Observation paper on ethnic religious social group
Observation paper on ethnic religious social group or group “outside” of their experiences
4 Complete pages in proper MLA format
Students will observe a family gathering, festival, or other ceremony, celebration, etc. that involves an ethnic/religious/social group or group “outside” of their experiences. Interviews can be included as part of this assignment as well. A 4-page paper will then be composed recording the events observed along with the student’s reaction. You must observe
something new for this paper; therefore, past experiences cannot be observed for this assignment. Furthermore, note that this paper should not be research-based. See the student agreement in Week One in Moodle for more information regarding this assignment. Use of the first person (I and we) is acceptable for this paper. Use of the second person
(you and all of its forms) is not acceptable.
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Introduction to World Religions
Philosophy and Religion ï In your opinion, what is the meaning of life? Is belief in God necessary for a meaningful life? ï The science historian, Michael Shermer, has suggested that people come to faith for nonrational (i.e., familial, societal) reasons. Logical arguments, he believes, usually do not play a significant role in the process. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how has your background (family, culture, education, life events) influenced your religious worldview? Are there any criticisms that you can think of? ï Must morality be undergirded by religion? Is it true that there could be no morality without God? Can one lead a morally virtuous life without belief in God? ï What are we to make of the relationship between science and religion? Are they mutually independent, complementary, or antithetical ways of knowing? Is one way of knowing Superior to the other? Are religious beliefs irrefutable? Can they ever be verified in this lifetime? If so, how (e.g., scientific, rational, experiential, prophetic means)? Or will belief always require a leap of faith? ï Is it acceptable to evangelize another person to our faith? Why or why not? Or, should everyone adopt a live and let live mentality? Evaluate the following quotation from Mahatma Gandhi: ìThe various religions are like different roads converging on the same point. What difference does it make if we follow different routes, provided we arrive at the same destination?î ï Evaluate the following quotation from the physicist, Steven Weinberg: ìIn the same way that each of us has had to grow up to resist the temptation of wishful thinking . . ., so our species has had to learn in growing up that we are not playing the starring role in any sort of grand cosmic drama.î ï Consider the following quotation by Bertrand Russell: religion is something left over from the infancy of our intelligence; it will fade away as we adopt reason and science as our guidelines.î Do you agree with this statement? Do you see religion fading away in any foreseeable future? ï Which of the following do you find to be the most compelling reason for belief in God? Which do you find to be the least persuasive? A. Good design, natural beauty, perfection, or complexity of the world. (28.6%) B. Experience of God in everyday life; God is in us. (20.6%) C. It is comforting, relieving, consoling, gives meaning and purpose to life. (10.3%) D. The Bible says so. (9.8%) E. Just because; faith; need to believe in something. (8.2%) F. Raised to believe in God. (7.2%) G. God answers prayers. (6.4%) H. Without God there would be no morality. (4.0%) I. God has a plan for the world, history, destiny, and us. (3.8%) J. To account for good and avenge evil in the world. (1.0%) Nature of Religion ï Categorize the five major world religions according to their worldviews. How are they similar? How are they different?
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ï Do most people work out a religion for themselves or simply follow their parents religion? ï How would you define a “religion”? What properties must a belief system have in order for it to be a “religion”? If a belief system did not include “faith,î a god, and worship would it still be a religion? ï Do you think that religion in general has had a positive or negative effect on the world? Can you think of any examples? ï What characteristics are common in fundamentalist religious groups? ï Should religion be taught in state schools? Why/why not? If so, should the religion taught be the most common one or the most historical for the country? And should the class be mandatory or optional? ï Should prayer be obligatory in schools? Why/why not? ï In the United States in 2005, around 40% of the population believed that evolution did not take place. Do you believe that a person of faith can also accept evolutionary theory? ï Do you believe in an afterlife? What do you think of the idea of hell? What do you think of the idea of heaven? ï In what areas does religion have an impact in your country? ï What are the differences and similarities of cults and religions? Do you think that cults are dangerous? Why or why not? ï How would you define a cult? Should the government try to eliminate cults and other fringe religious groups? Why or why not? If so, how? ï What factors differentiate theistic and atheistic worldviews? What factors differentiate perspectives within these worldviews? ï The Church of the Spaghetti Monster (Pastafarianism) is a religious group started in 2005. The members of this religious group believe that a religion does not need to require its members to have literal belief in order to attain spiritual enlightenment. While many people view this religion as a “joke” or making fun of “serious” religious groups, the members claim that it is completely legitimate. What elements are required to create a new religion? Can anyone create a new religion? Why or why not? Religious Freedom and the Government ï Do you think a government should be guided by religious principles? Why or why not? ï The freedom of religion is a right included in the U.S. Constitution. It allows people to practice any religion in public or private without being persecuted. How does this policy of religious freedom compare with how people are allowed to practice (or not practice) religion in another country? ï Should everyone in a country have the right to practice any religion they wish? Why or why not? ï Do you think the government should have the ability to “manage” religious expression? Why or why not? Religious Symbols ï There is debate in some European countries – especially France – about the appropriateness of certain forms of traditional Islamic dress, especially in schools and other state institutions. The debate centers around the wearing of the “hijab.î This can refer to a large number of things ranging from the “Islamic headscarf” to the “burqa” or “burka,î which covers the whole body including the head and the face. What do you think about legal attempts in some European countries to control the use of these forms of dress? Would it be equally reasonable to prohibit Sikh men from wearing a turban? What is the difference – if any?
