Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Geography
Excellent map animation of Middle Eastern Empires throughout history.
Thanks to Gillian for this one.
Thanks to Gillian for this one.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Gender Issues Worsen Iraq's Medical Woes
Article:http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/05/24/world/AP-ML-Iraq-Nursing-Anbar.html
highlights:
SAQLAWIYAH, Iraq (AP) -- This part of Iraq, says Dr. Ayad al-Hadithy, is so conservative that a man would rather have his pregnant wife die in labor than be touched by a male nurse or doctor.
The area's most recent records, from five years ago when the anti-U.S. insurgency was just beginning, show that one in five women dies in childbirth, and many women never even see a doctor.
''This is ignorance, not Islam,'' he said. ''Nowhere does Islam say: 'Let your wife die.'''
highlights:
SAQLAWIYAH, Iraq (AP) -- This part of Iraq, says Dr. Ayad al-Hadithy, is so conservative that a man would rather have his pregnant wife die in labor than be touched by a male nurse or doctor.
The area's most recent records, from five years ago when the anti-U.S. insurgency was just beginning, show that one in five women dies in childbirth, and many women never even see a doctor.
''This is ignorance, not Islam,'' he said. ''Nowhere does Islam say: 'Let your wife die.'''
Pope Benedict XVI Visits Israel and Palestinian Territories
Pope Benedict XVI arrived Monday in Israel and immediately called for a solution to the conflict that would yield a "homeland of their own" for both Palestinians and Israelis.
link to the picture
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/05/11/world/0511-POPE_index.html?ref=middleeast
link to the picture
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/05/11/world/0511-POPE_index.html?ref=middleeast
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Israel Removes Illegal Settlers from West Bank
Article from NY times about how illegal settlers in the West Bank are being evicted by the Israel government and how this is being considered a move to appease the US.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Muslim Astronauts
How do you pray towards Mecca when Mecca is spinning really fast really far below you?
Malaysia has the answer.
Malaysia has the answer.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Benedict XVI in Jerusalem
NYTimes article on the Pope's visit to the Holy Land.
BBC report on his latest statement regarding Palestinian Statehood and a New York Times piece on his final statements before leaving the Holy Land.
BBC report on his latest statement regarding Palestinian Statehood and a New York Times piece on his final statements before leaving the Holy Land.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
We miss you, Janice!
The members of No Got But My God want to make sure Janice knows that we miss her and are thinking of her and her family in Taiwan. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you, Janice!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Islam Response Paper #2
Islam was created in a world of constant turmoil between Bedouin tribes. There was a lack of unity caused by competition for water in the Sahara desert. In addition, there was a pantheon of gods that separate tribes worshipped that increased the divisions in Arabia. Muhammad grew up among the Bedouin and saw the civil unrest created by the separate tribes. He himself was often a moderator of the conflicts and so he most likely was focused and disturbed by the conflicts between clans. Islam provided the perfect solution to the lack of unity in Arabia. It is focused on one central being, Allah, who commands complete submission to him alone so that everyone is small before him. This central being in Islam was something all the tribes could unite under so that no matter their differences, they were all one before Allah. This emphasis on submission can be seen in Muslim prayers where together and five times a day, Muslims pray to their god together. This creates a sense of community and togetherness with something greater than oneself which was something that Arabia desperately needed. In this way, Islam was the perfect solution to Arabia’s conflicts and the many other tribal regions they would later conquer.
In addition, central beliefs in Islam can also trace their roots to the environment in which Islam was created. For example, heaven for Muslims is an oasis with water, flowers, shade and grass while hell is a fiery, dusty inferno. Lastly, the Quaran is at its core, poetry. This can also be traced back to its Bedouin roots since the Bedouins were great poets and storytellers. Islam was therefore greatly influenced by the place it was created in, yet despite this its appeal is universal which has caused it to gain the second most followers in the world.
In addition, central beliefs in Islam can also trace their roots to the environment in which Islam was created. For example, heaven for Muslims is an oasis with water, flowers, shade and grass while hell is a fiery, dusty inferno. Lastly, the Quaran is at its core, poetry. This can also be traced back to its Bedouin roots since the Bedouins were great poets and storytellers. Islam was therefore greatly influenced by the place it was created in, yet despite this its appeal is universal which has caused it to gain the second most followers in the world.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Islam RP 1
In today’s society people are often swayed one way or another by the media. It is not uncommon to see breaking news about negative events going on such as deaths and violent attacks over in the Middle East. And as we all know whatever we hear from the news we tend to strongly believe. This being the case, the media can often give us negative connotations. We also see a lot of images of the regulations that some groups have, for example the dress, and common everyday tasks. Being an outsider to the religion and someone who does not know a lot about it, makes it difficult to understand the roots of the religion and how it is not negative at all. In my opinion it has been one of the more inclusive religions that we have studied.
After learning about the roots of the religion and that it stemmed from Muhammad and the 5 Pillars of Faith. Already knowing a little bit about Islam, I knew that it was not negative or violent at all but I was interested to learn about its roots. I went into it with an open mind and came out intrigued at how Islam all came about. Also how the media portrays mainly the negative aspects of the Middle East when in fact there are many positive things going on as well. They look over that fact that that the 5 Pillars of Faith include fascinating aspects of the religion like charity and their pilgrimage that are overlooked. I think that if people were more educated on the fundamental aspects of Islam and understand that the religion was built to encompass a wide range of people they would be less likely to judge based on what they hear and see in the media like I have learned to do.
After learning about the roots of the religion and that it stemmed from Muhammad and the 5 Pillars of Faith. Already knowing a little bit about Islam, I knew that it was not negative or violent at all but I was interested to learn about its roots. I went into it with an open mind and came out intrigued at how Islam all came about. Also how the media portrays mainly the negative aspects of the Middle East when in fact there are many positive things going on as well. They look over that fact that that the 5 Pillars of Faith include fascinating aspects of the religion like charity and their pilgrimage that are overlooked. I think that if people were more educated on the fundamental aspects of Islam and understand that the religion was built to encompass a wide range of people they would be less likely to judge based on what they hear and see in the media like I have learned to do.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Islam Response Paper
Before beginning this section on Islam I had a brief understanding of the religion but there were still a lot of question marks. I knew that the God they worshiped was the same God as Judaism and Christianity but the major misconception I had was Muhammad’s role in the Religion. I put Muhammad and Jesus on the same plane, figuring that Muhammad was kind of like Islam’s Jesus. I didn’t realize that the two are actually very different.
Not being very religious myself I thought of Christianity and Islam as more or less the same religion with women having less rights in Islam. This is obviously incorrect as there are many differences between the two religions. I thought that Muhammad and Jesus were similar to each other and I thought that the Quran and the bible were also similar. I didn’t realize that the teachings in the Quran are the direct words of Allah and not written down years later like the bible. I am glad that I have been able to clear up some of my misconceptions about women and violence in Islam. Before taking this class I had only really heard of women not being able to drive in Saudi Arabia and the Jihad meaning holy war. I didn’t realize that women were actually fairly important in the early days of Islam or that Jihad does not translate literally to holy war and that Muhammad actually encouraged peace. I am glad that I have been able to clear up these misconceptions that I had about Islam and become more educated on the subject.
Not being very religious myself I thought of Christianity and Islam as more or less the same religion with women having less rights in Islam. This is obviously incorrect as there are many differences between the two religions. I thought that Muhammad and Jesus were similar to each other and I thought that the Quran and the bible were also similar. I didn’t realize that the teachings in the Quran are the direct words of Allah and not written down years later like the bible. I am glad that I have been able to clear up some of my misconceptions about women and violence in Islam. Before taking this class I had only really heard of women not being able to drive in Saudi Arabia and the Jihad meaning holy war. I didn’t realize that women were actually fairly important in the early days of Islam or that Jihad does not translate literally to holy war and that Muhammad actually encouraged peace. I am glad that I have been able to clear up these misconceptions that I had about Islam and become more educated on the subject.
Islam RP1
At times animistic aspects of Islam are often overlooked by Muslims who believe that any sort of ‘coincidences’ were developed only long after Mohammad’s death. Animism is the religious or spiritual idea that souls or spirits exist in both animate and inanimate entities of the natural environment such as plants, rocks or rivers. So, how can a religion that emphasizes on God’s oneness and strictly forbids any hint of shirq have animism in its roots? This misconception is most likely due to the emphasis given to Islam as a monotheistic belief and flaws in the Islamic education system.
If placed on a religious spectrum, theologically Islam is often portrayed as a religion that would be on the far end of the monotheistic side. From the very verse that if recited can make you a Muslim to the adhaan that is repeated five times a day before every prayer, “Lā ilāha illallāh” (There is no deity except God) is continuously repeated. With such repetition of God’s oneness, the idea of the Kaaba being close to a well named Zamzam is almost never viewed as animistic by Muslims. It is clear, however, why a place close to a well in a desert can be viewed as sacred.
Why that is overlooked might also be due to the Islamic education system or a lack thereof. Although most Muslim children are taught to read the Qur’an, not many of them understand all of it. Informal classes and stories read to Muslim children mostly deal with prophets and their companions. Even the one place where in depth Islamic education might be offered in the Muslim world—the madrassa—has now a bad reputation.
Hence, Islam is only rarely taught objectively in the Muslim world which contributes to the misconception that its roots have nothing to do with animism.
Yet Muslims circumnambulate the Kaaba in hajj and umrah, believe in jinhs and how the hajr-e-aswad will free them of their sins. Regardless of being animistic, Islam, like any other religion, needs to be taught and studied objectively by both Muslims and Non-Muslims.
If placed on a religious spectrum, theologically Islam is often portrayed as a religion that would be on the far end of the monotheistic side. From the very verse that if recited can make you a Muslim to the adhaan that is repeated five times a day before every prayer, “Lā ilāha illallāh” (There is no deity except God) is continuously repeated. With such repetition of God’s oneness, the idea of the Kaaba being close to a well named Zamzam is almost never viewed as animistic by Muslims. It is clear, however, why a place close to a well in a desert can be viewed as sacred.
Why that is overlooked might also be due to the Islamic education system or a lack thereof. Although most Muslim children are taught to read the Qur’an, not many of them understand all of it. Informal classes and stories read to Muslim children mostly deal with prophets and their companions. Even the one place where in depth Islamic education might be offered in the Muslim world—the madrassa—has now a bad reputation.
Hence, Islam is only rarely taught objectively in the Muslim world which contributes to the misconception that its roots have nothing to do with animism.
Yet Muslims circumnambulate the Kaaba in hajj and umrah, believe in jinhs and how the hajr-e-aswad will free them of their sins. Regardless of being animistic, Islam, like any other religion, needs to be taught and studied objectively by both Muslims and Non-Muslims.
Islam RP 1 (Q1)
Before I studied Islam I was not very aware of the religion, and what it was like to be a Muslim. I would say that the biggest misconception I had about Islam is that I though it was a strict and demanding religion that was specific to the Middle East and I would not be able to fully understand the religion. These false pretences about Islam came mainly from images I saw of Muslims. For example, picture of thousands of Muslims with their covered heads to the ground, praying towards the Ka’ba lead me to believe that this religion must be a very thorough one because of the fact that all these people have to get together to pray like that throughout the day, a strict one because of their dress and because of how serious every seemed to take their praying, it seemed so foreign because of the language and dress. This image, along with the knowledge that the Qur’an is not translated, leads me to believe that Islam is a very culturally different and intense religion.
Learning about Islam has opened my eyes to see how unaware I was of the beliefs of such a universal religion. Islam is a young, major world religion; this may be credited to its wide appeal. I have now learned that in the Islamic belief, “All people were created by God and all are accepted as Muslims.”(Hopfe 336) There is no discrimination by race or nation in Islam, and the main belief in Islam is a very universally understood concept “There is no God but God”. Though it may seem from an outsider’s view that Islam is a very extreme religion, in fact the “Five Pillars of Islam” are all that is needed to be a good Muslim. Profession of faith, daily prayer, pilgrimage to Mecca, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and charity are all the commitments needed to making one a Muslim. This religion does not require group worship; the main focus in Islam is just belief. The profession of faith is simply to say, and believe, “There is no God but God and Muhammad is his prophet”. Through my studies of Islam, learning about the Five Pillars and the profession of faith, I have learned that the basic belief system behind the religion is very straight forward and the demands to be considered a good practicing Muslim are not extremely extensive, it and focuses mainly on the belief in God.
