World Religion Course

8/10/2019 World Religion Course

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Course Syllabus for the School of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences on the San RafaelCampus of Dominican University of California

Vision Quest, Religion !"#$!"% he 'orl()s Religions *$ units+, fall -.

Class place an( time% /u0man $-, ues(ay an( hurs(ay, %.-1%22, August 31December .45n ues(ay, September 6, there 7ill be a fiel( trip, leaving at appro8imately %.24 here 7illbe no class on 9ovember 3, the (ay before han:sgiving4 he final e8amination perio( 7illbe sche(ule( by the registrar4

9o course prere;uisites


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summari0e an( analy0e the religion *or some important aspect of it+ an( state ho7 thereligion *or aspect of it+ is relevant to the stu(ent)s life an( ;uest for meaning4 'hile it isacceptable to 7rite papers that conten( that a religion *or some aspect of it+ is irrelevant oreven (amaging to the stu(ent, the instructor 7oul( normally prefer positive reflections4 hepaper on each religion is to be han(e( in 7ithin one 7ee: of the completion of the classes onthat religion4 he reflection paper on ho7 the course has change( the stu(entFs attitu(eto7ar( religion is (ue the last (ay of class, December .4 5f course, all papers are to be 7ellorgani0e( an( in correct, concise English4

All students will attend at least 8 hours of worship/meditation in a religioustradition which they are not presently practicing and write a 2-3 page reflectionpaper on their experience and make a brief oral report during the finalexamination period. The paper is due by o!ember 2". #f more than onemember of the class has attended the same worship/meditation sessions$ theattendees can make their oral report as a group. The members of the groupshould consult one another prior to the presentation and determine what eachperson will share. %ailure to make the oral report will result in the loss of a thirdof a letter in the course grade.

/ra(ing% An GA in(icates mastery of the material, an( the lo7est IA1I in(icates a :no7le(geof appro8imately 6-J of the content of the course a G@ in(icates a goo( :no7le(ge of thecourse material, an( the lo7est straight G@ in(icates a :no7le(ge of appro8imately "-J ofthe material a @1 in(icates an a(e;uate :no7le(ge of the course material a GC in(icates afair to poor :no7le(ge of the material4 /ra(es lo7er than a IC1I sho7 that the stu(ent eitherhas not complete( a substantial portion of the assignments or has learne( virtually nothing4o (etermine the course gra(e, the instructor 7ill a(( up the points earne( for the tests *2points each !2 total+, for the reflection papers on each religion *- points each "- total+, forthe reflection paper on the " hours of 7orship#me(itation *2 points+, an( for atten(ance *points for each class session atten(e( or each e8cuse( absence *2" points+4


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Some Religious Services on Campus

All of these meet in or near the Chapel in E(gehill an( can be use( to fulfill the re;uire( "hours of religious practice4 5f course, there are numerous events off campus in nearly everypossible religious tra(ition some7here in the @ay Area4

@u((hist

Len, Dharma Eye >e(itation% >on(ays at 3%$- 4>4, hurs(ays at 3%$- A4>4 here isa special orientation for ne7 comers on the first >on(ay of the month4

Vippassana >e(itation% 'e(nes(ays at !%-- 4>4

Christian

Catholic% Sun(ays at !%$- 4>4

rotestant% @rothers an( Sisters in Christ, 'e(nes(ay "%$- 4>4

Qua:er% Sun(ays at -%-- A4>4

uslim#9on1>uslim Dialogues% 5ctober an( 9ovember $ noon to %$-4

Sufi gatherings% September ", 5ctober 6 an( 9ovember -, "%-- 4>4 ? -%--4

e7ish% September 2 *Rosh Hashana+ -%-- A4>4 ? %-- 4>4 September 3 *RoshHashana+ -%-- A4>4 ? %-- 4>4 5ctober $ *Mol 9i(re+ 3%-- 4>4 ? "%-- 4>4 5ctober .*Nom Mippur+ -%-- A4>4 ? %-- 4>4

3


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entative Class Sche(ule

ues(ay, August 3 Oecture% 'hat o(ernity

hurs(ay, August " Oecture% Religion rior to the


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hurs(ay, 5ctober $- Oecture% u(aism $ues(ay, 9ovember . /uest Spea:er% Henry Schreibman, G'hy < Am a e7

Assignment% 1$ page reflection paper on u(aism

hurs(ay, 9ovember 3 Oecture% Christianity brief test on u(aism

ues(ay, 9ovember Oecture% Christianity

hurs(ay, 9ovember $ Oecture% Christianity $

ues(ay, 9ovember " Sinclair, G'hy < Am a ChristianAssignment% 1$ page reflection paper on Christianity

hurs(ay, 9ovember - Oecture% Confucianism an( aoism brief test on Christianity

ues(ay, 9ovember 2 Oecture% Confucianism an( aoism

*no class on han:sgiving+

ues(ay, December Oecture% Confucianism an( aoism $ Assignment% 1$ page reflection on Confucianism an( aoism

hurs(ay, December . Oecture% E8clusivism Versus luralism in Religion brief test on Confucianism an( aoism

Assignment% 1$ page reflection paper on ho7 this course haschange( your attitu(e to7ar( religion4

Kinal e8amination perio( 7ill be as sche(ule( by the registrar4


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Oecture 9otes on the 'orl()s Religions an( Course Assignments

by Scott Sinclair

'hat is ReligionP Religion an( the Crisis of >o(ernity

Discussion% 'hat is religion, an( ho7 (o < feel about itP


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4 5ther religions *e4g4, Hin(uism+ allo7 a great (iversity of belief but (ictateho7 one acts4 'e call such religions Iorthopra8I */ree:% Iright actionI+4$4 5f course, some religions place appro8imately e;ual 7eight on right beliefan( correct action4


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;uest necessarily inclu(es a critical e8amination of the evi(ence4 Religion may inclu(ea philosophy but must, by (efinition, inclu(e much more4C4 9atural science is the attempt to e8plain things through natural causation, an(social science is the attempt to e8plain things through social causation4 Hence,

4 he natural an( social sciences can e8plain certain things about religion *i4e4,those things that have natural an( social causes+44 5r vali(ate or call into ;uestion certain claims ma(e by a religion *e4g4, ho7the 7orl( came into e8istence+4$4 9evertheless, religion has a (ifferent obBect% a Ihigher po7erI 7hich isneither natural nor social but transcen(ent4

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often give a far less ortho(o8 an( less flattering version of ho7 the greatreligions originate( an( gre7 an( 7hy434


