Religion Reflection

The year is 1961 at St. Louis University and Sister Rose Thering is in the process of examining how Catholic lessons disrespect other religions, specifically Judaism. She strongly advocated a world without prejudice, challenging her own faith to consummate change. Sister Rose’s work sets a precedent for getting involved. Throughout life individuals are challenged and put into difficult situations, in which they are given a decision of reaming a bystander or becoming an upstander. However, the choice they make might not always be the preferred one because most individuals do not fully understand the reason or by what method they can get involved.

In his introduction to “World Religions in Dialogue,” Pim Valkenberg writes that it is imperative that one does not only “learn about these religions but also from these religions and their adherents” (13). When discussing various religious practices, it is easy to make hasty judgments concerning the validity of traditions. When the traditions of a particular religion differ significantly from one’s own practice, it is easy to dismiss traditions as strange or invalid due to their differences. Particularly in the Saint Mary’s College community, Valkenberg’s assertion holds true that many individuals will approach this topic with perceptions that “are often shaped by Western, often Christian, influences” (14). However, when one is able to acknowledge and avoid the biases they bring to their studies, it is easier to see the value that each religious tradition holds.

Before attending college here at Seattle University, I never necessarily thought that I would be interested in learning about religions other than my own. Throughout my life I was raised to follow the Christian faith. Everything that pertained to my life revolved around my faith. Although I do not regret being born and raised in a Christian home, some occasions have risen where I felt a sense of being “forced” into the religion. This caused myself to ultimately grow a disconnection from my faith. Coming to Seattle University with a sense of disconnection from my religion in actuality provided me the motivation and inspiration to possibly learn about different religions in order to compare and contrast their views from my personal ones, which

Growing up it was drilled into me that religion and politics were taboo conversations that should only be discussed among adults. While taking this class I learned that I’m now a part of the future and will be now making the decision so I need to now join the conversation so I can be prepared. The religion, politics, and pop culture theme had the most impact on me. The separation of church and state is a term that isn’t relevant anymore. Even in the past when this saying was relevant politician still didn’t follow it. As time went on citizens believed that if a politician considered themselves religious than they would automatically be the perfect politician. Politicians are now using their religion as an excuse to break laws and to get citizens to continue to support them, yet this is causing many others to stop believing in religion.

Using proven facts and methodologies, the author supports her argument that various faiths can coexist outside of a singular perspective. Ward acknowledges every faith has defining guidelines followers must embrace, but maintains the

Theology 104 has changed my personal view of theology. Right away after week one when I open my Bible and start to read there was more clarification in the way I understood the scripture that was being read. There was a more comfortable and confident feeling in the way I regard God and redemption. In turn, I feel more knowledge of what I have learned and able to share the word of God more effectively. Finding factual proof to substantiate my theory of Christianity and the existence of God has become less challenging from the knowledge I have obtained from this division. Passing on my view of Christianity and God has been less challenging for me.

One of the most positive things about being an American is the ability to interact in “the melting pot” of various cultures all around. While most of us obviously identify with our own specific culture, the variety within our society is extremely diverse, allowing intercultural communication and presents a learning experience for those who are able to communicate and with one another. When observing and interacting with cultures other than my own, I am able to identify some similarities, as well as the differences from their culture to mine. Throughout this semester we have learned so many things about different cultures and worldviews, I have begun to learn a lot more about myself and my personal religious views. I have never followed a religious practice on my own choice, but it is encouraging to see how it positively impacts others in my life.

During Wednesday’s class we moved onto the topic of, Understanding Religion. The professor had also asked the class if one can understand religion, as either an insider or outsider to the said religion. After drawing some ideas together, the class was able to come to the agreement that there are two different ways to primarily understand religion without submersing

On October 29, 2016, I visited the Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple which offers services regarding the religion of Judaism. Although I don’t identify as religious, I was originally raised as Roman Catholic, even going to a private catholic elementary school. I’ve always had somewhat of an interest in Judaism as it’s believed to be among one of the oldest existing religions in the world along with Hinduism. The service I visited is referred to as the “Shabbat Morning Service”, which took place from 11:00 AM-12:15 PM.

