend Medina from attack. A trench was built as a defense mechanism, resulting in the Meccan calvary failing. In 628, the Meccans sought a truce and eventually surrendered. This event is very significant to the Muslim community and history because the Muslim population grew from it. The religion began to expand in hopes of creating an empire in the near future. I feel this event was important because sometimes it takes large situations or events to get messages clearly across to people of a community. Thought the battle was an act with more violent motives, it eventually led to peace and understanding, to some degree.

Week 6 DB 1: Monasteries and the Monastic Orders

The rise of Christian Monasticism came in search of answering questions similar to the following:"Could the Church exercise influences in places of social power without losing some of its moral agency and independence?" Christians wanted to be guided with structure that supported their beliefs and morals. Monastic communities eventually developed and created formatted structures that held religious discipline with high importance. Monks and nuns, or males and females, took vows to remain within the physical aspects of the community and to always follow its set structure. I believe people would be attracted to monasticism for several reasons. For starters, the structure that is provided is a guaranteed way to remain with the Church. Also, those involved in monastic orders have a constant reminder of who they are serving: God. I feel that people would be pleased with joining monastic communities because their religion would be the number one priority in their life. Although I can definitely see the pros of monasticism, there are cons, as well. For example, although many people may be followers of Christ, some might not have as strong of values or beliefs as others. Our differences are what make us all human. Also, the monastic response to the secular world had been to take a step back from it. For today's society, people might prefer to be submerged in what is current and up-to-date instead of what once was. There were challenges that people might take as cons such as how wealthy families forced their children to serve the Church without a say. If I was a Christian living in the Middle Ages, I would join a monastery. I believe that those who joined in the Middle Ages paved lives for themselves that could only have been achieved by the grace of God. For example, some of the best leaders and do-ers of that time were involved in monastic orders. People led different lives back then, and I would have liked to have taken part in it. Today as a teenager in the 21st century, I would not want to be involved in monastic orders, but if I put myself in the situation back then just as others did, I think it would have made me someone God was very proud of.

Week 2 DB 3: Sacred Stories that explain the Universe

The story from Yoruba city of Ife is about the war between the gods and them engulfing the earth. Aramfe, the Father of the Gods, gave the Creator of Men a bag containing significant importance of advancing human civilization. The bag was stolen by the King of Men but could not teach its secrets. After the Creator of Men was refused the bag back, epic war struck the city. The Father of the Gods tried to step in by causing great floods; he had little success. In the end, the King of Men turned into stone, along with the precious bag. This story relates to Indigenous characteristics because it, to some degree, contains a "trickster." Indigenous people used tricksters as culture heroes because they teach important lessons. In this case, the Father of the Gods attempted to be the trickster, even though he did not succeed. Tricksters can play many roles. For example, indigenous people also used them to represent acceptable and unacceptable behavior. They can also be used to connect a community on a deeper level, hence why the War of the Gods is a solid representation of similar characteristics of Indigenous religious traditions.

Week 9 DB 1: The Usefulness of the Term "Hinduism"

The term "Hinduism" did not become popular in a religious sense until the 19th century. The book states that, "The term 'Hinduism' is frequently used as a fluid shorthand for diverse philosophies, arts, branches of knowledge, and practices associated with people and communities that have some connection with the Indian sub-continent and do not explicitly self-identify with another religious tradition," (Textbook page 282). The word "Hinduism" comes from "Sind," which is the name of the region of the river Sindhu, or Indus. Indian law believes that the the use of the term "Hindu" can apply to others than just the members of a Hindu denomination or lifestyle. It may be used to refer to anyone who is based in Hindu land who is not a Muslim, Jew, Parsi, or Christian by religious belief or faith. The term may be and has been considered both useful and problematic for their culture, however. It is broad enough that it could be useful in allowing an expansion of the faith, but problems can arise because of the identification of the religious views and beliefs of the Hindu. When a Hindu is asked about their religious identity, normally are referring to their community than to Hinduism itself. The word "Hinduism" has been used for many years, so I believe to change it now would be a negative choice. I feel it brings culture and tradition to the religion. Every faith has a name, whether it be Buddhism or Christianity. It is still a category in which people put their hearts and prayers into to become one with God. I do not think there is a better alternative than the historical word it has already been given. In today's society, terminology plays a HUGE part in the effect whatever the term is describing receives. However, I believe that any type of religious faith deserves a title because regardless of the terminology used, people will believe what they choose to believe and follow whom they choose to follow.