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@4 As science increasingly sho7e( the (epen(ence of life on physiological processes,there 7as increasing reason to be s:eptical about the possibility of life after (eath4C4 9o7 that mo(ern me(ical technology often can revive people 7ho are clinically(ea( *i4e4, their heart stoppe( beating+, 7e have numerous accounts of people leavingtheir bo(ies an( going to another realm4D4 hese e8periences are intensely religious4 ypically they inclu(e

4 >eeting one)s o7n (eparte( relatives an( frien(s in a place of Boy an( peace44 >eeting a loving being of light4$4 Seeing the (ee(s of one)s past life an( regretting one)s sins an( reBoicing overone)s goo( (ee(s4

E4 S:eptics (ismiss these e8periences as being solely (ue to a (ying brain4K4 9evertheless, it is stri:ing that

4 hese e8periences are intellectually coherent44 Sometimes these e8periences occur 7hen the subBect)s brain 7aves are flat,an(, presumably, the brain has no mental activity4$4 eople 7ho have an out1of1bo(y e8perience are normally convince( that they7ere IseeingI something that 7as real4.4 5ccasionally, (uring out1of1bo(y e8periences people learn things that can

later be verifie( as accurate424 hese e8periences lea( people to aban(on selfish lifestyles an( to havegreater (evotion to serving /o( an( others434 Kor the content of this course, it is especially significant that thesee8periences normally lea( to an a7areness of the goo(ness of various religions,rather than the claim that only one religion has any value4

/4 < personally believe that out1of1bo(y e8periences (o involve contact 7ith UltimateSpiritual Reality an( suspect that this conclusion 7ill become 7i(esprea( an( 7ill lea(to greater focus on religion in the future4

&eading assignment' Andrew (. )ell*+lio$ ,)o ear )eath xperiences ro!idea &ational asis for elief in 0ife After )eath1,

Discussion% Reaction to Dell)5lio)s article4 Do you believe near (eath e8periences give us agenuine glimpse into life after (eathP


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4 >aterial remains a(mit (iffering interpretations4 Kor e8ample, a burial7hich inclu(es various obBects use( (uring the (ecease()s life may imply somebelief in an afterlife but (oes not have to44


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I(reamingI in 7hich a person is transporte( to the past or perhaps betterin 7hich the past appears in the present4

@4 rehistoric religion 7as base( on t7o assumptions4 he natural 7orl( is analogous to the human an( human beings are part of it49ote that humans un(erstan( on the basis our o7n e8perience44 he testimony of the el(ers about the past is reliable4 5f course, since theel(ers live( before us, this assumption is logical4$4 Oife is goo(, e8cept 7hen the original harmony of the 7orl( brea:s (o7n49ote that

a4 5f course, hunter1gatherers (i( not :no7 any other lifestyle4b4 Hunter1gatherer life involve( relatively little 7or:4c4 @ut, naturally, there 7ere various crises *sic:ness, (rought, etc4+4

C4 5n the basis of these assumptions prehistoric people probably believe(4 >ost things *especially if they move+ are alive4 hese living things have thoughts an( feelings$4 'hat human beings (o can please or (isplease these living things4.4 Humans nee( the help of many of these things4 herefore, 7e must figureout ho7 to live in harmony 7ith them, gain po7er from them, an(, if nee( be,

placate or manipulate them424 'e (iscover ho7 to please them by

a4 5bserving ho7 the natural 7orl( behaves in response to 7hat 7e (o4Kor e8ample, (i( it rain after 7e as:e( the rain spirit for helpPb4 Reflecting on 7hat pleases or (ispleases humans4c4 Oistening to the tra(itions of the el(ers4 Hence, primor(ial religiongave prestige to the ol(, since they 7ere the source of the 7is(om fromthe past4

D4 Accor(ingly, prehistoric religion probably inclu(e( the follo7ing%4 he belief that there are IspiritsI in most natural phenomena*mountains, springs, etc4+4

4 Various rituals *prayers, incantations, offerings, etc4+ to manipulate orsupplicate these spirits an( various taboos *not going certain places noteating certain foo(s, etc4+ to avoi( offen(ing them4 hese rituals an(taboos varie( from culture to culture4$4 A creation story 7hich e8plaine( ho7 the present universe came intoe8istence4 he story 7oul( normally inclu(e some (ivine agency4 hisstory

a4 E8plaine( 7hy things are as they areb4


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reason an(, thus, shoul( be calle( primitive Iscience4I4 Some of primitive IreligionI inclu(e( gaining control of the spirits an(shoul( be calle( Imagic4I$4 Some of primitive IreligionI involve( reverencing the spirits an(,therefore, 7as genuine religion as previously (efine(4


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4 he larger settlements re;uire( speciali0ation an( often mass mobili0ation*for communal irrigation, (efense, etc4+44 Oea(ership 7as nee(e( to supervise4$4 9aturally, the lea(ers acte( to gain increasing po7er an( privileges forthemselves4

E4 @ecame oppressive to many44 Hunter1gatherer societies 7ere relatively egalitarian44 'ith the rise of large, comple8 hierarchical societies, those on the bottom ofthe social pyrami(s 7ere subBect to gross e8ploitation *e4g4, slavery+4


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$4 ahabharata+4


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@4 At (eath the soul *atman+ leaves the bo(y4C4 9ormally, the soul 7ill reincarnate into another bo(y an( have a ne7 life follo7e(by a ne7 (eath4D4 'hat :in( of reincarnation the soul has (epen(s on ho7 the person acte( in theprevious life4 A person 7ho has live( virtuously 7ill have a better reincarnation thanone 7ho has not4 he force 7hich translates moral action into appropriatereincarnations is calle( Marma *literally, IactionI+4E4 he goal of human e8istence is to escape from en(less roun(s of reincarnations*samsara+ an( achieve IliberationI *Imo:shaI+4 Depen(ing on the school of Hin(uismthis liberation may consist of complete communion 7ith or full i(entity 7ith theUltimate *7hich may be personal or impersonal+4K4 5ne escapes from samsara by some combination of

4 Religious ritual4 heological :no7le(ge$4 Oove for a (eity.4 >e(itation 7hich pro(uces profoun( e8periences24 /oo( (ee(s to7ar(s humans an( animals434 Asceticism 7hich e8tinguishes (esire4

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A4 Each perio( of Hin(uism a((s something ne74@4 @ut the religious beliefs an( practices of the previous perio(s persist4

