Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #9: The Incarnation of God: "After viewing 'The Nativity Story', analyzing your chosen Christmas carol, and reading Philippians 2:1-7, reflect on the meaning of Christma..."
The meaning of Christmas: The first part of the word is Christ which is the translation of the word Messiah meaning the annointed one or saviour from the Christian perspective, and the second part of the the word Christmas is Mas which is derived from the Greek word Mass which means celebration. The two words put together have made a special day that is remembered and celebrated by Christians all over the wolrd. This sacred day 'Christmas' which takes place on the 25th of December is about the birth of a holy child named Jesus Christ or as Christians believe he was God incarnate. A God who loves his people so much that he came down to earth in the form of a human being and died for the sins of those people who have faith in him and the sacrifice he made to save all of humanity from their sins. So to honour Jesus and to commemorate the sacrifice he made, Christians celebrate Chistmas the birthday of Jesus Christ. Christmas carols are sung in Chrushes all over the world around this time of the year, again to honour Jesus, his mother Mary and his miraculous birth.
The Christmas carol I chose to talk about was 'Away in a Manger.' The lyrics of 'Away in a Manger' explain about the poor conditions Jesus was born in. It tells us about how calm and patient he was sleeping in the cold with nothing but hay for a crib to lay in and how he was surrounded around loud and noisy sheep but still 'no crying he made.' The carol tells us how different and unique Jesus was from any other baby and like all Christmas carols it specially emphasises on the divinity of Jesus and how he is lord and saviour.
After reading Philippians 2:1-7, it is very clear what the purpose of Christmas should be for the Christians, its not just about the presents or Santa, or the Chritmas tree but to come together in love and peace and to worship Jesus as Lord and Saviour of the universe. But the real question arises that, what type of a God comes to earth as a baby? And if the story of Jesus is true why would God choose this method of coming to his creation?
Well in my opinion in some ways it may seem like only a very loving generous and sympathetic God would do such a favour for his creation, putting himself through all the torture and dying on the Cross for our sins so that we may not perish or suffer. But at the same time this method seems very unjust, because what happened to all the people before the mercy of Jesus, Adam and his descendents? And there are still some people living on earth today who have never heard the name of Jesus Christ what happenes to them? If God is the one who created us he must know exactly what we are like and how we feel since he is the one who put those emotions into us. We never told him to put us on this earth nor did we ask for his permission to come to this earth, so therefore nothing actually belongs to us, even the bodies we live in are only ours temporarily because eventually the return is to our lord. Just like the first man was made from clay we will too be put into the ground and will be truned into clay. Then how? If God knows us better than we know ourselves why does he need to come down to earth and experience our life? Can God not forgive all with just a word? Or does he prefer some of his creations more than others, even if they do no good and only create mischief and corruption on earth? Is it fair that some suffer in this world and the next even if they do no wrong or evil and are better than some believers? Can the result for doing good ever be bad or the result for doing bad ever be good?
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Monday, 6 December 2010
Modern Religious Experienpictures ofce: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives: "Find where Islamic religious beliefs intersect with current events. Research a Western news source on the story and summarize the article fr..."
The event I have picked was called the Lars Vilks Muhammad drawing controversy. This was a very controvesial event which began in july 2007 when Swedish artist; Lar Vilks, made a series of drawings that depicted the Islamic Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) as a roundaboutdog (a form of street installation in Sweden). It was controversial bnecause im Islam it is strictly forbidden to draw images of any prophet, not Just Mohammad, but also Moses, Jesus, Noah, and Abraham (pbut). But the key concern is that the use of images can encouarge idolatry, where the image becomes more important than what it represents.
The event caused widespread anger across the Muslim world and protests in several Muslim countries including Iran, Pakistan. Afghanistan, Egypt, and Jordan. In response, a protest in support of free speech began in 2010 which was called the ''Everybody Draw Muhammad Day''. The protest involved people drawing pictures of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) and Putting them up on facebook. In retaliation, a few countries including Pakistan banned facebook for about a week. Pakistan also banned youtube during the same week. The whole event caused widespread controversy. On the one hand, makers of the image argued their freedom of speech while one the other hand the muslims argued thier right to protect the respect of their beloved Prophet.
