The Science of Religion; The Religion of Science

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Thursday, September 6, 2007

Week 1

During week 1 of the course we thought about why we wanted to explore religions. We answered such questions as: Why is there suffering in the world? What happens after death? What does God look like? What do I believe?

We also learned about various mythologies. Among these were the Greek and Roman, the chief deities and roles thereof were used to establish a paradigm to view the pantheons of various cultures. these cultures were the Norse, Celtic, Slavic, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Canaanite, Hindu, Chinese, and Japanese. There were a number of difficulties in establishing this paradigm, chief among them the variety of roles played by deities from the nonclassical world that were not played by those of the classical. The purpose was to illustrate the contrast between the polytheistic worldview and monotheistic, as well as illuistrate the reason of certain "inconsistencies" in sacred literature that can be accounted for the many roles, or many facets of the monotheistic deity.

The Canaanite pantheon is of particular interest in transitioning from polytheism to monotheism. The Bible mentions several of the Canaanite deities such as Baal and Moloch, and many students are already familiar with their roles.

The textbook we're using for the course is "The World's Religions" by Huston Smith. It does not really cover the introductory mythological, animistic, and shamanistic unit particularly well, but that is not a problem. It does cover the future units very well, and along with supplementary information and texts it will do nicely.

Comparative Religion

Comparative Religion
Fall 2007
Person High School
Mr. Solomon
Room 117
2nd Period

Course Objectives

This course introduces the world’s major religious traditions. Topics include Primal religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the origins, history, beliefs, and practices of the religions studied.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
A student taking this course will be expected to:
participate in all class discussions, projects and assignments.
develop a sensitivity to and appreciation for other people’s concepts regarding religion.
study materials presented in class and in the readings.
complete homework assignments.
pass quizzes and tests at a minimum proficiency level.
read one assigned out of class book.
complete at least one research project per nine weeks in which he/she takes a position on a
religious issue and defends it with evidence and explanations.
utilize library resources and technology effectively to complete assignments.
attend class in compliance with the school district attendance policy.

Course of Study
In Comparative Religions, we will be studying the following:

Early religions

Various polytheisms such as Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, and Norse
along with their modern forms
Shamanistic religions such as African, Native American, Polynesian, and Australian Aborigine including modern forms
Nature worshipping religions such as Shinto, and Wicca among other unnamed and modern forms
The Goddess religion

Monotheism in the World – Judaism, Zoroastrianism,
Christianity, and Islam

Development and history of the faiths
Religious leaders and prophets
the Ten Commandments and its impact on
modern law
Critique of the monotheistic texts
Development of Jewish, Christian, and
Islamic sects
Practices, beliefs, and rituals
Contributions, comparisons, and impact of
the faiths in the world today

Religious Thought in India – Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism

Development and history of the faiths
Development of different sects and
branches
Religious leaders and prophets
Practices, beliefs, and rituals
Contributions, comparisons, and impact of
the faiths in the world today


Religious Thought in China and Japan
Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto

Development and history of the faiths
Religious leaders and prophets
Practices, beliefs, and rituals
Contributions, comparisons, and impact of
the faiths in the world today
Comparison of philosophical thought and religious experience
The Future of Religion

Modern influences on religion
Secularism
Cults and non-traditional religious beliefs


Behavior Expectations

At all times students will
Be Respectful
Pay Attention
Work towards achieving the course objectives
Come to class prepared and ready to learn