There are many different traditional religious groups in the world. Each has a purpose and meaning for its existence. As one learns about each, the desire is to better understand the human issues and concerns of that religious group (Ludwig, 2006). One may hold truth to their own religion, but study the religion of a different faith because of a personal, professional, or society reasoning. Diversity is a part of life. It has influenced interfaith marriages, business partnership, company mergers, policy changes, and educational institutions redesign of curriculum. The understanding of another’s beliefs does not require conversion. It requires openness, understanding, and respect.

My prompt reaction at the time of reading was that Baptist and the African American Baptist Tradition was that it was noticeable that the Black Baptist Church played a role in the civil rights movement. Being a Baptist myself I know that Baptism is one of the core belief the Baptist Church when one comes to accept Christ as his personal savior. My reaction now as I reflect on what I have read is that I am naïve of Baptist and the African American Baptist Tradition. According to Warmer & Wittner (as cited in R. J. Taylor & L. M. Chatters, 2010) It is well documented that the Black Churches played a role providing for the spiritual, social and physical well-being of black communities, during the antebellum period and following Emancipation, during the Jim Crow era and throughout the Civil Rights era

During this course, I have learned about several different religions and philosophies. Being that I am a practicing Catholic, I have chosen to write what I learned about Christianity and Judaism. Being born and raised Catholic I know quite a bit about Catholicism and Christianity in general however, I never know too much about other Christian denominations. Judaism is the next religion I feel I know a little bit about based on my Catholic upbringing. So, with believing I knew a lot about these two religions I was surprised at what I learned by studying them in class. As I write about these two religions I will include elements that I took from the religions and incorporated them into my “created” religion based on Friends.

When asked the question on my definition of religion, I decided to look at it in a way that goes beyond just my religion. Religion goes much deeper than being something that we just believe in, it is a relationship or a part of a person’s culture. My purpose of religion is something for me to try and understand what my goal in life is, as well as building a relationship with a higher being. Religion gives people that higher being that they can look to for guidance and comfort. I feel that you can also express your culture through religion as well as explain some of the reasons for some of the things that you have done in your life.

Throughout most of my life, I have been surrounded by the secular world instead of the sacred world. I have only gone to a catholic school for one year of my life and I did not see the importance that religion had to some people. However, after visiting two different places of worship for Judaism and Islam, my point of view on the impact of religion was changed. I visited the Islamic Center of Naperville and Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville. When visiting both places of worship, I saw how the people there were passionate and cared about what they believed in. At the Islamic Center, I discovered more about the Islam faith. I spoke to a member in the Muslim community, Syed Abedi, who talked to me about how Muslims are poorly treated in the media. When I visited Congregation Beth Shalom, I had a much different experience. I was able to interview Mr. Newman a former rabbi about the Jewish faith. He spent considerable time with me and my classmates answering questions. I learned about how Jews focus on traditions and their worship to God rather than the outside world. After visiting and experiencing two different styles of worship I found that it is common for religions to overlap, and Islam and Judaism share many similarities.

During the course of this class, I have learned a lot about different religions. I still have an unprejudiced view of religion. However, I did not suspend my belief to have an understanding of religion. I have been able to learn of other religious beliefs without feeling threatened of my own. I found there are many different practices in other religions, some I agree with and some I do not agree with. I have come to except others, ways of worship without getting upset. I have become humble in my conclusion now that I have a better understanding of others beliefs. The world seems to jump to conclusions and be judgmental about other religions. Postponing ones judgement on a religion is a difficult thing to do. Being raised and taught a certain religion and set of beliefs is distilled in to one’s mind. I, on the other hand, reserved my personal judgement until I have learned more about it.