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>ahabharata perhaps aroun( -- @4C4E4 an( is often publishe( as a separate boo:4C4 he section is a long conversation bet7een the great 7arrior ArBuna an( his chariot(river Mrishna 7ho reveals that he is in fact the /o( Mrishna4D4 Mrishna in his (iscourses

4 Affirms the (octrines about the atman, reincarnation, the nee( for liberationthat alrea(y appear in the Upanisha(s *see above+ an( stresses that Bunana yoga*theological :no7le(ge+ an( raBa yoga *me(itation+ are vali( paths44 7o things are ne7, ho7ever%

a4 Kirst Mrishna is no longer the impersonal @rahman4+4 o be sure Mrishna reveals in a (a00ling theophany that he isthe origin, sustainer, an( (estroyer of all things, the essence of theentire universe4+4 @ut Mrishna is a loving /o( 7ho 7henever the 7orl( falls intomoral (eca(ence comes to earth in a ne7 incarnation to bringsalvation4

b4 Secon( Mrishna reveals t7o ne7 paths to liberation4+4 Marma yoga4 5ne can fin( liberation by (etache( moral action4

a+4 5ne must (o one)s social (uty regar(less of its cost or

(istastefulness4b+4 An( one must not be attache( to being successful inaccomplishing specific goals or receiving some otherre7ar( *e4g4, praise+4c+4 hrough this combination of ethical action an( lac: ofattachment, one obtains a tran;uil min( an( overcomes the:armic forces 7hich 7oul( other7ise lea( to anotherincarnation4

+4 @ha:ti yoga4 5ne can also fin( liberation through love forMrishna an( acts of sincere (evotion4


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privileges for those on the top an( privations for those on the bottom4


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romances an( much flute playing an( (ancing4 Oater, as 7e note( above,he becomes the revealer of (ivine 7is(om in the /ita4e4 >any Hin(us (e(icate themselves either to Vishnu or Mrishna4

4 Shiva has contra(ictory aspects being both a creator an( *as is better :no7nin the 'est+ a (estroyer4 He too has many (evotees4$4 he /o((ess4 he /o((ess is a composite of various female (eities inclu(ingSarasvati, the go((ess of learning an( art, Oa:shmi, the go((ess of prosperityan( consort of Vishnu, arvati, the consort of Shiva an(, among other things,the go((ess of marriage, an( the fearsome 7arriors Mali an( Durga4 Her(evotees often a((ress her as I>other4I.4 A favorite (eity is the pu(gy /anesha 7ho has the hea( of an elephant an(the bo(y of a human4 He is revere( as the one 7ho eliminates obstacles4

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liberation *since they 7ill :eep being reincarnate( until they (o+4b4 9evertheless, reincarnation has maBor problems4

+4 here are strong reasons to ;uestion 7hether there isreincarnation4

a+4 Clearly people (o not normally remember past lives4b+4 5bviously people 7hen they are born nee( to learn fromscratch *though some learn more rapi(ly+4

+4 Reincarnation becomes a Bustification for a caste system 7hichprevents many people from e8ercising their gifts4

Discussion% 'hat are the features of Hin(uism that you li:e or (isli:e an( 7hyP 'hat canHin(uism contribute to your o7n search for meaningP

5uest speaker on 9induism' rabha )une;a$ ,6hy # elie!e in 9induism,

rief test on 9induism

Assignment' 2-3 page reflection paper on 9induism

@u((hism

&eading assignment for uddhism' mith$ chapter 3 and o!ak$ chapter 2.A :ey ;uote% G< ta:e refuge in the @u((ha < ta:e refuge in the (harma < ta:e refuge in thesangha *@u((hist prayer+4 Here the G@u((ha is especially Si((hartha /otama the G(harmais his teaching an( the Gsangha is the community of mon:s an( nuns 7hich he foun(e(4


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4 About the same time that the @u((ha 7as beginning his religious reform,>ahavira 7as foun(ing the ains, an important religion in ara persiste( in harassing him, Si((hartha appeale( to the Earth*/o((ess+ 7ho pro(uce( a great earth;ua:e, an( >ara fle(4!4 Si((hartha attaine( full enlightenment along 7ith other gifts4

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"4 Kor a number of (ays he enBoye( perfect bliss464 He then struggle( 7ith the ;uestion of 7hether he shoul( simply continue toenBoy solitary bliss or 7hether he shoul( en(eavor to help others reachenlightenment4

a4 He recogni0e( that reaching enlightenment 7as (ifficult, an( manypeople 7oul( not benefit from his assistance4b4 Ho7ever, he also reali0e( that there 7ere others 7ho 7oul(4

-4 He (eci(e( to preach an( 7al:e( to a (eer par: 7here he broughtenlightenment to the t7o religious teachers un(er 7hom he himself ha( stu(ie(,an( he sent them out to enlighten others44 He spent (eca(es preaching publicly an( counseling44 During those (eca(es he also foun(e( an( organi0e( monastic communities*the sangha+4$4 He (ie( as the age of eighty after giving final instructions to his (isciples4.4 His bo(y 7as cremate(, an( his remains 7ere (eposite( in eight (ifferentshrines *stupas+4 Stupas continue to be centers of @u((hist ritual, (evotion, an(pilgrimage to(ay4


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4 he la7s of :arma operate, i4e4, ho7 a person behave( in past lives(etermines ho7 s#he 7ill fare in future ones, 7ith goo( (ee(s lea(ing to betterreincarnations an( ba( (ee(s lea(ing to 7orse ones4$4 he goal of human e8istence shoul( be to escape from the cycle of birth an((eath4.4 5ne obtains liberation through moral living, me(itation, an( the e8tinction of(esire424 he universe goes through en(less cycles consisting of long ages, an( (uringthe later part of each cycle there is less an( less virtue4 hen a (eity (escen(s toearth, reestablishes virtue, an( inaugurates a ne7 cycle4 Subse;uent to his(eath, @u((hism taught that Si((hartha himself 7as the @u((ha *savior+ of thepresent age4 @u((hists eagerly a7ait the coming of the ne7 @u((ha 7ho 7illagain rene7 the 7orl(4

@4 9evertheless, Si((hartha an( his follo7ers bro:e 7ith Hin(uism in several 7ays44 Si((hartha reBecte( the (octrine of the unchanging atman an( instea( taughtthat the soul is subBect to change4 Subse;uently, the mutability of the soul hasbeen official @u((hist (octrine, though it is not clear that une(ucate( @u((histsun(erstan( it4

4 Si((hartha an( subse;uent @u((hism reBecte( the ultimacy of the go(s an(go((esses4

a4 Si((hartha an( subse;uent @u((hism continue( to believe that (eitiese8iste(4b4 @ut these no longer 7ere manifestations of the Unchanging Absolute4c4