Learning about Islam has opened my eyes to see how unaware I was of the beliefs of such a universal religion. Islam is a young, major world religion; this may be credited to its wide appeal. I have now learned that in the Islamic belief, “All people were created by God and all are accepted as Muslims.”(Hopfe 336) There is no discrimination by race or nation in Islam, and the main belief in Islam is a very universally understood concept “There is no God but God”. Though it may seem from an outsider’s view that Islam is a very extreme religion, in fact the “Five Pillars of Islam” are all that is needed to be a good Muslim. Profession of faith, daily prayer, pilgrimage to Mecca, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and charity are all the commitments needed to making one a Muslim. This religion does not require group worship; the main focus in Islam is just belief. The profession of faith is simply to say, and believe, “There is no God but God and Muhammad is his prophet”. Through my studies of Islam, learning about the Five Pillars and the profession of faith, I have learned that the basic belief system behind the religion is very straight forward and the demands to be considered a good practicing Muslim are not extremely extensive, it and focuses mainly on the belief in God.
Islam Response Paper (Opt. 3)
Between Muhammad and Jesus, as founders of two major world religions, there are many similarities. Both were prophets, said to have brought the word of God to their people. Their preaching was a response to existing religion and society, and the problems they saw within each. In promoting societal change, both figures had their primary support from the lower class, although the message each brought was appealing to all or Christianity and Islam would not be world religions today. Part of what made each of their messages so appealing was that both men came from the lower, working class themselves. There is enough historical evidence to say that both men did indeed exist, and they even came from the same part of the world, separated by several hundred years.
At the time of their deaths, each one left behind some problems for their followers. As a new religion, Muhammad left his followers without clear leadership and Jesus left his followers struggling to make sense of his death and how to live in the spirit of his preaching.
The biggest discrepancy between these two figures in how their followers viewed them, as one was believed to be divine while the other insisted upon his humanity. Jesus is thought to be the son of God, both fully divine and fully human. He rejected his Earthly family and did not have one of his own. Muhammad, however, claimed his role was merely to be the mouthpiece for God and nothing more. He had a family of his own, marrying multiple times and having several children. Muhammad lived a much longer life than Jesus, and this may have contributed much to this discrepancy as he actually had time after he began preaching to enjoy the earthly realm.
At the time of their deaths, each one left behind some problems for their followers. As a new religion, Muhammad left his followers without clear leadership and Jesus left his followers struggling to make sense of his death and how to live in the spirit of his preaching.
The biggest discrepancy between these two figures in how their followers viewed them, as one was believed to be divine while the other insisted upon his humanity. Jesus is thought to be the son of God, both fully divine and fully human. He rejected his Earthly family and did not have one of his own. Muhammad, however, claimed his role was merely to be the mouthpiece for God and nothing more. He had a family of his own, marrying multiple times and having several children. Muhammad lived a much longer life than Jesus, and this may have contributed much to this discrepancy as he actually had time after he began preaching to enjoy the earthly realm.
Muhammad vs. Jesus
Muhammad and Jesus are both major figures in the religion they belong to. Their prophecy not only include similar concept- God and morals, they also underwent some struggles throughout their life devoting to spreading God’s words. While they were similar, they processed different experience and believe in God in different ways. Jesus’ life had been a miracle since he was born because his mother was a virgin. He started missionary at young age and performed many miracles throughout his life. Muhammad was different because he had always been a common man who was given mission to recite Allah’s words. Jesus was considered son of God and savior of all human beings who are sinful; Muhammad was thought to be the final prophet of God. As stated in the Profession of Faith in the Five Pillars, “there is no God but God, and Muhammad is the prophet.” People did not worship Muhammad but admired him, since he had undergone some dreadful experience to be able to recite God’s words directly. Both Muhammad’s and Jesus’ words were recorded and collected into books. Muhammad’s words were recorded at the time and it later became Qur’an. In contrast, Jesus’ words were recorded a lot after Jesus’ death by the four Gospels and collected into Bible. Although Islam and Christianity are fundamentally derived from the same origin and they both pray to the same God, the differences in between Muhammad and Jesus have had great influence on the development of the two religions.
Islam RP 1- prompt #3
Muhammad and Jesus are central figures in Islam and Christianity respectively. Both men were successful religious reformers who sought to spread their news of God/Allah to the people. Early on, Muhammad and Jesus acquired the same type of follower—young and poor or working class. However, these early circumstances did not stop Islam and Christianity from becoming the two most widely practiced religions in the world.
The fundamental difference between Jesus and Muhammad is that, while Jesus is considered by Christians to be both human and divine, Muslims regard Muhammad as a strictly human prophet. Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish revolutionary, is the Messiah. Jesus is part of the Trinity which includes God the Father, Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity has historically raised issues about Christian monotheism. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) met in part for the purpose of clarifying the relationship between God the Father and Jesus and ultimately declared that Jesus was of the same divine essence of the God the Father and was God’s son, not His creation. However, one could make a valid case today, even after the above assertion by the Nicene Creed, the Christianity is not an absolutely monotheistic religion. Islam, on the other hand, demands strict monotheism. Muslims respect Muhammad and believe him to be the outlet through which God revealed his final message to humanity. Muhammad is not divine, but rather “a stenographer or loudspeaker for Allah” (Hopfe, 326). Everyday, the followers of Islam recite the phrase, “There is no God but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God.” In contrast to Christianity, Islam is unequivocally monotheistic. The Qur’an depicts Allah as “the one sovereign God over the entire universe” (Hopfe, 327). Another significant difference between Jesus and Muhammad is that Muhammad led his followers militarily in his efforts to conquer Mecca, whereas Jesus never took on the role of military leader. Jesus did however sacrifice himself for his followers with the promise that he would one day return to earth. Perhaps the Christian notion of Jesus as a divine figure prevents Jesus from taking on what can be argued as an earthly or overly-violent role and allows instead for his promise to return.
It is important to consider Muhammad and Jesus as historical figures within the context of their respective time periods. Jesus was born around 6/7 CE and executed sometime around 36 CE and Muhammad lived from 570-632. The huge advances in technology between 6 CE and 632 allowed for thorough documentation of the life of Muhammad whereas record of Jesus’ life is less reliable having been compiled from a huge number of sources after a significant amount of time following his death.
The fundamental difference between Jesus and Muhammad is that, while Jesus is considered by Christians to be both human and divine, Muslims regard Muhammad as a strictly human prophet. Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish revolutionary, is the Messiah. Jesus is part of the Trinity which includes God the Father, Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity has historically raised issues about Christian monotheism. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) met in part for the purpose of clarifying the relationship between God the Father and Jesus and ultimately declared that Jesus was of the same divine essence of the God the Father and was God’s son, not His creation. However, one could make a valid case today, even after the above assertion by the Nicene Creed, the Christianity is not an absolutely monotheistic religion. Islam, on the other hand, demands strict monotheism. Muslims respect Muhammad and believe him to be the outlet through which God revealed his final message to humanity. Muhammad is not divine, but rather “a stenographer or loudspeaker for Allah” (Hopfe, 326). Everyday, the followers of Islam recite the phrase, “There is no God but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God.” In contrast to Christianity, Islam is unequivocally monotheistic. The Qur’an depicts Allah as “the one sovereign God over the entire universe” (Hopfe, 327). Another significant difference between Jesus and Muhammad is that Muhammad led his followers militarily in his efforts to conquer Mecca, whereas Jesus never took on the role of military leader. Jesus did however sacrifice himself for his followers with the promise that he would one day return to earth. Perhaps the Christian notion of Jesus as a divine figure prevents Jesus from taking on what can be argued as an earthly or overly-violent role and allows instead for his promise to return.
It is important to consider Muhammad and Jesus as historical figures within the context of their respective time periods. Jesus was born around 6/7 CE and executed sometime around 36 CE and Muhammad lived from 570-632. The huge advances in technology between 6 CE and 632 allowed for thorough documentation of the life of Muhammad whereas record of Jesus’ life is less reliable having been compiled from a huge number of sources after a significant amount of time following his death.
Islam RP1
Before learning about the origins of Islam I didn’t realize how connected it was to Judaism and Christianity. I understood that it was a monotheistic religion and a few other facts about it, but other than that, that was all I really knew. There are two main components that contributed to my lack of knowledge.
Although I’d like to think of myself as a person who knows a diverse group of people, there was a lack of Islam in my life. I don’t know very many Muslims, and I don’t really compare and contrast the origins of Christianity and Islam with the ones that I do know. Not to say that I compare the origins of Christianity and Judaism with my Jewish friends, but I hear the phrase, “Jesus was Jewish,” all the time. I’ve never heard anyone say, “Muhammad was Christian,” or, “Muhammad was Jewish.” Because Islam wasn’t really a regular topic of discussion in my life I just didn’t know about it as much.
The attacks on 9/11 contributed to my ignorance as well. I did not hate Muslims after the attacks or anything drastic, but the government and the media were constantly talking about Islam. They presented the terrorists and Islam in such a way that they became very distant from Christianity and Judaism.
Because of current events (and life in general) I’m glad that I was able to study Islam. After learning so much more about it, it is interesting and easier to see the parallels between the three most popular religions in the world.
Although I’d like to think of myself as a person who knows a diverse group of people, there was a lack of Islam in my life. I don’t know very many Muslims, and I don’t really compare and contrast the origins of Christianity and Islam with the ones that I do know. Not to say that I compare the origins of Christianity and Judaism with my Jewish friends, but I hear the phrase, “Jesus was Jewish,” all the time. I’ve never heard anyone say, “Muhammad was Christian,” or, “Muhammad was Jewish.” Because Islam wasn’t really a regular topic of discussion in my life I just didn’t know about it as much.
The attacks on 9/11 contributed to my ignorance as well. I did not hate Muslims after the attacks or anything drastic, but the government and the media were constantly talking about Islam. They presented the terrorists and Islam in such a way that they became very distant from Christianity and Judaism.
Because of current events (and life in general) I’m glad that I was able to study Islam. After learning so much more about it, it is interesting and easier to see the parallels between the three most popular religions in the world.
Islam Response Paper
The biggest misconception I had about Islam was that I thought it had its roots in Hinduism. I believed that Islam was polytheistic like Hinduism. I had no idea that Islam is very close to Judaism and Christianity. Judaism and Christianity sound much more conservative and reserved, where as the Middle East appears too revolutionary and unrest to practice these religions. I was prejudiced, and it was difficult for me to connect the Middle East with Jesus.
Instead of relating to Judaism or Christianity, I combined Hinduism and Islam together because they exist around the same area, especially in India. India has very big chunk of its land in the middle occupied by many Muslims and the rest by Hindus. Vague geographic distinction between the two religions contributed to this misperception. Also, I knew that Hindus believe in Samsara. To me, the words Samsara and Islam sounded so similar and drew similar pictures in my head. Several absurd remarks like this automatically made me associate Islam and Hinduism; however, since I learned about the beginnings and the progress of Islam, I should correct more misconceptions I have about Islam and even other religions.
Instead of relating to Judaism or Christianity, I combined Hinduism and Islam together because they exist around the same area, especially in India. India has very big chunk of its land in the middle occupied by many Muslims and the rest by Hindus. Vague geographic distinction between the two religions contributed to this misperception. Also, I knew that Hindus believe in Samsara. To me, the words Samsara and Islam sounded so similar and drew similar pictures in my head. Several absurd remarks like this automatically made me associate Islam and Hinduism; however, since I learned about the beginnings and the progress of Islam, I should correct more misconceptions I have about Islam and even other religions.
Islam Response Paper
Muhammad was able to accomplish the impossible by uniting the Arabian Peninsula under his new religion called Islam, but other factors contributed to its success. From a very early age Muhammad lived with his uncle, a leader of the Quraysh tribe which was powerful in the area. This allowed Muhammad to belong and learn from a tribe of come influence in the area.
Muhammad grew up in and around Mecca. Because Mecca was a hotspot for trade in the Arabian Peninsula many different groups of people with different religious traditions including Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians were around and practicing, so Mecca was a relatively tolerant area. Muhammad was able to use this diversity t build up his new religion. Also in Mecca was the Kaaba, a religious center for tribal religions that housed deities of the local traditions. Muhammad was able to incorporate some of these local traditions, like the black stone in the Kaaba which still has a central role in the hajj. While luck may have played a role in Islam’s rapid spread Muhammad was able to make Islam successful by incorporating pre-Islamic traditions, his charisma and political skills, taking advantage of the accepting climate and the appeal of his teachings.
