Wednesday, April 8, 2015
1) Key Concepts and 2) Rituals
Part I
Vocabulary
- The Holy Trinity- The Christian concept that defines God in three elements: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The separates the definition of what and who. Although God is separated into three persons he is still one almighty and the persons are separate from each other.
- Resurrection- A living being coming back to life after death. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the central focus of Christianity, and is used to develop the idea of life after death.
- Church- Christianity is practiced in a church. They are houses of God that sometimes symbolize His Body. The united prayers “make… in their very sound the sign of the Cross.”
- Sin- The act of violating God’s will. These vary from minor to deadly and are shown through violating the 10 commandments. Sin is inevitable and separates humans from God, but they must be repented.
- Repentance- Reviewing ones actions and feeling regret for past wrongs. In Christianity one must have a change of heart after Repenting and it is motivated by a love of God and a sincere desire to obey his commandments.
- Reconciliation- This occurs after repenting and is the restoration of good relations. This is when one is able to be forgiven in God’s merciful love.
- Grace- By definition in the bible, “the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it.” Grace is described as a gift from God to man, that manifests in the salvation of sinners.
- Agape- Selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. There are four types of love in the bible and this is the highest. This is the love that Jesus had for his father and his followers, and is why he sacrificed himself.
- Atonement- Humans can be reconciled to God. This is the pardoning of original sin and sin in general by the sacrifice and death of Jesus. There are many different theories regarding atonement.
- Kingdom of God- This is heaven. If a person lives a righteous life and repents their sins, as well as loves God and accepts his love- then they will be granted entrance into the Kingdom of God.
Festivals/ Holy Days- There are many holy days in Christianity that all come with various festivals and traditions in their celebration. This includes Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ascension day, and Holy week. All of these celebrations are in honor of events in the life of Jesus or remember saints and acts of God. These rituals bring the Christian community together and celebrate and strengthen their faith. These holidays help practitioners appreciate the struggles of Jesus, and the major elements of their religion. They are celebrated differently all over the world in terms of food and tradition, but the reason they are celebrated and the mood they bring are international.
Gender and Ritual- Christianity may be considered a male affair in the aspects of God, The Son, and the popularity of male Priests. However, with these common references of He and Him people forget about the absence of gender in the spiritual sense. Therefore, God is only referred to as Father because this is what Jesus calls him. Marriage is a holy gift from God that is considered sacred in Christianity. This is why getting married in a church, in front of God, is very important. Women are expected to dress modestly in order to save herself for her husband and avoid the sin of lust.
http://www.christianity.com/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Huston Smith Part 4
Chapter 8- Sufism
- The two main divisions of Islam are Sunni- Traditionalists (87%, West and East) and Shi'ite- Descendants should succeed Muhammad (Iraq and Iran).
- Another split is found in exoteric (literal) Muslims and esoteric (mystic/Sufi) Muslims.
- The Sufis are trying to contact God in this lifetime and use magic and the use of the mysticisms of love, ecstasy (visions) , and intuition.
- Symbolism is vital to the Sufi practice. The "science of relation between science and reality". This is an abstract way of approaching the magical beliefs.
- Dhikr or to remember is used to supplement the abstract element of symbolism. This is something that is widely controversial, but the eso and exoterics of Islam have figured out how to live in peace.
Islam has several major divisions but one of the broad ones that impact the practice of Islam is Sufism. This mystic approach to Islam is in the attempt to find God in this life. They are known as esoteric Muslims and use things like symbolism and abstraction to explain and analyze their beliefs.
Chapter 9- Whither Islam?
- Islam is historically one of the richest religions on this planet.
- It has included some of the brightest minds that changed the thinking of their time.
- The growth is not confined to the past and the religion continues to see potential even after years of stagnation.
- The religion faces great problems, especially with the west and modernization.
- The future is bright as the massive religion grows and progresses to renew its former glory.
Islam has many problems in the modern world and a rich history to back up on. It shows great potential for growth despite its problems and may one day reach the glory of its past.
- The two main divisions of Islam are Sunni- Traditionalists (87%, West and East) and Shi'ite- Descendants should succeed Muhammad (Iraq and Iran).
- Another split is found in exoteric (literal) Muslims and esoteric (mystic/Sufi) Muslims.
- The Sufis are trying to contact God in this lifetime and use magic and the use of the mysticisms of love, ecstasy (visions) , and intuition.
- Symbolism is vital to the Sufi practice. The "science of relation between science and reality". This is an abstract way of approaching the magical beliefs.
- Dhikr or to remember is used to supplement the abstract element of symbolism. This is something that is widely controversial, but the eso and exoterics of Islam have figured out how to live in peace.
