REL 212 Week 1 Discussion Understanding Religion and Indigenous Religions

Understanding Religion and Indigenous Religions

•           Select three videos from the list in Instructor Insights

•           You must site them by name in your post

•           Analyze them according to the theories and approaches in chapter 1. (About a good paragraph)

•           Do Indigenous religions fit within the parameters of "religion" as described in chapter 1? Explain your answer.

•           What do you find unique about indigenous religions?

REL 212 Week 2DiscussionHindu Way of Life

"Hindu Way of Life” Please respond to the following:

·         There are 330,000,000 deities in the Hindu religion. Are these individual deities or various facets of the one deity, Brahman?

·         Which of the deities covered in this week's readings most intrigues you? Why?

·         Try vegetarianism for three days. Did you make it?

·         Are there any famous Hindu celebrities out there?

REL 212 Week 3DiscussionThe Buddha's New Plan

 

 

The Buddha's New Plan

·         Think about the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path. Based on the definition of religion as discussed in Week 1, is this a philosophy, a way of life, or is this religious beliefs? Explain.

·         Either way, would you adopt these new ideas into your own life? Why or why not?

·         Try counting to ten with no distractions. Can you do it? (If you already meditate, tell us about it!)

·         According to the video in Instructor Insights, prayer wheels and prayer flags send prayers to heaven. What do you make of this?

·         Name some Buddhist celebrities.

 

REL 212 Week 4DiscussionActionless Action (Daoism) and the Practice of Virtue (Confucianism)  

Actionless Action (Daoism) and the Practice of Virtue (Confucianism)  You have to review the materials in the Instructor's Insights, especially the section on Mindfulness, before  responding to the following:

·         Briefly describe the Confucian Virtues. What would happen if America practiced the Confucian virtues?

·         Try wu wei. We should focus on the moment. "In doing mode our mind is so often preoccupied with thoughts about what is going on that we may be only vaguely aware of what is actually happening." (Quote from The Mindful Way through Depression by Mark Williams et al.) In other words, we tend to plan our day while brushing our teeth. What do you think?

·         Can Confucianism work in your business?

·         Are there any famous Confucian or Daoist celebs out there?

 

REL 212 Week 6DiscussionChosen People of God

Chosen People of God

Our textbook points out that God and the Jews have a special covenant.

·         How does Torah fit into this picture?

·         How does chosen-ness and covenant compare to the information in the videos in this week's Instructor Insights?

·         Who are some famous Jews?

 

 

REL 212 Week 7DiscussionChristianity or Christianities

Christianity or Christianities? After reading the weekly materials and the Instructor's Insights, please respond to the following:

·         There are four gospels in the New Testament. Why not just one?

·         Why did the Church split into the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church in 1054?

·         What caused the division between Protestants and Roman Catholics in 1517?

·         Why are there so many denominations in Christianity today?

·         Any famous Christians out there?

REL 212 Week 8DiscussionAspects of Islam

Aspects of Islam:  Please respond to the following:

·         Compare and contrast the Five Pillars of Islam to the practices of Judaism and Christianity.

·         Given what you now know of Islam, does the press accurately portray Muslims?

·         Choose two of the sources in Instructor Insights and discuss them briefly (cite your sources!)

·         Who are some celebrity Muslims (you will be suprised!)

 

REL 212 Week 9DiscussionSikhism

 

Sikhism: After reviewing the sources in the Instructor Insights and one extra website of your choice, please respond to the following:

·         Identify the 5 Ks of Sikhism, and explain which one intrigues you the most.

·         How do Sikhs compare to Muslims?

·         What problems do Sikh women face?

·         Are there any famous Sikhs out there?

 

REL 212 Week 10DiscussionNew Religious Movements and Spirituality

New Religious Movements and Spirituality

·         Review the sources in the Instructor Insights

·         What are new religious movements and why are they happening?

·         What is "spirituality"? Why are people claiming to be spiritual and not religious?

·         I claim that New Religious Movements and today's "Spirituality" are just reinventions of old religions. What do you think of that and why?

·         And, of course, can you name some celebrities from these categories?

 

REL 212 Week 11DiscussionAfter It’s All Said and Done

"After It’s All Said and Done…"  Please respond to the following:

·         Explain what religion is, and give your opinion as to whether religion is different from spirituality. 

·         Identify three surprising concepts that you learned about religion in this course, and explain why they surprised you.

REL 212 Week 2 to Week 10 World View Chart Assignments
Due Weeks 2 through 10 and worth 35 points each week, with a total of 315 points.  

A world view is a fundamental or basic orientation of thinking – like a mindset – which guides a culture and / or a person’s life. Like a point of view, it can be built of concepts, ideas, values, emotions, and ethics. Weltanschauung is the German word for this idea. Your goal for this course is to understand the world views of these various religions. In order to prepare you for your final assignment, you will outline the world views of various religions in the chart below, adding to it each week.

For this assignment, students will complete the weekly area of the chart, filling in the aspects of each religion as it is presented in the readings and resources. This chart, when complete, will be the starting point for the written assignment, due in Week 10.

