#1
The major reason for the expansion in religious diversity in the United States is
an increase in immigration from Asia and Latin America.
The term religion traditionally means
to bind one’s self to God or to something else beyond.
It is difficult to define religion because
there are so many definitions scholars cannot decide which one is best.
Two of the common elements seen in every religious tradition are
beliefs and practices.
A myth
points to a spiritual truth.
With regard to the world’s religions, the Catholic Church teaches that those who believe in one God
share a fundamental belief called monotheism.
When the Catholic Church talks about evangelization, it means
witnessing to one’s faith without trying to get others to convert to Catholicism.
The major reason a class on the world’s religions is distinct from other religion classes is
a world’s religions class explores many religious traditions, not just one.
We are asked to come to the study of the world’s religions with an attitude of empathy because
empathy allows us to accept the beliefs and practices of other people on their own terms.
The only reason that is not a valid one for studying the world’s religions is
to learn how to win religious arguments.
List the four elements or patterns found in religious traditions and give one example of each.
The four common elements or patterns we will be using in our study of the world’s religions are (1) sacred story and sacred scriptures; (2) beliefs and practices; (3) sacred time; and (4) sacred places and sacred spaces. (Student examples will vary.)