Islam has several major divisions but one of the broad ones that impact the practice of Islam is Sufism. This mystic approach to Islam is in the attempt to find God in this life. They are known as esoteric Muslims and use things like symbolism and abstraction to explain and analyze their beliefs.
Chapter 9- Whither Islam?
- Islam is historically one of the richest religions on this planet.
- It has included some of the brightest minds that changed the thinking of their time.
- The growth is not confined to the past and the religion continues to see potential even after years of stagnation.
- The religion faces great problems, especially with the west and modernization.
- The future is bright as the massive religion grows and progresses to renew its former glory.
Islam has many problems in the modern world and a rich history to back up on. It shows great potential for growth despite its problems and may one day reach the glory of its past.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Huston Smith Part 3
Chapter 6- The Five Pillars
- Islam is used as a directive the to keep Muslims on the right path, straight- explicit.
- The Five Pillars are instructions on how to lead life.
- The Shahadah is a proclamation that there is no god but God.
- This is focused by a daily prayer requirement to create a foundation for all Muslims, and a Koranic revelation told everyone to pray towards Mecca.
- Charity, Ramadan, and the Hajj are the remaining pillars and provide further instruction on how to live a life.
The Five Pillars are one of the most important parts of Muslim life. They are used as a guide to how
to act and practice properly. It creates a foundation among all Muslims and their practice and creates an explicit way to praise God. Doing good is praised and the life of a Muslim is guided by these 5 requirements.
Chapter 7- Social Teachings
- Islam stresses equality and the brotherhood of all Muslims. This is represented by the peace that overcame Arabia after its introduction and the difference to before.
- The explicitness of interpersonal relations is key to its importance in Islamic society, and therefore eliminates personal interpretation.
- Economics shows up in the Koran through breaking traditions like inheritance to the eldest son.
- Womens rights changed dramatically with Islam; however, traditions like polygamy are frowned upon from the west.
- Tolerance and in aggression are encouraged as well as living equally with other races. This is supported by the violence found in other religions.
Islam has a strong social standing in the lives of all Muslims. This is found through the social standards and expectations that are outlined in the Koran. Equality and peace as well as brotherhood and tolerance are all encouraged. However, these, like in any religion, are not seen in every Mulsims practice everywhere. The social standards of Islam changed Arabia of its time. It may now be seen as falling back on these goals from the west, but the religion must be judged in respect of its core beliefs, not few extremists.
- Islam is used as a directive the to keep Muslims on the right path, straight- explicit.
- The Five Pillars are instructions on how to lead life.
- The Shahadah is a proclamation that there is no god but God.
- This is focused by a daily prayer requirement to create a foundation for all Muslims, and a Koranic revelation told everyone to pray towards Mecca.
- Charity, Ramadan, and the Hajj are the remaining pillars and provide further instruction on how to live a life.
The Five Pillars are one of the most important parts of Muslim life. They are used as a guide to how
to act and practice properly. It creates a foundation among all Muslims and their practice and creates an explicit way to praise God. Doing good is praised and the life of a Muslim is guided by these 5 requirements.
Chapter 7- Social Teachings
- Islam stresses equality and the brotherhood of all Muslims. This is represented by the peace that overcame Arabia after its introduction and the difference to before.
- The explicitness of interpersonal relations is key to its importance in Islamic society, and therefore eliminates personal interpretation.
- Economics shows up in the Koran through breaking traditions like inheritance to the eldest son.
- Womens rights changed dramatically with Islam; however, traditions like polygamy are frowned upon from the west.
- Tolerance and in aggression are encouraged as well as living equally with other races. This is supported by the violence found in other religions.
Islam has a strong social standing in the lives of all Muslims. This is found through the social standards and expectations that are outlined in the Koran. Equality and peace as well as brotherhood and tolerance are all encouraged. However, these, like in any religion, are not seen in every Mulsims practice everywhere. The social standards of Islam changed Arabia of its time. It may now be seen as falling back on these goals from the west, but the religion must be judged in respect of its core beliefs, not few extremists.
Huston Smith Part 2
Chapter 4- The Standing Miracle
- Muhammad wrote the 114 chapters or surahs of the Qu'ran while barely literate and is described as beyond belief.
- The Qu'ran is scribed from voice segments over 23 years to Muhammad, from bells to Gabriel.
- The Qu'ran reads confusing to a european but in Arabic it is the sounds and rhythm that make it stand out.
- The text, though accepting of the old and new testaments that have been altered in translation, takes on a largely doctrinal and mildly historical tone.
- The Qu'ran is central to the Islamic beliefs and deeps each muslims personal journey.