Muhammad grew up in and around Mecca. Because Mecca was a hotspot for trade in the Arabian Peninsula many different groups of people with different religious traditions including Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians were around and practicing, so Mecca was a relatively tolerant area. Muhammad was able to use this diversity t build up his new religion. Also in Mecca was the Kaaba, a religious center for tribal religions that housed deities of the local traditions. Muhammad was able to incorporate some of these local traditions, like the black stone in the Kaaba which still has a central role in the hajj. While luck may have played a role in Islam’s rapid spread Muhammad was able to make Islam successful by incorporating pre-Islamic traditions, his charisma and political skills, taking advantage of the accepting climate and the appeal of his teachings.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Islam RP 1
My biggest misconception about Islam was the concept of jihad. The American media has construed it in a way that is confusing and misleading. When 9/11 happened the media blamed Osama bin Laden and his quest for a jihad. The way the media portrayed jihad in general and hostel way caused the public to think that many Muslims were working for the same jihad as Osama bin Laden. In the following years there was a significant amount of discrimination against Muslims. The media then proceeded to portray many of the suicide bombings at the same attempt at a jihad. The media portrayed it as one continuous war. The media failed to talk about the actual jihad, and how it can mean a conflict but usually is not. The media also emphasized the idea that if a Muslim fought in a jihad that they would go to heaven, and used that to explain the reasoning of the 9/11 terrorists.
The way the idea of jihad was presented to me confused me more than anything else. I knew it was not the way the media portrayed it, but until this course I had left it as an ambiguous concept in Islam. It is interesting that some Muslim scholars say jihad is only a defensive war. The way the Muslim scholars teach is completely opposite of how the American public views jihad. The most interesting thing about jihad is that it does not necessarily mean a war. It can be any struggle either physical or emotional. The American media manipulates jihad to mean what they want it to, much like Osama bin Laden did. Jihad has become a tool to Muslim leaders and reporters alike to help them explain or justify an event.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Islam Reponse Paper
Respond in a 2-3 paragraph essay to one of the following prompts:
1. Knowing what you know now about the origins and fundamentals of Islam, what was the biggest misconception you had about Islam before you studied it and what do you think contributed to that misperception?
2.Discuss how 'the power of place' contributed to the development of Islam. In other words, how did the location, environment, and pre-Islamic traditions of the Arabian peninsula influence Muhammad's ideas?
3. Compare and contrast Muhammad and Jesus, being sure to stick closely to their historical roles and identities.
Please label your posts "Islam RP 1"
1. Knowing what you know now about the origins and fundamentals of Islam, what was the biggest misconception you had about Islam before you studied it and what do you think contributed to that misperception?
2.Discuss how 'the power of place' contributed to the development of Islam. In other words, how did the location, environment, and pre-Islamic traditions of the Arabian peninsula influence Muhammad's ideas?
3. Compare and contrast Muhammad and Jesus, being sure to stick closely to their historical roles and identities.
Please label your posts "Islam RP 1"
Friday, April 17, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Christianity Response Paper
The most important factor in the success of early Christianity is the growth of the church in the Roman Empire under Constantine.
Previous to the reign of Constantine, Christians faced 300 years of sporadic persecution in the Roman Empire. Christians were in the minority and their unfamiliar practices led them to be accused of cannibalism and sexual deviance. Further, the refusal by early Christians to conform to the Imperial Cult (which calls for sacrifice to the emperor, and is thereby in direct opposition to the third commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”) resulted in their being accused of treason and anti-patriotism. Naturally, Christians became the scape goats for problems within the empire. For example, in 64 CE, Nero’s palace burned to the ground and the Christians were targeted as arsonists. Christianity threatened religious and social orders and seemed to contradict the traditional Roman values of strength, pride, and prowess as military leaders.
This persecution of the Christians reached its peak under Diocletian (284-305) but would subside and end officially under the reign of Constantine (312-337), the first Roman emperor to support Christianity. Though Constantine himself was not a Christian for the majority of his life, his wife and mother were, and the two proved to have strong influence over him. In 313 CE, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which allowed Christianity the same privileges as other religions, officially ending the persecution of Christians. Constantine followed the Edict of Milan in 325 CE with the Church Council of Nicaea, whose goal it was to reach a consensus as to the three-fold nature of God and thus stop warring between the Christian factions to unite the church. Under the reign of Constantine the Christian church saw tax breaks and support by imperial funds for the building of churches, including the first St. Peter’s basilica.
Several emperors who followed Constantine, such as Julian the Apostate, attempted to reinstate paganism as the foremost religion of the empire but ultimately failed. In 379 CE Theodosius declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire and all other religions were suppressed.
Previous to the reign of Constantine, Christians faced 300 years of sporadic persecution in the Roman Empire. Christians were in the minority and their unfamiliar practices led them to be accused of cannibalism and sexual deviance. Further, the refusal by early Christians to conform to the Imperial Cult (which calls for sacrifice to the emperor, and is thereby in direct opposition to the third commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”) resulted in their being accused of treason and anti-patriotism. Naturally, Christians became the scape goats for problems within the empire. For example, in 64 CE, Nero’s palace burned to the ground and the Christians were targeted as arsonists. Christianity threatened religious and social orders and seemed to contradict the traditional Roman values of strength, pride, and prowess as military leaders.
This persecution of the Christians reached its peak under Diocletian (284-305) but would subside and end officially under the reign of Constantine (312-337), the first Roman emperor to support Christianity. Though Constantine himself was not a Christian for the majority of his life, his wife and mother were, and the two proved to have strong influence over him. In 313 CE, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which allowed Christianity the same privileges as other religions, officially ending the persecution of Christians. Constantine followed the Edict of Milan in 325 CE with the Church Council of Nicaea, whose goal it was to reach a consensus as to the three-fold nature of God and thus stop warring between the Christian factions to unite the church. Under the reign of Constantine the Christian church saw tax breaks and support by imperial funds for the building of churches, including the first St. Peter’s basilica.
Several emperors who followed Constantine, such as Julian the Apostate, attempted to reinstate paganism as the foremost religion of the empire but ultimately failed. In 379 CE Theodosius declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire and all other religions were suppressed.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Christianity Response Paper
The most important factor in the success of Christianity was Paul. Paul was a Pharisee Jew who persecuted the Christians until he had a religious experience on the way to
Paul’s actions to bring Jesus to the gentiles was what enabled Christianity to spread. Paul laid the foundation of believers that would multiply over the years till Christianity was the only legal religion. Without his efforts to convert the gentiles and teach them the correct message of Jesus the Early Christians would most likely have disappeared after the first generation that knew Jesus had died. Paul’s evangelizing methods also set a precedent for the church that would continue to try to convert people to Christianity around the world for centuries to come. Lastly, not only did Paul’s insistence that circumcision should be unnecessary increase the number of gentile converts, but it also separated Christianity from Judaism. Had Paul not broken that fundamental rule of Judaism, Christianity might still be a sect of Judaism and would have never have been independent from other Jewish laws.
What was the most important factor for Christianity success?
From the early stages of religion, Christianity was the minority in the Jewish community and being persecuted by the Polytheistic Roman to the world largest religion. What makes Christianity accomplish its success? One of the most importance factors is the open religion that welcomes anyone who is interesting in Jesus’ teaching, unlike Judaism.
The early Church of Christianity was actually under the Jewish community, and all the Jesus’ followers still see themselves as a Jewish. However, there were some non-Jew followers of Jesus, which according to basic Jewish religion non-Jews should be covert into Judaism that includes the process of circumcision. Most of the Non-Jew followers were not willing to convert into Judaism because they were only following Jesus’ teaching. Even thought Jesus was a Jew, it did not mean the non-Jew followers had to go though Jewish conversion, especially circumcision. Paul, one of Jesus’ apostles, had actually made the community became divers, which is one of the main factor for Christianity to grow to the size in the modern world.
Christianity’s religion practices were different from the Polytheistic Roman, and Christianity was being persecuted by Roman for over three hundreds of years. Christianity does not include scarifies as the worship of god, but the gathering and having supper together within the same community, known the Jesus’ last supper. Scarifies were the way for Roman to worship their emperor, which everyone under the Empire to obey the rule; however, Christians were not willing to giving and follow the Emperor’s order. Therefore, with Christianity’s odd practices and unwillingness to scarify for the emperor made them into the stage of Persecution.
Christianity continues to convert people in to the religion from the early church. In addition, when the capital of the Constantine moved, Pope, the Bishop of Rome, become the leader of the region, since most of the people at the time were converted into Christianity. With the central power lost by the movement of capital, Pope automatically has the power to rule the people in the area.
With the number of Christianity conversion pretty much determined the faith of Christianity. When Christianity was the minority in the Roman Empire, they were being pressed and persecuted; however, when it became the most followed religion in the empire, it became the important figure for the nation and the people. The diversity and conversion of Christianity are the factors that determine the success of Christianity.
The early Church of Christianity was actually under the Jewish community, and all the Jesus’ followers still see themselves as a Jewish. However, there were some non-Jew followers of Jesus, which according to basic Jewish religion non-Jews should be covert into Judaism that includes the process of circumcision. Most of the Non-Jew followers were not willing to convert into Judaism because they were only following Jesus’ teaching. Even thought Jesus was a Jew, it did not mean the non-Jew followers had to go though Jewish conversion, especially circumcision. Paul, one of Jesus’ apostles, had actually made the community became divers, which is one of the main factor for Christianity to grow to the size in the modern world.
Christianity’s religion practices were different from the Polytheistic Roman, and Christianity was being persecuted by Roman for over three hundreds of years. Christianity does not include scarifies as the worship of god, but the gathering and having supper together within the same community, known the Jesus’ last supper. Scarifies were the way for Roman to worship their emperor, which everyone under the Empire to obey the rule; however, Christians were not willing to giving and follow the Emperor’s order. Therefore, with Christianity’s odd practices and unwillingness to scarify for the emperor made them into the stage of Persecution.
Christianity continues to convert people in to the religion from the early church. In addition, when the capital of the Constantine moved, Pope, the Bishop of Rome, become the leader of the region, since most of the people at the time were converted into Christianity. With the central power lost by the movement of capital, Pope automatically has the power to rule the people in the area.
With the number of Christianity conversion pretty much determined the faith of Christianity. When Christianity was the minority in the Roman Empire, they were being pressed and persecuted; however, when it became the most followed religion in the empire, it became the important figure for the nation and the people. The diversity and conversion of Christianity are the factors that determine the success of Christianity.
Christianity Response Paper
Christianity has become a successful religion for a variety of reasons. Back when Christianity first began it appealed to those looking for guidance and continues to do so to this day. It also provided followers with a different interpretation of the covenant and principles which gave citizens a choice between the two faiths, Christianity and Judaism.
One aspect of Christianity’s success is the large group of followers who saw Jesus as a miracle worker. He healed the sick, walked on water, gave food, and raised the dead. To the Jewish citizens these actions were outrageous and unlike anything they had seen but these actions alone were enough to start drawing in a large crowd who believed that he was the Messiah. Soon after, Paul, another important and respected figure who is known for his actions and his time spent being a forerunner in Christianity, came into the picture and spread Jesus’ message and gained followers along the way. Paul focused on the laws and less on the spirit and traveled around the Roman Empire to spread the religion. Christianity was appealing to citizens became it encompassed all different kinds of people. They eliminated gender and class distinctions, and helped those that were less fortunate. Paul had a great impact on people living at that time and helped some break away from the close knit laws of Judaism and showed them a different side of religion for the time. Without Paul’s help and dedication, Christianity would not have had enough followers to continue into our time now.
One aspect of Christianity’s success is the large group of followers who saw Jesus as a miracle worker. He healed the sick, walked on water, gave food, and raised the dead. To the Jewish citizens these actions were outrageous and unlike anything they had seen but these actions alone were enough to start drawing in a large crowd who believed that he was the Messiah. Soon after, Paul, another important and respected figure who is known for his actions and his time spent being a forerunner in Christianity, came into the picture and spread Jesus’ message and gained followers along the way. Paul focused on the laws and less on the spirit and traveled around the Roman Empire to spread the religion. Christianity was appealing to citizens became it encompassed all different kinds of people. They eliminated gender and class distinctions, and helped those that were less fortunate. Paul had a great impact on people living at that time and helped some break away from the close knit laws of Judaism and showed them a different side of religion for the time. Without Paul’s help and dedication, Christianity would not have had enough followers to continue into our time now.
