Discovering Many Subjects Can Help Establish the True Meaning of Studying Religion

In Religious Studies we have discussed many books covering a wide range of religions, cultures, languages, customs and practices.  A topic that has been presented from each book is distinguishing how to study religion from each book and not a wide range of topics.  This past Friday in class we discussed all the possible subjects that Religious Studies can get confused with.  Some of the subjects that were mentioned included English, History, culture studies, and Philosophy.  Most notably philosophy seemed like the subject that our class most often misconstrued with Religious Studies.  

The precise definition of philosophy is the rational investigation of truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.  One can garner from this definition that philosophy involves personal or group reflection towards knowledge of moral and ethical well-being.  Through religion anybody can see the morals projected for people of that faith to follow.  By strictly studying religion, one will find out some knowledge that is based upon faith.  Each religion has a set of moral codes that are in encryption that must be deciphered.  It is easy to see how philosophy and religion cross paths because they have similar aspects of gaining knowledge.  Philosophy will always be encompassed through religion.

History can be seen viewed through religious studies but, religious studies is not a history class.  In history, one can see events from the past for future generations to learn from.  Religion has been a surviving entity throughout the course of mankind also like history.  The connection between the two will always coexist.  However, what makes these two subjects differ from one another is yes history details when religious events took place but history cannot examine the beliefs of humans.  By studying religion it helps justify many different beliefs for our existence, something that history cannot make legitimate.

By finding the difference in a wide range of similar subjects it can make it easier to find what one is actually looking for in religious studies.  Religious studies is more open to opinion than history but less personal reflection regarding philosophy.

Ethnicities Around the Hull House

By looking at some of these maps one can see how the many different ethnicities are displayed and particularly why.  Something that stuck out at me was how the Italians dominated in large clusters.  No other ethnicity seems to be closer together.  Italians usually have fairly large families, even by today's standard.  I have couple Italian friends and their families are similar to the family from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  Like in the movie, they always are working together, eating together, always spending leisurely time together, etc.  Also, these families always have a lot of kids and many relatives.  I believe that Italians practice the same kind of relationships within their own family.  One of the reasons that I think that Italians have families like they do is because by moving to America, they had no one to depend on but themselves.  By speaking a different language, eating different foods, or practicing another religion its hard to blend with other cultures right away.  It's simple to see why they lived together the way that they did.  

On the second map its interesting to see how that there are just about the same amount of English-speaking residents as foreigners.  But on the first map there is hardly any English-speaking residents compared to the amount of foreigners.  What I think the Hull house helped achieve was the integration of the many ethnicities.  By all the different people seeking the same necessities, it was easy access for them.

A group of people that are close together as one can see from the map are the Russians and Poles.   These two groups of people are similar in the fact that a good many of them are Jewish.  Also, these two countries present a strong slavic background.  

Hull House is not Full of Religious Strife

After reading Twenty Years at Hull House it is hard to see Jane Addams' work in the community as being a strictly religious mission.  First of all, throughout the reading it does not mention that there are any church services of any kind that take place.  It was Addams' goal to help those in her community, not help those in need for the glory of God.  One would think that her actions in building the Hull House are religious because of her Quaker upbringing.  Possibly, one could say that her work with the poor citizens of Chicago act like characteristics of the Christian faith that should be put forth.  However possible, she never speaks of religion in her undertaking of the poor folk.

Also, an important thing that she was very passionate was woman's rights and the ending of child labor.  She belonged to the NAACP and the first Woman's Peace Party in which she was elected president.  Her dedication in changing the world is not matched to many others.   Addams' never acted cenobitic in any of these dealings.

Bob Marley the Idol

In our latest discussions about Rastafari and talking about how Bob Marley's music reflects his beliefs, Bob Marley has to be one of the biggest influences in terms of religion or ideology.  Though this movement is not that old compared to Christianity or  Judaism in the last thirty to forty years I feel as though no other person has really influenced more people than himself.  

If you think about it he has reached all kinds of people around the world with his music.  Even to this day people listen to the lyrics and realize what he is preaching about.  In the movie I am Legend with Will Smith, Smith talks about how Bob Marley was shot right before a concert and two days later made it on stage.  A person asked him why he went on stage after being shot so soon and Marley responded that why should I take a day off when all the evil in the world is not.  His kind of enthusiasm towards about his life is what makes him so popular.  This kind of spirit is how he speaks of Rastas.  

Rastari Truly Evident in Boboshanti

By watching the video on you tube, it confirms a lot about Rastafarian life from the book.  During the video they interview people of a small congregation.  Like this small group they are one of many practicing the same rituals.  In Rastafari, its speaks of how there are individual groups that are separate but share the same core beliefs.

