One of the main topics of this essay was the differing views of religion and religious endeavors between western and eastern beliefs. It even went into a detail that I could not have fathomed without having it blatantly spelled out for me. I am not one to study other religions or beliefs to any depth, and this is because of my history with religion. I am Roman Catholic. It was forced upon me as duty of my parents, but that’s not to say I reject it. It has just mildly discouraged me from trying to entertain all religions. Now, I think that these differences mentioned in the text do play a large part in widening and identifying cultural gaps between groups of people. However, I don’t believe they are the basis of most conflicts and malice.
When reading the example about cultural lenses, I began to contemplate my personal stance in that situation. The assumption of the text was nearly spot on when it said that I would have a problem with the woman carrying the load burden and being clothed completely from head to toe. Those concepts were secondary to the idea that it would have been respectful for the man to be chivalrous and share the burden.
I consider myself to be in the generation of equality. The majority of us are pushing toward universal acceptance of all people in one’s community. It’s not the easiest of tasks to accomplish, but we’re making headway. These aspects of the modern generation seem to be blending in with aspects of my religion. The acceptance instilled in my peers, from my experience, has been incorporated into my rendition of the Catholic faith. I do believe in a majority of the Catholic views, but the notion of saving others seems to have morphed from the “at all costs” stance to a “save those who want to be saved” notion.
If I were to move to another country, I don’t think that I would have an especially difficult time melding into the social norms in regards to religion. As long as I was allowed to go about my business in my own way, I would definitely be able to adjust to witnessing others practicing the way they know how. Therefore, I deem religion to be an aspect of culture, but not the sole, overwhelming influence of it.
Discussion Questions
Can culture help shape a religion in the way some religions have shaped most cultures?
Will denouncing a traditionally accepted faith necessarily make you an outcast in your community or circle of friends?
It is interesting that you brought up melting into the social norms in regards to religion in different countries. In my opinion, I think it would be especially difficult. It would be a great experience, but I have heard many stories about customs that we find to be normal have ended up being extremely offensive in other countries. I definitely think culture shapes different religions, and I think that would be the largest obstacle in a different country; learning the cultural norms.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that denouncing a faith can make you an outcast in the eyes of the older more traditional people in that faith.
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