Who Decides what Jesus Said?
The phrase, “In God We Trust,” is believed to have led the
Furthermore, as different churches have evolved, each division interprets the contents of Bible in various ways and the Christians do not always agree with each other. So who is in charge of spreading the right words of Jesus to people? What did Jesus really say that he wanted to let the people know? The authors of the Gospels added their opinions into the stories; some thinkers like Thomas Aquinas during tenth to fourteenth centuries developed different issues about faith and reasons in Christianity. These are all the ways that people try to figure out what Jesus was giving to people. If the opinions are not too extreme, they will be accepted by the public and used for future reference of the religion. Because of these interpretations of God’s words, they have become very powerful and trusting to people who need some spiritual comfort through this indiscernible hope that might give them miracles to change. Bible always has the most say about Jesus’ teaching and it will still be, unless there are some more reliable sources that can be proved to be more directly from Jesus himself than just from other people’s thoughts and opinions.
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Success of Christianity
The Roman Empire was the most important factor in making Christianity successful. There were many events and places that influenced the spread of Christianity, but two of the most important are the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and the city of Rome. The fall of the Temple in 70 CE not only caused Judaism to reconsider their worship practices but also the Jerusalem church’s as well. Before the fall of the temple the Jerusalem church’s practices did not vary significantly from Judaism, but with the destruction of the temple it forced the Jerusalem church’s followers to leave Jerusalem and bring the teachings of Jesus to other parts of the Roman Empire. As they dispersed, they brought their religious practices to other communities and thus the spread of Christianity began. The large Roman Empire allowed them to travel through out the Empire spreading Jesus’ teachings. The cohesiveness of the Empire also allowed for Paul to form his gentile communities.
The city of Rome is also very important for the success of Christianity because it enabled Christianity to have one base of power. The base of power started when Peter founded the Church of Rome. Soon the Bishop of Rome became the most important bishop in the Roman Empire and was given the title of pope. Just as important was when the Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Empire in 330 CE to Byzantium creating a power vacuum that enable the pope to become the emperor figure in the Western Empire. Because the pope was able to gain so much power and prestige the strength of Christianity increased. Everyone in the West looked to the pope for guidance and needs which put the church in a position of power over the people. Both the fall of the Temple and the city of Rome helped Christianity stay alive by helping Christianity adapt to new situations and the changing world.
Christianity RP Opt. 3
What separates early Christianity from the early church?
In the beginning, there was Judaism and this is the basis from which Christianity grew. Jesus of Nazareth was born into Judaism, and it was Jews to whom he initially preached and gained his following from. Judaism was a crucial part of the earliest Christianity, as the teaching of Jesus was new interpretation of the same covenant and scriptures. The earliest Christians were naught more than a small sect of Judaism who declared Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah. After his death, this small sect faced the reassessment of what the Messiah was and how to live by the teachings of Jesus. The original Christians were very much Jewish, except in their emphasis on practice of baptism and the Eucharist. In their attempts to live in accordance with their Messiah’s teachings they also lived by a kind of communism in which all class distinctions were eliminated and wealth was distributed based on need.
Christianity in a form recognizable today did not even begin to form until the sect first gained more formal organization and began recording the new interpretation. The early church developed out of the traditions of small communities, the leaders in these later becoming the leaders of the church. Many of these communities consisted of diverse groups of gentiles whom were converted by Paul. What allowed Christianity to move from being a small sect of Judaism to a religion in its own right was the incorporation of those who were not first Jewish into that system of beliefs. The inclusiveness that made Christianity accessible and the philosophies that made it an attractive religion in the first place allowed Christianity to grow into something more than just another branch of Judaism.
In the beginning, there was Judaism and this is the basis from which Christianity grew. Jesus of Nazareth was born into Judaism, and it was Jews to whom he initially preached and gained his following from. Judaism was a crucial part of the earliest Christianity, as the teaching of Jesus was new interpretation of the same covenant and scriptures. The earliest Christians were naught more than a small sect of Judaism who declared Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah. After his death, this small sect faced the reassessment of what the Messiah was and how to live by the teachings of Jesus. The original Christians were very much Jewish, except in their emphasis on practice of baptism and the Eucharist. In their attempts to live in accordance with their Messiah’s teachings they also lived by a kind of communism in which all class distinctions were eliminated and wealth was distributed based on need.
Christianity in a form recognizable today did not even begin to form until the sect first gained more formal organization and began recording the new interpretation. The early church developed out of the traditions of small communities, the leaders in these later becoming the leaders of the church. Many of these communities consisted of diverse groups of gentiles whom were converted by Paul. What allowed Christianity to move from being a small sect of Judaism to a religion in its own right was the incorporation of those who were not first Jewish into that system of beliefs. The inclusiveness that made Christianity accessible and the philosophies that made it an attractive religion in the first place allowed Christianity to grow into something more than just another branch of Judaism.
The Success of Christianity
After years of persecution in the early stages of the Christian church, Christianity has grown into the largest world religion with over two billion followers. But how did this come to be? Especially at a time when Jerusalem was ruled by the polytheistic Romans. The rise of Christianity can be attributed to the fact that Christianity offered people a way of life that had never been experienced before and to the persistence of Christians.
During the years of the early church there was no middle class; there was just the very rich and the very poor, Christianity presented a lifestyle that made comfort and security a possibility. The Christian communities would share everything, much like communist communities, everything that was earned would be redistributed to assure that everyone is taken care of. In a world where people were uncertain of when they would have their next meal this option would seem very attractive. The teachings of Jesus also encouraged the elimination of gender and class discrimination, which, again, would be very attractive to the poorer population of the Roman Empire.
The lifestyle Christianity presented along with Paul’s influence that made Christianity open to more people than just Jews was the reason Christianity survived. The reason Christianity has thrived, however, is because, unlike Judaism, Christianity has had a history of conversion. From Paul to the Reconquista to Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christians have actively been converting people since the start of the religion. Churches will send mission trips to poor parts of the world and build houses for poor families and while they are there they will preach the teachings of Jesus.
The combination of presenting an attractive lifestyle to people who are desperate for some sort of salvation and the conversion of millions of people throughout it’s history has allowed Christianity to thrive and in turn become the world’s most followed religion.
During the years of the early church there was no middle class; there was just the very rich and the very poor, Christianity presented a lifestyle that made comfort and security a possibility. The Christian communities would share everything, much like communist communities, everything that was earned would be redistributed to assure that everyone is taken care of. In a world where people were uncertain of when they would have their next meal this option would seem very attractive. The teachings of Jesus also encouraged the elimination of gender and class discrimination, which, again, would be very attractive to the poorer population of the Roman Empire.
The lifestyle Christianity presented along with Paul’s influence that made Christianity open to more people than just Jews was the reason Christianity survived. The reason Christianity has thrived, however, is because, unlike Judaism, Christianity has had a history of conversion. From Paul to the Reconquista to Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christians have actively been converting people since the start of the religion. Churches will send mission trips to poor parts of the world and build houses for poor families and while they are there they will preach the teachings of Jesus.
The combination of presenting an attractive lifestyle to people who are desperate for some sort of salvation and the conversion of millions of people throughout it’s history has allowed Christianity to thrive and in turn become the world’s most followed religion.
Christianity Response Paper
The most important factor in Christianity’s success over the years is the active attitude both the church and Christians have taken towards the conversion of new members. Unlike Judaism, Christianity places no restrictions on the parents, and the conversion process is much simpler. Ever since the early church Christianity has expanded and converted people from all different faiths and from all over the world. Without the decidedly active example for conversion that Paul set Christianity would not exist as it does today. Christianity is the world’s largest religion as well as the world’s fastest growing religion. Without all of the efforts that have gone into gaining new members neither of these things would be true.
Christianity also sends out a message that appeals to all different kinds of people. The ideals that Christianity has are not limited to a place or group of people, but to any one who wants to accept them. For example, the idea that Jesus died for all of mankind’s sins is all inclusive, so anyone who wants to can relate to it can. While conversion I the factor that has led to Christianity’s overwhelming success the conversions would not be possible if people were not able to relate to the ideals of Christianity.
Christianity also sends out a message that appeals to all different kinds of people. The ideals that Christianity has are not limited to a place or group of people, but to any one who wants to accept them. For example, the idea that Jesus died for all of mankind’s sins is all inclusive, so anyone who wants to can relate to it can. While conversion I the factor that has led to Christianity’s overwhelming success the conversions would not be possible if people were not able to relate to the ideals of Christianity.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
What was the most important factor in the success of Christianity?
The evolution of Christianity is fascinatingly unique, for it started as a persecuted sect of Judaism and became the official religion of the Roman Empire. The appealing nature of the religion, and the actions of the Roman emperors such as Constantine and Theodosius were factors that helped spread Christianity throughout Europe, though St. Paul was the key to Christianity becoming a successful religion.
Paul, who started out as a Christian persecutor, was struck down by God making him a strong believer in the Christian faith. Paul then takes on the mission of spreading Christ’s message to all nations. He travels across the Roman Empire, Asia Minor and Greece preaching his message. Paul saw that Christ’s message focused on moral and ethical values and did not follow the Jewish laws and rituals. Paul believed that Christianity was universal for all people. He preached to gentile audiences for he did not see the need to be Jewish in order to follow Christ’s teachings. This decision is what allows Christianity to become its own universal religion, and essentially allowed it to grow and flourish. By making Christianity independent Paul allowed for many other European groups to become interested in this religion. Without the numerous non-Jews Christianity would not have had enough followers to survive.
Once Christianity was a separate religion they were able to make progress with their rights. In 313 C.E. Constantine gave Christians the same privileges as other religions with the Edict of Milan. Emperor Theodosius followed by making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. Though these two men were very important to the great accomplishment of Christianity becoming a dominate religion, Paul was the one who saved Christianity by opening it up to all and spreading it with his missionary journeys.
Paul, who started out as a Christian persecutor, was struck down by God making him a strong believer in the Christian faith. Paul then takes on the mission of spreading Christ’s message to all nations. He travels across the Roman Empire, Asia Minor and Greece preaching his message. Paul saw that Christ’s message focused on moral and ethical values and did not follow the Jewish laws and rituals. Paul believed that Christianity was universal for all people. He preached to gentile audiences for he did not see the need to be Jewish in order to follow Christ’s teachings. This decision is what allows Christianity to become its own universal religion, and essentially allowed it to grow and flourish. By making Christianity independent Paul allowed for many other European groups to become interested in this religion. Without the numerous non-Jews Christianity would not have had enough followers to survive.
Once Christianity was a separate religion they were able to make progress with their rights. In 313 C.E. Constantine gave Christians the same privileges as other religions with the Edict of Milan. Emperor Theodosius followed by making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. Though these two men were very important to the great accomplishment of Christianity becoming a dominate religion, Paul was the one who saved Christianity by opening it up to all and spreading it with his missionary journeys.
Response Paper on Christianity
Question: How does Christianity become the most dominant religion in the Roman Empire in 400 CE?
While Christianity’s dominance as a western religion is almost irrefutable today, how it emerged as the most dominant religion in the Roman Empire in the 4th century after years of persecution is extraordinary. Certain key events marked the beginning of the growth of a persecuted religion with diverse beliefs to a more unified one that eventually became the official religion of Rome. Yet the most crucial event was Constantine’s “conversion” that inspired the issuance of the Edict of Milan and Theodosius to make Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.
For example, although Paul was the first to attempt to thoroughly state the beliefs of Christianity, his role only provided a better backdrop for Constantine. His allowing gentiles to become Christian’s without first converting to Judaism made his converts from almost any background be a part of the church. Although this made it possible for Christianity to become independent from Judaism, it also made room for far stretched interpretations by converts which turn into early theologian controversies. Paul’s persecution proves that although he was instrumental in transforming Christianity, his contributions did not change its political acceptance in the Roman Empire.
Followed by persecutors such as Nero and Diocletian, Constantine, on the other hand, took Christianity one step ahead by officially ending its persecution. His Christian mother and wife strongly influenced his decision to issue the Edict of Milan in 414 C.E. which gave Christians the same rights and privileges as any other religion on Rome. He officially ended Christian persecution and in fact, stopped the Church Council of Nicaea’s conflict over the nature of Christ. Constantine’s official baptism marked a turning point for Christianity’s role in the Roman Empire for it allowed Theodosius to making it the Empire’s official religion.