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+4 'e cannot be at peace if 7e (o not have the obBect to 7hich 7eare a((icte(4+4 o get that obBect 7e are 7illing to hurt others4$+4 Since everything is transitory, 7e ultimately lose that obBectan( suffer4

b4 A((iction is base( on the misconception that 7e can possess things,7hereas in truth there is no *separate, unchanging+ thing to possess an(no *separate, unchanging+ Iuch of the ath consists of morality an( compassion4 Kor e8ample, rightlivelihoo( inclu(es not engaging in professions that are inherently evil, such as

being a slave (ealer, or inherently (egra(ing, such as being a prostitute4ra(itionally, @u((hist morality consists of five principles4 5ne must

a4 9ot :ill but instea( sho7 :in(ness to7ar( sentient beings4b4 9ot steal but instea( give liberally to those in nee(4c4 9ot engage in (estructive se8 but instea( be celibate or monogamous4(4 9ot lie but instea( tell the truth an( see: an accurate un(erstan(ing4e4 9ot (rin: e8cessively or ta:e (rugs but instea( cultivate mental clarity,especially through me(itation4

4 5ther parts of the Eightfol( ath *e4g4, right concentration+ presupposemental e8ercises 7hich enable people to brea: a((iction an( become (etache(4

a4 Kor e8ample, one is to observe one)s moo(s 7ithout pushing them

a7ay or clinging to them an( observe one)s cravings 7ithout acting onthem4b4 An especially important e8ercise is getting into a comfortable position,i(eally lotus *i4e4, sitting 7ith one)s feet cross7ise an( resting on oppositecalves+ an( paying attention to breathing4c4 Another important e8ercise is to be constantly a7are of 7hatever oneis (oing4(4 hrough these e8ercises one purifies the min( from such obsessiveemotions as lust, anger, gree(, an( fear an( achieves e;uanimity4

$4 5ther parts of the Eightfol( ath consist of a correct un(erstan(ing of thenature of reality an( the proper goal of life *see belo7+4

K4 Un(erlying the 9oble ruths is a metaphysical vie7 that everything is Gempty, thatthere is Gno thing an( Gno self4 Hence, 7hen people are enlightene(, they un(erstan(that there is nothing to be attache( *a((icte(+ to4

4 Everything is changing an( nothing lasts forever44 >oreover, even in the present nothing has an essence4

a4 5f course, various things an( people e8ist4b4 Ho7ever, everything an( everyone consist of a loose association of

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(isparate items4 hus, a human being is a (isor(erly combination ofthoughts, sensations, feelings, matter, an( bo(ily activities4

$4 >oreover, everything in the universe is constantly interacting, an( there areno firm boun(aries bet7een one thing an( another4 hus, a human being isconstantly ta:ing in air, foo(, an( i(eas an( letting other things out frome8crement to speech4 Hence, nothing has in(epen(ent e8istence, an( everythingis continually changing everything else4.4 5ur ignorance an( immoral choices contribute both to the comple8ity of thischaos an( our attachment to it424 An( our chaotic e8istence (oes not even en( at (eath, but our attachmentbrings into being another reincarnation434 ara(o8ically, because everything an( everyone are empty, our true nature11everyone)s true nature11is the @u((ha nature, but ignorance hi(es this fact frommost people4!4 'hen you reali0e that there is no *separate+ self, then everyone is you an(you are compassionate4

/4 9irvana4 9irvana *literally Gcooling+ is the ultimate goal of @u((hism4

4 @eginning 7ith Si((hartha himself, @u((hism has emphasi0e( that 9irvanacannot be a(e;uately (escribe(4$4 9evertheless, 7hen a person enters 9irvana, s#he

a4 Has seen through the illusion of self4b4 Has e8tinguishe( all attachment4c4


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G9orthern @u((hism44 ahayana notes that the @u((ha not onlytaught that there 7as a path but also helpe( people on it4$4 ahayana stresses that the @u((ha is no7 a heavenly being 7ithmyria( resources to help those 7ho see: his ai(4b4 5ther people 7ho have alrea(y achieve( enlightenment have chosennot to enter 9irvana but instea( to be reincarnate( as (eities in or(er tohelp people reach salvation4 hese (eities are calle( Gbo(hisattvas*literally, I7is(om beingI+4c4 Every @u((hist shoul( see: to become a bo(hisattva until all sentientbeings achieve enlightenment4(4 >uch of (emotic @u((hism consists of (evotions to variousbo(hisattvas in the hope of obtaining spiritual or even material benefits4hus, for e8ample, ure Oan( @u((hism teaches that by chanting one ofthe @u((ha)s celestial names, Amitabha, a (evotee 7ill be incarnate( in apara(ise 7here it 7ill be easy to reach final enlightenment4

e4 @ecause so much grace is available, >ahayana hol(s open the hopethat even lay people may be able to reach enlightenment in a singlelifetime4f4 >ahayana is the maBority 7ithin @u((hism an( has many (ifferentsects4

D4 Chan#Len @u((hism is theoretically a school of >ahayana but is so (istinctive thatit (eserves a separate treatment4

4 Chan#Len is perhaps the form of @u((hism that is most 7ell :no7n in theUnite( States44 GChan an( GLen are respectively Chinese an( apanese *mis+pronunciationsof the original @u((hist term for me(itation4

$4 he Chan#Len school emphasi0es enlightenment by (irect e8perience (uringme(itation rather than by stu(ying scriptures or (oing (evotions4.4 his enlightenment must be foun( on an in(ivi(ual basis, an( the teachercan only give cryptic in(ications an( :eep challenging the stu(ent424 Moan4

a4 he :oan is the most *in+famous part of Chan#Len4b4


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E4 VaBrayana *Ghun(erbolt+ @u((hism44 VaBrayana @u((hism became (ominant in the Himalayas44


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Communism4C4 Ho7ever, @u((hism is once again gro7ing in these lan(s4D4


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osaic Oa7 forba(e the 7orship of other go(san( outla7e( ma:ing any (ivine image, an( these regulations may have e8iste( 7ellbefore ,--- @4C4E4 an( certainly e8iste( by 2-- @4C4E4@4 Christianity began 7ith the ministry of esus 7hich occurre( aroun( ! C4E4C4 @y contrast, uhamme( *2!-13$+4D4 he (ifferent calen(ars of the three faiths reflect this chronology, since for e7s theyear is the tra(itional (ate for the creation of the 7orl(, for Christians the year is thetra(itional (ate for the birth of esus, an( for >uslims the year is the (ate 7hen>uhamme( move( from >ecca to >e(ina *3 C4E4+4