There were several internationd reactions that followed. On the 28th August 2007, The President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, commented on the drawings during a press conference. He was quoted as saying;Religions call for friendship, equality, justice, peace, and respect for divine Prophets. The Zionists only pretend to believe in religion. They are telling lies. They are perpetrating opperesion against the Europeans and putting at risk and prestige of Europe.'' On the 30th August, the swedish charge affairs in Islamabad, was summoned to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs to receive a similar protest from the Pakistani government. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs later issued a statement where it condemned the publication ''in the strongest terms''. On the 31st August, protestors in Pakistan burned the Swedish flag in the cities of Karachi and Lahore. Furthermore, on 1st September, the Afghan newspaper, and the Kabul Times published a statement which condemned the drawings, and on 3rd September, the Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments also condemned the publication.
In conclusion, the whole event was very controversial and something that could have been avoided very easily. If only, people learned to respect the traditions and beliefs of other people. The world would be a much more peaceful place then.
The event I have picked was called the Lars Vilks Muhammad drawing controversy. This was a very controvesial event which began in july 2007 when Swedish artist; Lar Vilks, made a series of drawings that depicted the Islamic Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) as a roundaboutdog (a form of street installation in Sweden). It was controversial bnecause im Islam it is strictly forbidden to draw images of any prophet, not Just Mohammad, but also Moses, Jesus, Noah, and Abraham (pbut). But the key concern is that the use of images can encouarge idolatry, where the image becomes more important than what it represents.
The event caused widespread anger across the Muslim world and protests in several Muslim countries including Iran, Pakistan. Afghanistan, Egypt, and Jordan. In response, a protest in support of free speech began in 2010 which was called the ''Everybody Draw Muhammad Day''. The protest involved people drawing pictures of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) and Putting them up on facebook. In retaliation, a few countries including Pakistan banned facebook for about a week. Pakistan also banned youtube during the same week. The whole event caused widespread controversy. On the one hand, makers of the image argued their freedom of speech while one the other hand the muslims argued thier right to protect the respect of their beloved Prophet.
There were several internationd reactions that followed. On the 28th August 2007, The President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, commented on the drawings during a press conference. He was quoted as saying;Religions call for friendship, equality, justice, peace, and respect for divine Prophets. The Zionists only pretend to believe in religion. They are telling lies. They are perpetrating opperesion against the Europeans and putting at risk and prestige of Europe.'' On the 30th August, the swedish charge affairs in Islamabad, was summoned to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs to receive a similar protest from the Pakistani government. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs later issued a statement where it condemned the publication ''in the strongest terms''. On the 31st August, protestors in Pakistan burned the Swedish flag in the cities of Karachi and Lahore. Furthermore, on 1st September, the Afghan newspaper, and the Kabul Times published a statement which condemned the drawings, and on 3rd September, the Egyptian Ministry of Religious Endowments also condemned the publication.
In conclusion, the whole event was very controversial and something that could have been avoided very easily. If only, people learned to respect the traditions and beliefs of other people. The world would be a much more peaceful place then.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Modern Religious Experience: Personal Commemoration- Reflection #7
Modern Religious Experience: Personal Commemoration- Reflection #7: "Think of an event in your life- past, present or future. You are going to create a commemorative ritual for this event. First, describe the ..."
The event I have picked is called Hajj. It is a future event as I have not performed Hajj as yet. Hajj is an Islamic practice in which a muslim makes pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is an obligation on every able-bodied Muslim to do Hajj at least once in their lifetime if they have the financial means to do so. It is the fifth pillar of Islam.
The Hajj occurs from the 8th to the 12th day of the Islamic calendar. The dress code for Hajj is the Ihram for men and hijab and modest dress for women. The Ihram consists of two sheets of white cloth, with the top draped over the torso and the bottom securedd by a white belt or sash. The perpose of Ihram is so that no one is able to differentiate between the rich and the poor in God's house, everyone is equal. For women, the clothing is to cover their entire body and to wear the hijab and to reveal only the hands and the face. When a Muslim wears the Ihram, he/she enters Masjid Al-Haram in the state of Ihram. While in the state of Ihram, a Muslim is not allowed to shave, clip their nails, wear perfume, wear shoes which cover their ankles, swear or quarrel, have sexual relations, uproot or damage plants or any living thing and perform any dishonest acts or carry weapons. Muslim men should not cover their heads and the women should not cover their faces or thier hands.
The Hajj ritual consists of each person walking counter clockwise arround the Kaba seven times, running back and forth between the hills of Al- Safa and Al-Marwah seven times, drinking from the Zamzam well, going to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil, and throwing stones on a rtual called Stoing of the Devil. The pilgrim then shaves their head(men only), perfrom a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three day global festival of Eid Al-Adha. There are many prayers and suplications that a Muslim performs during the Hajj. But the most commen one is the Talbiyah:
Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik,
Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik,
Innal-Hamda,
Wan-Nematah,
Laka Wal Mulk,
La Shareeka Laka.