Although compared to Judaism, Christianity as an independent religion had no nationalistic or political intentions; the biggest role in its dominance in the Roman Empire was played by a political figure, Constantine. It can be debated that theological gains were more important than the emperor’s conversion; however, had it not been for Constantine, Christian persecution would have never ended. Hence without him Christianity couldn’t have been made the official religion of the Roman Empire and eventually the most dominant religion in the western world.
While Christianity’s dominance as a western religion is almost irrefutable today, how it emerged as the most dominant religion in the Roman Empire in the 4th century after years of persecution is extraordinary. Certain key events marked the beginning of the growth of a persecuted religion with diverse beliefs to a more unified one that eventually became the official religion of Rome. Yet the most crucial event was Constantine’s “conversion” that inspired the issuance of the Edict of Milan and Theodosius to make Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.
For example, although Paul was the first to attempt to thoroughly state the beliefs of Christianity, his role only provided a better backdrop for Constantine. His allowing gentiles to become Christian’s without first converting to Judaism made his converts from almost any background be a part of the church. Although this made it possible for Christianity to become independent from Judaism, it also made room for far stretched interpretations by converts which turn into early theologian controversies. Paul’s persecution proves that although he was instrumental in transforming Christianity, his contributions did not change its political acceptance in the Roman Empire.
Followed by persecutors such as Nero and Diocletian, Constantine, on the other hand, took Christianity one step ahead by officially ending its persecution. His Christian mother and wife strongly influenced his decision to issue the Edict of Milan in 414 C.E. which gave Christians the same rights and privileges as any other religion on Rome. He officially ended Christian persecution and in fact, stopped the Church Council of Nicaea’s conflict over the nature of Christ. Constantine’s official baptism marked a turning point for Christianity’s role in the Roman Empire for it allowed Theodosius to making it the Empire’s official religion.
Although compared to Judaism, Christianity as an independent religion had no nationalistic or political intentions; the biggest role in its dominance in the Roman Empire was played by a political figure, Constantine. It can be debated that theological gains were more important than the emperor’s conversion; however, had it not been for Constantine, Christian persecution would have never ended. Hence without him Christianity couldn’t have been made the official religion of the Roman Empire and eventually the most dominant religion in the western world.
Christianity's Success
There was not one important factor in the success of Christianity, but a combination of factors. The time that this religion started to form and Paul’s accomplishments were the main factors that kept Christianity alive.
The time when Christianity was developing was a time when there was a clear and extreme contrast in socio-economic class. The majority of the population was illiterate, uneducated and struggling with life as a peasant. Jesus’ teachings were appealing because the messages were delivered through parables and he did not focus on following the rules of the Torah exactly. He instead focused on the spirituality of God. This was especially alluring because those who were struggling to live were able to focus more on survival without the guilt of breaking some of the laws of the Torah. Because of the element of philosophy, Jesus’ teachings also attracted some of the educated upper class who were seeking a more philosophical alternative to the traditional Greco-Roman religions.
Paul’s “conquests” also had a massive impact on the success of Christianity. Paul was able to spread the word of Christianity, but also build a foundation for it by establishing communities across the Roman Empire. He was responsible for the independence of Christianity from Judaism. The fact that Paul allowed non Jews to become Christian allowed more people to join and ultimately create a larger following. Paul probably would not have been able to accomplish this however had it not been for what was happening at the time.
Friday, March 27, 2009
What was the most revolutionary part of Jesus' teaching?
Jesus’ teaching was very revolutionary since he performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead. Jesus’ teaching, however, is even more profound than his unbelievable miracles. His teaching was revolutionary compared to many other philosophers of his time because of his innovative method and content of messages.
Jesus dared to not follow the established customs to prove his teachings to others when necessary. Jesus openly criticized Pharisees even when they were holding the political trend because they were corrupt. Jesus fiercely broke up the business in the temple. He threw the temple into a mess in order to redress the evil in the holy atmosphere of the temple even if he wasn’t supposed to bring any conflicts in the holy temple. Jesus risked breaking that common belief to prove that the temple should be the house of God, which was a more important point. He also violated the Sabbath day and saved a patient with dropsy. He demonstrated how saving a life was more important than not working on the Sabbath day. Other than these, Jesus also invited a tax collector to join the dinner and cursed at a fig tree to teach the followers different lessons. These occasions all show how Jesus was not always a conformer but a regulator. He knew when to adjust some formality for greater truths.
In addition to how Jesus was not scared to go against the customs to convey his teachings, the way he delivered his speeches adds to his revolutionary characteristic. Jesus often used parables to explain many thoughts. Using parables was very innovative and outstanding in many different ways. First of all, parables were easy to understand. Many of his followers were peasants, and complex philosophy must have confused many of them. Rather, parables were easier to understand and apply to the real life. Parables were excellent method to teach also because they were hard to understand at the same time. Sometimes, there were hidden meanings, symbols, and lessons in the stories that needed be protected from the outsiders. This complex aspect of his parables enabled his followers to have much more personal connection to the lessons and more responsibility to keep them secure and sacred. Moreover, parables were easy to remember. Parables weren’t thick books numbered with rules and ethics. They were easily understood and quickly put into one’s head once he/she heard them. Due to following aspects of parables as the teaching medium, Jesus’ teaching was revolutionary and still preserved in a good condition.
Although Jesus’ miracles must have been very engaging and have gathered many crowds, his way of delivering his teaching without fear and using parables was truly revolutionary. Jesus did not limit himself to always conform to the social expectance to deliver his lessons. He understood the strengths of parables. His direct miracles cannot be seen nowadays, but his parables still are present in our lives and easily applied.
Jesus dared to not follow the established customs to prove his teachings to others when necessary. Jesus openly criticized Pharisees even when they were holding the political trend because they were corrupt. Jesus fiercely broke up the business in the temple. He threw the temple into a mess in order to redress the evil in the holy atmosphere of the temple even if he wasn’t supposed to bring any conflicts in the holy temple. Jesus risked breaking that common belief to prove that the temple should be the house of God, which was a more important point. He also violated the Sabbath day and saved a patient with dropsy. He demonstrated how saving a life was more important than not working on the Sabbath day. Other than these, Jesus also invited a tax collector to join the dinner and cursed at a fig tree to teach the followers different lessons. These occasions all show how Jesus was not always a conformer but a regulator. He knew when to adjust some formality for greater truths.
In addition to how Jesus was not scared to go against the customs to convey his teachings, the way he delivered his speeches adds to his revolutionary characteristic. Jesus often used parables to explain many thoughts. Using parables was very innovative and outstanding in many different ways. First of all, parables were easy to understand. Many of his followers were peasants, and complex philosophy must have confused many of them. Rather, parables were easier to understand and apply to the real life. Parables were excellent method to teach also because they were hard to understand at the same time. Sometimes, there were hidden meanings, symbols, and lessons in the stories that needed be protected from the outsiders. This complex aspect of his parables enabled his followers to have much more personal connection to the lessons and more responsibility to keep them secure and sacred. Moreover, parables were easy to remember. Parables weren’t thick books numbered with rules and ethics. They were easily understood and quickly put into one’s head once he/she heard them. Due to following aspects of parables as the teaching medium, Jesus’ teaching was revolutionary and still preserved in a good condition.
Although Jesus’ miracles must have been very engaging and have gathered many crowds, his way of delivering his teaching without fear and using parables was truly revolutionary. Jesus did not limit himself to always conform to the social expectance to deliver his lessons. He understood the strengths of parables. His direct miracles cannot be seen nowadays, but his parables still are present in our lives and easily applied.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Christianity Response Paper 1
Choose one of the following questions as the starting point for your response paper:
What was the most important factor in the success of Christianity?
What was the most revolutionary part of Jesus' teaching?
You could also write your own question to answer. Just be sure to include it at the beginning of your response and be sure that it addresses an issue surrounding the origins of Christianity. In other words, this is not the time or place to discuss Mormons, Christian Scientists, US politics, etc.
Your 2-3 paragraph responses should be posted to the blog by the start of class on Friday and hard copies need to be in my hands by then, too.
What was the most important factor in the success of Christianity?
What was the most revolutionary part of Jesus' teaching?
You could also write your own question to answer. Just be sure to include it at the beginning of your response and be sure that it addresses an issue surrounding the origins of Christianity. In other words, this is not the time or place to discuss Mormons, Christian Scientists, US politics, etc.
Your 2-3 paragraph responses should be posted to the blog by the start of class on Friday and hard copies need to be in my hands by then, too.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Alfred Dreyfus
Writer's Almanac from Feb 23, 2009 (listen)
On this day in 1898 the French novelist Émile Zola was found guilty of libel for writing "J'accuse," in an open letter to the French government. It accused the government and the military court of deliberately mishandling the case of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer who was wrongly accused of giving intelligence information to Germany. People were eager to convict a Jewish man, and Dreyfus was given a life sentence and sent into solitary confinement on Devil's Island. Soon after, the government found conclusive evidence that another man, Ferdinand Esterhazy, was actually guilty of the crime. But to save face, the military and the government produced false evidence to acquit Esterhazy and confirm Dreyfus' guilt.
Émile Zola was a prolific novelist and a well-respected public intellectual. Two days after Esterhazy was acquitted, his 4,000-word letter took up the entire front page of the French newspaper L'Aurore, with its one-word title, "J'accuse!" ("I accuse!"). Zola took apart the case, proved Dreyfus' innocence and Esterhazy's guilt, exposed the government cover-up, and directly accused government and military figures of anti-Semitism and abusing the justice system.
Zola was well-known outside of France, and "J'accuse" brought the Dreyfus case to the attention of the international community. After reading it, most believed that Dreyfus was innocent. Zola was arrested for libel, and his trial got a lot of media coverage. In the courtroom, people screamed and got in brawls, and mobs tried to attack Zola as he left each day. He was convicted on this day in 1898 and ordered to spend a year in jail. He escaped to England, where he lived in exile. But in less than two years, a new court reversed Dreyfus' sentence and dropped the libel charge against Zola. Both men returned to France, and in 1906, Dreyfus was reinstated in the army.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Judaism
Judaism can not simply be defined as a religion, a culture or a race; Judaism can have different meanings for different people, and these meanings can tie two or more of these identifications together. Many Jews identify themselves with the Jewish faith. Practicing these rituals, along with upholding the expectations of the Jewish god is what gives Judaism its culture. Because of the demands of this belief system the way of life for Jews may be singular in that this way of life separates them possibly making them feel that they have each other. They identify themselves with their culture and religion thus bringing the feeling that Judaism is also a race. To me it seems that because of the beliefs and culture of Jews they have a tight knit community which creates a solid culture. This solid culture may make it easier to live with or get along with other Jews since there way of life is similar to each other, just as any religious groups may be. In sum I believe that the different parts of Judaism have made it so the meaning can change depending on the person and how they live their life and which part of Judaism they identify themselves with.
Judaism Response Paper # 1
The definitions of religion, ethnicity are complex on their own as it is. To categorize something as either one of them is even more difficult due to their interrelatedness. Similarly, Judaism can neither be called solely a religion or an ethnicity. It started as primarily a religion and ethnicity but has evolved as more of a culture that is a product of the two.
The fact that at an early stage Judaism embodied Jews—at time an ethnic group—who according to the Torah were the “chosen people” and directly contacted by YHWH shows that being Jewish was more religious. It would be safe to say that the percentage of Jews who believed in a supernatural power who asked to call Him their God and Him only was more compared to that of today. Judaism at that point focused more on the literal fulfilling of the covenant between YHWH made and the Ten Commandments He put forth them. In addition it included only descendants of the tribe that was “chosen”; portraying that Judaism in its roots was also an ethnicity.
However, the fact that the Ten Commandments came after the covenant shows that Judaism had started becoming less of a merely an ethnicity, encompassing instead a moral code for living (giving a framework to the expected behavior of follower, characterizing the functioning of a group or organization—a cultural trait). Unlike the covenant that required only circumcision and loyalty to YHWH, the Ten Commandments included more specific rules that a follower must follow on a daily basis. Judaism being maternally inherited has become a lesser known fact about Jews which shows the deteriorating importance of the once set rule and deviation from Judaism as an ethnicity.