This chapter focused on the Qu'ran and specifically the way it is written. It is a difficult text for foreigners to understand due to the language and methods at sharing the message. It retells a lot of stories from Jewish or Christian texts but clarifies them and validates discrepancies as lost in translation. The most memorized book in the world is vital to the practice of every muslim all over the world.
Chapter 5- Basic Theological Concepts
- Islam is in foundational, similar to its predecessors and focuses on the idea of the ultimate God.
- Islam is prided upon the idea that it is the only true monotheistic religion.
- God must not be brought down to human standards or given representation to prevent confusion of the two worlds.
- God is presented as graceful and peaceful and his wrath is kept to 17 lines compared to 192 references to his joy.
- Life is seen as a gift from God and Muslims must "surrender" to his power, and there will eventually be a reckoning where all actions will be judged.
Islam is based on simple concepts that bring the whole religion together. The belief in one all powerful God is one of the most important of these concepts. The peace of this God and the importance of becoming Muslim or surrendering to God is very important as well. This is because God created humans. Eventually ones life will reach judgement day where all actions will be judged to reduce falsities.
- Muhammad wrote the 114 chapters or surahs of the Qu'ran while barely literate and is described as beyond belief.
- The Qu'ran is scribed from voice segments over 23 years to Muhammad, from bells to Gabriel.
- The Qu'ran reads confusing to a european but in Arabic it is the sounds and rhythm that make it stand out.
- The text, though accepting of the old and new testaments that have been altered in translation, takes on a largely doctrinal and mildly historical tone.
- The Qu'ran is central to the Islamic beliefs and deeps each muslims personal journey.
This chapter focused on the Qu'ran and specifically the way it is written. It is a difficult text for foreigners to understand due to the language and methods at sharing the message. It retells a lot of stories from Jewish or Christian texts but clarifies them and validates discrepancies as lost in translation. The most memorized book in the world is vital to the practice of every muslim all over the world.
Chapter 5- Basic Theological Concepts
- Islam is in foundational, similar to its predecessors and focuses on the idea of the ultimate God.
- Islam is prided upon the idea that it is the only true monotheistic religion.
- God must not be brought down to human standards or given representation to prevent confusion of the two worlds.
- God is presented as graceful and peaceful and his wrath is kept to 17 lines compared to 192 references to his joy.
- Life is seen as a gift from God and Muslims must "surrender" to his power, and there will eventually be a reckoning where all actions will be judged.
Islam is based on simple concepts that bring the whole religion together. The belief in one all powerful God is one of the most important of these concepts. The peace of this God and the importance of becoming Muslim or surrendering to God is very important as well. This is because God created humans. Eventually ones life will reach judgement day where all actions will be judged to reduce falsities.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Huston Smith Part I
Chapter 1- Islamic Background
-It only took a century for Islam to expand from the Atlantic to China.
-These people developed their own culture and denied any of the massive empires around.
-The creation of Islam is a combination of socioeconomic conditions and the message of God.
-Muslims believe that Adam was the first man created by God,
-Muhammad's son, Ishmael was banished and may have further spread Islam, or Judaism/Christianity.
Islam saw success almost immediately in its spread due to the conditions of the time. This led to the creation of a new people whose believes accepted some of those of Christianity and Judaism, but differed in many aspects. This started with the account of Ishmael's life, Muhammad's son.
Chapter 2- The Seal of the Prophets
-Muslims believe that there have been many authentic prophets, but that Muhammad was there culmination or "The Seal of the Prophets".
-Muhammad was born into an "Ignorant" world of tribes and impulse. He suffered many losses early in his life and God brought light through his revelations.
-His first wife Khadija comforted him after the message became his burden, and made it his light, she helped him prepare to share his new status of prophet.
-Muhammad brought science to Muslims by discussing the world's incontrovertible order.
-Violence resulted due to the democratic message he gave, but when influential people began to see the truth in his message, they joined his effort and spread Islam.
Islam's believe that Muhammad is the final prophet of God, and that he gave light to the ignorant world he was born into. His wife helped him accept his role in the new religion and in God's eyes. This allowed him to fight for the spread of his message and slowly cultivate a following. His early successes quickly displayed that he had God on his side, and increased his following and the eventual spread of Islam.
Chapter 3-The Migration that Led to Victory
-Yathrib was a city 280 miles north of Mecca that felt the impact of Muhammad's teachings. Therefore, they reached out to him when they needed a strong leader.
-The migration to this city is referred to as the Hijra and is the start of the Muslim calendar.
-At his arrival in the city now known as Medina, Muhammad became more than a prophet, but a powerful politician. He still remained humble. \
-After merging the 5 conflicting tribes of Mecca word of his Miracle and his reputation began to spread.
