Religion And Human Experience Discussion Questionsdis 2joe Is ✓ Solved

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Joe is very faithful and forthright in his beliefs. He holds that all things come from the volcano he has named “Ed.” Every so often Ed erupts and changes things. Joe feels that these eruptions are normal and bring balance to the world. He believes that balance is lost when people expect Ed to erupt more often or less often than Ed desires. Joe believes that we can become one with Ed after our lives end by tossing our bodies into the lava. This will help keep things in balance. Joe is the only believer. Choose ONE of the following options for definitions of religion and determine whether or not Joe follows a religion. In addition, point out, from the definition you chose, what is missing if Joe does NOT follow a religion. Finally, what would it take for Joe’s beliefs to be a World Religion?

A. Option A: “Religion is human transformation in response to perceived ultimacy.” (Young, The World’s Religions eText, Fourth Edition) B. Option B: “Religion is 1: the service and worship of God or the supernatural; and 2: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance.” (Religion as defined by Merriam-Webster.com) C. Option C: “Religion literally means: “to link back.” The word is related to ligaments, the connective tissue of the body. So, by definition, religions need to “link” to something…a founder, usually, or a form of religious writing but something that links them “back” to something else. (John, Lecture Materials)

Paper For Above Instructions

The exploration of Joe's beliefs in relation to established definitions of religion provides a fascinating case study into the fundamental nature of what constitutes a religion. First, we must understand the definitions available at our disposal:

Option A defines religion as "human transformation in response to perceived ultimacy." This perspective highlights how religions shape and transform the individual or communities based on their understanding of ultimate realities. Given Joe's beliefs about Ed, it could be argued that his faith does invoke transformation; he claims that Ed’s eruptions bring necessary balance to the world and that adherence to this belief system transforms his life, as he is committed to becoming one with Ed after death. Thus, in this perspective, Joe could be seen as following a form of religion.

However, what Joe's belief lacks, when applying this definition, is a broader communal or societal transformation, which is often a critical component of established religions. His interpretation remains deeply personal, uninvolved with any significant external doctrines or community practices that typically disseminate the transformative power of religion among larger congregational frameworks.

Option B delineates religion as service and worship of the supernatural, along with commitment and devotion. Joe appears to engage in a significant form of devotion to Ed; however, the lack of worship practices significantly undermines the religious framework. There is no community ritual or formal service associated with his belief, as he is the sole believer. Thus, under this definition, Joe’s religion might be lacking essential structures of worship and a community around shared beliefs.

From Option C's definition of religion as "to link back," Joe's engagement with Ed does suggest a profound connection, embodying perceptions that link his existence to a greater natural phenomenon. Yet, similar to the previous definitions, the absence of a recognized founder or a sacred text diminishes its religious standing. The presence of a community or shared beliefs is vital to establish a robust foundation of religion as prescribed in this definition.

To elevate Joe's beliefs to the level of a World Religion, several components would need to be set in place. First, there would need to be a unifying community that shares the belief in Ed. This could emerge through a structured dialogue and collective practices that instill a sense of belonging and common purpose among believers. Joe would need to articulate a set of teachings or principles that others can follow and that provide detailed instructions on how to engage with Ed, particularly concerning worship, rituals, and moral guidance.

Furthermore, the development of sacred texts or oral traditions that encapsulate the stories of Ed and Joe's experiences with the volcano would significantly contribute to its religious legitimacy. Historical narratives, parables about interactions with Ed, and teachings on how to live in harmony with his concept of balance could appeal to a broader audience and solidify the community's beliefs.

Ideas surrounding the afterlife and moral implications derived from a relationship with Ed would also be significant. As Joe believes one unites with Ed after life by being consumed in lava, introducing additional beliefs about ethics or cosmology could tempt interest from a diverse range of followers, thus transitively carving out a new religious paradigm.

In summary, Joe’s belief in Ed presents an interesting framework that can be analyzed through various definitions of religion. While it displays elements of spontaneity and individual devotion, Joe's belief system currently lacks the communal and structural elements that define recognized religions. Developing a greater community, articulated principles, and narratives would be paramount for Joe's beliefs to mature into a World Religion.

References

• Young, H. (2011). The World’s Religions eText, Fourth Edition.
• Merriam-Webster. (2021). Religion. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion
• John. (2022). Lecture Materials on the Definition of Religion.
• Campbell, J. (1988). The Power of Myth. Doubleday.
• Smith, H. (1991). The World's Religions. HarperOne.
• Armstrong, K. (1993). A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Ballantine Books.
• Durkheim, E. (1995). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Free Press.
• Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
• Prothero, S. (2010). God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World. HarperOne.
• Rudolph, K. (2001). The Idea of Religion: An Introduction. Vita Books.

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