Even though Judaism has not become evangelical, Jews on the whole have become relatively more acceptable to converts proving that Judaism has become less of an ethnicity. This might be due to the increase in the number of secular Jews which is another proof to how Judaism has become less of a religion and perhaps more of a culture. The fact that Jews have a nation of their own gives Judaism a nationalistic identity. This identity however is one that has been acquired from the cultures of the lands which Jews have encountered and have at times emerged themselves in. However since so much of their culture depends on the historical events that they went through as a religious ethnic group, Jews collectively have started defining Judaism as a product of both religion and ethnicity. Judaism though can not be defined as a race since Jews have physical features of nearly every race.
If one associates all Jews more with their Matzo Ball soup rather than circumcision, then it is evident that Judaism has become more overtly a cultural identity.
The fact that at an early stage Judaism embodied Jews—at time an ethnic group—who according to the Torah were the “chosen people” and directly contacted by YHWH shows that being Jewish was more religious. It would be safe to say that the percentage of Jews who believed in a supernatural power who asked to call Him their God and Him only was more compared to that of today. Judaism at that point focused more on the literal fulfilling of the covenant between YHWH made and the Ten Commandments He put forth them. In addition it included only descendants of the tribe that was “chosen”; portraying that Judaism in its roots was also an ethnicity.
However, the fact that the Ten Commandments came after the covenant shows that Judaism had started becoming less of a merely an ethnicity, encompassing instead a moral code for living (giving a framework to the expected behavior of follower, characterizing the functioning of a group or organization—a cultural trait). Unlike the covenant that required only circumcision and loyalty to YHWH, the Ten Commandments included more specific rules that a follower must follow on a daily basis. Judaism being maternally inherited has become a lesser known fact about Jews which shows the deteriorating importance of the once set rule and deviation from Judaism as an ethnicity.
Even though Judaism has not become evangelical, Jews on the whole have become relatively more acceptable to converts proving that Judaism has become less of an ethnicity. This might be due to the increase in the number of secular Jews which is another proof to how Judaism has become less of a religion and perhaps more of a culture. The fact that Jews have a nation of their own gives Judaism a nationalistic identity. This identity however is one that has been acquired from the cultures of the lands which Jews have encountered and have at times emerged themselves in. However since so much of their culture depends on the historical events that they went through as a religious ethnic group, Jews collectively have started defining Judaism as a product of both religion and ethnicity. Judaism though can not be defined as a race since Jews have physical features of nearly every race.
If one associates all Jews more with their Matzo Ball soup rather than circumcision, then it is evident that Judaism has become more overtly a cultural identity.
Judaism Response Paper
It is hard to define Judaism because people who define themselves as Jewish define Judaism differently. However, the different definitions of Judaism all have common features of basic religions and share the same fundamental religious beliefs; that there is one God who works in and through historical events and has chosen the Jews as an agent. They also follow the same “absolute law” provided by their God, the Ten Commandments, and myths in the Torah. Judaism can also be characterized as a religion by the many common features it shares with basic religions. These features include taboo, sacrifice, myths, rituals and rites of passage. Judaism also provides answers to the fundamental questions of human existence and the reoccurring misfortune in Jewish history.
Judaism is not necessarily an ethnicity because some who practice Judaism are not “ethnically Jewish,” and some who have Jewish parents do not practice Judaism. All those who practice Judaism identify themselves as Jewish, regardless of ethnicity, but those who don’t practice Judaism don’t necessarily identify themselves as Jewish. Because of this, it seems that Judaism is primarily a religion. Although there are arguments about it being an ethnicity, or culture, those ideas could have formed as a result of the stories of this religion and how the Jewish following developed.
Judaism Response Paper
Though Judaism is a multilayered concept, it is first and foremost a religion. The Israelites were an ethnic group in the
Judaism does have many important secular facets, however they are not strong enough forces to replace religion as the definition of Judaism. Judaism has strong ethnic and cultural ties that are based out of its origin from a tribal society. Because Judaism is so ancient, it has some remaining traditions that were important historically to provide unity and tribal loyalty. However, these traditions are not at the heart of what Judaism is but remnants of the society they evolved from. In addition, in the modern world it would be impossible to classify Judaism as an ethnic group because Jewish culture varies depending on the place. For example, bagels are considered culturally Jewish in the
Judaism Response Paper # 1
Judaism can be referred to all culture, race, and religion. It is hard to distinguish between all three categories because from different aspects “Judaism” can have a different definition. Judaism is a culture that developed the world oldest monotheistic religion, and in ancient time the religion traditions was practice more actively in one race only other than open up to all races in the world. The culture and religion of Judaism are closely relative just like other religions, but now in the modern world it is hard to call Judaism a race anymore.
The founder of Judaism Abraham covenant with God and Moses Ten commandments are the foundation of Judaism’s values and believes as a culture and a religion. Following the Ten Commandments, believe in YHWH as the god and go though circumcised, can have in exchange of powerful nation and protection. To say Judaism is also a culture and religion because a group of people shares the common understanding, values and practice same traditions. However, it is hard to define Judaism as a particular race because a person can be a Jew but not born in a Jewish family. In addition, a person how is born s a Jew can be secular, who doesn’t follow the Jewish traditions. Judaism is still some how related to race because the children who’s mother is a Jew than children will be a Jew also. Judaism is a great example to see the development of a religion change thought out the time.
The founder of Judaism Abraham covenant with God and Moses Ten commandments are the foundation of Judaism’s values and believes as a culture and a religion. Following the Ten Commandments, believe in YHWH as the god and go though circumcised, can have in exchange of powerful nation and protection. To say Judaism is also a culture and religion because a group of people shares the common understanding, values and practice same traditions. However, it is hard to define Judaism as a particular race because a person can be a Jew but not born in a Jewish family. In addition, a person how is born s a Jew can be secular, who doesn’t follow the Jewish traditions. Judaism is still some how related to race because the children who’s mother is a Jew than children will be a Jew also. Judaism is a great example to see the development of a religion change thought out the time.
Judaism Response Paper #1
When I first think of Judaism I think of it as a religion, but when I think of all the different aspects that go into following that religion it becomes hard to decipher which one it most identifies with and it starts to morph itself into a culture and a race. Judaism is first and foremost a religion. Although one is said to be Jewish if their mother is in fact Jewish, I don’t believe that this is enough background to make it a race because it is limiting. When one thinks of the religious aspect of Judaism they understand that there are rituals that are followed annually that helps those follow their faith, making it most evidently a religion. Although some may choose to be more “laid back” with their practices, they still have Judaism as a guide when they need it; this is where it starts to form itself into a culture.
Everyone that practices Judaism follows it in a different way and may in fact pick and choose what aspects of that religion they as an individual focus on and this is what helps mold it into a culture. Everyone practices Judaism a different way whether they are stricter with their rituals and religious holidays or if they are secular and still observe holidays but are not as connected with the everyday part of their religion. This is why I personally classify it as a culture because it is not a uniform religion; everyone interprets it in different ways making it unique to the individual.
Everyone that practices Judaism follows it in a different way and may in fact pick and choose what aspects of that religion they as an individual focus on and this is what helps mold it into a culture. Everyone practices Judaism a different way whether they are stricter with their rituals and religious holidays or if they are secular and still observe holidays but are not as connected with the everyday part of their religion. This is why I personally classify it as a culture because it is not a uniform religion; everyone interprets it in different ways making it unique to the individual.
Judaism Response Paper- Vivian
Judaism is just like any other religion in the world that is comprised of many characteristics a basic religion: a close relationship to God that is bonded by the Ten Commandments, a group of people being defined in Judaism, Torah as a guidance of the religion, myths about the origins of Judaism in the Jewish Bible, and rituals to follow in terms of dedication to God.
However, Judaism is simpler, or rather, more complicated than the other world religions. The Judaism is less complex because it is not evangelical, and only the descendants of Abraham or people with Jewish mothers. As a result, Judaism is less likely to be accessible to the non-Jews. This additional factor to this religion nonetheless has made Judaism more complicate because it seems like Judaism is just a practice of a certain ethnic group that allows the specific race of people to live by moral codes and practice some rituals to appreciate the God who lead them to the right path of life.
Moreover, the Jewish were the “chosen people” by God, whose words are so sacred that people must follow what God says, or else they would die. It seems to me that this certain group of people did not become what they have by their own will. Instead, they were destined to be Jewish and follow everything what God say so they would not suffer from this “mutual relationship.” If this is the case, I don’t agree that Judaism can exactly be defined as a religion, but more of a race that has specialized its own culture since the birth of the race. Besides, other than Torah, there are no other primary evidences that prove the existence of the myths written in the book.
On the other hand, since the descendants of Abraham have spread out through the world from Israel, Jewish in different places have developed into various kinds of rituals. In addition, some Jewish even do not practice the “religion;” they just have an additional title than just human, like any other race.
However, Judaism is simpler, or rather, more complicated than the other world religions. The Judaism is less complex because it is not evangelical, and only the descendants of Abraham or people with Jewish mothers. As a result, Judaism is less likely to be accessible to the non-Jews. This additional factor to this religion nonetheless has made Judaism more complicate because it seems like Judaism is just a practice of a certain ethnic group that allows the specific race of people to live by moral codes and practice some rituals to appreciate the God who lead them to the right path of life.
Moreover, the Jewish were the “chosen people” by God, whose words are so sacred that people must follow what God says, or else they would die. It seems to me that this certain group of people did not become what they have by their own will. Instead, they were destined to be Jewish and follow everything what God say so they would not suffer from this “mutual relationship.” If this is the case, I don’t agree that Judaism can exactly be defined as a religion, but more of a race that has specialized its own culture since the birth of the race. Besides, other than Torah, there are no other primary evidences that prove the existence of the myths written in the book.
On the other hand, since the descendants of Abraham have spread out through the world from Israel, Jewish in different places have developed into various kinds of rituals. In addition, some Jewish even do not practice the “religion;” they just have an additional title than just human, like any other race.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Judaism Response Paper
There is no definite way to describe Judaism. Judaism can be a religion, a culture, a race, and/or something else. It is very challenging to prove or disprove each definition of Judaism listed above, since Judaism is comprised of so many different aspects. If Judaism must be described in one specific way, however, then the most accurate way to define Judaism would be a race.
People who are Jews in a racial point of view instead of a religious or cultural view are “born-to-be” Jews. They are not given much choice because if their mothers are Jewish, then they are Jewish as well. These Jews do not necessarily have a choice to pick of which race their mothers are. On the other hand, Jews who use Judaism as a religion choose to believe in such god and may become a “Non-Jew” later in the future. Also Jews who use Judaism as a culture choose to accept cultures around them, and may acquire other cultures depending on different environment and experiences. Unlike the religious Jews or the cultural Jews, the “racial” Jews cannot change their race by choice; therefore, it is most definite to claim that Judaism is a race. In addition to how race cannot change by choice, Judaism as a race becomes more significant as the forms of Judaism becomes more radical. All different religious levels of Judaism require Jews’ basic beliefs in God (YHWH), but the orthodox Jews only allow Jews who are racially Jews. In other words, among all the Jews (religious Jews) who basically have similar beliefs and cultures, only the Jews (whose mothers are Jews) are allowed to this orthodox form of Judaism. Thus, Judaism as a race is like a last key to complete many aspects of Judaism.
People who are Jews in a racial point of view instead of a religious or cultural view are “born-to-be” Jews. They are not given much choice because if their mothers are Jewish, then they are Jewish as well. These Jews do not necessarily have a choice to pick of which race their mothers are. On the other hand, Jews who use Judaism as a religion choose to believe in such god and may become a “Non-Jew” later in the future. Also Jews who use Judaism as a culture choose to accept cultures around them, and may acquire other cultures depending on different environment and experiences. Unlike the religious Jews or the cultural Jews, the “racial” Jews cannot change their race by choice; therefore, it is most definite to claim that Judaism is a race. In addition to how race cannot change by choice, Judaism as a race becomes more significant as the forms of Judaism becomes more radical. All different religious levels of Judaism require Jews’ basic beliefs in God (YHWH), but the orthodox Jews only allow Jews who are racially Jews. In other words, among all the Jews (religious Jews) who basically have similar beliefs and cultures, only the Jews (whose mothers are Jews) are allowed to this orthodox form of Judaism. Thus, Judaism as a race is like a last key to complete many aspects of Judaism.
