religion

REL 100: Religion Matters Introductory Reflection Essay Dr. Copeland

During the first several weeks of the semester students will complete an introductory 1-2 page essay (300 words minimum) that expresses their own experience/opinion/stance on the role of religion in their lives. To be clear: YOU ARE NOT BEING GRADED ON WHAT YOU BELIEVE. The goal for the assignment is to clearly articulate your thoughts using material/vocabulary from the class. For the first essay, please use the description of religion provided in the article “Why Study Religion in the Twenty-First Century?” to help you organize your thoughts.

Graham’s description of religion: “the myriad of ways in which human beings around the globe and across centuries have dealt with the meaning of life and the values by which to order one’s personal life…family life…social organization, and one’s dealing with other human beings…”

In your essay please articulate the extent to which religion/religious experiences have contributed to your worldview and understanding of the meaning of life. Please also discuss the extent to which your personal values have been shaped by religion or religious experiences. Please provide at least one example for each. If you do not consider yourself to be religious, try to describe what has had the strongest influence on your worldview and the values that guide your moral life.

Details:

-The essay is worth 10 points. -The essay is to be uploaded to Canvas no later than 10:00 PM, Sunday, October 3.