Religion

WORLD RELIGIONS – REL 212 World Religions

HINDUISM & JAINISM

WEEK 2

Cosmogony - Origin of the Universe

In Hindu cosmogony, the present cycle is not the beginning but rather came before by an infinite number of universes and will be followed by infinite universes. The Jain believe there is no beginning and end; existing since infinity.

Nature of God/Creator

In Hinduism, God is not needed for salvation but desired for increasing the chances at achieving the final goal. It is flexible in letting people make their own decisions based on the doctrine of Karma. Jainism does not believe in the universal supreme self, God is not the center of the world.

View of Human Nature

Hinduism: the human being is an emanation an extension of the Brahma, the supreme being. Jainism: the soul is uncreated, eternal and has infinite power and knowledge.

View of Good & Evil

In Hinduism, good and evil are relative, one cannot live without the other. Asserts that good and evil are in the mind. Jainism also have the same beliefs as Hinduism

View of Salvation

Moksha is the idea of salvation in Hinduism. Moksha means to escape the cycle of birth and rebirth and entering a state of completeness. Jainism firmly believes that even though man is imperfect at present, it is quite possible for him to rid himself of the karmas associated with his soul by his own personal efforts without any help from an outside agency. Jainism: salvation is achieved through three basic ingredients: right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct also called the three jewels or the three fold path of liberation.

View of After Life

Hindus accept reincarnation, the belief that, after death, the soul of a person passes into a new body and life. This new life depends on how the person lived their previous life. Jainism - Depending on one's karma and level of spiritual development, death may mean being reborn in another physical appearance in the earthly realm, suffering punishment in one of eight hells or joining other liberated souls in the highest level of heaven. Unlike hell imagery in most other systems, the eight hells of Jainism become progressively colder as they go down. Suffering in these hells is not eternal. Once a soul has been severely punished, he or she is reborn into another form.

Practices and Rituals

Hinduism: the religious life of many Hindus is focused on devotion to God perceived as Brahman, Shiva, Vishnu, or Shakti or several gods. Hindu religious practices center on the importance of fulfilling the duties associated both with one's social position and one's stage of life. All stages of life for the Hindu, however, involve religious rituals and practices. Jainism rituals are important to the Jain faith because it is through them that beliefs and values are expressed. An essential aspect of Jainism is the ascetic lifestyle. Monks and nuns undertake the ascetic life full-time and take the "Five Great Vows" Worship occurs publicly at stone temples or at home at wooden shrines resembling the temple.

Worship rituals may include chanting mantras, gazing at images of the gods (puja) or anointing such images. Jain meditation focuses on achieving a peaceful state of mind. It usually involves the chanting of mantras. Mantras are a significant part of Jain worship and ritual.

Celebrations & Festivals

Hindu festivals are intended to purify, avert malicious influences, renew society, bridge over critical moments, and stimulate or resuscitate the vital powers of nature. They include a wide variety of rituals, including worship, prayer, processions, magical acts, music, dancing, and lovemaking, eating, drinking, and feeding the poor. The Jain festivals are characterized by renunciation, austerities, study of the scriptures, repetition of holy hymns, meditation, and expressing devotion for the Paramatma.

Week 2 - Sources

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

“Jain practices.” ReligionFacts.com. 10 Nov. 2015. Web. Accessed 1 Aug. 2016. <www.religionfacts.com/jainism/practices>

“Hindu Holidays & Festivals.” ReligionFacts.com. 10 Nov. 2015. Web. Accessed 2 Aug. 2016. <www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/holidays>

BUDDHISM

WEEK 3

Cosmogony - Origin of the Universe

The beginning of life and this world are in inconceivable since they have no beginning or end.

Nature of God/Creator

The Buddhist system of religion do not believe in the concept of a personal God. They believe that the concept of God is a response to fear and frustration. Buddhists believe in the existence of an enlightened being, who vows to save all sentient beings from their sufferings.

View of Human Nature

Buddha taught that everything is impermanent and this includes everything we associate with being human: sensations, feelings, thoughts and consciousness

View of Good & Evil

The Buddhist understanding is that good and evil are innate, inseparable aspects of life. Good and evil in Buddhism are seen not as absolute but relative or “relational.” The good or evil of an act is understood in terms of its actual impact on our own lives and the lives of others, not on abstract rules of conduct.

