When we address the topic of religion, it seems that most people are too strung up on all the things that divide us, than what really brings us together. There are hundreds of different religions in the world. Some of them are completely different, while others are fairly similar; however, there are indeed commonalities found in all religions. We just have to take a closer look.
In Mirror for Humanities Anthony Wallace defines religion as “belief and ritual concerned with supernatural beings, powers, and forces.” Another definition of religion focuses on bodies of people who gather together regularly for worship. These are only a couple of the endless definitions of religion; regardless, the word religion comes from the Latin religare—meaning “to tie, to bind.” This may be left up to interpretation whether this means people among a certain religion, but in this specific context, I believe it means to tie and bind all religions.
It stated In God’s Name that we share two things in common—common humanity and common earth. We are all human beings, all living on the same earth. The basic concepts and goals are the same of all religions, but what makes them different is how we go about doing them—different institutions, practices, beliefs, rituals, etc.
The purpose of all religions is to come together. It is love that brings us together. Whether we are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, the list goes on. Whether this type of religion is shamanic, communal, Olympian, or monotheistic. Whatever the religion may be, a group of people are being brought together by common beliefs. Every religious leader is trying to teach what is right/wrong. Again, how each religion defines “right” and “wrong” is where they differ. Religion allows us to believe in something…some greater power than ourselves. We believe that there is some sort of authorative power and we seek to be transformed in some way by this power. In all religions, people are looking for relief and belief. Religion gives a person some strength to lean on. Belief gives us strength. Faith helps us save one from falling down in crisis or difficult situations.
Religion also gives us joy. It is a place of compassion and love. A great source of kindness for humanity. The whole significance of religion is peace. Peace between man and man and man and God.
Overall, it is necessary for different religions to coexist. Different religions are necessary because we are all different. We are diverse. None of us are the same, believing all the same things. We live in different cultures, different families, different communities, and have been shaped and molded to be unique. Having different religions then allows us to learn about each other and our differences. But more importantly, they allow us to realize how similar we truly are and come together.
One thing I learned from the film about another religion was how we are so pre-occupied with terrorism; we are turning our backs to bigger issues. It explained how a lot of people’s view of Muslim is based on terrorism, and the act of a few individuals from this religion. We stereotype this religion based on 9/11. We shouldn’t stereotype an entire religion and culture from a few people’s actions.
One thing I specifically learned about another religion was from the CC reading and the veil. “The veil is the outward sign of a complex reality” (CC 246). Overall, the article discussed all the different meanings we have of the veil, depending on our own culture and how we interpret this symbol. For some it’s a symbol of slavery, some a sign or inequality, repression, and seclusion from men and barrier between men and women, for others this barrier is to keep away from the evil eye. It is even a symbol of social status and wealth. The veil has many meanings that I was unaware of. All cultures and societies over the world have their own meaning and use of the veil and purdah. I think that here in the United States we automatically assume it is clean evidence of the gender inequality and suppression of women. However, we jump to this conclusion without even taking their culture into consideration and the history and meaning behind this bold symbol.
In Mirror for Humanities Anthony Wallace defines religion as “belief and ritual concerned with supernatural beings, powers, and forces.” Another definition of religion focuses on bodies of people who gather together regularly for worship. These are only a couple of the endless definitions of religion; regardless, the word religion comes from the Latin religare—meaning “to tie, to bind.” This may be left up to interpretation whether this means people among a certain religion, but in this specific context, I believe it means to tie and bind all religions.
It stated In God’s Name that we share two things in common—common humanity and common earth. We are all human beings, all living on the same earth. The basic concepts and goals are the same of all religions, but what makes them different is how we go about doing them—different institutions, practices, beliefs, rituals, etc.
The purpose of all religions is to come together. It is love that brings us together. Whether we are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, the list goes on. Whether this type of religion is shamanic, communal, Olympian, or monotheistic. Whatever the religion may be, a group of people are being brought together by common beliefs. Every religious leader is trying to teach what is right/wrong. Again, how each religion defines “right” and “wrong” is where they differ. Religion allows us to believe in something…some greater power than ourselves. We believe that there is some sort of authorative power and we seek to be transformed in some way by this power. In all religions, people are looking for relief and belief. Religion gives a person some strength to lean on. Belief gives us strength. Faith helps us save one from falling down in crisis or difficult situations.
Religion also gives us joy. It is a place of compassion and love. A great source of kindness for humanity. The whole significance of religion is peace. Peace between man and man and man and God.
Overall, it is necessary for different religions to coexist. Different religions are necessary because we are all different. We are diverse. None of us are the same, believing all the same things. We live in different cultures, different families, different communities, and have been shaped and molded to be unique. Having different religions then allows us to learn about each other and our differences. But more importantly, they allow us to realize how similar we truly are and come together.
One thing I learned from the film about another religion was how we are so pre-occupied with terrorism; we are turning our backs to bigger issues. It explained how a lot of people’s view of Muslim is based on terrorism, and the act of a few individuals from this religion. We stereotype this religion based on 9/11. We shouldn’t stereotype an entire religion and culture from a few people’s actions.
One thing I specifically learned about another religion was from the CC reading and the veil. “The veil is the outward sign of a complex reality” (CC 246). Overall, the article discussed all the different meanings we have of the veil, depending on our own culture and how we interpret this symbol. For some it’s a symbol of slavery, some a sign or inequality, repression, and seclusion from men and barrier between men and women, for others this barrier is to keep away from the evil eye. It is even a symbol of social status and wealth. The veil has many meanings that I was unaware of. All cultures and societies over the world have their own meaning and use of the veil and purdah. I think that here in the United States we automatically assume it is clean evidence of the gender inequality and suppression of women. However, we jump to this conclusion without even taking their culture into consideration and the history and meaning behind this bold symbol.
Wonderful job on exploring the film and integrating it with the texts!
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