I totally agree with the comments you are making, and I definitely agree that all religions are highly distorted from their original purpose. I think that the stories we hear today are constantly adapted to fit every individuals wants, and we as humans constantly make sure that we shape stories around the ideas we hold. From this I think that individuals establish the finite details of their beliefs and ideologies before adapting stories to fit them. This is rather than taking on stories/information in their true form, and determining a given belief from the truth we are given. In this sense I don’t think any one belief system can ever be totally true, and as details are constantly distorted, as time goes on I think we can only get further and further from this truth.
Alongside this and as a result of it, I would also say that every individual follows their own unique religion. I would say this is because religious theories and ideologies are so diverse and varied, that we all have our personal ideas about how the world works and who we should follow. Even though we may associate with one specific faith, I think that each of us has our focuses in different areas, and I therefore think that many of the aspects are therefore continually interpreted differently. I would say this highlights one of the reasons why stories are altered and changed so much over the years, as individuals take out or focus on some aspects more than others, this can distort the truth, as not everything is being thought about fairly or equally. Overall, I think this highlights why religious tolerance should exist in order for our modern society to function efficiently, and I think that all individuals need to understand that as no two belief systems can be completely identical, they should be more accepting of others
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Buddha Boy Article on Yahoo
The following article was found on Yahoo about an individual who is supposedly being referred to in Nepal as the newest incarnation of Buddha. The link to the article itself is http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081122/wl_sthasia_afp/nepalreligionbuddhism
After reading the article I am very skeptical of this story of the so called ‘Buddha Boy.’ Although many Nepalese citizens claim he is Buddha’s reincarnation, I personally don’t think that he should be classified as anything like this, and personally I would be more likely to consider him a liar and a hoax. It is not possible for any individual to survive without food and water for such a long period of time, and alongside the fact that he has been witnessed eating and sleeping when he claimed he was in meditation, this just shows how he is an individual out to deceive so many. I am shocked that word of mouth is enough to allow this boy to be considered as great by so many, and I think it highlights circumstances whereby if individuals hear constant rhetoric on a subject, they often believe it often without little evidence. Although I know that many religious concepts we believe in and follow cannot be factually proven, I am surprised that men and women across Nepal have been so easily influenced. I think that as the nation has such limited communication outlets due to the fact that it is technologically behind, individuals therefore have to rely on word of mouth for news to travel. However, even though it is a nation very different and fundamentally behind that of the US in terms of development and the economy, I still would have thought that citizens would use more enlightened thought and logic to question these highly speculative claims.
Personally, I believe that many religious principles in the past, also became common beliefs through this process of word of mouth, and therefore as I think this allows them to be easily altered, I would therefore consider many religious stories as skeptical, as they probably didn’t actually occur in the way that they are remembered today. Although I’m not saying that all religious principles are therefore untrue, do people agree that many religious principles probably came out of overstated and altered stories?
In terms of this issue what do people think? About what percentage of stories that are seen as religious do you this have been distorted and altered from the original ways, and do you think that now mass communication is so prominent, that this situation is happening less??
After reading the article I am very skeptical of this story of the so called ‘Buddha Boy.’ Although many Nepalese citizens claim he is Buddha’s reincarnation, I personally don’t think that he should be classified as anything like this, and personally I would be more likely to consider him a liar and a hoax. It is not possible for any individual to survive without food and water for such a long period of time, and alongside the fact that he has been witnessed eating and sleeping when he claimed he was in meditation, this just shows how he is an individual out to deceive so many. I am shocked that word of mouth is enough to allow this boy to be considered as great by so many, and I think it highlights circumstances whereby if individuals hear constant rhetoric on a subject, they often believe it often without little evidence. Although I know that many religious concepts we believe in and follow cannot be factually proven, I am surprised that men and women across Nepal have been so easily influenced. I think that as the nation has such limited communication outlets due to the fact that it is technologically behind, individuals therefore have to rely on word of mouth for news to travel. However, even though it is a nation very different and fundamentally behind that of the US in terms of development and the economy, I still would have thought that citizens would use more enlightened thought and logic to question these highly speculative claims.
Personally, I believe that many religious principles in the past, also became common beliefs through this process of word of mouth, and therefore as I think this allows them to be easily altered, I would therefore consider many religious stories as skeptical, as they probably didn’t actually occur in the way that they are remembered today. Although I’m not saying that all religious principles are therefore untrue, do people agree that many religious principles probably came out of overstated and altered stories?