For each weekly submission:

1.      Review the weekly lectures and supplemental materials provided, then complete the chart by elaborating on each section related to the weekly content.

2.      Identify key details and examples from the weekly resources to serve as a basis for the content being recorded in your chart.

3.      Write clearly and coherently using correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

·         Analyze what is meant by religion.

·         Analyze the similarities and differences in the primary beliefs held by major religious traditions and the cultures in which these religions evolved.

·         Describe the varieties of religious experience and practice in a wide range of cultures.

·         Recognize how daily life within various religions and current affairs are influenced by religion.

·         Use technology and information resources to research issues in religion.

·         Write clearly and concisely about world religions using proper writing mechanics.

Click here to view the grading rubric for this assignment.

REL212 WORLD VIEW CHART (alternate version)
This chart contains all the research you need to write the final paper for this course.  If you do the research and reading on the religion(s) we study each week, and if you give yourself a good guide to the religions using this chart, you will have a good foundation for that final paper.  The more information you provide for yourself with this chart, the easier it will be to write your final paper.  Do not forget to provide adequate material for any in-text citations and be sure to include a reference page as well.   Complete and submit the following worksheet.  Provide citations for any source(s) you used to explain or provide examples for in your research. List in APA Style full references for any in-text citations and source(s) made in the above chart.
Student Name:
RELIGION(S) OF THE WEEK	Provide your response in this column.
·         State the name of the Religion being addressed in this chart. ·         Please address ONLY ONE (1) religion per chart.
ORIGIN OF ALL THINGS	Provide your response in this column.
·         State the creation story that this religion uses to explain the creation of the universe. If you cannot identify a creation story for this religion, offer a suggestion as to why this religion may not have one.  ·         Back up your statement with explanation and/or example.  ·         You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.
NATURE OF GOD/CREATOR	Provide your response in this column.
·         State the nature of the god(s) worshiped by this religion.  If you cannot identify a god (or gods) for this religion, offer a suggestion as to why this religion may not have one.  ·         Back up your statement with explanation and/or example.  ·         You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.
VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE	Provide your response in this column.
·         State how this religion views human beings.  ·         How are human beings viewed with regard to their characteristics and their place in the universe?  If you cannot identify how this religion defines human beings, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't.  ·         Back up your statement with explanation and/or example.  ·         You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.
VIEW OF GOOD & EVIL	Provide your response in this column.
·         State how this religion defines the concept of good and evil.  ·         Most religions encourage their adherents to be good and to shun evil.  How does this religion define these terms for those who practice this religion?  If you cannot identify how this religion defines good and evil, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't.  ·         Back up your statement with explanation and/or example.  ·         You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.
VIEW OF SALVATION	Provide your response in this column.
·         All religions suggest that human beings are faced with a “problem” that needs to be overcome.  What is the “problem” this religion identifies, and how does it suggest that we can overcome it?  If you cannot identify how this religion defines the “problem,” or how to overcome it, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't.  ·         Back up your statement with explanation and/or example.  ·         You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.
VIEW OF AFTERLIFE	Provide your response in this column.
·         What does this religion teach about “what comes next” after all is said and done?  For Eastern religions that teach reincarnation, this question is about what happens after moksha is attained.  For Western religions, this question is about what happens when we die.  If you cannot identify how this religion defines the afterlife, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't.  ·         Back up your statement with explanation and/or example.  ·         You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.
PRACTICES AND RITUALS	Provide your response in this column.
·         How do members of this religion “practice” their “faith?”  ·         What ceremonies, or rituals, do they use to help pass this religion on to the next generation?  If you cannot identify how this religion is practiced, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't have any rituals or practices.  ·         Back up your statement with explanation and/or example.  ·         You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.
CELEBRATIONS AND FESTIVALS	Provide your response in this column.
·         Identify one or two celebrations and/or festivals that members of this religion use to express their beliefs in public, or in private.  ·         Name the festival(s) and give a short explanation of how it is observed.  If you cannot identify any celebrations or festivals for this religion, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't have any.  ·         Back up your statement with explanation and/or example.  ·         You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.

 

REL 212 Week 10 FINAL PAPER World View Chart Writing Assignment

Due Week 10 and worth 235 points

This assignment uses the information you have gathered for your weekly World View Chart Assignments.

Choose ONE (1) category (origin of all things, nature of god, view of human nature, view of good and evil, etc.) from the chart to focus on for this assignment. Consider how the selected category relates to all of the religions covered and to your own social or work experiences.

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:

1.      Select ONE (1) category from the completed World View Chart. Provide a rationale for choosing this category. What is compelling about this category? Why is it important in the study of religion?

2.      Describe the selected content and explain the significance of the selected category across all of the religions studied. Show in what ways the category is significant for each religion.