Which translates as the following: ''Here I am at thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at thy service and tou hast no partners. Thine alone is All praise and All bounty, and Thine alone is the Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners.''
This supplication is recited by Muslims as a conviction of their intention to perform Hajj only for the Glory of God and it is repeatedly invoked during the Hajj so that Muslims can purify themselves and rid themselves of worldly concerns.
After performing Hajj and celebrating Eid Al-Adha, pilgrims before leaving Mecca, perform a farewell tawaf, called the Tawaf-Al-Wida, which means to ''bid farewell''
The event I have picked is called Hajj. It is a future event as I have not performed Hajj as yet. Hajj is an Islamic practice in which a muslim makes pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is an obligation on every able-bodied Muslim to do Hajj at least once in their lifetime if they have the financial means to do so. It is the fifth pillar of Islam.
The Hajj occurs from the 8th to the 12th day of the Islamic calendar. The dress code for Hajj is the Ihram for men and hijab and modest dress for women. The Ihram consists of two sheets of white cloth, with the top draped over the torso and the bottom securedd by a white belt or sash. The perpose of Ihram is so that no one is able to differentiate between the rich and the poor in God's house, everyone is equal. For women, the clothing is to cover their entire body and to wear the hijab and to reveal only the hands and the face. When a Muslim wears the Ihram, he/she enters Masjid Al-Haram in the state of Ihram. While in the state of Ihram, a Muslim is not allowed to shave, clip their nails, wear perfume, wear shoes which cover their ankles, swear or quarrel, have sexual relations, uproot or damage plants or any living thing and perform any dishonest acts or carry weapons. Muslim men should not cover their heads and the women should not cover their faces or thier hands.
The Hajj ritual consists of each person walking counter clockwise arround the Kaba seven times, running back and forth between the hills of Al- Safa and Al-Marwah seven times, drinking from the Zamzam well, going to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil, and throwing stones on a rtual called Stoing of the Devil. The pilgrim then shaves their head(men only), perfrom a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three day global festival of Eid Al-Adha. There are many prayers and suplications that a Muslim performs during the Hajj. But the most commen one is the Talbiyah:
Labbaika Allahumma Labbaik,
Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik,
Innal-Hamda,
Wan-Nematah,
Laka Wal Mulk,
La Shareeka Laka.
Which translates as the following: ''Here I am at thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at thy service and tou hast no partners. Thine alone is All praise and All bounty, and Thine alone is the Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners.''
This supplication is recited by Muslims as a conviction of their intention to perform Hajj only for the Glory of God and it is repeatedly invoked during the Hajj so that Muslims can purify themselves and rid themselves of worldly concerns.
After performing Hajj and celebrating Eid Al-Adha, pilgrims before leaving Mecca, perform a farewell tawaf, called the Tawaf-Al-Wida, which means to ''bid farewell''
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Modern Religious Experience: The Morality of Greek Myths- Reflection #6
Modern Religious Experience: The Morality of Greek Myths- Reflection #6: "The Creation of Seasons: Demeter and PersephoneFor this reflection, upload a picture that represents your character in the Greek myth you pr..."
The King of the Gods, Jupiter came down to Earth one day to consort with his 3 Nymphs. His wife, Juno, becomes suspicious of his behaviour and wants to investigate. One of the Nymphs, Echo, deceives Juno and helps the Nymphs to escape. Juno curses Echo that from here-forth she would not speak but repeat the words of others.
Narcissies is a charming man who is lost in the woods. Echo tries all ways to please Narcissies, but in vain. Echo ultimately dies repeating her own words. Besides Echo, older Nymphs, prayed to God to punish Narcissies for his selfishness. Nemeses, the Godesses of retribution, punishes him and turns him into a flower, so that he is so annoyed by himself that he could not take his eyes away.
Moral of the Story: Jealousy and Selfishness does not reward anyone in the long-run.
The important virtue of the Greeks, is to punish anyone who does wrong or is of a bad character or is proud.
One should learn from this story, that one should be happy with his surroundings and not be greedy.
The gods were a lot like human beings in how they reacted and had the same kind of emotions as humans, the only thing that made them more superior was their power. They were also able to come down to earth and communicate with the people face to face. The gods were sometimes unjust and did whatever pleased them.
Modern Religious Experience: The Morality of Greek Myths- Reflection #6
Modern Religious Experience: The Morality of Greek Myths- Reflection #6: "The Creation of Seasons: Demeter and PersephoneFor this reflection, upload a picture that represents your character in the Greek myth you pr..."