In terms of this issue what do people think? About what percentage of stories that are seen as religious do you this have been distorted and altered from the original ways, and do you think that now mass communication is so prominent, that this situation is happening less??
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Is Buddhism really a 'religion?'
After looking into the Buddhist religion further since discussing it in class on Monday, I personally find its teaching very interesting, and its core principles very intriguing. I think that at its core there are many logical points, and it surprises me how different it is to any religion I have learnt about in the past. As it is non theistic, it therefore doesn’t centralize its focus around a God like figure, and as a result my major thought is whether it should really be classed as a religion at all?? In the past, I have personally always considered that religion and God intertwine, and therefore, as the essentials of the religion is more about following doctrines, I think it should be considered more in terms of a following or set of values, than actually a religion. However, I would be interested to hear what others think about this, and whether people classify it in a different way after looking at the heart of its ideas?
The website http://www.buddhaweb.org/ details the essentials of Buddhism in very clear and basic terms, and it allow us to see the core principles that the faith focuses around. To me, the noble truths and Eightfold path that Buddhists follow seem more like philosophical principles than religious ones, and this is the reason why I am now questioning it in terms of a religion at all.
Below I have copied some of the essentials of the religion, but if you look at the website, there are also many other aspects that are listed which relate to its teachings towards enlightened thought.
The Four Noble Truths
1. Suffering exists
2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires
3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path that is said to allow Buddhists to overcome and conquer the noble Truths
Three Qualities Eightfold Path
Wisdom (panna) Right View
Right Thought
Morality (sila) Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Meditation (samadhi) Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Contemplation
6 Factors that are said to be focused on in order for Enlightened thought to exist
1. Mindfulness
2. Investigation
3. Energy
4. Rapture
5. Tranquillity
6. Concentration
The Three Characteristics of Existence that Buddhists advocate
1. Transiency (anicca)
2. Sorrow (dukkha)
3. Selflessness (anatta)
Hindrances to achieving the Enlightenment
1. Sensuous lust
2. Aversion and ill will
3. Sloth and torpor
4. Restlessness and worry
5. Sceptical doubt
The website http://www.buddhaweb.org/ details the essentials of Buddhism in very clear and basic terms, and it allow us to see the core principles that the faith focuses around. To me, the noble truths and Eightfold path that Buddhists follow seem more like philosophical principles than religious ones, and this is the reason why I am now questioning it in terms of a religion at all.
Below I have copied some of the essentials of the religion, but if you look at the website, there are also many other aspects that are listed which relate to its teachings towards enlightened thought.
The Four Noble Truths
1. Suffering exists
2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires
3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases
4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practicing the Eightfold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path that is said to allow Buddhists to overcome and conquer the noble Truths
Three Qualities Eightfold Path
Wisdom (panna) Right View
Right Thought
Morality (sila) Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Meditation (samadhi) Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Contemplation
6 Factors that are said to be focused on in order for Enlightened thought to exist
1. Mindfulness
2. Investigation
3. Energy
4. Rapture
5. Tranquillity
6. Concentration
The Three Characteristics of Existence that Buddhists advocate
1. Transiency (anicca)
2. Sorrow (dukkha)
3. Selflessness (anatta)
Hindrances to achieving the Enlightenment
1. Sensuous lust
2. Aversion and ill will
3. Sloth and torpor
4. Restlessness and worry
5. Sceptical doubt
Monday, November 17, 2008
Buddha
I also really enjoyed hearing the story behind the Buddhist religion in class today. I find it fascinating how such a simple story can end up leading to something so complex, and how the life of Siddhartha Gautama, has ended up so important in today’s world today. This highlights how such simple things can become influential in society, and it shows that once the masses are told something, it does not take very long before they accept it as a truth. In this sense, I find it fascinating how easily stories can become religions/cults/ideologies that we want to follow, but I guess this relates back to another example of the meme theory that we talked about earlier in the semester.
In general, I personally find learning about religions very interesting, and I think that learning about the past will allow us to accept and come to terms with the great diversity we see prevalent today. Although I know some things about the Buddhist practices that go on today, I know nothing about the history of the religion and the fundamental principles it works from. I had no idea about the theories of nothingness, and therefore, I found it very interesting that the fundamental principles do not centralize themselves around worshiping a specific person or figure.