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ï If it were banned, it would presumably become a criminal offence. What punishment might be applied? How would Amnesty International react to jail terms? ï Is it reasonable to prevent men from wearing these things if they want to, or should any restriction only be applied to women? ï If Western countries forbid the wearing of the burka or other forms of Islamic dress, would it be reasonable for Islamic countries to insist that Western women wear burkas when visiting? Why or why not? ï If a person’s religion obliged them to always have their face covered, and if a state accepted this was a religious right which could not be taken away, how would it deal with passport photographs and photographs for driving licenses? ï Most European countries have their own clothing taboos. For instance you can get arrested or cause major disturbance if you walk around naked. What do you think about this apparent double standard? ï Priests, monks and nuns wear clothing which is, in some ways, similar to the burka. What would be the implications for these forms of dress, if the burka was banned? Freethinkers (nonbelievers, atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, etc.) ï Do nonbelievers have any special problems in certain countries? Do you think they are treated worse, the same, or better in the U.S. in certain circumstances? ï In 2009 a campaign started which promoted the slogan: “God probably doesn’t exist, now stop worrying and get on with your life.î What is your opinion of this? ï Can freethinkers go to church regularly for service but still remain as freethinkers? ï The well-known atheist Richard Dawkins once said: “We are all atheists about 99% of the Gods which have ever existed–some of us just go one God further.” What is your opinion of this statement? ï Many atheists maintain they do not believe in God because there is no sufficient, compelling evidence for Godís existence. What is your opinion? ï Can atheism be considered a religion? Can “not collecting stamps” be considered a hobby? ï What factors differentiate atheistic perspectives? How many different atheistic perspectives are there? ï What do different atheistic perspectives have in common? How do they differ? ï Do you think people who don’t believe in God or gods can live good lives? Why or why not? ï Upon what basis can nonbelievers make ethical decisions?
Religion and Conflict ï Do you think religion is the cause of most conflict in the world? Why or why not? ï If religion isn’t the primary justification used to wage wars, what is? ï Do you believe that religion is sometimes used to justify violence and oppression? If so, can you give some examples?
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Introduction to World Religions
Philosophy and Religion ï In your opinion, what is the meaning of life? Is belief in God necessary for a meaningful life? ï The science historian, Michael Shermer, has suggested that people come to faith for nonrational (i.e., familial, societal) reasons. Logical arguments, he believes, usually do not play a significant role in the process. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how has your background (family, culture, education, life events) influenced your religious worldview? Are there any criticisms that you can think of? ï Must morality be undergirded by religion? Is it true that there could be no morality without God? Can one lead a morally virtuous life without belief in God? ï What are we to make of the relationship between science and religion? Are they mutually independent, complementary, or antithetical ways of knowing? Is one way of knowing superior to the other? ï Are religious beliefs irrefutable? Can they ever be verified in this lifetime? If so, how (e.g., scientific, rational, experiential, prophetic means)? Or will belief always require a leap of faith? ï Is it acceptable to evangelize another person to our faith? Why or why not? Or, should everyone adopt a live and let live mentality? ï Evaluate the following quotation from Mahatma Gandhi: ìThe various religions are like different roads converging on the same point. What difference does it make if we follow different routes, provided we arrive at the same destination?î ï Evaluate the following quotation from the physicist, Steven Weinberg: In the same way that each of us has had to grow up to resist the temptation of wishful thinking . . ., so our species has had to learn in growing up that we are not playing the starring role in any sort of grand cosmic drama.î ï Consider the following quotation by Bertrand Russell: religion is something left over from the infancy of our intelligence; it will fade away as we adopt reason and science as our guidelines.î Do you agree with this statement? Do you see religion fading away in any foreseeable future? ï Which of the following do you find to be the most compelling reason for belief in God? Which do you find to be the least persuasive? A. Good design, natural beauty, perfection, or complexity of the world. (28.6%) B. Experience of God in everyday life; God is in us. (20.6%) C. It is comforting, relieving, consoling, gives meaning and purpose to life. (10.3%) D. The Bible says so. (9.8%) E. Just because; faith; need to believe in something. (8.2%) F. Raised to believe in God. (7.2%) G. God answers prayers. (6.4%) H. Without God there would be no morality. (4.0%) I. God has a plan for the world, history, destiny, and us. (3.8%) J. To account for good and avenge evil in the world. (1.0%) Nature of Religion ï Categorize the five major world religions according to their worldviews. How are they similar? How are they different?