View of Salvation

Buddhism is not a religion through which one is saved from inherited and/or acquired sins and their consequences, it offers to save one from the Kilesas – the root of all sins. Salvation is not much relevant in the Buddhist concept .The Buddhist concept is Nibbana. Also called Nirvana, implies extinction, freedom, emancipation, liberation, release, deliverance, etc.

View of After Life

Buddhism - after death one is either reborn into another body or enters nirvana.

Practices and Rituals

Buddhism incorporates a variety of rituals and practices, which are intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others. The rituals and ceremonies of Buddhism vary from country to country.

Celebrations & Festivals

Many Buddhists view participation in festivals and celebrations an important aspect of Buddhist practice. Some festivals have social and cultural features and because the celebrations have developed in different countries over long periods of time there are variations so the same event may be celebrated on different days in the same country. In some countries the dates relate to the lunar calendar and in other countries the Gregorian calendar.

Week 3 - Sources

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

“Buddhist views of human nature.” ReligionFacts.com. 10 Nov. 2015. Web. Accessed 5 Aug. 2016. <www.religionfacts.com/human-nature/buddhism>

DAOISM & CONFUCIANISM

WEEK 4

Cosmogony - Origin of the Universe

Daoism – known also as Taoism - the entire universe and everything in it flows with a mysterious, unknowable force called the Tao. Translated as the way. It describes ultimate reality. The power that drives the universe is defined by the Tao. Taoists believe that everything is one despite all appearances. Confucius share the same belief to the origin of the universe.

Nature of God/Creator

Confucianism is a socio-philosophical movement aimed at bettering society. Confucianism is generally considered a social and philosophical way of life rather than a religious belief system. Confucius did believe, however, in the Great Ultimate (Tao), which manifests itself in the I, or change. Ancestor worship was prevalent. e believed that the living must care for the ancestor spirits by proper rituals and that the ancestors can also control the fortunes of the living. Daoism does not believe in a personal god but gods do exist.

View of Human Nature

Taoists believe when human nature is aligned with the rest of nature, order and harmony are the result. Humans can deviate from the natural order and can end their suffering by being in tune with the Tao. Daoism teaches that humans are capable of experiencing immortality. Confucianism – Most agree that the purpose of existence is to reach one's highest potential as a human being. It is a process of self-motivation that lasts a lifetime but can result in perfection. The dependence of Tian (sky or god) upon human agents to put its will into practice helps account for Confucians' insistence on moral, political, and social activism. The quest for virtue begins with the most basic human activities.

View of Good & Evil

Taoist do not hold the position of good against evil; rather they see the interdependence of all dualities. When one labels something as a good, one automatically creates evil. The reality of good and evil is that all actions contain some aspect of each.

View of Salvation

Taoism is not a salvific practice. There is nothing that one needs to be saved from, and belief in salvation would lead to belief in damnation in the same manner as belief in good leads to belief in evil. Although they do not accept the false duality of salvation vs. damnation, living simply in harmony with Te and Tao, and not excessively pursuing material wealth, stature, or prestige, will lead to a joyful life. Confucianism - Rather than any kind of personal salvation, Confucius emphasized the salvation of the social order by encouraging people to respect one another. The entire purpose of his teaching was to change society from one which was chaotic to one which was ordered.

View of After Life

Daoism - What happens after death is not important to Taoists, whose ambition is immortality. Daoism stresses health and longevity through diet and meditation. Death is nothing but a return to the Tao. If immortality isn't attained during life, the Tao will continue to evolve and manifest in different forms, Confucianism – To be worshipped as ancestors. It is also not concerned too much with afterlife as the sole purpose is life here now, but it does take afterlife into consideration as it is one of mankind’s concerns. Confucius does not here deny an afterlife, He simply insisted that a good man practices good not for rewards now or later on, but for the sake of the good life itself.

Practices and Rituals

Taoist - Rituals involve purification, meditation, prayers, consecration and offerings, hymns, dances, and perambulations and offerings to deities. Temple rituals can be used to regulate ch'i and balance the flow of yin and yang both for individuals and the wider community. Major festivals last for days, from two or three up to seven or more. A two-day service may involve fifteen different rites corresponding to distinct texts, each rite lasting from one to several hours. There are two main types of ritual: funeral rites or periodic rites on behalf of ancestors, and rites on behalf of local communities. Confucianism - The oldest and most enduring Confucian ritual practice is ancestor worship other than that Confucianism does not have any specific rituals or practices. The practices of Chinese religion, Taoism, Buddhism, or other religion which Confucians follow ca be used if needed for ritual.