Since class I have tried to find out more and look further into the entire Buddhist religion and for anyone interested I have found a number of websites that go into greater detail about not just the life of Siddhartha Gautama, but also the fundamental practices of the religion itself. If you look carefully, there are certain disparities between the stories of how it came to prominence, and although this may show that the initial tale may not be exactly true, I think the ideas and theories behind the religion itself are the things that should be of most interest.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ - This is a whole section on the BBC website that is dedicated to the religion. It gives information about the history, beliefs, customs, the followers and also many of the subdivisions attached to the religion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism - Although obviously we are continually told of the dangers of Wikipedia, the site provides a very detailed discussion about the religion, and again it links to many of the leading figures which have played a role in the faith both historically and today. It also provides many references in which to work off, and many external links as well.
Some other links which include the same detailed discussions include
http://www.aboutbuddhism.org/
http://buddhism.about.com/od/basicbuddhistteachings/a/basicshub.htm
http://www.buddhaweb.org/
In general, I personally find learning about religions very interesting, and I think that learning about the past will allow us to accept and come to terms with the great diversity we see prevalent today. Although I know some things about the Buddhist practices that go on today, I know nothing about the history of the religion and the fundamental principles it works from. I had no idea about the theories of nothingness, and therefore, I found it very interesting that the fundamental principles do not centralize themselves around worshiping a specific person or figure.
Since class I have tried to find out more and look further into the entire Buddhist religion and for anyone interested I have found a number of websites that go into greater detail about not just the life of Siddhartha Gautama, but also the fundamental practices of the religion itself. If you look carefully, there are certain disparities between the stories of how it came to prominence, and although this may show that the initial tale may not be exactly true, I think the ideas and theories behind the religion itself are the things that should be of most interest.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ - This is a whole section on the BBC website that is dedicated to the religion. It gives information about the history, beliefs, customs, the followers and also many of the subdivisions attached to the religion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism - Although obviously we are continually told of the dangers of Wikipedia, the site provides a very detailed discussion about the religion, and again it links to many of the leading figures which have played a role in the faith both historically and today. It also provides many references in which to work off, and many external links as well.
Some other links which include the same detailed discussions include
http://www.aboutbuddhism.org/
http://buddhism.about.com/od/basicbuddhistteachings/a/basicshub.htm
http://www.buddhaweb.org/
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Reaction to Politics thread
I totally agree with what both of you have been saying. I personally think the constant analysis and talk about the election is getting too much and it has now reached a point where there needs to be a cooling off period. All we have heard on the news for the last 18 months is about the election and what is likely to happen, and now that it has been decided, all we are hearing is speculation about the future. There seems to be continual rhetoric about what is going to go wrong and what the problems are going to be in the next four years, and I think that it is turning America into a very pessimistic nation.
Now that the vote has been decided I think that we need to rally behind Obama and give him our total support for when he enters into office, rather than trying to find the flaws in his administration. We are already in hard times, but if we constantly try to look for and speculate about the problems that exist, things are going to get no easier and we as a society are never going to be happy. Obama won by such a large margin, that the country should be strongly behind him, yet I have the impression that we have now become weary of what the next four years may bring.
I would say that this negative talk needs to first stop with the media, as I think they have a great deal of power influencing the thoughts of the masses. I think if they end their constant discussion, criticism and speculations, it will allow us as a nation to stop reacting to the events that have been occurring. I think the society needs to now accept what has happened and instead of discussing how the first black President will fit in, give him time and just wait to see what will happen. Otherwise I think that Obama is fighting a losing battle before he even starts, and I think that the American population will quickly become dissatisfied with him, whether his actions are beneficial or not.
With regards to Prop 8 I also feel the same way, and think that it is something that needs no longer be discussed. At the end of the day, the Proposition was passed by Californian citizens, and therefore it is obviously the outcome that the majority of citizens in this state wanted. Now that the vote has been determined, nothing more can be done, so the constant discussion and tension surrounding it is in my eyes ultimately pointless. I think that instead talk should turn to the future, and the people of this nation should try to discuss active methods that can get us out of this global crisis we face, so that ultimately the American nation will be able to prosper overall.
Now that the vote has been decided I think that we need to rally behind Obama and give him our total support for when he enters into office, rather than trying to find the flaws in his administration. We are already in hard times, but if we constantly try to look for and speculate about the problems that exist, things are going to get no easier and we as a society are never going to be happy. Obama won by such a large margin, that the country should be strongly behind him, yet I have the impression that we have now become weary of what the next four years may bring.
I would say that this negative talk needs to first stop with the media, as I think they have a great deal of power influencing the thoughts of the masses. I think if they end their constant discussion, criticism and speculations, it will allow us as a nation to stop reacting to the events that have been occurring. I think the society needs to now accept what has happened and instead of discussing how the first black President will fit in, give him time and just wait to see what will happen. Otherwise I think that Obama is fighting a losing battle before he even starts, and I think that the American population will quickly become dissatisfied with him, whether his actions are beneficial or not.