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uslims themselves insist4A4 ecca 7ho 7eremonotheists424 here 7ere also people 7ho 7orshipe( only GAllah *literally% Gthe /o(+, thegreatest of the native >eccan (eities434 An( there 7as a popular hope that a ne7 savior 7oul( soon appear4

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nee(4E4 As an a(ult he marrie( a 7ealthy 7i(o7 name( Mha(iBa an( became a successfulmerchant4K4 He also engage( in fre;uent prayer4/4 uhamme( perio(ically hear( ne7 messages from /abriel for theremain(er of his life4uhamme()s revelatorye8periences 7ere e8tremely intense44 erhaps >uhamme()s greatest religious e8perience occurre( 7hen he 7asspiritually ta:en from >ecca to erusalem an( ascen(e( into heaven an( ma(e acomplete submission to /o(4 9ote% artly because of this tra(ition, erusalem issacre( to >uslims4

M4 uhamme( initially ;uestione( hiso7n sanity an( :ept the revelations to himself an( his 7ife4O4 Ho7ever, he later share( them 7ith frien(s, an( after they encourage( him, hebegan to share them in public4>4 His revelations in the name of /o(

4 Deman(e( strict monotheism an( (enounce( i(olatry44 Challenge( those 7ith money to ai( the poor4$4 uhamme( gaine( some (isciples454 @ut not surprisingly, his attac: on both the religious an( economic establishment in>ecca provo:e( persecution of him an( his follo7ers44 'hen his life 7as increasingly in (anger, he accepte( an invitation to go to the cityof Nathrib *later rename( G>e(ina, Gthe City of the rophet+ an( resolve the internal(issension there4 he year of this migration *3 C4E4+ is year of the e(ina an( sho7e( great s:ill as an a(ministrator an( a(iplomat4R4 'ar bro:e out 7ith >ecca4S4 Ultimately, >uhamme()s forces 7ere victorious44 He too: control of >ecca an( cleanse( the Ma)ba of i(ols an( (e(icate( it to the 5ne

/o(4U4 He returne( to >e(ina4V4 He succee(e( in bringing unity to the Arab tribes, partly through ta:ing 7ives fromvarious ones4'4 He (ie( in 3$ after giving a moving fare7ell sermon challenging his (isciples tocontinue to follo7 his teaching44 He 7as burie( in >e(ina, an( >e(ina is the secon( most sacre( site for >uslims4

38


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to preserve it from variation454 A maBor problem 7ith the Qur)an to(ay is our limite( :no7le(ge of classical Arabic7hich lea(s to significant variations in translation44 he Qur)an emphasi0es that 7e see /o()s glory both in the natural 7orl( an( in ouro7n nature as human beings4Q4 'e are to respon( 7ith a7e an( gratitu(e4

4 GKive pillars 7hich alrea(y appear in the Qur)an an( have been central to


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4


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sacrifice after it 7as clear that Abraham 7oul( obey4c4 Kri(ay 7hich is 7hen >uslims gather at noon in a mos;ue *literallyGplace of prostration, a sacre( buil(ing+ to hear a sermon an( pray4

E4 illar 2% he pilgrimage to >ecca *HaB+44 As note( above, >ecca 7as a pilgrimage site even before >uhamme()s birth,an( the central shrine 7as a cube(1shape( structure name( the GMa)ba 7hichcontaine( a sacre( blac: stone44 >uhamme()s e8ten(e( family ha( the responsibility of maintaining theshrine4$4 Accor(ing to local tra(ition, Abraham an( his son uhamme( himself ma(e a pilgrimage to the Ma)ba an( cleanse( it of i(ols434 he Qur)an re;uires all >uslims 7ho have the means to ma:e at least onepilgrimage to >ecca4 9ote that non1>uslims cannot visit >ecca4!4 During the pilgrimage the most important act is to circle the Ma)bacountercloc:7ise seven times4

"4 5ther rites inclu(e spen(ing a (ay in another sacre( place repenting of one)ssins, an( thro7ing roc:s at the (evil64 he peaceful gathering of >uslims from all over the 7orl( strengthens thebon(s bet7een them an( un(erlines the e;uality of all4

uhamme(4A4 he absolute e;uality of all men before /o( an( the nee( for brotherhoo( among>uslims4

4 >uhamme( live( in a time 7hen there 7as great tension bet7een variousArab groups an(, of course, bet7een other ethnic an( racial ones, an( in 7hichthe e7s claime( to be /o()s chosen people44 9evertheless, he insiste( that in the eyes of /o( all are e;ual an( /o( 7ill

Bu(ge only on the basis of 7hat each has freely chosen to believe an( (o4$4 >uhamme( also insiste( that all >uslims are brothers an( sisters regar(lessof their language, race, or ethnicity an( must treat each other 7ith Bustice4

@4 'omen44 rior to the acceptance of >uhamme()s teaching, Arabia 7as very oppressiveto 7omen44 uhamme( lai( (o7n la7s to protect them4 9ote that some ofthese la7s gave 7omen privileges that (i( not e8ist in the 'est until mo(erntimes4 hese la7s inclu(e(

a4 Korbi((ing the :illing of un7ante( female babies4b4 /iving 7omen the right to o7n property4

c4 >an(ating that (aughters receive part of an inheritance4(4


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$4 he (rastic subor(ination of 7omen in some areas of the >uslim 7orl(a4 5nly too: place after >uhamme()s (eath4b4 'as copie( from other cultures4c4 Ha( no true basis in >uhamme()s o7n teaching4

C4 Holy 7ar *Biha(+44 Kor years, >uhamme( ha( to lea( >e(ina in battles against >ecca44 Conse;uently, in the Qur)an 7e have revelations urging the people of >e(inato fight an( promising that sol(iers 7ho (ie( in combat 7oul( go to para(ise4$4 hese sections have sometimes been use( to Bustify unethical 7ars an( haveprompte( non1>uslims to believe that uhamme( (eclare( that sacre( 7ar 7as only a lesser Biha(4 he greaterBiha( 7as to fight against one)s o7n evil impulses4b4 >uhamme( lai( (o7n rules to ma:e holy 7ar as humane as possible4

+4 Holy 7ars must be (efensive, not 7ars of aggression4+4 here must be no unnecessary violence4 hus, >uhamme(forba(e the :illing of non1combatants, the e8ecution of prisoners

of 7ar, the (estruction of trees, an( the mutilation of the (ea(4$+4


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.4 As a result, the Shiites bro:e a7ay424 @oth the Sunnites an( the Shiites continue to(ay4


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their more challenging teaching for initiates4


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(ress4b4 5ther >uslims reacte( against 'estern 7ays an( aggressively insiste(on tra(itional >uslim practices4

C4


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5uest speaker on #slam' ahid Angha$ ,6hy # elie!e in #slam,

Assignment' 2-3 page reflection paper on #slam

u(aism

&eading assignment for (udaism' mith$ chapter =4 o!ak$ chapter >.