Week 2 DB 2: Characteristics of Indigenous Religious Traditions

The term "Indigenous" has no definite understanding. Personally, I find the people of Indigenous religious beliefs quite interesting. The people have many characteristics that they consider to be very important aspects of their religion. The book states that Indigenous people had dynaic and eventful histories that consisted of great change. Their rituals were often bizarre and very original compared to those of other religions. Some characteristics of Indigenous religion reviewed in this textbooks are the following: orality, authority of elders, gendered roles, sacrifice, and sense of time as rhythmic. Orality, for example, is considered a vital characteristic for many indigenous religions. Many people believe that writing represents a "key evolutionary advance," hence why their traditions and stories are commonly passed down orally. Their stories serve as the continuation of values and beliefs from the elders to the children. Some Indigenous people strongly believe in the practice of sacrifice. These sacrificial rituals are incredibly common. Blackhorse Mitchell said, "We are imitating what the gods or holy people have done. It is a return to the beginning." It is a form of ritual that is very sacred to them and can help their people reach the spirits. Both of these characteristics, along with many more, are just examples of important aspects of Indigenous religions. They believe what they believe and they will perform whatever rituals pleases their beliefs and faiths.

Week 9 DB 2: The Atman & Brahman (tat team asi)

The textbook defines the Atman as the following: "the individual self, held by Upanishadic and vedantic thought to be identical with Brahman, the world-soul," (Textbook page 338). Brahman is defined as the following: "the world-soul, sometimes understood in impersonal terms," (Textbook page 338). The two terms hold strict significance within the Hinduism religion, particularly because they are understood as related. Together they are the core of the highest wisdom. By understanding that the two are connected, we are able to conclude that we are entering a new state of consciousness through Brahman. Since the Brahman is a Supreme Being, we can summarize that the soul is similar and different than God. The Taittiriya Upanishad, for example, lumps Brahman with truth or existence, bliss, infinity, or even knowledge, thus giving the term more God-like emphasis through definitions. It is also considered the hidden, inner controller of the human soul. The textbook gives us an example that hold significance in defending my views: "In a famous passage of the Chandogya Upanishad, a father has his son dissolve salt in water and tells him that Brahman and Atman are united in the same way. The father ends this lesson with a famous dictum—tat tvam asi ("you are that")—in which 'that' refers to brahman and 'you' to Atman," (Textbook pages 289-290). From this example, the Brahman and the Atman are considered identical. By believing we have a little piece of God within each of us is not a bad thing an does not hold a negative connotation whatsoever, but it does have side effects. However, consequences can also arise from understanding the soul as both the same as and different than God. The ways individuals relate to each other and the divine is definitely affected by believing the soul is the same as God. The Brahman is NOT God for those who practice Catholicism. God is our God. This can cause tension between religious categories, which is certainly unnecessary for the one thing in the world that should bring peace and understanding to all.

Chapter 4: Christian Traditions

This short overview has suggested both the complexity and the consistency of Christianity. Originating as a Jewish reform movement, it grew to embrace the globe, incorporating philosophical perspectives that produced diverse schools of theology and a wide range of ecclesiastical forms and practices. Today it continues to expand, but rather than looking back to Europe, it now looks to the Global South as the location of its most pressing concern. As it carries the gospel of Jesus Christ into the future, it will fashion its next beginning with the tools it has honed in the workshop of negotiated difference.

Chapter 6: Hindu Traditions

Through music, dance, stories, rituals, and celebrations, through architecture and literature, the hindu traditions continue to be practiced and transmitted all over the world. The dynamism of these traditions is unmistakeable. Scholars continue to interpret Vedanta. People still experience possession by deities, situate their homes in auspicious directions, and choose astrologically correct times fro weddings. Ancient manuscripts are still being restored and edited, and new technologies are making the literature accessible to virtually everyone; the tradition confining the sacred word to particular castes is gone forever. In short, Hinduism continues to adapt to the world around it.

Week 2 DB 1: Critically Thinking about the Category of Indigenous

Western interaction played a key role in the altering of Indigenous religion. Syncretism, or the merging of elements with the "outside" world, is partly responsible for the fact that Indigenous religions no longer exist exactly how they once did. Some people and their faiths have been affected more than others, but as a whole, the Indigenous traditions are still strong. For example, many Native North American religions have been altered by Christianity, causing conflict for those involved. However, some forms of African rituals have incorporated elements of other religions, such as Islam, into their daily practices. As difficult as change may be for some people, it is normally for the best. Each and every religion has been affected by change in one form or another, and that is just the way it is. Colonialism has also played an important role in the change of Indigenous religions. Without understanding colonialism, Indigenous religions would not be understood today. The end result led to a dramatic change in the beliefs of Indigenous people's to one of colonial power. I personally believe that Indigenous people should have the power to carry out whichever beliefs please them best. It may not be the most fitting for a certain region or group of people, particularly with those who hold some type of power or position, but it is their decision. It is not up to us to have a say in who or what someone believes in. I believe the category of Indigenous Religion should be continued in its use for the point that people have their own say in what they put their faith into, no matter how different it may be.