One of the important things that I picked up while watching the video like in Rastafari, was how one can see the Rastas' African roots.  Their African roots were evident with one of the Rastas' main beliefs in going back to Africa.  Also, an important aspect that I recognized in the video like in the book was the Rastas' wearing red, gold, and green.  The three colors of Rastafari.  You can also see how they wear dreadlocks.  

While watching the video, I felt as though this group of Rastas could be extremely violent if need be.  This is something that I did not really feel in Rastafari.  This group of Rastas also appears to be racist and not accepting any other races than black into their culture.

Rastafarian Concepts in America?

While reading Rastafari, I recognized how there are people in the United States that practice some of the Rastafarian rituals or identify themselves with Rastafarian style.  Particularly while I was in high school many kids that could relate to Rastafarian ideals took it upon themselves to follow the Rasta movement.  I feel like many students followed this ideology for its style more than its actual beliefs.

Throughout high school there was always a group of kids who had Rasta like characteristics.  They always had red, gold, and green wrist bands, tennis shoes, t-shirts, hats, and even piercings with these colors.  A few of them also grew out dreadlocks that they wore for weeks.  They were always listening to reggae in their cars and were especially keen for Bob Marley.  Not to mention, most of these kids also smoked marijuana.  This was the most common characteristic.

Although, I feel that this click of students in high school was actually one of the more accepting, non-racial, and non-violent groups in school, it is hard to see some of the connections of their style and actual beliefs of Rastafarian ideology.  Some people that you talk to will speak of why they dress the way that they do and with good reason but typically it is hard to find this person that is fully enriched in the Rasta movement.  

Ethiopian Status and Value

The Emperor of Ethiopia is one of Solomon's children.  The first born and eldest son of Solomon.  This blood line provides great genetics.  It is also says that God has given Queen of Ethiopia all the glory and riches that she deserves.  

When a rich Ethiopian merchant, Tamrin, travels and sees the wealth and especially the wisdom of Solomon the King he retreats back to Ethiopia to tell the Queen of his news.  After many discussions of Solomon the Queen decides that she would like to go see Solomon's wisdom for herself.  She is seeking the same wisdom, joy, and peace that is amongst the country of Judah and Jerusalem.  It also says that when she embarks on her journey that her heart has confidence in God.  This nation should receives God's blessings.  

Finally, when the Queen arrives she realizes Ethiopia's potential.  In order to gain all the wisdom and riches Solomon strongly points out that one must follow God.  The God of Israel is who they will follow now, "From this moment I will not worship the sun, but will worship the creator of the sun, the God of Israel."  The Queen says this with her true understanding.  Hence forth, from this point on Ethiopia has reached status and value.

System of Symbols

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As you will see here this picture provides us with a glimpse of a steep mountain, below it a huge valley.  This picture provides us with a system of symbols because it shows us the highest and lowest points of landscape.  One might think that the lowest point might be negative but as you can see in the picture it is one of the most beautiful landscapes.  One might also think that the highest point might be the more positive part of the picture however, reaching the top of something might does not always determine who is best or who is right.

Homosexuality ok according to Saint Augustine?

In Friday's class we talked about what would Augustine think about gay marriage and if he would ever come to accept it because it is becoming a more modern and accepted status.  Personally, I feel as though even if it is widely accepted by people today, that still in the Catholic church it is strongly frowned upon.

Even if other churches find it acceptable to practice homosexuality today, the Catholic church still opposes it.  Gay marriage is a much more degrading sin than pre-martial sex.  The Catholic church says that for birth control that one couple must use the rhythm method over birth control.  It however, does not say anything about dealing with homosexuality.  If Catholics are against this now would not Saint Augustine still feel the same way too?

Augustine would certainly have an open-mind towards accepted practices by the Catholic church today, but homosexuality has not gotten to that level yet.

The True Language of the Bible

Throughout Book 2 of Augustine's On Christian Teaching, Saint Augustine claims that in order to understand the full meaning of the Bible one must interpret it in its original context.  The value of one's knowledge of Greek and Hebrew is necessary according to Augustine.  This is important to know because I believe that Augustine is trying to say that in order to worship God in the way he is suppose to be followed, it is hard to completely understand the true meaning of the Bible without knowing these two languages.

In the Book of Psalms, it continually says that worshiping God is vital.  I think that Augustine believes that possibly reading the Psalms, a follower or one that is maybe agnostic or a non-believer  might not be able to concept how to worship God or realize God's splendor.  In my freshman studies course, we examined how Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis is vastly different from it original German text.  Like in freshman studies and in Augustine's opinion, certain words and signs can mean many different things.  Arguably, if one has the knowledge of Hebrew and Greek and were to read the bible in its original point of view, following the lord becomes much clearer.

Book of Psalms

I feel as though in the Book of Psalms, I get this impression that if you don't follow God's righteous path you are doomed.  For example, chapter 2, verse 5 "Then will He speak to them in His wrath, in His burning anger dismay them."  This chapter speaks of the consequences of misjudging the worship of God.  