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ï Do most people work out a religion for themselves or simply follow their parents religion? ï How would you define a “religion”? What properties must a belief system have in order for it to be a “religion”? If a belief system did not include “faith,î a god, and worship would it still be a religion? ï Do you think that religion in general has had a positive or negative effect on the world? Can you think of any examples? ï What characteristics are common in fundamentalist religious groups? ï Should religion be taught in state schools? Why/why not? If so, should the religion taught be the most common one or the most historical for the country? And should the class be mandatory or optional? ï Should prayer be obligatory in schools? Why/why not? ï In the United States in 2005, around 40% of the population believed that evolution did not take place. Do you believe that a person of faith can also accept evolutionary theory? ï Do you believe in an afterlife? What do you think of the idea of hell? What do you think of the idea of heaven? ï In what areas does religion have an impact in your country? ï What are the differences and similarities of cults and religions? Do you think that cults are dangerous? Why or why not? ï How would you define a cult? Should the government try to eliminate cults and other fringe religious groups? Why or why not? If so, how? ï What factors differentiate theistic and atheistic worldviews? What factors differentiate perspectives within these worldviews? ï The Church of the Spaghetti Monster (Rastafarian) is a religious group started in 2005. The members of this religious group believe that a religion does not need to require its members to have literal belief in order to attain spiritual enlightenment. While many people view this religion as a “joke” or making fun of “serious” religious groups, the members claim that it is completely legitimate. What elements are required to create a new religion? Can anyone create a new religion? Why or why not? Religious Freedom and the Government ï Do you think a government should be guided by religious principles? Why or why not? ï The freedom of religion is a right included in the U.S. Constitution. It allows people to practice any religion in public or private without being persecuted. How does this policy of religious freedom compare with how people are allowed to practice (or not practice) religion in another country? ï Should everyone in a country have the right to practice any religion they wish? Why or why not? ï Do you think the government should have the ability to “manage” religious expression? Why or why not? Religious Symbols ï There is debate in some European countries – especially France – about the appropriateness of certain forms of traditional Islamic dress, especially in schools and other state institutions. The debate centers around the wearing of the “hijab.î This can refer to a large number of things ranging from the “Islamic headscarf” to the “burqa” or “burka,î which covers the whole body including the head and the face. What do you think about legal attempts in some European countries to control the use of these forms of dress? Would it be equally reasonable to prohibit Sikh men from wearing a turban? What is the difference – if any?
Page 3 of 3
ï If it were banned, it would presumably become a criminal offence. What punishment might be applied? How would Amnesty International react to jail terms? ï Is it reasonable to prevent men from wearing these things if they want to, or should any restriction only be applied to women? ï If Western countries forbid the wearing of the burka or other forms of Islamic dress, would it be reasonable for Islamic countries to insist that Western women wear burkas when visiting? Why or why not? ï If a person’s religion obliged them to always have their face covered, and if a state accepted this was a religious right which could not be taken away, how would it deal with passport photographs and photographs for driving licenses? ï Most European countries have their own clothing taboos. For instance you can get arrested or cause major disturbance if you walk around naked. What do you think about this apparent double standard? ï Priests, monks and nuns wear clothing which is, in some ways, similar to the burka. What would be the implications for these forms of dress, if the burka was banned? Freethinkers (nonbelievers, atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, etc.) ï Do nonbelievers have any special problems in certain countries? Do you think they are treated worse, the same, or better in the U.S. in certain circumstances? ï In 2009 a campaign started which promoted the slogan: “God probably doesn’t exist, now stop worrying and get on with your life.î What is your opinion of this? ï Can freethinkers go to church regularly for service but still remain as freethinkers? ï The well-known atheist Richard Dawkins once said: “We are all atheists about 99% of the Gods which have ever existed–some of us just go one God further.” What is your opinion of this statement? ï Many atheists maintain they do not believe in God because there is no sufficient, compelling evidence for God’s existence. What is your opinion? ï Can atheism be considered a religion? Can “not collecting stamps” be considered a hobby? ï What factors differentiate atheistic perspectives? How many different atheistic perspectives are there? ï What do different atheistic perspectives have in common? How do they differ? ï Do you think people who don’t believe in God or gods can live good lives? Why or why not? ï Upon what basis can nonbelievers make ethical decisions?
