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..."
In both the Nativity Story and then again in the song 'O Holy Night' Jesus is described as the savior of humankind. The verse of O Holy Night I chose is this one:
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
This emphasizes his birth and is similar to what happened in the movie, with the beam of light coming down on the baby and then the Wise Men coming and giving the gifts to the baby, proclaiming him as the king of the people.
Mary had to accept giving birth to the son of God, she was chosen to do so while Joseph had to accept raising him. The shepherds had to witness the birth of Christ, as they were the representatives of the common man. The wisemen or the Persian astrologers were the representatives of the intelligentsia. They also had to make a choice to tell King Herold about the child or not.
God coming to earth as a baby is his way of humbling himself and coming in the form of an innocent. He is an all powerful God who is now a fragile baby and cannot do anything. That is why Jesus is the Son of God, because he is the human form of God. This is the meaning of Christmas, remembering and celebrating Jesus who became our savior.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Modern Religious Experience: 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..."
Western article: Five Takeaways from leaked documents on Iran
In this article, it talks about information that has leaked on the website WikiLeaks about the American view on Iran and what is happening there. According to this article, Iran is being viewed as a nation that is isolated, not being on the best of terms with it's boarding countries and that they are pushing for a war against Iran, which is an Islmaic Republic while the surrounding countries are Sunni-dominated nations.
Islamic article: Riyadh rejects WikiLeaks claims on Iran
The leader of Saudi Arabia dismisses these claims that were leaked in WikiLeaks, claiming that the countries had never urged the US to attack Iran. The President or Iran claims that these documents are just "psychological warfare" and isn't anything the people should be worried about.
The Islamic people seem to have a more relaxed view on this new development. They understand that these WikiLeaks documents are just a countries point of view on them, which is embarrassing for America since these documents were supposed to be confidential. The Iran president said that these claims and accusations against Iran and about its neighboring countries have no legal basis and there is nothing anyone can do, or will do. The tone from this article also seems to be more relaxed about the whole situation than the CNN article. In that article, there is a lot of speculation as to what will happen now that this information has leaked, what the possible outcome would be with Iran and the US. In the article it talks about war possibly happening, now that the information has leaked who would be the aggressor. This is a completely different tone to the one on the Iran news site. The CNN article shows uncertainty and evokes fear of a war coming, assuming that it is the only way Iran can move forward from here. However both articles seem to agree that these leaks are just America's opinion, though it is the way that they take them that makes these two articles completely different.
Western article: Five Takeaways from leaked documents on Iran
In this article, it talks about information that has leaked on the website WikiLeaks about the American view on Iran and what is happening there. According to this article, Iran is being viewed as a nation that is isolated, not being on the best of terms with it's boarding countries and that they are pushing for a war against Iran, which is an Islmaic Republic while the surrounding countries are Sunni-dominated nations.
Islamic article: Riyadh rejects WikiLeaks claims on Iran
The leader of Saudi Arabia dismisses these claims that were leaked in WikiLeaks, claiming that the countries had never urged the US to attack Iran. The President or Iran claims that these documents are just "psychological warfare" and isn't anything the people should be worried about.
The Islamic people seem to have a more relaxed view on this new development. They understand that these WikiLeaks documents are just a countries point of view on them, which is embarrassing for America since these documents were supposed to be confidential. The Iran president said that these claims and accusations against Iran and about its neighboring countries have no legal basis and there is nothing anyone can do, or will do. The tone from this article also seems to be more relaxed about the whole situation than the CNN article. In that article, there is a lot of speculation as to what will happen now that this information has leaked, what the possible outcome would be with Iran and the US. In the article it talks about war possibly happening, now that the information has leaked who would be the aggressor. This is a completely different tone to the one on the Iran news site. The CNN article shows uncertainty and evokes fear of a war coming, assuming that it is the only way Iran can move forward from here. However both articles seem to agree that these leaks are just America's opinion, though it is the way that they take them that makes these two articles completely different.