With regards to Prop 8 I also feel the same way, and think that it is something that needs no longer be discussed. At the end of the day, the Proposition was passed by Californian citizens, and therefore it is obviously the outcome that the majority of citizens in this state wanted. Now that the vote has been determined, nothing more can be done, so the constant discussion and tension surrounding it is in my eyes ultimately pointless. I think that instead talk should turn to the future, and the people of this nation should try to discuss active methods that can get us out of this global crisis we face, so that ultimately the American nation will be able to prosper overall.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Religious Voters in the Election
Whilst looking at the demographics of the turnout for the election, I was interested to see that it was the Catholic followers who were considered the swing voters in Obama’s decisive victory. Out of the two candidates it was him as the Democrat who was able to draw in the majority of the religiously affiliated citizens, and this is where the biggest change from 4 years ago was seen.
The survey by PEW research forum shows how Catholics voted for Obama over McCain by a nine-point margin (54% to 45%), and it shows how this was a turnaround from 2004 when Catholics supported President Bush over Sen. John Kerry, by a five-point margin (52% to 47%). Alongside this the survey also shows how Obama had the majority of support from those who attend church more than once a week, and again this highlights another change from the previous election back in ‘04:
A news article I found in the Washington Times discusses how unexpected these results would have been six months ago, and it states how even Catholic followers themselves wouldn’t have predicted the outcome this way. The article goes on to talk about how well Obama did amongst Hispanic voters, and it shows how it was this demographic that probably enabled him to hold such a big margin in the exit polls. The article considers the Latino influence specifically as the one to play the primary role in the overall outcome, and it states how “Latino Catholics appear to have been decisive in flipping three states (New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada) from red to blue.”
Although those who are religiously unaffiliated also made up a large percentage of Obamas support, I personally think the fact that so many Catholics voted for him shows that his own religious affiliations didn’t play a large role in most individuals decisions. As there was constant rhetoric in the run up to the election that categorized him as a ‘Muslim’ and a ‘terrorist,’ many thought that religious individuals would end up going against him on Election Day, but obviously this wasn’t the case. Therefore, I think that not only does this show the strength of the American people not listen to the false rhetoric, but it also highlights how much trust and belief Americans must have in their President elect, as they believed his rhetoric, that he is indeed a Christian, who would do nothing to compromise the security of this country.
The surveys can be found on the PEW research site which is http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=367 and the Washington Times article can be found at http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/07/catholic-voters-heavily-favored-obama-analysis-sho/
The survey by PEW research forum shows how Catholics voted for Obama over McCain by a nine-point margin (54% to 45%), and it shows how this was a turnaround from 2004 when Catholics supported President Bush over Sen. John Kerry, by a five-point margin (52% to 47%). Alongside this the survey also shows how Obama had the majority of support from those who attend church more than once a week, and again this highlights another change from the previous election back in ‘04:
A news article I found in the Washington Times discusses how unexpected these results would have been six months ago, and it states how even Catholic followers themselves wouldn’t have predicted the outcome this way. The article goes on to talk about how well Obama did amongst Hispanic voters, and it shows how it was this demographic that probably enabled him to hold such a big margin in the exit polls. The article considers the Latino influence specifically as the one to play the primary role in the overall outcome, and it states how “Latino Catholics appear to have been decisive in flipping three states (New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada) from red to blue.”
Although those who are religiously unaffiliated also made up a large percentage of Obamas support, I personally think the fact that so many Catholics voted for him shows that his own religious affiliations didn’t play a large role in most individuals decisions. As there was constant rhetoric in the run up to the election that categorized him as a ‘Muslim’ and a ‘terrorist,’ many thought that religious individuals would end up going against him on Election Day, but obviously this wasn’t the case. Therefore, I think that not only does this show the strength of the American people not listen to the false rhetoric, but it also highlights how much trust and belief Americans must have in their President elect, as they believed his rhetoric, that he is indeed a Christian, who would do nothing to compromise the security of this country.