Religion and Conflict ï Do you think religion is the cause of most conflict in the world? Why or why not? ï If religion isn’t the primary justification used to wage wars, what is? ï Do you believe that religion is sometimes used to justify violence and oppression? If so, can you give some examples?
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Integrative essay on the book The Christian Moral Life by Rziha
Since I don’t have the book I need to have this essay done to these instructions. Each student must write an 800-1000 word essay answering the questions below. Hard copies of the papers should be turned in at the beginning of class on the day they are due. Each paper requires the student to address themes or topics discussed in class and apply them to their own experience. The proper description of the theme or topic and its application to a fitting personal experience comprises the objective criteria. Each paper must have multiple citations from the applicable readings that help support the main points of their paper. The description of the personal experience and your explanation of it comprises the subjective criteria. The questions that follow are:
1. Using readings from class, explain how individualism can negatively affect happiness as defined by Rziha, The Christian Moral Life.
Give a concrete example of where you see individualism at work in your
own life.
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Identify a public site where you will conduct your own participant-observation during the first two weeks of March (for 2-4 hours).
There are three parts to your assignment.
1. Provide a research question that incorporates one of the core themes/concepts of this course in relation to your proposed research site.
a. A “what” or “how” question(s) that will guide how your observations.
For example: “What symbols are used during a hockey game?” “How do Canadians represent their nation on Canada Day?”
2. Provide a description of where you propose to observe people in their daily lives (your “research site”). Who is there? And, what do you expect to observe? Be specific.
a. The location should be local and somewhere where you can be for 2-4 hours in the first two weeks of March.
b. The location needs to be public, which is a place where other people can reasonably expect to be observed by others without feeling their privacy is being affected. Examples include: park, store, bus, dance club, stadium, plaza, etc.
3. Find two academic article or book chapter that relates to your research site or themes in your research. Provide an “annotated bibliography” for each of the two articles/chapters.
a. An annotated bibliography is where you summarize the main arguments presented in the article/book chapter in one paragraph. For this assignment, your annotated bibliography should also include a paragraph about how the article/chapter relates to your research site. How does what the author says relate to your location or what people are doing in that space?
b. You may not find articles specifically about your site, but you can use articles/chapters that talk about related concepts. For example, you may not find articles about Ottawa night clubs, but you can find articles about gender and music that might help you understand more about your field site.
c. Provide a proper citation. For example:
Last name, First name. (YEAR). Title of article. Title of journal, Volume#(Issue#), page numbers.
If citing a chapter in a book:
Last name, First name. (YEAR). Title of chapter. Title of book, page numbers.
If citing a chapter in an edited book:
Lastname, First name (YEAR). Title of chapter. Title of book (eds. Name of editors), page numbers.
How you will be marked:
Your assignment will be marked out of 5.
Three marks will be given for your research question and description of the location. Your question should be clear and relevant to your location (1 mark), then your description should clearly describe where you will observe people, who will be there, and what you expect to observe.
One mark will be given for each of your annotated bibliographic.
Your description of the article/chapter should indicate what was the main argument(s), as well as any relevant information the author used to develop their argument. Your second paragraph should clearly show how the article/chapter helps you think about/understand something about your research site.
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BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW ESSAY INSTRUCTIONS
The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate your understanding of the unified and coherent nature of the Bible and the theological doctrines. One way to view Scripture is through the four major plot movements of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Considering biblical doctrines through these four plot movements can aid in our understanding of humanity and humanity’s relationship to God.
After viewing the presentation, Understanding Biblical Narrative, and completing your textbook readings, you will be equipped to demonstrate the coherence of Scripture and share some of the implications of the unified message of the Bible.