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk: "After visiting the Zen Buddhist Temple, Bongwonsa and attempting to see nature as a Taoist, answer this question: What is it about creation,..."
As I entered the temple, I felt a sense of peace and serenity. There is something about sacred places of worship (temples, churches, mosques, etc...) that makes one's soul feel at peace. This peace cannot be achieved in the busy life of the city.
I believe people use their religion to escape from the harsh realities of this cruel world. Also, religion brings one close to nature and being one with nature makes one's soul feel at rest. Furthermore, I believe human beings have the inherent curiosity to find out the truth about their religion and their creation. This curiosity is what prompts human beings to seek knowledge and the truth. It gives one's life a sense of purpose and meaning.
As I entered the temple, I felt a sense of peace and serenity. There is something about sacred places of worship (temples, churches, mosques, etc...) that makes one's soul feel at peace. This peace cannot be achieved in the busy life of the city.
I believe people use their religion to escape from the harsh realities of this cruel world. Also, religion brings one close to nature and being one with nature makes one's soul feel at rest. Furthermore, I believe human beings have the inherent curiosity to find out the truth about their religion and their creation. This curiosity is what prompts human beings to seek knowledge and the truth. It gives one's life a sense of purpose and meaning.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #4: Buddhist Meditation
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #4: Buddhist Meditation: "Spend 20 mintues in a silent meditation; a place you won't be disturbed, your own 'fig tree' as was Buddha's inspiration. In those 20 mintue..."
Meditating helped me release all the stress that I was carrying over the week from school. It gave me a chance to relax and think of all the positive things in my life that I am very grateful for. Memories of sitting with old friends and having a good laugh by our favourite hangout spot, kept creeping back into my mind, it was quite hard to control those toughts since I am constantly thinking of that wonderful time I had with my friends in Pakistan. Thinking about the future, was a thought I was concentrating on a lot. The future is something that I am always concerned about most, not only for myself but also for everyone around me, especially my family and friends. Its a very scary thought that no one in the world knows what tomorrow is going to bring for them, and this is why it's always better to be thinking ahead. Nothing from this exercise has inspired me as such, but meditating helped me realize that thinking about things is someting very important and that everone should take some time out to relax their minds and think of good thoughts that help a person mature and prevent them from making foolish mistakes.
Meditating helped me release all the stress that I was carrying over the week from school. It gave me a chance to relax and think of all the positive things in my life that I am very grateful for. Memories of sitting with old friends and having a good laugh by our favourite hangout spot, kept creeping back into my mind, it was quite hard to control those toughts since I am constantly thinking of that wonderful time I had with my friends in Pakistan. Thinking about the future, was a thought I was concentrating on a lot. The future is something that I am always concerned about most, not only for myself but also for everyone around me, especially my family and friends. Its a very scary thought that no one in the world knows what tomorrow is going to bring for them, and this is why it's always better to be thinking ahead. Nothing from this exercise has inspired me as such, but meditating helped me realize that thinking about things is someting very important and that everone should take some time out to relax their minds and think of good thoughts that help a person mature and prevent them from making foolish mistakes.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist: "In class, your small groups went over movie questions about the content in Gandhi. You should know who each of the main characters are and t..."
Gandhi took te religious principle of `Ahima' which is doing no harm. This was his main teaching. Gandhi hoped to win people over by changing their hearts and minds, and advocated non-violence in all things. This can be seen in many parts of the movie. 1)How Gandhi fasted till his people turned away from violence and learned to be patient and stopped themselves from from rebelling against the British army. 2) And also when he was in England and gave a speech to the Hindus and Muslims about how they should not provoke the fight, but stand back and do no harm.
`A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the of its people'.
Although Gandhi was away from India and went to England at the age of nineteen, for college and did not return back to India till quite some time. Even after being exposed to the western world and its traditions he still did not fotget about his own roots. When he Travelled back to India, he lived modesty in a self-sufficient residential community and wore the traditional Indian dhoti, woven from yarn that he had spun by hand himself. He ate vegetarian food and undertook long fasts and sacrificed of the sake of his own people.
Gandhi took te religious principle of `Ahima' which is doing no harm. This was his main teaching. Gandhi hoped to win people over by changing their hearts and minds, and advocated non-violence in all things. This can be seen in many parts of the movie. 1)How Gandhi fasted till his people turned away from violence and learned to be patient and stopped themselves from from rebelling against the British army. 2) And also when he was in England and gave a speech to the Hindus and Muslims about how they should not provoke the fight, but stand back and do no harm.