7o :ey ;uotes% G< am NH'H your /o(, 7ho brought you out of the lan( of Egypt, out of thehouse of slavery4 Nou shall have no other go(s besi(es me4I INou shall not oppress a resi(entalien, for you 7ere aliens in the lan( of Egypt4I *E8o(us+


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Ge7ish 7ithout sharing the religious perspectives of u(aism4 Some people even callthemselves e7ish atheists or e7ish @u((histsV4 >ore than any other religion that 7e stu(y in this course, u(aism focuses on a story% hee7s remember an( celebrate their history#story4V


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returne( to normal, an( the Egyptians (ro7ne(4


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7riting of the @ible as it no7 e8ists+4C4 hey 7ere then able to return to the lan( of


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commentary on the topic from the almu(, an( surroun(ing that is commentaryfrom later authorities *especially, Rashi+ an( surroun(ing that is blan: space forcommentary by the rea(er

C4 he maBor (octrines of classical u(aism4 Ethical monotheism4

a4 here is only one /o(+4 He is the creator an( ruler of the universe, but is not part of it49ote that the @ible begins 7ith /o( creating the universe4+4 He has a proper name *NH'H+ 7hich the @ible relates to theverb to be4 NH'H is the one 7ho e8cee(s all categories an(simply Gis an( brings into being4 9ote that in u(aism the (ivinename is too sacre( to be pronounce(4 >any mo(ern Englishtranslations substitute IO5RDI for NH'H4 5l(er translationsuse( ehovah4

b4 /o( (eman(s Bustice for all an( mercy for the nee(y44 Special election4 /o( has chosen to have a special relationship 7ith the e7s4As part of that special relationship /o( has given the e7s a special la7 an( thelan( of osaic Oa7 7oul(enter para(ise, but each e7 7oul( have to suffer temporarily for his orher sins4c4 /entiles 7oul( also face /o()s Bu(gment4 he righteous 7oul( enterpara(ise4 9ote that /entiles 7ere not re;uire( to follo7 the >osaic Oa7but 7ere e8pecte( to follo7 basic ethical principles *e4g4, have courts of

la7+4(4 Although belief in the I7orl( to comeI 7as re;uire( (uring the perio(of Classical u(aism, this belief 7as not re;uire( previously orsubse;uently4

24 he >essiah4 Classical u(aism taught that /o( 7oul( sen( a great e7ish:ing to bring Bustice an( peace to the earth an( (eliver e7s from oppression4

D4 Holy (ays

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4 he Sabbatha4 he e7s gave the 7orl( the concept of a 7ee: consisting of seven(ays4b4 Accor(ing to e7ish rec:oning, a (ay en(s at sunset an( the ne8t (aybegins at t7ilight4c4 he Sabbath is the final (ay of the 7ee: an( lasts from sun(o7n onKri(ay through sun(o7n on Satur(ay4(4


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4 >ale circumcision 7hich normally occurs on the eighth (ay of a boy)s life an(symboli0es being un(er the covenant44 @ar *@at+ >it0vah4 Aroun( the age of t7elve e7ish chil(ren go through anelaborate ceremony in 7hich they ta:e responsibility for follo7ing thecomman(ments4

Vessiah or 7orshiphim as (ivine4b+4 e7s (ominate( much of the ban:ing in(ustry, an(Christians 7ere eager to sei0e their 7ealth4

b4 @ut in mo(ern times u(aism suffere( perhaps even more+4 Un(er the 9a0is *6$$1.2+ 7ho slaughtere( millions on theerroneous belief that e7s 7ere an inferior race4+4 Un(er the Arabs 7ho obBecte( to e7ish rule in


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+4 Continue many of the basics of classical e7ish faith an(practice *monotheism, observance of the Sabbath, etc4+4+4 Drop some of the (etails4$+4 Have given greater lea(ership to 7omen an( more acceptanceto homose8uals4

C4 Humanistic e7s4 hese no longer participate actively in e7ish 7orship an( may no longerhave any tra(itional faith44 Ho7ever, they often retain

a4 he e7ish concern for Bustice an( mercy4 9ote that in comparison toits relatively small si0e u(aism has pro(uce( an enormous number ofchampions for human rights4b4 he e7ish passion for stu(y4

D4 All branches of mo(ern u(aism seem to be (ivi(e( on ho7 much to support thestate of


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4 Ho7ever, it (oes not fit 7ell 7ith the mo(ern (emocratic vie7 that all peopleare e;ual4$4


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follo7 the >osaic Oa7 e8actly an(, therefore, 7ere Gimpure4$4 @et7een the relatively rich an( the *often (esperately+ poor4


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4 He 7as able to remain an itinerant 7ith no secure means of support4@4 He hate( pain but 7as 7illing to en(ure it for the sa:e of love an( /o()s call4

4 As note( above, he 7as not an ascetic, an( the characters in the parables hetol( are sel(om heroic44 Still he accepte( his o7n (eath by torture as /o()s call for him4

C4 He live( one (ay at a time in trust4D4 He coul( see into people)s hearts an( respon( to the real person, an(, conse;uently,he e8pose( people for 7ho they truly 7ere4E4 He 7as compassionate to7ar( people in nee(4K4 He 7as impatient 7ith pri(e an( hypocrisy in religious lea(ership an( ten(e( to beconfrontational to7ar( lea(ers 7ho e8hibite( them4/4 He coul( not be manipulate( either by in(ivi(uals or social regulations4H4 He acte( 7ith authority4


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outsi(ers coul( lea( to absorption434 A greater ability to recogni0e an( overcome hypocrisy4 9ote that esus 7asmore concerne( about the Gheart *the core of our personality+ than aboutout7ar( conformity to conventional morality4!4 Oiving one (ay at a time in trust that /o( 7oul( provi(e4"4


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esus an( soon e8ten(e( missionary 7or: to the /entiles4Vosaic Oa74