For this assignment, you must write an 800–1,000-word essay addressing the following prompt:
The unity of the Bible is demonstrated through the Divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit on the human authors of Scripture. The study of theology uncovers and articulates the unity of all the biblical texts when they are taken together. From the list of approved doctrines to address, demonstrate the unified nature of the Bible by tracing that doctrine through the four major plot developments of Scripture.
For example, The Bible describes God as love in 1 John 4:8. The way to interpret “God is love” is to look at the biblical story that reveals God’s character through His actions. When looking at the idea of love through the four major plot movements in Scripture we see God’s love demonstrated in His creation of humanity, His patience with humanity after the fall, and His sacrificial death to redeem humanity from the fall, and His restorative work through preparation of the heavenly home . (This example would be substantiated and demonstrated with biblical support, and be elaborated on within the essay.)
Assignment Requirements:
1. Discuss the major movement of the biblical narrative/story, its main character, and its implications for understanding the unity of the biblical books.
2. Choose two topics from the approved topics list that are presented in Biblical doctrine with attention on how these theological topics unfold through the through the four major plot movements of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.
3. Using your theological examples, share the implications that these examples provide humanity’s relationship to God.
4. Incorporate at least 2 theological references in your paper using course resources.
5. Incorporate at least 2 relevant biblical references.
6. Write a clear introductory paragraph including the thesis statement. A summative concluding paragraph must also be included.
7. Use current Turabian format (or whichever corresponds to your degree program).
Use the provided Biblical Worldview Essay Template as a guide.
Submit your Biblical Worldview Paper by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 5
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Welcome to the Religious News Station!
As the newest member of the organization, you will be exploring many different religions from varying viewpoints throughout this course. This ongoing travel will have you reporting on various religions around the world and will conclude with a final project for the news station.
For your first assignment, you will be packing your bags and traveling to India! It is there where you will find the major concentration of those practicing Hinduism.
As you begin traveling for Religious News, your boss wants you to embrace the Hindu culture as much as possible. Per his request, he has asked that you visit a temple, attend one festival of your choosing, and observe either an investiture, marriage, or funeral ceremony.
For your write-up, be sure to include the following components for your report:
summarize the impact samskaras have on Hindu society;
compare and contrast a selected Hindu ceremony (e.g., the investiture, marriage, or funeral ceremony) or festival to one that takes place within your culture; and compare and contrast social statuses within Hinduism to that of your culture.
Your reflection should be at least one page in length. You must include at least two outside sources,
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Read from the book of Genesis ch. 1and 2.
1. How differently are the God, the creation of the World and humans portrayed there?
2. How do you understand that the humans are created “in the image and likeness of God”?
3. For what purpose did God create humans?
4. Is a woman created in the image of God? (See in the NT 1 Cor 11:7)
Read Gen. 2-3.
5. For what reason is a woman created?
6. Who is guilty and for what in Gen 3?
7. How does the behavior of Adam and Eve characterize them?
8. What is their punishment?
9. How does this story reflect the ancient Hebrews’ views about women?
Read Gen. 4-11.
10. Choose 3 stories from Gen. 4-11. The origin of what does each of them try to explain? What is the theological message or moral of each of them?
11. According to you, what is the overarching or central theme in Gen. 1-11?
12. Find in Gen. 4-11 at least 3 inconsistencies or contradictions, briefly indicate (give references) those “problematic” passages. (For ex. in Gen. 1 the humans are created last (on the 6th day) and both man and woman together, while in the Gen. 2 a man is created before animals and a woman)
Read about Jewish Sabbath from http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htm
13. Why do the Jews celebrate Sabbath? What do they celebrate? What do they do and what are they forbidden to do (give 3-4 examples) on Sabbath?
Part I
Learn how differently the Jews and Christians understand the creation and further destiny of the humans. (Gen. 1-3)
14. Read from the apocryphal/deuterocanonical book Ecclesiasticus, or The Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach (usually called simply Sirach- written in the 2nd cent. B.C. E) Sir.1:1-20; 15:11-20; 16:24-17:17;
from the apocryphal/deuterocanonical book Wisdom of Solomon (1st cen. B.C. E.) Wis. 6:17-20 and from the canonical book of Proverbs (4th cent. B.C.E.) 3:13-18; 8:22-36.
