Utilizing at least 3 readings respond to the following questions. This should be about one and a half to two pages. This can be done in a traditional 5 paragraph essay or a more creative manner.
Defining Religion: How would you define religion? How has the way you thought about religion changed or been confirmed throughout this semester? What are you basing this definition off of? Make sure to include a reflection on thinkers we read in class, the 3 core principles of religious studies, and some reflection on the 7 dimensions of religion. What voices agree with your definition? What voices challenge it or nuance it?
Differentiating Religion: Do you believe you can truly differentiate between religion and spirituality? If so, what do you take to be the difference? How do you see them impacting each Other? Think about Mallory Nye and the 7 dimensions of religions. This would also be a good place to reflect on lessons from indigenous religions and eastern religions.
Your Relationship to Religion: What is your relationship with religion? Speak to your family’s perspectives, how you were raised, where you land personally, and the religion of those around you that have affected your life. Reflect upon how you plan to either continue your traditions next year or change them.
Spiritual/ Mystical Experiences: What spiritual practice do you find most compelling? This can be something you practice, something you want to practice, or simply a spiritual discipline or practice you admire. Include why you find it compelling and what spiritual goals it accomplished or nourishes. If you practice it, include your own experience with it. If you do not, pay homage to those who do practice it and why they say it benefits them and those around them.
Religion Today: Reflect on the idea that religion is “out-dated.” Where do you think this mindset comes from? Furthermore, reflect on what religions get to set the terms of religious dialogue, such as how we determine good and evil, our conceptions about God, our ethics in the world, etc. How do you think taking on an interfaith or interreligious perspective would change popular conceptions of religion and religious concepts in the world?
I will provide you with the sources you must use.
1. https://medium.com/religion-bites/trying-to-understand-religion-its-a-matter-of-finding-the-right-gloves-to-wear-811fbc25ac5b
2. https://rpl.hds.harvard.edu/what-we-do/our-approach/core-principles
3. https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/jihad-in-islam-just-war-theory-in-the-quran-and-sunnah