Judaism Response Paper 1
Judaism is a religion, a culture, and a race, and these characteristics are not mutually exclusive. A person can be one but not another, or they can be all three. The definition of Judaism is so broad that it encompasses all three in different aspects. For example if someone converts to Judaism they are Jewish, or someone born Jewish can still be Jewish and be secular. However, the degree that someone is Jewish varies, but on the most basic level anyone who wants to be Jewish can be as long as they follow or meet any of the guidelines of Judaism.
Judaism is perhaps most well known as a religion. People who practice Judaism are by definition Jewish. They follow the 613 rules in the Torah, the 10 Commandments, and kosher guidelines. The males have gone through Bris, and perhaps most importantly they believe they are decedents of Abraham, and believe in the covenant with God. Judaism is a culture because if someone is an Orthodox Jew then his or her life is steeped in the religious aspects of Judaism. People form a culture from their religion. In Judaism their culture brings them closer together with places like kosher delis where Jews do not have to worry about kosher rules because it is a kosher deli, and celebrating religious holidays together. Judaism is a race because originally Judaism was an ethnic group. Also, Judaism is a race because if the mother of a baby is Jewish, then the baby is too whether or not that baby chooses to practice Judaism. The baby will still be Jewish because Judaism is passed maternally.
Judaism is perhaps most well known as a religion. People who practice Judaism are by definition Jewish. They follow the 613 rules in the Torah, the 10 Commandments, and kosher guidelines. The males have gone through Bris, and perhaps most importantly they believe they are decedents of Abraham, and believe in the covenant with God. Judaism is a culture because if someone is an Orthodox Jew then his or her life is steeped in the religious aspects of Judaism. People form a culture from their religion. In Judaism their culture brings them closer together with places like kosher delis where Jews do not have to worry about kosher rules because it is a kosher deli, and celebrating religious holidays together. Judaism is a race because originally Judaism was an ethnic group. Also, Judaism is a race because if the mother of a baby is Jewish, then the baby is too whether or not that baby chooses to practice Judaism. The baby will still be Jewish because Judaism is passed maternally.
Judaim Response Paper
Judaism is a monotheistic religion with loosely organized set of beliefs that dictate the way Jewish people should lead their lives and what G-d expects of them. While these beliefs are certainty interpreted differently by different branches of Judaism and by different individuals there still is a core set of beliefs. The idea of separating culture from religion is very difficult. Many people who consider themselves “secular Jews” or those who do not belong to any synagogue still observe key Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover. Many of these secular or cultural Jews feel connected to their Jewish heritage though ancestors, community, language or food.
However this is not to say that practicing or religious Jews do not also feel connected to Judaism for the same reasons. Because of the grey area between culture and religion in Judaism it is safe to say Judaism is primarily a religion, but still a combination of religion and culture.
Judaism is many things, but a race or ethnicity is not one of them. One could argue that all Jews have a common ancestor or homeland. If this is true then Christians and Muslims would all belong to the Jewish race because all three trace their beginnings to Abraham. Additionally, if a person considered themselves a part of the so called Jewish race then they would be implicitly implying that they acknowledge being either culturally or religiously Jewish or else they could not consider themselves to be Jewish at all.
However this is not to say that practicing or religious Jews do not also feel connected to Judaism for the same reasons. Because of the grey area between culture and religion in Judaism it is safe to say Judaism is primarily a religion, but still a combination of religion and culture.
Judaism is many things, but a race or ethnicity is not one of them. One could argue that all Jews have a common ancestor or homeland. If this is true then Christians and Muslims would all belong to the Jewish race because all three trace their beginnings to Abraham. Additionally, if a person considered themselves a part of the so called Jewish race then they would be implicitly implying that they acknowledge being either culturally or religiously Jewish or else they could not consider themselves to be Jewish at all.
Judaism Response Paper #1
Judaism manages to be a race, religion, and culture.
Judaism is undoubtedly a religion. It is a system of beliefs based on scripture that includes the worship of a god. Judaism is marked by the hallmarks of religion, including rituals, tradition, and a significant following.
Technically, if a person’s mother is Jewish, he is Jewish too. Therefore, Judaism is based almost exclusively on family heritage. Indeed, in making His covenant with Abraham, God declares “I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” Hence, all descendants of the patriarchs are Jewish. This nature of the covenant supports the notion of Judaism as a race. However, conversion by those not descended from the patriarchs or by those who were not born into the Jewish faith, instead supports the notion of Judaism as a religion and culture.
One can be a secular Jew and still identify as Jewish because of the “deeply embedded forms of family, educational, job and residence patterns reinforced by religion” (Sharma, 296). Neusner asserts that indeed, Jews do exhibit common qualities that demonstrate Judaism’s validity as a culture. “For instance, they live together, forming Jewish neighborhoods; they work in a few specific types of occupations; they marry within the group…As a result, Americans think…that psychiatry is a Jewish profession whereas professional football is not” (Sharma, 296). Having been raised in a practicing Jewish neighborhood, a secular Jew might also choose to abide by kosher food laws. He manages to be effected by Jewish culture (based on religious values), without being religious himself.
Judaism is undoubtedly a religion. It is a system of beliefs based on scripture that includes the worship of a god. Judaism is marked by the hallmarks of religion, including rituals, tradition, and a significant following.
Technically, if a person’s mother is Jewish, he is Jewish too. Therefore, Judaism is based almost exclusively on family heritage. Indeed, in making His covenant with Abraham, God declares “I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” Hence, all descendants of the patriarchs are Jewish. This nature of the covenant supports the notion of Judaism as a race. However, conversion by those not descended from the patriarchs or by those who were not born into the Jewish faith, instead supports the notion of Judaism as a religion and culture.
One can be a secular Jew and still identify as Jewish because of the “deeply embedded forms of family, educational, job and residence patterns reinforced by religion” (Sharma, 296). Neusner asserts that indeed, Jews do exhibit common qualities that demonstrate Judaism’s validity as a culture. “For instance, they live together, forming Jewish neighborhoods; they work in a few specific types of occupations; they marry within the group…As a result, Americans think…that psychiatry is a Jewish profession whereas professional football is not” (Sharma, 296). Having been raised in a practicing Jewish neighborhood, a secular Jew might also choose to abide by kosher food laws. He manages to be effected by Jewish culture (based on religious values), without being religious himself.
Judaism Response Paper I
As the oldest monotheistic religion, spanning thousands of years, Judaism is hard to classify: is it a culture, a religion, a race, or all three? I believe that Judaism is both a culture and a religion, but I do not believe in today’s world it is a race. Judaism is, primarily, a religion and with religion comes culture. Culture can be defined as a set of common values and beliefs held by a certain group of people. When Abraham made the covenant with YHWH, and Moses wrote down the Ten Commandments a culture was born. The Ten Commandments mandate a set of values the Jewish people should abide by and the covenant between Abraham and YHWH requires all of Abraham’s descendants, the Jews, to be solely devoted to YHWH and to be circumcised. Therefore providing the set of values and beliefs that are necessary to define a culture.
At one time in history Judaism was, indeed, a race. In the covenant between Abraham and YHWH, God told Abraham that he and his descendents, the Jews, would be the chosen ones and when the world was more contained and Judaism was held in one general region, Judaism did pertain to a single race. In today’s world, however, there are many different people of different races that can be described as Jewish: if a Jewish woman bears a girl by an Asian man and that girl goes on to have daughters with another Asian man, and those daughters have daughters, and so on these girls are technically Jewish but are physically Asian, therefore it is difficult to describe Judaism as a race.
At one time in history Judaism was, indeed, a race. In the covenant between Abraham and YHWH, God told Abraham that he and his descendents, the Jews, would be the chosen ones and when the world was more contained and Judaism was held in one general region, Judaism did pertain to a single race. In today’s world, however, there are many different people of different races that can be described as Jewish: if a Jewish woman bears a girl by an Asian man and that girl goes on to have daughters with another Asian man, and those daughters have daughters, and so on these girls are technically Jewish but are physically Asian, therefore it is difficult to describe Judaism as a race.
Judaism Response Paper #1
A word can have several denotations and even more connotations depending on the way and the context within which it is used. Likewise, a comprehensive definition of Judaism has multiple facets, and to examine only one would be to deny the truth and existence of the others. One of the most popular definitions is that of Judaism as a religion, but even within that aspect of Judaism there are many branches with different beliefs. The different branches of belief vary in some practices and at times contradict or even fail to recognize other branches as Judaism. Solely defining Judaism as a religion is not viable as there are those who do not practice the religion or even believe that still identify themselves as Jewish. This indicates the possibility of a definition that corresponds to a cultural link and heritage. Using the nation to define Judaism is also unviable as it excludes populations world wide. It might be possible to define Judaism as a people, but only if that definition allows for members with almost completely disparate views, looks and lifestyles. “Race” is not feasible term for it, as race itself is entirely a social construct with its own varying connotations. It almost seems easier to define Judaism by what it is not, but that leaves just as many gaps and discrepancies. One of the most unifying themes out of these contrasting views of who is Jewish or what is Judaism is the sense of the history of the term. Judaism might have once been easier to define in a world that was smaller, but the term has changed over time as have the people who use it. Its history is one of the most important aspects of the religion, and the same might be true for those who apply the term to themselves as by doing so they are accepting at least some of the connotations conjured by the word. The most appropriate definition of Judaism would then be the facet out of the many that is most relevant to the context within which it is used. In this sense, perhaps Judaism could be best defined as an idea with historical connotations or as construct relative to the people claiming the title.
Judaism Response Paper 1 - Lei
Judaism can be defined as a race, culture, and religion. Such a seeming paradox is caused by both the many denotations that accompany a one-worded definition and the discrepancy in the ways Jewish people see themselves. In fact, Judaism must be defined by all of them or risk leaving out some people who should be included. The real question is, what is the significance of pinpointing the definition of Judaism?
Judaism can be defined as a race. One of the OED definitions of race is:
To account for those who do not have Jewish lineage but still apply the label to themselves, Judaism can be seen as a culture:
Finally, Judaism would not be Judaism without the religious aspect of its many definitions. Judaism originated as a means of bringing together a group of nomadic Semites, and the history of the Jewish people is not complete without mentioning its religious component, as many of the Jewish peoples' actions have had a strong religious component. For example, the conquering and subsequent dispute over the region in the Middle East known as Israel, or the promised land.
Judaism can be defined as a race. One of the OED definitions of race is:
II. In extended use: a group or class of people, animals, or things, having some common feature or features. 6. a. A set or class of people who share a characteristic attitude or other feature.Although there may not be one common characteristic that binds together all Jews except self-identifying as a Jew, it is true that communities of Jews tend to share non-religious characteristics that can distinguish themselves from the other local populations. Members of a Jewish community tend to intermarry, sometimes creating physical similarities. Other definitions of race, such as a "A group of people, animals, or plants, connected by common descent or origin. " do not apply because one can also convert to the culture and religion of Judaism, and call himself a Jew but not be related to any Jewish people.
To account for those who do not have Jewish lineage but still apply the label to themselves, Judaism can be seen as a culture:
7. a. Chiefly as a count noun. The distinctive ideas, customs, social behaviour, products, or way of life of a particular society, people, or period. Hence: a society or group characterized by such customs, etc. b. With modifying noun: a way of life or social environment characterized by or associated with the specified quality or thing; a group of people subscribing or belonging to this.Members of the Jewish culture have traditions passed down from their family or Jewish environment that are, if not unique, then more predominant within their community. Many of these traditions have religious origins, such as celebrating a particular holiday, or avoiding one type of food.
Finally, Judaism would not be Judaism without the religious aspect of its many definitions. Judaism originated as a means of bringing together a group of nomadic Semites, and the history of the Jewish people is not complete without mentioning its religious component, as many of the Jewish peoples' actions have had a strong religious component. For example, the conquering and subsequent dispute over the region in the Middle East known as Israel, or the promised land.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Judaism Response Paper #1
Write 2-3 paragraphs in response to the following:
Is Judaism best defined as a religion, an culture, a race or something else?
Be sure to defend your answer. Please label your post "Judaism Response Paper #1"
Is Judaism best defined as a religion, an culture, a race or something else?
Be sure to defend your answer. Please label your post "Judaism Response Paper #1"
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Neanderthals!