Celebrations & Festivals

Daoism and Confucianism both go hand in hand with each other. They both originated in the same culture which was the China area. They both have some similarities because of the culture. The favorite festival among Daoists and Confucians is the Lantern Festival. It takes place at the end of the Chinese New Year.

Week 4 - Sources

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

http://www.patheos.com/Library/Confucianism/Beliefs/Human-Nature-and-the-Purpose-of-Existence

http://www.diffen.com/difference/Confucianism_vs_Taoism

http://www.patheos.com/Library/Taoism/Ritual-Worship-Devotion-Symbolism/Rites-and-Ceremonies

http://history.cultural-china.com/en/166History5097.html

http://www.marketfaith.org/non-christian-worldviews/the-gospel-according-to-confucius-confucianism/

WEEK 5

SHINTO

Cosmogony - Origin of the Universe

Shinto believes - The Kami are known to have created the universe, this is told in the Kojiki. Kami means 'god's although they are not like the traditional concepts Gods as in many monotheistic religions. The Kami are believed to protect all their people and sustain their happiness in spirituality. Shinto does not split the universe into a natural physical world and a supernatural transcendent world. It regards everything as part of a single unified creation. Shinto also does not make the Western division between body and spirit - even spirit beings exist in the same world as human beings.

Nature of God/Creator

Shinto is the "way of the gods" - and Shinto gods and goddesses are called kami. he term kami refers to anything that is above, high, special, unusual or auspicious in any way. It refers to the essence, or internal quality, of many phenomena that Shinto believers consider an aura of divinity. These phenomena include rocks, trees, rivers, animals, places and people. All of these can contain the nature of the kami. There are basically 3 categories or types of kami: abstract powers associated with nature; family ancestors; souls of the auspicious dead. Amaterasu is arguably the most prominent and famous of the Shinto gods or kami.

View of Human Nature

Humans are part of the natural realm, which is sacred. Pollution does occur through normal acts such as contact with things that threaten life, for example: death, blood, or disease. This is unavoidable and constitutes no "sin." Pollution is washed away regularly through acts of purification. Thus one's purpose is to maintain the pure and natural state of existence.

View of Good & Evil

Purity is at the heart of Shinto's understanding of good and evil. Impurity in Shinto refers to anything which separates us from kami, and from musubi, the creative and harmonizing power. Shinto does not accept that human beings are born bad or impure; in fact Shinto states that humans are born pure, and sharing in the divine soul. Badness, impurity or sin are things that come later in life, and that can usually be got rid of by simple cleansing or purifying rituals.

View of Salvation

Salvation is achieved by observing the many social and physical taboos of Japanese tradition. Salvation is the deliverance from the troubles and evils of the world. Ritual purity and offerings of food and rice wine are part of the practice

View of After Life

Shinto beliefs in accordance with the afterlife believe that the human spirit is to remain forever as like the spirit of Kami. The spirits live in another world, this is mentioned in the Kojiki (Ancient Matters) and the Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan). It tells that the Kami si present in both worlds.

Practices and Rituals

Shinto rituals are a central component of most of the national festivals in Japan, as well as of the more specialized events at particular shrines and other sacred sites. Most often they are performed by male priests who are assisted by a female shrine functionary called a miko, who often is a shaman. The most common type of ritual involves purification - symbolically purifying oneself or an object before interacting with the kami (Shinto gods). Purification is done with water (rinsing, washing, bathing) or with the priest's wand. Other common rituals include the formal reading of prayers from ancient collections, and making food and drink offerings to the kami (which is later shared in a communal meal).

Celebrations & Festivals

Taisai is the major festival of the Shinto religion. It can go for an unknown amount of days depending on the people involved. The festival not only involves the shrine but the surrounding area. Everything becomes entranced by the joy and happy atmosphere. Mikoshi is also part of the highlight of the festival, a parade which travels to the center of the community. The community follow the Mikoshi which is held up by many carriers, then followed by the chief priest on horseback. This is followed by treasured items, children in traditional dress and more worshippers. As they travel there are many stops so different areas of the community have a chance to worship the Mikoshi and receive the blessing of Kami. These festivals are of a very large scale. The festival reaches its climax at night. This involves all houses and buildings being covered in lanterns, as well as the Dashi which can sometimes be two or three storeys high and is a festival float. At this time dancers, musicians and performers gather and celebrate in the street along with the rest of the community. This causes many to rejoice, but can sometimes result in fights and disturbances as there is a lot of emotions which come out at this stage. After the festival peace units the community. Every household shares in a great feast of celebration and worship. This could be compared to the American Thanksgiving.