Briefly answer the following questions:
a) What does the author of Sirach omit when he retells us the story about the creation of man (Sir. 16:24-17:17)? What does he say about the humans’ ability to make right choices (Sir.15:11-20)?
b) What is the role of Wisdom and the divine instruction (=Torah) in creation and in the destiny of humans (Sir. 1:1-20; Wis. 6:17-20; Prov. 3:13-18; 8:22-36)?
15. What is the traditional Christian understanding of Adam’s and Eve’s sin and its consequences (see Romans 5:12-21; 7:15-25(NT sec.)) and how does it differ from the Jewish one?
Part II
The origin of what does the story about Noah and his sons (in Gen 9) try to explain? Who are the descendants of Ham, Shem and Japheth? Where do they live?
Read Gen. 12, 13, 15. 17.
Answer the following questions:
16. a) What is promised to Abraham by God in Gen. 12:1-9 and Gen. 13:14-18? How are these promises accomplished throughout the story (Gen. 12-21)?
b) How do these promises differ from those in Gen. 15:13-16?
c) What is the unique feature of the covenant made between God and Abraham in Gen. 17? How does this covenant differ from the covenant with Noah? What is the sign of the covenant in Gen. 17?
17.. Try to find out what your name means. Who gave you your name? Why?
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Exploring African Continental Religions News Now that you are exploring Africa on your next continental adventure for Religious News, you will come across many religious
practices.
Exploring African Continental Religions News
For this news report, your boss has asked you to examine the religious beliefs you witness in Africa by reporting back on the
following components:
compare and contrast ceremonies performed by African religions to those of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Oceanic religions;
determine if you feel it is wise for the Dogon to incorporate new and modern practices into their historic religion; and
summarize the role of clothing within African culture.
Your report must be at least two pages in length, not including title and reference
pages. Include at least two outsides sources, which can include
the textbook and videos from the unit, and follow APA guidelines throughout
Write well organized essays on two of the following questions; each essay should be 4-5 typed, double-
spaced pages in length (8-10 pages in total), with page numbers. Your essays should be carefully
proofread for spelling, grammar and punctuation. They should be based on your class notes and the course readings; no use of outside materials is expected or encouraged. A successful essay will show
evidence of your grasp of the broad thematic issues raised in the class (e.g., gender, ritual, sacred
biography, religious reform), as well as a command of specific information about the two religious
traditions drawn from the primary sources we read. When citing passages from the readings, give both
the name of the text and the page number. The essays are due no later than Thursday, December
13th, at 5 p.m.; answers will not be accepted after this time without prior approval. They must be
printed out and dropped off in the box next to my office (Room 203) in the Religion Department (481
Main Street, 2nd floor). In taking this exam, you are bound by UVM’s standards of academic
honesty; this includes submitting only your own work and not collaborating with others in writing
your answers.
1. Pilgrimage is a religious practice engaged in by many Buddhists and Christians. Compare the
pilgrimages to Jerusalem (using Felix Fabri’s account) and to Divaguhava-the Buddha’s Cave (using the
brochure and translated materials from the site), and discuss specific similarities and differences that you
observe in what the pilgrims do, what motivates them, and what pilgrimage means in their respective
traditions. Based on our study of ritual (Driver’s article) and on the Coleman and Elsner essay on
different approaches to pilgrimage, how do you explain the important role that pilgrimage plays in these
religious traditions?
2. A friend hears you’re taking a course in religion that covers Buddhism and Christianity and makes
the following comment: “I think Buddhism is really cool; it’s so spiritual. But I don’t know about
Christianity; it seems like it’s all about rules and just doing what you’re expected to do.” Based on
what you’ve learned this semester, how would you respond to your friend’s comment? What is implied
in your friend’s distinction between religious conformity and spirituality? Your response should include
a discussion of one specific ritual that we studied in support of your response (if you also answer
question 1, focus on relic practices for this answer). You should reference specific passages from the
primary texts that we read to help your friend understand your point of view. It’s fine, though not
necessary, to write this in the form of an actual dialogue.
3. Write an imaginary conversation that might take place between you, Hildegard of Bingen, and one of
the Buddhist nuns whose stories are recounted in the Verses of the Elder Nuns. You should ask each
woman questions about their lives and their religious experiences and encourage them to compare notes,
basing their responses on what you learned from reading their texts and quoting from them where
appropriate. Consider how your gender affects your interaction with the two women and what they
might be willing to tell you (keeping in mind that these were female renunciants whose interactions with
men were limited in particular ways). Use Anne Clark’s and Rita Gross’ articles to help you understand
the historical contexts of the two women and the issues they faced in the practice of their religious
traditions.
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