Sunday, November 28, 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 chose to do a commemorative ritual was the day my dog was put down, which was the 3 October 2004. Though for this event I wouldn't just be remembering this particular dog, but instead remembering all the dogs I've had since I was a child that have been put down, and just remembering how much I loved them. The commemoration would start on the 1st of October and end on the 3rd, lasting 3 days and it doesn't matter if it happens during the week or the weekend. During these 3 days, the family will fast and will also spend time at the Animal shelter where we adopted our dogs. In the event that we are unable to reach the shelter (since it is in South Africa), spending time with our dogs or going to a different shelter are also acceptable. No specific clothing really, but this will be a time to reflect upon their lives and seeing how you can help the lives of dogs who are in the same place where we got our own dogs. A phrase that shall be read at the beginning of each day shall be this:
Today we remember the life of an animal, who was once part of this family and made it whole. Losing them was like losing some part of this family.
After this would be some reflection time.
The event I chose to do a commemorative ritual was the day my dog was put down, which was the 3 October 2004. Though for this event I wouldn't just be remembering this particular dog, but instead remembering all the dogs I've had since I was a child that have been put down, and just remembering how much I loved them. The commemoration would start on the 1st of October and end on the 3rd, lasting 3 days and it doesn't matter if it happens during the week or the weekend. During these 3 days, the family will fast and will also spend time at the Animal shelter where we adopted our dogs. In the event that we are unable to reach the shelter (since it is in South Africa), spending time with our dogs or going to a different shelter are also acceptable. No specific clothing really, but this will be a time to reflect upon their lives and seeing how you can help the lives of dogs who are in the same place where we got our own dogs. A phrase that shall be read at the beginning of each day shall be this:
Today we remember the life of an animal, who was once part of this family and made it whole. Losing them was like losing some part of this family.
After this would be some reflection time.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
In this myth, Arachne does not thank the gods for her skill in weaving, which angers Athena. The goddess challenges the girl, but loses to her. So as punishment, Athena turned Arachne into a spider. The moral of this story was to show mortals not to anger the gods or else they will punish you. In a way it was to show the people that even though gods are like humans, they still have power over you. The life mystery it is addressing is the mystery of the gods and trying to understanding them better or how people should understand them. For the Greeks, it was important for them to remember to always thank the gods for the gifts they were given and not to let your pride get too big, because they will punish you for it. What you can learn from this story is that you shouldn't test the gods, or any gods for the that matter, because they have the power to punish you.
Monday, October 18, 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,..."
Something my drama teacher in South Africa once told me about religion really stuck with me, that even with primitive man they thought there was a higher being, a God, that created this world and should be worshiped or given thanks to for making this world. That actually rings true and is why most people believe in some sort of religion or another, that there has to be a reason this world was created, that we have a purpose. Going out into nature and just looking at what is round you, at the beauty and splendor of it all, you really have to think someone had to have thought this up, created it. In a modern day environment, we put it down to science and theories on how the world was created. But how was it made in such a perfect way? Why is Earth so conveniently placed from the sun that we don't burn or freeze, that all living organisms are connected together in some way and rely and depend on the other for survival. That is the Taoist way of thinking, or a interpretation. The way of life, the natural course it is supposed to take. Everything has meaning and a purpose, messing around with that purpose can have disastrous effects on the world. Damming up rivers causes animals and plants down stream not to get any water, and would die or move away which is not the natural order of things. So people, no matter where they are in the world, who they are or what they may end up believing in, do think someone or something had a hand in making this world just the way it is, perfect for all humans, animals, plants, organisms to co-exist with the natural order of things.
Something my drama teacher in South Africa once told me about religion really stuck with me, that even with primitive man they thought there was a higher being, a God, that created this world and should be worshiped or given thanks to for making this world. That actually rings true and is why most people believe in some sort of religion or another, that there has to be a reason this world was created, that we have a purpose. Going out into nature and just looking at what is round you, at the beauty and splendor of it all, you really have to think someone had to have thought this up, created it. In a modern day environment, we put it down to science and theories on how the world was created. But how was it made in such a perfect way? Why is Earth so conveniently placed from the sun that we don't burn or freeze, that all living organisms are connected together in some way and rely and depend on the other for survival. That is the Taoist way of thinking, or a interpretation. The way of life, the natural course it is supposed to take. Everything has meaning and a purpose, messing around with that purpose can have disastrous effects on the world. Damming up rivers causes animals and plants down stream not to get any water, and would die or move away which is not the natural order of things. So people, no matter where they are in the world, who they are or what they may end up believing in, do think someone or something had a hand in making this world just the way it is, perfect for all humans, animals, plants, organisms to co-exist with the natural order of things.
Sunday, October 3, 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..."