Scientists studying the DNA of Neanderthals say they can find no evidence that this ancient species ever interbred with modern humans.
"There is no reason to believe they couldn't speak like us," said Prof Paabo.
"I don't think they became extinct due to something in their genome," he said.
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Scientists were actually able to pull apart the whole Neanderthal genome!
"There is no reason to believe they couldn't speak like us," said Prof Paabo.
"I don't think they became extinct due to something in their genome," he said.
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Scientists were actually able to pull apart the whole Neanderthal genome!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Father Abraham song
So he actually had "many" sons, not seven. Here are the lyrics and some kids singing.
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot,
Chin up!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot,
Chin up, turn around!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot,
Chin up, turn around, sit down!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot,
Chin up!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot,
Chin up, turn around!
Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot,
Chin up, turn around, sit down!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Marx Response Paper
Although Marx presents an interesting argument against religion, he fails to offer any concrete alternative while disregarding the positives of religion. Marx claims that religion “is the opium of the people,” suggesting it is used solely for narcotic purposes; to heal pain without having to overcome it. Religion is not just a way to deal with pain. With it comes a community and people to relate to, a foundation of morals and answers to life on earth. It gives people a purpose who may have otherwise felt lost in the world. Although many wars have been fought over religion, many good deeds are done based on the morals that come with religion. For example, many charitable organizations are founded because of religion and many churches and temples offer ways to do community service. Things that we would not normally think about, such as feeding a hungry person, are also done because of the moral codes of certain religions. Religion has also been the inspiration for marvelous art, incredible architecture and music. Marxism has not.
Marx offers history and philosophy to “establish the truth of this world.” However, the role of religion in history has been so extremely influential in shaping the world today, that disregarding everything that related to religion to “establish the truth of this world,” would leave Marx with a scarce amount of material to establish anything with. Merriam-Webster defines philosophy as “a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means.” In many ways that is what religion is. Much of philosophy is theories that can be debated and leave people asking the same questions that religion has already answered.
Essentially Marx wants us to live under his “religion.” Because no one is legitimately sure of what “reality” we’re living in, it is not fair for Marx to say he is right and religion is wrong, nor is it fair to say that Marx is entirely wrong. We may never find the actual truth. Ultimately, Marx’s idea against religion is just another idea, like the religions that he criticizes, that tells us what we should do.
Marx offers history and philosophy to “establish the truth of this world.” However, the role of religion in history has been so extremely influential in shaping the world today, that disregarding everything that related to religion to “establish the truth of this world,” would leave Marx with a scarce amount of material to establish anything with. Merriam-Webster defines philosophy as “a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means.” In many ways that is what religion is. Much of philosophy is theories that can be debated and leave people asking the same questions that religion has already answered.
Essentially Marx wants us to live under his “religion.” Because no one is legitimately sure of what “reality” we’re living in, it is not fair for Marx to say he is right and religion is wrong, nor is it fair to say that Marx is entirely wrong. We may never find the actual truth. Ultimately, Marx’s idea against religion is just another idea, like the religions that he criticizes, that tells us what we should do.
Marx Response Paper
Marx is able to see some valid negative effects of religion although he fails to see clearly any positive benefits of religion. Marx’s sees religion as an illusion that man uses to cover up their sufferings and create false reason. Instead of society facing and overcoming their suffering they turn to their religion to cover it up or dull the feeling of it. This is where he brings in the comparison to opium, like drugs, societies use religion to keep from feeling pain that exists by focusing on what is to come. Many religions help people accept their status and hard lives because they feel they can look forward to an after life, therefore they do not focus on the hardships that they must deal with. But if people were to “pluck the imaginary flowers on the chain…so that [they] shall throw off the chain and pluck the living flowers” (Marx paper) suffering may be conquered instead of numbed. If people believed that this life is the only life, they may work more to change and improve it for themselves. Simply thinking of themselves first and not the gods could improve life. For example, people would not sacrifice for the gods, but in order to feed them selves and possibly feed more hungry. Marx’s view can be seen as optimistic in the way that he believed man has more potential that could be achieved by changing our worldly religious state of mind.
Marx understands that what he is asking of the people is a major request, wanting them to abandon their way of life and thinking. Though he truly believes that man would be better off without religion, he is unable to see the positive things that religion does for the people. Marx fails to understand that religion gives people a sense of purpose, hope, security, a moral code and many other comforts. I believe that Marx saw what man was capable of if man’s state of being was changed by eliminating religion, but because he was unable to see what religion gives to the people he was unable to give a convincing and unbiased argument.
Marx Response Paper
Marx presents an ignorant point of view while criticizing religion. He truly has no evidence to support his theory and he avoids proving his point by not providing definitions to what he believes is the answer if religion is not. Given the way our brains, and thoughts have developed over the thousands of years we have existed, given Marx’s theories, we most likely would have realized that “man is no abstract being squatting outside the world.” Marx fails to see the spiritual aspect and how people benefit from it in their every day life. He describes religion as the “opium of the people” expressing that religion has beneficial yet false manifestation for the sensation is merely just a temporary “high” that people try to obtain in order to give them purpose for living.
He says, “Religion is, indeed, the self-consciousness and self-esteem of man who has either not yet won through to himself, or has already lost himself again.” This is, indeed, a negative sentence in the eyes of Marx, and to me, a very ignorant one. If a man is trying to win through himself or once lost, trying to find himself again, what is he to do, Marx? A soulless man may not find issue with such a situation; however, humans are spiritual beings for they have thoughts and emotions. This, in turn, promotes them to seek refuge in times of need. If “man makes religion” and benefits from that, so that they can attempt to get something out of this dead-end of a life, is that wrong? Marx thinks so. I feel that he is wrong to fail to see what exactly it is that fuels this highly important topic.
He says, “Religion is, indeed, the self-consciousness and self-esteem of man who has either not yet won through to himself, or has already lost himself again.” This is, indeed, a negative sentence in the eyes of Marx, and to me, a very ignorant one. If a man is trying to win through himself or once lost, trying to find himself again, what is he to do, Marx? A soulless man may not find issue with such a situation; however, humans are spiritual beings for they have thoughts and emotions. This, in turn, promotes them to seek refuge in times of need. If “man makes religion” and benefits from that, so that they can attempt to get something out of this dead-end of a life, is that wrong? Marx thinks so. I feel that he is wrong to fail to see what exactly it is that fuels this highly important topic.
Marx RP1
Religion is intrinsic to human existence. As Marx writes “Religion is the general theory of this world”. In his audacious critique, he attempts to “[pluck] the imaginary flowers on the chain”, ”disillusion[ing] man, so that he will think, act, and fashion his reality like a man who has…regained his senses”. However, Marx’s attempt consists of generalized statements on the subject.
Marx claims that religion is a product of the society to keep the oppressed oppressed. In making this generalization, he fails to account religions that do place all their followers on the same level. For example, when Muslims pray in the mosque they stand shoulder-to-shoulder, regardless of race, wealth and education all in one line.
Associating religion with opium, Marx tries to portray man’s dependence on his faith. It is evident that man has used and continues to use religion to answer his questions, give a purpose to his life and a path to follow. The extent of this dependence on religion, though, depends entirely on the follower. If one’s religion obliges him/her to read certain holy verses, it is him/her who decides if reading once in a lifetime is enough or reading three times a day.
It is perhaps man that has corrupted religion by interpreting it in ways that serve his motives. What we see today as religion is nowhere close to what it once represented. The Bible has gone through numerous revisions in order to make it relevant to today’s society, which might have resulted in a loss of its intended meaning. The Qur’an has been interpreted in ways never anticipated—the concept of jihad (which literally means struggle) justifying killing innocent people.
Marx claims that religion is a product of the society to keep the oppressed oppressed. In making this generalization, he fails to account religions that do place all their followers on the same level. For example, when Muslims pray in the mosque they stand shoulder-to-shoulder, regardless of race, wealth and education all in one line.
Associating religion with opium, Marx tries to portray man’s dependence on his faith. It is evident that man has used and continues to use religion to answer his questions, give a purpose to his life and a path to follow. The extent of this dependence on religion, though, depends entirely on the follower. If one’s religion obliges him/her to read certain holy verses, it is him/her who decides if reading once in a lifetime is enough or reading three times a day.
It is perhaps man that has corrupted religion by interpreting it in ways that serve his motives. What we see today as religion is nowhere close to what it once represented. The Bible has gone through numerous revisions in order to make it relevant to today’s society, which might have resulted in a loss of its intended meaning. The Qur’an has been interpreted in ways never anticipated—the concept of jihad (which literally means struggle) justifying killing innocent people.
Marx Response Paper
Marx holds an entirely contemptuous view of religion, seeing it as a means by which the common man accepts his suffering. His view of religion in society is thus limited to the one in which he lived, and what he saw as necessary for drastic change. With his bold criticism of religion Marx sought to “disillusion man, so that he will think, act, and fashion his reality.” His goal is to incite action to remove the sources of discomfort in society for which religion is the salve, not just take away the comfort that religion can provide. Marx uses the analogy of opium because of its negative connotations such as addiction, and the shock value of using such strong language in furthering his purpose: societal change.
Marx’s critique is fashioned more for achieving his goals, but can still be examined as a definition. Taken out of the context that Marx provides, the assessment of religion as “logic in popular form” and as the “universal basis of consolation and justification” holds truth. Outside of law, religion can provide a foundation of ideas common to the group with which people can use to interact with each other and within themselves. Arguing against this place of religion in society Marx states, “man makes religion, religion does not make man.” Even so, religion may yet be an intrinsic part of man or the human experience. If man makes religion, then man can make a religion that is more than “the sigh of the oppressed creature” as Marx sees it. Man makes society as well, and every religion and society are not the same. Although religion often fills similar roles within societies, that does not mean it carries the same significance or weight in each one. Something Marx did not mention is the way in which religion can encourage secular knowledge and learning, such as through the establishment of schools and preservation of documents. Marx’s critique of religion also insinuates that those in positions of authority within religion wish to oppress or control the masses, which is certainly not true in every case.
Marx Response Paper
Marx argued that religion anesthetized people because it hindered people from discovering their own identity. However, I disagree with this statement, for many people often find religion helpful to discover more about themselves and relation to society as a way to respond the unanswered of the world.
Marx’s idea has become too extreme when he concluded religion with such a negative impact like drug on people’s lives and judgments. It is true that people often rely a lot on religion and find comfort in it to explain what they cannot answer by themselves. The abstract guidance of religion seems to lead human beings to an extent where everyone develops the same attitude toward any circumstance in life. Based on Marx’s opinion, this idea not only prevented people from thinking independently, it also caused the illusion of the world, which became faultless in religious sense.
Marx also stated that religious suffering is “the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering.” People suffer through religious rituals to be punished for their sin; on the other hand, they also give the responsibility of the pain they suffer in life to some kind of spirit, or to their religions. These are all true statements, but Marx failed to realize that there is nothing wrong for people to find comfort through religion while in difficulties or in pain. If religion can make people feel better about themselves and enables them to move on with a more positive thinking, it will also improve the development of the society, for people don’t struggle with the same idea repeatedly. While Marx suggested that one should “move around himself as his own true Sun,” this would cause the problem of having too many opinions within a society. If that was the truth, there will never be any agreement between people, which would not help establish a stable and healthy society while there are endless conflicts
Marx’s idea has become too extreme when he concluded religion with such a negative impact like drug on people’s lives and judgments. It is true that people often rely a lot on religion and find comfort in it to explain what they cannot answer by themselves. The abstract guidance of religion seems to lead human beings to an extent where everyone develops the same attitude toward any circumstance in life. Based on Marx’s opinion, this idea not only prevented people from thinking independently, it also caused the illusion of the world, which became faultless in religious sense.
Marx also stated that religious suffering is “the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering.” People suffer through religious rituals to be punished for their sin; on the other hand, they also give the responsibility of the pain they suffer in life to some kind of spirit, or to their religions. These are all true statements, but Marx failed to realize that there is nothing wrong for people to find comfort through religion while in difficulties or in pain. If religion can make people feel better about themselves and enables them to move on with a more positive thinking, it will also improve the development of the society, for people don’t struggle with the same idea repeatedly. While Marx suggested that one should “move around himself as his own true Sun,” this would cause the problem of having too many opinions within a society. If that was the truth, there will never be any agreement between people, which would not help establish a stable and healthy society while there are endless conflicts
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