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a4 he eternal Son too: on a human e8istence 7ithout ceasing to be(ivine4b4 herefore, Christ is a single (ivine person 7ho consists of t7o natures,one human an( one (ivine4

$4 As in the case of the rinity, Christian thin:ers have struggle( to e8plain ho7this (octrine can be coherent4.4 < believe that the (octrine is coherent if 7e hol( that in esus /o( chose tohave *i4e4, fully e8perience+ a human life as his o7n life */elpi+4

C4 he atonement *literally at1one1ment+44 he (octrine arose to e8plain 7hy esus)s crucifi8ion 7as necessary44 he (octrine hol(s that through his suffering an( (eath esus bro:e thepo7er of sin an( ma(e /o( an( humanity one4$4 here have been various theories as to ho7 esus)s suffering overcame sin4

a4 esus pai( the price of our sin, an(, therefore, those 7ho accept thisgift can enter para(ise (espite their mis(ee(s4b4 esus)s suffering (emonstrates /o()s great love an( inspires us to love4c4 hrough esus)s suffering /o( e8perience( (irectly the ultimatelimitations of human e8istence an(, therefore, pro(uce( the (eepest

possible bon( 7ith us4V


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again in this age4b+4 Sai( that henceforth brea( an( 7ine 7oul( be his bo(yan( bloo(4c+4 As:e( them to remember him4

+4


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$4 Eastern Christianity consists of a loose association of national churches*Russian, /ree:, etc4+4.4 >aBor (ecisions about (octrine must be ma(e by a council of church lea(ersan( accepte( by the faithful as a 7hole424


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(4 Christians (o not nee( the help of the saints in heaven4e4 reaching rather than the Eucharist4f4 Kree(om of conscience rather than submission to church (irectives4g4 Conversion rather than subse;uent spiritual gro7th4

D4 entacostalism#Charismatic Christianity4 heoretically, entacostalism is a rotestant (enomination, an( Charismaticsare members of Catholic an( rotestant churches44 9evertheless, entacostalism an( the Charismatic movement are so(istinctive an( have become so numerous that a separate treatment is7arrante(4$4 entacostalism arose in the t7entieth century, an( a congregation in OosAngeles *+ playe( a maBor role4.4 entacostalism re(iscovere( spea:ing in tongues an( the interpretation oftongues, practices 7hich e8iste( in the earliest Church but subse;uently 7ereforgotten424 Spea:ing in tongues is the use of nonsense syllables to e8press religiousemotion434 he interpretation of tongues *at least 7hen it is a genuine interpretation+ is

the i(entification of the cause of the emotion4!4 he entacostals 7ere a recogni0able (enomination, but then members ofother Christian groups began spea:ing in tongues an( intrepreting them, an(the Charismatic movement arose4"4 Krom these recent an( mo(est beginnings the Charismatic movement hassprea(, an( become especially important in non1Caucasian Christianity4

e(iterranean+4@4


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else7here4


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@4 he human e8perience of /o(4 hat e8perience inclu(es the follo7ing elements4 /o( is personal4 'e sense that there is a Spiritual Reality beyon( ourselves7ho :no7s us, loves us44 /o( has no limits4 /o( is available in all times an( places an( in(ee(transcen(s time an( space4$4 /o( comman(s an( promises4*.4


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limits, that is, he 7as /o(4V


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he High Religions from China% Confucianism an( aoism

&eading assignment for ?onfucianism and Taoism' mith$ chapters @->4 o!ak$chapter [email protected] :ey Confucian ;uote% GKilial piety an( fraternal submissionare they not the root of allbenevolent actionsP *Confucius+4A :ey aoist ;uote% G5pen yourself to the ao, then trust your natural responses, an(

everything 7ill fall into place *Oao 0u+4Discussion%


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0u ultimately became (eities4D4 Chinese religion inclu(e( many other (imensions 7hich 7e might call magical orscientific, inclu(ing sacrifices, (ivination, alchemy, an( abnormal consciousness 7hichallo7e( IshamansI to receive messages from the spirit 7orl(4

aster M)ung4 His real

name 7as M)ung Ch)iu4@4 he sources for his life4

4 Oi:e Si((hartha, esus, an( >uhamme(, Confucius taught orally an( left no7ritings for future generations44 After Confucius)s (eath his follo7ers pro(uce( a collection of his sayings an(of inci(ents in his life4 aterial about Confucius that comes from after the perio( of the Analectsreflects gro7ing veneration of him an( (ecreasing historical reliability4

C4 he follo7ing is either historically accurate or at least is faithful to the earliest

i(eali0ation of Confucius44 He 7as born aroun( 22 @4C4E4 in the small state of Ou 7hich to(ay 7oul( bein northeastern China44 His chil(hoo( 7as (ifficult4

a4 His family 7ere impoverishe( aristocrats, an(, conse;uently,Confucius 7as e8pose( both to har(ship an( to culture4b4 His father (ie( 7hen Confucius 7as an infant, an( his mother raise(

68


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him in poverty4$4 robably Confucius)s early sufferings help e8plain his lifelong sympathy forthe common people4.4 As an a(olescent Confucius foun( 7or:424 He also engage( in intense stu(y, especially of the Chinese classics, a stu(y7hich continue( through the rest of his life434 As an a(ult he apparently got marrie( an( ha( chil(ren4!4 He 7as only able to obtain lo7 level government posts4"4 An( he primarily supporte( himself by teaching stu(ents for a fee4 Ho7ever,he also taught stu(ents 7ho coul( not pay464


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single reality4M4 @y e(ucation Confucius meant

4 he formal stu(y of te8ts, especially, the learning of ancient tra(ition44 he stu(y of everything 7e e8perience in (aily living4 Confucius learne( fromeveryone he met, though in some cases that learning consiste( of mista:es toavoi($4 An honest an( constant e8amination of one)s self an( a (aily effort toimprove4.4 Oearning the limits of one)s o7n competence an( al7ays being 7illing toa(mit past mista:es an( improve424 Oearning an( living the morality that is the basis for a civili0e( society434 Reali0ing the importance of mo(eration *the Gmi((le 7ay+4