However, by worshiping God faithfully one should have nothing to fear.  Chapter 30, verses 3-4, "Lord, my God, I cried to You and You healed me."  By turning to God he will help you.  Also in chapter 30, verse 8 "Lord, in your pleasure You made me stand mountain-strong.  When You hid Your face, I was stricken."  In this passage God has given great security to those in need and those without him are most definitely lost.  The Psalms use of capitalizing "You' and "Your" really emphasizes God's majesty.

Ethically speaking, by following God according to the Book of Psalms, he has all the answers to live by.  Typically, God demands will save you.  From the beginning of mankind up to the Book of Psalms, every person has committed an act of wrong doing.  In human nature it has been impossible.  In today's standards, living by the rules of God I believe is especially harder.  This ethic sums up the ethics of Christianity or Judaism.  The question is whether if they are rules to live by and to follow them with the best of one's ability or will the people of mankind find out that they are condemned?  I think that if the latter were the case no one would be saved.  In short, by worshiping God faithfully, one might make mistakes but by gaining God's forgiveness nobody will have anything to fear.  By avoiding those who will lead you down the wrong path, you can pull through.  Chapter 35, verse 8, "Take my part, Lord, against my contesters, fight those who fight against me."

Psalm II

The Psalm published in 1640 Massachusetts could easily represent Puritan life during that time.  I feel as if though the Puritans believed if one is to not follow God, one will be in danger of the lord's wrath.  

The puritans moved from England because they believed that it was more pure to practice Christianity before the English Reformation took place.  After reading the first five verses it gives solid validation as to why the puritans left.  "Kings of the earth take their stand, and prince conspire together againste the Lord and against His anointed."  This is their justification.  England has changed for the worse.  "Let us afunder break their bands..." When the Psalms speaks of "Kings" the Puritans believed that they spoke of the King of England.  By reforming the Church of England, those who follow it are getting more away from God.  One way or another everybody serves something or someone.  By leaving God, the chapter speaks of how the lord is still there no matter what.  

Wisconsin Mounds

I think that the Mounds of Wisconsin are similar to that of the Cave of Lascaux.  As one can see, the animals pictured were vital to life.  The men used them to hunt and helped their survival.  The Indians of Wisconsin strongly relied on them for food too.  In Native American culture, some animals had the same spirit that they followed.  The Indians even named some of their people after animals for certain qualities that they possess.  The connection between Native Americans and animals is like that of no other culture.

Our own use of animals in the name of sports clubs is different than that of Indians.  We do not have the connection that Indians had with animals.  Most of us do not have a religion involving animals like Native Americans do.  We might name a sports club after something special to a region.  For example, the Baltimore Orioles get their name from the common Oriole bird in the Maryland area.  But that does not mean the people of Baltimore worship the Oriole or have it involved in religion at all.  

The religious significance in the Indian mounds might be how a great kill than a Native American might have achieved and when he dies the spirit of possibly a bison reflect each other.  An important aspect of animals and the Indians is that Native Americans always used every single piece of the animal when they were hunted.  Nothing whatsoever was wasted.  This really shows how sacred some animals were to Native Americans.

Grizzly Man

In class on Friday after watching the Grizzly Man, we discussed whether or not Timothy Tredwell was clearly insane.  Personally, I believe that in order to interact with grizzly bears, which can be extremely dangerous, it would take a man that is very willing to risk his life.  His love for those bears really showed how anxious he was to be out in the wilderness.  

I do not think he was insane.  When one takes risks such as him it was bound to happen.  For example, a guy like Steve Irwin died during the work he loved or James Dean for racing cars.  Its seems almost fulfilling that he died the way he did.  

To me, I feel as if everyone in the documentary highly criticized him.  It seemed as if no one took anything good from his research other than to avoid grizzly bears.  I would never risk my life the way he did to bring out bear awareness.  I believe that he deserves credit for his work.

My Response to Clifford Geertz's Definition of Religion

Geertz's definition of Religion has a very scientific approach to it.  But the fact of the matter is religion is no science.  Simply put, religion can help implement morals in human beings while living in this world.  For example, the ten commandments.  Not only does it do this, but help further justify our place.  His definition explains our existence in this world and what our purpose is.  

Geertz's refers to religion in his definition as a "system".  Who knows if it is an exact "system"?  I or people that follow a religion choose to believe in something because we have "faith".  An important aspect of one's religion is one's faith toward a higher being and believing in the right morals.

I disagree with Geertz's point of view.  His definition seems as if it is coming from an atheists's point of view.  Religion is more than that.  To some, it is in his or her life every single day.  Geertz's use of the quote "uniquely realistic" makes religion seem as if the occurrence's in one's life are very coincidental.