The surveys can be found on the PEW research site which is http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=367 and the Washington Times article can be found at http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/07/catholic-voters-heavily-favored-obama-analysis-sho/
Friday, November 7, 2008
Ironic Election
Although I am not an American citizen and could not vote, even I felt a sense of satisfaction and pride that I am living in America today. The way both candidates spoke after the outcome highlights just how much pride they have in their nation, it also allowed me to see how much patriotism resides in the American people themselves. I think that as both men showed such an endearing side to them during the speeches, it enabled them to be stripped down into just simple human beings, and as a result we could relate to them on a more personal basis. I can see why people were emotional over the words that Obama spoke, and I think that my generation constantly forgets the transitions that have been made in such a short period of time. In the past I think there have been too many leaders who haven’t been able to relate to their citizens, and I believe that this has led to the community becoming uneven disjointed. Therefore, in the turbulent times that we currently face, individuals need to feel they have a close link to those men and women in charge, in order for them to feel guarded and protected. Personally, I therefore think that the outcome was a good thing for society as a whole, and I think that it will allow the masses to have more prosperity and cohesiveness as a whole. I also feel that globally we are in a strong position with Obama as the American leader, and although he is yet to take office, I think that the way he speaks publicly gives us a sense of comfort and ease that everything is ok. The fact that nearly all nations around the globe would have chosen him over McCain is also a positive for our universal society, and as a result of this, I do think over time America’s position at the top of the world forum will be reaffirmed once again. Overall I think that our world is moving into exciting times, and I think that although we are in an economic crisis at present, the changes that are coming will enable us to pass through the struggles and once again regain our affluence and prosperousness. Although changes will not be made overnight, I think that the foundations are now be in place to make positive strides, and I think that under the Obama Presidency, individuals will work closer together, and thus enable greater benefits for all. Therefore, I look forward to the day that he steps into office, and I’m pleased that I have been a part of his journey, and been able to witness these historic American times.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Latino Religious Experience
Until taking this class I never really considered the impact of the Latino population on religion across America. However, with the increasing numbers of Latino citizens coming into the nation, I think its important to understand what role they play. Obviously here in California, they make up a huge percentage of the community, and they are a part of the major group considered hispanics, which is the most rapidly expanding segment within the diverse American nation today. Therefore, I think that it is important to understand the religious role they play, simply because it is likely to provide an insight into how our religious settings may be shaped in the future.
I found it interesting to learn that there has been an emergence of Latino-oriented churches across the country, and this shows that they have had a profound impact on America by establishing their own cultures here. They have mangaged to implement their belief systams and traditions onto this country, rather than having to adapt to the American system/cultures.
I found a website that discusses the relgious affiliations of the Latinos in America at present, and I found it interesting that they now make up a third of the entire Catholic following here in the US. As they are an increasing community, I guess this therefore means that in future times, Catholicism is likely to be on the rise. Although it may rise however, it may also start to transition in the way it is practised, and methods that are used for worship. A survey taken by the Pew Research group notes that Latino worship is different to the traditional American followings, and specifically it is considered more spirit filled and expressioned, and also it constantly revolves around ethnicoriented worship.
The survey also shows that these groups also play a major role in the political environment here in America and it considerd religious affiliation to play a major part on party identification. Therefore, depending on the religious affiliations of these Latino voters, in 10/20/30 years time, the Republican v Democrat divide may not be so close simply due to the sheer numbers of Latinos and Hispanics entering this nation
A detailed survey regarding these issues regarding Latino religious experiences can be found on the Pew Research Foundation website, and for anyone interested futher, the link is http://pewforum.org/surveys/hispanic/
I found it interesting to learn that there has been an emergence of Latino-oriented churches across the country, and this shows that they have had a profound impact on America by establishing their own cultures here. They have mangaged to implement their belief systams and traditions onto this country, rather than having to adapt to the American system/cultures.
I found a website that discusses the relgious affiliations of the Latinos in America at present, and I found it interesting that they now make up a third of the entire Catholic following here in the US. As they are an increasing community, I guess this therefore means that in future times, Catholicism is likely to be on the rise. Although it may rise however, it may also start to transition in the way it is practised, and methods that are used for worship. A survey taken by the Pew Research group notes that Latino worship is different to the traditional American followings, and specifically it is considered more spirit filled and expressioned, and also it constantly revolves around ethnicoriented worship.
The survey also shows that these groups also play a major role in the political environment here in America and it considerd religious affiliation to play a major part on party identification. Therefore, depending on the religious affiliations of these Latino voters, in 10/20/30 years time, the Republican v Democrat divide may not be so close simply due to the sheer numbers of Latinos and Hispanics entering this nation
A detailed survey regarding these issues regarding Latino religious experiences can be found on the Pew Research Foundation website, and for anyone interested futher, the link is http://pewforum.org/surveys/hispanic/
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