O4 GOi *(ecorum+4 4 Confucius also believe( passionately that music an( poetry improve character4 5fcourse, he 7as thin:ing of the classical music an( poetry of ancient China *not the

music an( lyrics of pun: roc:+4 artly because of Confucius, China has a higher regar(for art than many other cultures (o an( has ma(e tremen(ous achievements in manyart forms *painting, poetry, ceramics, Ba(e carving+494 Un(erlying Confucius)s thought 7as the assumption that a human being isprimarily a member of a community, not an isolate( in(ivi(ual454 he most important community 7as the family44 'ithin the family there 7as a natural hierarchy in 7hich parents, husban(s, an(ol(er relatives, too: prece(ence over chil(ren, 7ives, an( younger relatives4Q4 he top members of the hierarchy gave gui(ance an( protection4R4 he lo7er members 7ere to be obe(ient an( respectful4 Ho7ever, if the uppermembers of the hierarchy 7ere acting irresponsibly, it 7as the responsibility of the

lo7er members to rebu:e them politely4S4 Confucius especially emphasi0e( the importance of filial piety44 Confucius felt that if the family 7as functioning 7ell, society 7oul( follo74U4 He also envisione( the larger society as analogous to the family4

4 he emperor correspon(e( to the father an( 7as responsible for protectinghis people an( giving them a moral e8ample to imitate4 Confucius ha( en(lessconfi(ence that the ethical e8ample of a ruler 7oul( (etermine the behavior of

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the rule(44 he emperor)s subBects correspon(e( to sons an( (aughters an( o7e( loyaltyan( obe(ience to ethical rulers4

encius, Hsun1t0u argue( that human nature is ba( but agree( thate(ucation coul( improve it4@4 He attac:e( superstition *(ivination, prayers for rain, etc4+ as un7orthy of e(ucate(people4C4 Although ultimately less influential than >encius, he is important because

4 He helpe( pro(uce a more rational religion among the intellectual elite4

4 @ut unfortunately also helpe( pro(uce an aristocratic contempt for others7ho follo7e( more tra(itional beliefs an( practices4

V


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4 Ho7ever, as Confucius 7oul( have pre(icte(, the Ch)in (ynasty soon collapse(4


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to be the opposite of 7hat prevails in California 7here 7e value in(ivi(ualism, youth,innovation an( behaving naturally4@4 he ;uestion 7e must face is 7hether our lac: of Confucian values is gravelyharming our culture4C4 Kor liberals to(ay, an especially troublesome aspect of Confucianism is itspatriarchalism, a problem 7ith 7hich the 9e7 Confucians are struggling4D4 5f course, an a((itional issue *alrea(y raise( in the t7entieth century by liberalsan( communists+ is 7hether Confucianism hol(s bac: progress both in technology an(social matters *e4g4, tolerance of homose8uality, the rights of chil(ren+4


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natural is goo(4 9ote that here natural (oes not mean non1human, but that 7hichcorrespon(s to the essence of things *the ao+4 5f course, the natural 7orl( al7ays follo7sthe ao if human (o not interfere4

A4 he 7orl( is constantly changing, but as long as 7e (o not interfere 7ith the ao,only goo( arises4@4 'hen 7e perceive something Gnatural as evil or (estructive, 7e are merelyignorant about ho7 that thing contributes to the 7hole4

O


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c4 Lhang must foun( a community to prepare for the transition4$4 Lhang then

a4 5rgani0e( a religious belief system 7ith a large pantheon 7hichinclu(e( Oao 0u himself as a maBor (eity4b4 5rgani0e( a priesthoo( 7hich in the Celestial >asters sect continuesuntil the present (ay4 he priests act as me(iators bet7een the go(s an(the 7orshipers an( bring (ivine po7er to or(inary people4c4 Apparently place( a special emphasis on the confession of sin,absolution, an( atonement through goo( 7or:s4

Oasters+ 7hich has marrie(priests an( concentrates on liturgical rites an( inclu(es much 7hich outsi(ers 7oul(consi(er magic4@4 he Complete erfection 7hich is more monastic 7ith a celibate lea(ership an(emphasi0es me(itation an( reBects magic4

O


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A4 Oao 0u)s birth(ay *early spring+4@4 /host Day *late summer+ 7hich resembles Hallo7een or the >e8ican Day of theDea( 7ith the a((ition that /host Day inclu(es ma:ing atonement for spirits 7ho aresuffering because of their evil (ee(s4C4 Chinese 9e7 Near on 7hich the aoists have special ceremonies4 9ote that theholi(ay season lasts for fifteen (ays an( en(s 7ith the Oantern Kestival4

O


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E4 Can the 'est pro(uce a religion that incorporates the best of aoism 7ithouta(opting the more ;uestionable featuresP

Discussion% 'hat are the features of Confucianism an( aoism that you li:e or (isli:e an(7hyP 'hat can Confucianism an( aoism contribute to your o7n search for meaningPrief test on ?onfucianism and Taoism

Assignment' 2-3 page reflection paper on ?onfucianism and Taoism

E8clusiveness, luralism, or Something Else% he roblem of >any aths an( 5ne UltimateReality


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a4 he inclusive approach (oes not honor religious tra(itions that insiston the superiority of one path, an( at least ortho(o8 @u((hism,Christianity, an(


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4 Ho7ever, it (oes not ta:e the agreements of the religions seriously *e4g4, thatthere is a moral force in the universe totally apart from human beings+4$4 An( atheism (ismisses so much of human spiritual e8perience4.4 5f course, atheism lea(s to a fun(amentally pessimistic vie7 of the final en(of human life *7hether the life of every in(ivi(ual, the survival of humanity, an(even the survival of the universe+4

K4 5ption 3% he (isagreements among the a8ial *an( otherP+ religions prove thatthere is more than one ultimate reality4 he (ifferent paths of, say, etaphysical chaos4 he spiritual universe is hopelessly fragmente(4b4 9one of the a8ial religions en(orses this solution4 Even Hin(uismbelieves that the many paths lea( to a single reality, not that they arrive invery (ifferent (estinations4

Discussion% 'hich option (o you preferP

V4 Regar(lesss of 7hich option one prefers, the un(eniable fact remains that there aremillions of sincere a(herents of each of the religions 7e stu(ie( in this course *as 7ell asmillions of sincere a(herents of religions 7e (i( not have time to stu(y+4V


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@4 9evertheless, the Unite( States has t7o special religious characteristics%4 A tra(ition that theoretically insists on religious free(om but 7hich inpractice has often oppresse( religious minorities44 Communities of virtually every large religion in the 7orl(4 9ote that all of theguest spea:ers 7e ha( this semester came from the @ay Area4

C4 hese special characteristics challenge the Unite( States to be a lea(er in getting(ifferent religions to appreciate one another an( cooperate for the common goo( an(,thereby sho7 to the rest of the 7orl( ho7 religion in general can be a force for unityan( peace rather than for (ivision an( violence4

Assignment' 6rite a 2-3 page paper on how this course has changed your !iewof religion.

Documents

World Religion Course