I found it hard to maintain my thoughts and not let them wander at first, always thinking about what I had to do or any other distractions. But then repeatedly thinking 'Nirvana is tranquility' I managed to block out most distractions and just focus on this sentence. I then realised what this sentence meant as a sense of peace and calm then overcame me when I was panicking about homework I had to to do and could just rest my mind for a moment. For a couple of minutes I didn't let my worries overcome me and just sat in peace and quiet, just reflecting. My mind did go back to wondering a couple of times, but I managed to bring myself back to focusing on what I should be. This was the inspiration I got from this meditation, as after this I didn't go straight back to worrying about homework and other things that had been occupying my mind. But when they slowly came creeping back, I just thought back to my meditation session and just thought 'Nirvana is tranquility' and I was able to do everything I was worrying about without putting all the stress I would have had.
I found it hard to maintain my thoughts and not let them wander at first, always thinking about what I had to do or any other distractions. But then repeatedly thinking 'Nirvana is tranquility' I managed to block out most distractions and just focus on this sentence. I then realised what this sentence meant as a sense of peace and calm then overcame me when I was panicking about homework I had to to do and could just rest my mind for a moment. For a couple of minutes I didn't let my worries overcome me and just sat in peace and quiet, just reflecting. My mind did go back to wondering a couple of times, but I managed to bring myself back to focusing on what I should be. This was the inspiration I got from this meditation, as after this I didn't go straight back to worrying about homework and other things that had been occupying my mind. But when they slowly came creeping back, I just thought back to my meditation session and just thought 'Nirvana is tranquility' and I was able to do everything I was worrying about without putting all the stress I would have had.
Saturday, September 11, 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 lived his life as a Hindu and tried to live it the way one should, trying to reach his 'Nirvana' so he could move on to his next life. As a Hindu, he was very accepting of the other religions, and claimed to a fellow Hindu who was protesting against the Muslims staying in India, that he was also a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew, because all these religions are the same: they praise the same God. Gandhi was also a peaceful man, claiming that there was no need for violence to protest against the wrong doings that were happening to the people of India. This was Gandhi trying to reach peace on earth with himself and spiritually, he was trying to reach the fourth stage in his Hindu life. An example from the movie of Gandhi peacefully protesting was when he was in South Africa and he started burning the pass books, the police hit him and beat him, but Gandhi never lifted a hand to them.
"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind," is a very famous quote by Gandhi. It goes back to him peacefully protesting and not relying on violence as the answer. Revenge is not always the best way to solve things, as it only leads to blood spilled and wars in the case of what Gandhi was referring to. When he said this in the movie, he was referring to the Indians fighting against the British forces that were in India, that the people wanted freedom from England and that they were ready to kill for it. Gandhi wanted to go about it the peaceful way, so that the Indians did not come out as the savages who would brutally attack the English. They were trying to prove to the British this strange misconception they had about them and the British being superior. Gandhi never harmed anyone when he started fighting for what he believed in, which was thanks to his faith that he stuck with it.
Gandhi lived his life as a Hindu and tried to live it the way one should, trying to reach his 'Nirvana' so he could move on to his next life. As a Hindu, he was very accepting of the other religions, and claimed to a fellow Hindu who was protesting against the Muslims staying in India, that he was also a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew, because all these religions are the same: they praise the same God. Gandhi was also a peaceful man, claiming that there was no need for violence to protest against the wrong doings that were happening to the people of India. This was Gandhi trying to reach peace on earth with himself and spiritually, he was trying to reach the fourth stage in his Hindu life. An example from the movie of Gandhi peacefully protesting was when he was in South Africa and he started burning the pass books, the police hit him and beat him, but Gandhi never lifted a hand to them.
"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind," is a very famous quote by Gandhi. It goes back to him peacefully protesting and not relying on violence as the answer. Revenge is not always the best way to solve things, as it only leads to blood spilled and wars in the case of what Gandhi was referring to. When he said this in the movie, he was referring to the Indians fighting against the British forces that were in India, that the people wanted freedom from England and that they were ready to kill for it. Gandhi wanted to go about it the peaceful way, so that the Indians did not come out as the savages who would brutally attack the English. They were trying to prove to the British this strange misconception they had about them and the British being superior. Gandhi never harmed anyone when he started fighting for what he believed in, which was thanks to his faith that he stuck with it.
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