What way should we define religions, and how do they help ✓ Solved

You may choose any combination of the questions on the syllabus to formulate your own prompt, or you can organize your midterm essay around the following key question: What way should we define religions, and how do they help and/or hinder? You must use some material selected from Comparing Religions Ch. 1-3, as well as some from Ch. 4-6.

TOPICS: Material selected 1 Comparative Practices in Global History: If Horses Had Hands; 9 The Comparative Practices of Polytheism; 11 The Comparative Practices of Monotheism: Early Islam; 27 The Comparative Practices of Asia: Hinduism; Western Origins and History of the Modern Practice: From the Bible to Buddhism; 43 Just Upstream: Colonialism and the Modern Births of Spirituality and Fundamentalism; 58 The Immediate Wake: Counterculture, Consciousness, Context, and Cosmopolitanism; The Skill of Reflexivity and Some Key Categories: The Terms of Our Time Travel; 7 Patterns of Initiation; 82 The Humanities: Consciousness Studying Consciousness; 85 Cultural Anthropology and Initiation Rites; The Creative Functions of Myth and Ritual: Performing the World; 111 Myth: Telling the Story Telling Us; 113 Ritual: Acting Out the Story Acting Us; 116 Comparative Practice: The Awakened One and the Great Hero in Ancient India; Religion, Nature, and Science: The Super Natural; 143 The Paradox of the Super Natural; 146 Food and Purity Codes: “You Are What You Eat.”

You must also demonstrate two main things: 1. Have you read and understood a significant amount of course material, especially the textbook? (at least a week and a half's worth) 2. Have you thought about that material carefully and critically for yourself? Summarize, Criticize, and So What?

1) Summarize -- Show that you read and understood the text (or texts). What is it about? Main idea(s)? Key point(s)? Explain key quote(s) in your own words. 2) Criticize -- Show that you thought about it for yourself. Demonstrate critical thinking in regard to the reading. What values does it uphold and what or whom does it devalue? What is at stake in the reading, tradition, or story? What's to be gained or lost? What work is this story or dynamic doing, and for whom? What or who is excluded from this story or marginalized by it? In whose interest was this story formed? 3) So what? -- After you've done steps one and two, now clearly explain to your reader why that preceding discussion matters. What difference does it make to your life? To the world? What should the reader do differently or think about differently after reading your essay?

Paper For Above Instructions

Religion holds a multifaceted position in human society; it serves both as a cornerstone of cultural identity and a complex force in global dynamics. Defining 'religion' involves delving into its diversified practices and historical backgrounds. In this essay, I will explore how religion can provide both support and opposition by analyzing key themes from Chapters 1-6 of Comparing Religions. We will summarize critical ideas from the text, criticize their implications, and reflect on their relevance in modern contexts.

Understanding Religion

According to the textbook, one way to define religion is by examining comparative practices across cultures. In Chapter 1, the metaphor "If Horses Had Hands" suggests that different cultures interpret and interact with the divine based on their unique contextual experiences. This signifies that religion is subjective, shaped deeply by cultural environments (Comparing Religions, 1). Religious practices—like polytheism in ancient India (Chapter 4) or the monotheism seen in early Islam (Chapter 5)—demonstrate how each tradition emerged from a complex amalgamation of social, historical, and political contexts.

Moreover, exploring myth and ritual (Chapters 6 and 7) reveals that these elements serve a dual purpose: they construct community identities while also delineating boundaries that can exclude others. For instance, initiation rites signify inclusion within a religious community, yet they simultaneously marginalize those who do not partake in these rituals. Therefore, one key point across these readings is that religion can bridge gaps between individuals within a community while simultaneously creating divisions between communities.

Critique on Values and Exclusions

Engagement with the readings uncovers the values upheld by various religious traditions. For example, the comparative discussion of food purity codes (Chapter 6) illustrates how certain religious dictates support societal norms around health and ethics while often relegating non-adherents to a lower status. This exclusionary nature questions whether the ethics upheld by these traditions serve broader societal interests or simply reinforce existing hierarchies. The work of these narratives, then, often aligns with the interests of those already in power—whether they be religious leaders, political entities, or cultural influencers (Comparing Religions, 146).

The persistent question arises: what do these religious narratives gain? From the analysis, it is apparent that they foster community cohesion and identity. Rituals and myths act as repositories for cultural memory, supporting traditions that can provide comfort and guidance (Comparing Religions, 111). However, the act of exclusion comes at a cost, highlighting a paradox in which the same mechanisms that foster community can simultaneously perpetuate conflict and division.

Relevance and Personal Reflection

Reflecting on these insights, it becomes evident that the dynamics of religion impact not only individual lives but also broader societal constructs. The question of "So what?" begs a response that acknowledges the importance of understanding these religious structures in contemporary life. In an increasingly globalized world, divisive narratives can lead to conflict, while inclusive practices encourage dialogue and mutual understanding.

For my own life, understanding the critical lens through which to view religion shapes my interactions with diverse communities. It encourages a thoughtful engagement with religious narratives, urging me not only to examine my beliefs but to respect and understand those of others. This perspective fosters a climate of tolerance and open dialogue in a world rife with division.

As a society, we must actively challenge exclusionary narratives and strive for a more inclusive interpretation of religious practices. By recognizing the critical insights derived from studying traditions, we can promote values of empathy and inclusivity that contribute positively to global society.

Conclusion

In summary, the exploration of religion through comparative practices unveils how definitions of religion are deeply intertwined with cultural and social elements. By scrutinizing the values upheld by various religious traditions, we uncover not only the benefits they provide but also the exclusions they entrench. This critical engagement with religion reveals its potential to either hinder or help societal cohesion. Ultimately, fostering a deeper understanding of these dynamics is essential as we navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

References

• Comparing Religions: Chapters 1-6.
• Smith, H. (1991). The World's Religions. HarperOne.
• Eliade, M. (1987). The Sacred and the Profane. Harcourt.
• Durkheim, E. (1912). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Free Press.
• Taylor, C. (2007). A Secular Age. Harvard University Press.
• Armstrong, K. (1993). A History of God. Ballantine Books.
• Geertz, C. (1973). Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
• Turner, V. (1969). The Ritual Process. Aldine Publishing Company.
• Parsons, T. (1964). Society, Culture and Personality. Free Press.
• Fowler, J. W. (1981). Stages of Faith. Harper & Row.