-Even after Muhammad's untimely death, Islam spread quickly to the shores of the Atlantic ocean.
After Muhammad's miracle, he began to spread his revelations. This caused lots of conflict as well as attention, and although his life was threatened at multiple points he was still able to get to Medina to help the struggling city. His incredible reputation and humble character increased his following which spread the religion even after his young death in 632.
-It only took a century for Islam to expand from the Atlantic to China.
-These people developed their own culture and denied any of the massive empires around.
-The creation of Islam is a combination of socioeconomic conditions and the message of God.
-Muslims believe that Adam was the first man created by God,
-Muhammad's son, Ishmael was banished and may have further spread Islam, or Judaism/Christianity.
Islam saw success almost immediately in its spread due to the conditions of the time. This led to the creation of a new people whose believes accepted some of those of Christianity and Judaism, but differed in many aspects. This started with the account of Ishmael's life, Muhammad's son.
Chapter 2- The Seal of the Prophets
-Muslims believe that there have been many authentic prophets, but that Muhammad was there culmination or "The Seal of the Prophets".
-Muhammad was born into an "Ignorant" world of tribes and impulse. He suffered many losses early in his life and God brought light through his revelations.
-His first wife Khadija comforted him after the message became his burden, and made it his light, she helped him prepare to share his new status of prophet.
-Muhammad brought science to Muslims by discussing the world's incontrovertible order.
-Violence resulted due to the democratic message he gave, but when influential people began to see the truth in his message, they joined his effort and spread Islam.
Islam's believe that Muhammad is the final prophet of God, and that he gave light to the ignorant world he was born into. His wife helped him accept his role in the new religion and in God's eyes. This allowed him to fight for the spread of his message and slowly cultivate a following. His early successes quickly displayed that he had God on his side, and increased his following and the eventual spread of Islam.
Chapter 3-The Migration that Led to Victory
-Yathrib was a city 280 miles north of Mecca that felt the impact of Muhammad's teachings. Therefore, they reached out to him when they needed a strong leader.
-The migration to this city is referred to as the Hijra and is the start of the Muslim calendar.
-At his arrival in the city now known as Medina, Muhammad became more than a prophet, but a powerful politician. He still remained humble. \
-After merging the 5 conflicting tribes of Mecca word of his Miracle and his reputation began to spread.
-Even after Muhammad's untimely death, Islam spread quickly to the shores of the Atlantic ocean.
After Muhammad's miracle, he began to spread his revelations. This caused lots of conflict as well as attention, and although his life was threatened at multiple points he was still able to get to Medina to help the struggling city. His incredible reputation and humble character increased his following which spread the religion even after his young death in 632.
Critical Commentary Linear Questioning
Interview with Robinson Carroll:
The members of the Umma create a moral in the community that pushes other members to become closer to God. Ex: Sawm and Hajj
Question 1-
Why do you think a sense of community will make a person closer to God?
"I think that if you are growing in your faith with friends then it allows you to work together and discuss things based on personal experiences with God."
Question 2-
Do you think that by building relationships under experiences tied by God, one can increase their faith in God?
"Yes, because if you and your friends or community have similar beliefs than it makes you belong, instead of being an outcast without a community in which you belong."
Question 3-
How could being an outcast either lead to religion or the denial of religion?
"Being an outcast can lead to its denial because feeling outcast might make the person feel as if there is no way a good God would treat them that way- and leave them all alone. It might make them turn to God in pursuance of overcoming their situation and developing the feeling of belonging that the community will bring them."
Question 4-
Why do you think people turn to God at the hardest times of their lives?
Response/ Conclusion- "Because they have no where else to turn and they belief that even if they have pulled away from God in the past that it is the only area of hope left."
The members of the Umma create a moral in the community that pushes other members to become closer to God. Ex: Sawm and Hajj
Question 1-
Why do you think a sense of community will make a person closer to God?
"I think that if you are growing in your faith with friends then it allows you to work together and discuss things based on personal experiences with God."
Question 2-
Do you think that by building relationships under experiences tied by God, one can increase their faith in God?
"Yes, because if you and your friends or community have similar beliefs than it makes you belong, instead of being an outcast without a community in which you belong."
Question 3-
How could being an outcast either lead to religion or the denial of religion?
"Being an outcast can lead to its denial because feeling outcast might make the person feel as if there is no way a good God would treat them that way- and leave them all alone. It might make them turn to God in pursuance of overcoming their situation and developing the feeling of belonging that the community will bring them."
Question 4-
Why do you think people turn to God at the hardest times of their lives?
Response/ Conclusion- "Because they have no where else to turn and they belief that even if they have pulled away from God in the past that it is the only area of hope left."
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