3.      Give an example of how you have noticed this category in your life, town or country. What impact does this category have in the everyday lives of people who practice religion in your area? (You do not have to give examples of all the religions in your area, just one you have noticed besides any you practice). For example, in Cincinnati, Ohio we have Hindu, Greek Orthodox, Catholic festivals in the summer. So if my category were “Festivals and Celebrations” I could use those events as my example.

4.      Use at least three (3) quality resources as references for the assignment and document your sources using APA Style for in-text citations and references. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as quality resources.

5.      Write clearly and coherently using correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics.

Your assignment must:

·         Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

·         Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

·         Analyze what is meant by religion.

·         Analyze the similarities and differences in the primary beliefs held by major religious traditions and the cultures in which these religions evolved.

·         Describe the varieties of religious experience and practice in a wide range of cultures.

·         Recognize how daily life within various religions and current affairs are influenced by religion.

·         Develop written pieces that demonstrate an analysis of a topic relevant to the course.

·         Use technology and information resources to research issues in religion.

·         Write clearly and concisely about world religions using proper writing mechanics.

Click here to view the grading rubric.

REL 212 MIDTERM EXAM

Question 1

Joseph Campbell thought myths, such as the hero's journey, were meaningful because they

Question 2

Psychologist Carl Jung proposed that the reason there are similarities among symbols in different cultures is that

Question 3

When we take the time to learn about each other's beliefs, the journey

Question 4

What is the religious term for models of the origins of the universe?

Question 5

In the 1980s, the Three Rivers Dam was constructed on the Oldman River in Alberta, Canada, despite the indigenous Peigan people's claim of rights to the river. This is an example of

Question 6

To Australian aboriginals, the sacred era of creation before time began, called "Dreamtime,"

Question 7

The two great Hindu epics are called

Question 8

Why is samsara related to karma?

Question 9

How do images of Shiva display his ability to reconcile darkness and light, good and evil, and creation and destruction?

Question 10

Gandhi influenced modern, independent India by teaching

Question 11

The Jain principle of nonattachment is called

Question 12

Jainism's major teacher for this age is

Question 13

Why is a person who achieves the highest state called Jina or "winner over one's passions"?

Question 14

The two main branches of Buddhism are called

Question 15

The most complex and profound of Mahayana teachings focuses on emptiness or voidness, which is called

Question 16

One of the reasons that Buddhism has gained popularity among people in the West is because

Question 17

Siddhartha's practice that rejected both self-indulgence and self-denial is called the

Question 18

How did Xunzi break from previous Confucian thought?

Question 19

The practice that helps one determine the harmonious placement of a building or objects is known as

Question 20

Daoism and Confucianism flourished principally in

REL 212 FINAL EXAM

Question 1

Which word most closely translates the Japanese word "kami"?

Question 2

The Japanese linked the lineage of their emperors to the goddess of the sun, known as

Question 3

Shinto requires purification instead of repentance because

Question 4

To achieve a closeness to God, Orthodox Jews feel they are bound to the traditional rabbinic

Question 5

The Sabbath begins at sunset on

Question 6

At the highest level, Torah refers to

Question 7

A Jewish family in Tucson, Arizona, erects a simple outdoor booth during Sukkot. If you asked them why, what might be their response?

Question 8

A Jewish meeting place is called a

Question 9

Which is a term for a sixteenth-century reform movement in which many Christians broke away from Roman Catholic authority and doctrine?

Question 10

The story of Adam and Eve demonstrates that humanity needs a compassionate, loving God by illustrating that everyone is

Question 11

The first four books of the New Testament, which were written forty to sixty years after Jesus' death, are called the gospels, or "good news," because

Question 12

Colossians states that in Jesus "whole fullness of deity dwells bodily," which relates to the Christian doctrine of

Question 13

Christians reconciled monotheism and the existence of God the Father and Jesus through the doctrine of

Question 14

According to Sunnis, Muhammad did not name a successor because

Question 15

Your friend invites you to a mosque where the imam instructs the community to engage in the Greater Jihad with diligence. What is the teacher talking about?

Question 16

Why do some women, like Semaa Abdulwali, argue that hijab is good for women?

Question 17

Jamal, a Muslim from Boise, Idaho, wears a T-shirt that reads, "Judaism, Christianity, Islam: One BIG Family." What might this refer to?

Question 18

The Muslim community established the shari'ah

Question 19

Ik Onkar is a concept that affirms Sikhism as

Question 20

In Sikhism, public worship takes place in a building called a

Question 21

Sikhs are not as concerned with historical data about Guru Nanak because

Question 22

You overhear a Sikh and Hindu discussing their traditions' theologies. Which beliefs would you expect them to agree on?

Question 23

Santeria developed in part because

Question 24

Why was the crowing of Haile Selassie important for the Rastafari religious group?

Question 25

Practitioners of Wicca engage in

Question 26

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is less formally known as the

Question 27

Complex technologies, globalization, urbanization, bureaucratization, and rationality have led to the struggle between

Question 28

Some scholars feel that using religious rhetoric of good versus evil in international warfare has

Question 29

The largest global religion is

Question 30

All of the following are universal spiritual principles followed by all religions EXCEPT