World Religions
The reading went over the 6 major religions of the world; Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. It mentioned everything from cultural influences of religion to how religion has shaped the world. I liked how it broke down the six major religions into two main categories. Those two categories are Absolutism (God) and Relativism (Social). This brings up a point that religions may have different focuses but essentially have similar standards.One of the things I found most interesting in the reading was the topic of war and religion. Are countries shaped by religions or are religions shaped by the countries they are in. One thing I have always wondered about is why religion seems to be the cause of so many wars. It seems to have a religious war is an oxymoron, how can a war be religious? Killing in most any religion is not an accepted means. The book addresses how this may come about as a power struggle to spread the "righteous religion" which would save those by converting them even if doing so by force. It has made me think if a world without religion would be a world with less war? This becomes a philosophy question which I do not want to get to in depth with but being a religious person I would say, no. Religion does give us the basis for morality and a meaning to life and take away that and the world would go into a free for all to control resources and power.
I also like how the book addressed how religions are changing because they really are. Things now are acceptable by many religions that never would have been before. Also, (speaking mostly with a Christian/Protestant background) religions are broadening to be more accepting of other religions. However I do feel the essay did not give a fair evaluation of the effect of this on the Jewish faith. There was a quote that basically said without the stereotypes and adversity that the Jews have become accustomed to over the years the Jewish faith may die out as they intermarry with non-Jews who are accepting of the faith but not themselves willing to take the leap. There was no relevant data to back up this statement and in the essay it was given like a fact without addressing the other side or giving more supporting evidence.
1. What do you believe religion's role is in modern wars?
2. Do you think certain religions are misrepresented in the US based on media coverage and stereotypes?
3. What about the division of religion by region/country do you see example of this in the US?
I also found the part about war and religion interesting. It seems ironic that an ideology concerned with righteousness would allow war, when at any other time, killing is usually considered the worst thing one can do.
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