The Last Post

     A while ago, Keane posted a blog about why humans have religions.  As the semester is ending and we are about to be done with this class, this is something I have have been thinking a lot about. I commented on the blog and said that it is because we want something to believe in that gives meanings to our lives, glorifies us, and offers comfort.  But there are so many other reasons, just like there are so many religions.  I think that we believe in what we need to.  From a religious standpoint, it is also interesting to think (like Muhammad) that God purposely made different religions for different peoples.
     What are your thoughts?
    

I think it's interesting that so much is known about Muhammad, yet not very many westerners know a lot about him or Islam.  Obviously, there is not an enormous amount of Muslims here, but it is one of the largest religions in the world.  Religion courses aren't typically required at most schools, but given the fear associated with this religion, don't you think it would be wise to learn more about it?  Should schools make religion classes necessary-- if only so kids will not be so ignorant about other cultures?

Muhammad and Hinduism

     Chapter three dealt a lot with how Muhammad viewed Judaism and Christianity, so in my Q&A this week, I asked how he would view Hinduism.  I've been thinking more about that question, and I just find it so interesting that Hinduism and Islam-- from what I know so far about them-- are both accepting of other religions but in different ways.
     Hindu's and Muhammad agree that no one religion could possibly hold all of the answers.  So, Hinduism basically accepts all deities as sacred, while Islam, being extremely monotheistic, believes only in Allah and tries to find him in other religions.
     I think that if Muhammad had been exposed to Hinduism, he would have respected the core beliefs, but I am unsure of which god he would percieve as equal to Allah.  After all, he respected both Judaism and Christianity, but still considered some of their beliefs to be "deluded."
     What are your thoughts?

Goddesses

     As crazy as it sounds, I have never realized the irony of cultures that worship female goddesses, yet disrespect women.  We talked in class about how this is really just a way to ease the guilt-- we don't hate women, we worship a female, she just deserved to get beaten.  These goddesses must be the ideal woman: something that every female strived to be, and then got looked down upon when she was not.
     What are your thoughts on this?

Shared Culture vs. Diversity

Our discussion about the line between shared culture and diversity really interested me. Cultural unity allows us all to be "part of the dance"--it connects us; diversity, especially in America, allows people to be proud of their heritage.

            My question is what the line should be between the two.  Do you think that America’s focus on diversity is actually hurting us?  Should we focus more on common culture, so that Americans are proud to be Americans, or do you think that would mean losing important traditions?

Our discussion in class really helped me to understand the basics of Confucius' teachings.  I found the diagram put it into perspective.

Legalists

Confucius

Taoists

The Legalists believe in rigid structure, and that society cannot survive unless it enforces it's rules.  The Taoists, on the other hand, are pretty much an anti-civilization movement.  The teachings of Confucius are right in the middle.  This makes his message seem almost like the perfect balance.  Just based off of what we've read so far, do you think this seems ideal?

Jesus the Feminist?

     Today in class we discussed both the importance of women for Jesus, and Jesus' impact on women's rights.  We've already said that many of Jesus' very first followers were women, and that were essential in spreading the message after his death.  He believed in equality for everyone, and even devised a way for women to be fundamental in spreading his message.  My question, then, is what made or inspired him to think this way?  I mean, gender equality is still a pretty radical ideal today around the world, so it's almost impossible for me to imagine what it must have been like in his time.  Was it purely his hatred of patriarchal structures, or was it maybe a personal influence?
      I realize that this question can never really be answered because no one will ever know the thoughts of Jesus, which is most likely why Crossan never even asks the question.  Still, it's an interesting thought.  What do you think?