`A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the of its people'.
Although Gandhi was away from India and went to England at the age of nineteen, for college and did not return back to India till quite some time. Even after being exposed to the western world and its traditions he still did not fotget about his own roots. When he Travelled back to India, he lived modesty in a self-sufficient residential community and wore the traditional Indian dhoti, woven from yarn that he had spun by hand himself. He ate vegetarian food and undertook long fasts and sacrificed of the sake of his own people.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Modern Religious Experience: Assignment #3- Sacred Poetry
Modern Religious Experience: Assignment #3- Sacred Poetry: "Assignment #3- Sacred Poetry • Add a picture of an ancient religious symbol to your Online Portfolio (it can be one of those from the notes..."
TOTEMS
Totem oh Totem, you have not decayed
You live in the hearts of millions
Spead in the northwest costal regions
Of America, you live in the zillions
Aritist make a fortune by carving you and raising you
They educate new apprentices and are repaid
Modern poles, carved poles are your beauty
you are like plume of the eagle, colourful in red, green, yellow, white and turquoise
They erect you to ridicule and shame
Execution of such roles are popular in the game
You are a symbolic of independence and nationalism
Totems are a manifestation of outrage against political decision, the cost of construction is a major inhibition
TOTEMS
Totem oh Totem, you have not decayed
You live in the hearts of millions
Spead in the northwest costal regions
Of America, you live in the zillions
Aritist make a fortune by carving you and raising you
They educate new apprentices and are repaid
Modern poles, carved poles are your beauty
you are like plume of the eagle, colourful in red, green, yellow, white and turquoise
They erect you to ridicule and shame
Execution of such roles are popular in the game
You are a symbolic of independence and nationalism
Totems are a manifestation of outrage against political decision, the cost of construction is a major inhibition
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Western Civilization 2010: Video of the Week: Live Curious.
Western Civilization 2010: Video of the Week: Live Curious.: "1. Watch the video of the week. 2. Go to the class blog and post a reflection on your thoughts after viewing the video. 3. Some questions..."
My thoughts on this video are that its basically just trying to tell us to learn more from life by taking a step forward instead of just standing in the back and not making any use of the knowledge that we can gain from this world, which can only be achieved by being curious and asking questions.
a. yes, I am living a curious life.
b. I am living a curious life but I would rather keep my thoughts to myself and figure out things on my own instead of asking questions. Which is not always the best thing to do.
c. yes i do think that my educational experience encourages me to live curious, because it is part of the learning process. The more you learn the more curious you become.
d. It is beneficial to live curious lives because if noone was curious about anything the world would never improve or develope.
My thoughts on this video are that its basically just trying to tell us to learn more from life by taking a step forward instead of just standing in the back and not making any use of the knowledge that we can gain from this world, which can only be achieved by being curious and asking questions.
a. yes, I am living a curious life.
b. I am living a curious life but I would rather keep my thoughts to myself and figure out things on my own instead of asking questions. Which is not always the best thing to do.
c. yes i do think that my educational experience encourages me to live curious, because it is part of the learning process. The more you learn the more curious you become.
d. It is beneficial to live curious lives because if noone was curious about anything the world would never improve or develope.
Friday, 27 August 2010
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1
Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1: "According to Mircea Eliade religion has 'not vanished without a trace; [it] has contributed toward making us what we are today and so, after..."
Growing up i was exposed to several religious traditions ranging from the kind of food we eat, the way we dress, and the way we interact with in a community. Practicing on a daily bases, religious holidays and rituals all played a mager role in my up bringing. It is important that our elders carry on these traditions and values to the younger because religion is best understood through setting an example rather then just reading from books.
althoug from my experience, in order to learn more about your own religion and to know the purpose behind why such traditions and rituals take place a lot of researching is required and reading books about not only your own religion but also other religions so that you can gain knowledge of various religions aswell as your own and are able to compare the two or more. It is very improtant that people are not ignorant about other religions.
Growing up i was exposed to several religious traditions ranging from the kind of food we eat, the way we dress, and the way we interact with in a community. Practicing on a daily bases, religious holidays and rituals all played a mager role in my up bringing. It is important that our elders carry on these traditions and values to the younger because religion is best understood through setting an example rather then just reading from books.
althoug from my experience, in order to learn more about your own religion and to know the purpose behind why such traditions and rituals take place a lot of researching is required and reading books about not only your own religion but also other religions so that you can gain knowledge of various religions aswell as your own and are able to compare the two or more. It is very improtant that people are not ignorant about other religions.
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