Week 5 - Sources

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

http://www.patheos.com/Library/Shinto/Beliefs/Human-Nature-and-the-Purpose-of-Existence

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/beliefs/universe.shtml

http://www.world-religions-professor.com/shintorituals.html

WEEK 6

JUDAISM

Cosmogony - Origin of the Universe

For Judaism, the stories of the Creation are found in the first two chapters of the book of Genesis in the Torah. They show how G-d created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. After creating the earth, the sky, the seas and plants, G-d made birds and fish on the fifth day and animals and humans on the sixth day. By the seventh day, everything was created and put into shape and order. And G‑d rested on the seventh day and He glorified it as a day of rest. Therefore we should work for six days and rest on the Seventh day, Shabbat, which G‑d blessed and sanctified for all time to come. By observing the Shabbat day, we show that we believe in G‑d as the Creator of the world.

Nature of God/Creator

Jewish religious concept which affirms that all existence was created and is governed by a single God. This extraordinary understanding of the nature of God rests upon an appreciation of its three major aspects. The first is the belief that God is one and not many. They posited the existence of only one Supreme Being who alone accounted for all the diversity in the universe. This Being was the Creator and Sustainer of all there is. When Judaism proclaims that God is one, it means that God is not simply a numerical unity, but also a qualitative unity. That is the second major aspect of monotheism in Judaism. God is not only one; God is unique as the Source and Sustainer of all moral values. God is not only one unto Himself; God is the only one of His kind in the universe. There is no other “One” like God.

View of Human Nature

Jews have a particular covenant with God as the children of Israel, the rest of humanity is perceived to have a universal covenant associated with the children of Noah. Since human beings were created with free will, God gives them the choice of pursuing "life and prosperity" or "death and adversity," ultimately enjoining them to choose life

View of Good & Evil

Judaism do not see it as there being a conflict between good and evil. Some ancient religions believed that there are two forces in the universe, one good and one evil, and that they are constantly warring with each other. Judaism sees it differently, and we have always seen it differently. Satan is not a rebellious angel. G-d created both good and evil.

View of Salvation

Judaism has always held that we do not need that sort of salvation, for we are not doomed or damned at birth. We are not doomed or fated to sin. Quite the contrary. The Torah says: "If you do good, won't there be special privilege? And if you do not do good, sin waits at the door. It lusts after you, but you can dominate it."

View of After Life

Judaism firmly believes that death is not the end of human existence. However, because Judaism is primarily focused on life here and now rather than on the afterlife, Judaism does not have much dogma about the afterlife, and leaves a great deal of room for personal opinion. Judaism believes in an afterlife but has little dogma about it. The Jewish afterlife is called Olam Ha-Ba (The World to Come) Resurrection and reincarnation are within the range of traditional Jewish belief

Temporary (but not eternal) punishment after death is within traditional belief

Practices and Rituals

In Judaism, rituals and religious observances are grounded in Jewish law (halakhah, lit. "the path one walks." An elaborate framework of divine mitzvot, or commandments, combined with rabbinic laws and traditions, this law is central to Judaism. Halakhah governs not just religious life, but daily life, from how to dress to what to eat to how to help the poor. Observance of halakhah shows gratitude to God, provides a sense of Jewish identity and brings the sacred into everyday life. the Jewish religion recognizes several significant occasions in a person's life. While many times the individual is the focus of the festivities, the family, and in many cases the entire community, participate in the commemoration. These special events are some of the most important practices of Judaism.

Celebrations & Festivals

Passover.

Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year.

Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement.

Sukkot / Sukkoth.

Hanukkah.

Tisha B'av. Tisha B'av is a solemn occasion because it commemorates a series of tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the years.

Tu B'Shevat. ...

Yom Hashoah.

Week 6 - Sources

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/246605/jewish/Creation-of-the-World.htm

http://www.patheos.com/Library/Judaism/Beliefs/Human-Nature- and-the-Purpose-of-Existence

http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/practices

WEEK 7

CHRISTIANITY

Cosmogony - Origin of the Universe

In Christianity, the creation accounts are found in the first two chapters of the book of Genesis in the Bible. These chapters depict the formation of the heavens and the earth, the creation of plants and animals, and the special creation of human beings.

Day 1 - God created light and separated the light from the darkness, calling light "day" and darkness "night."

Day 2 - God created an expanse to separate the waters and called it "sky."

Day 3 - God created the dry ground and gathered the waters, calling the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters "seas." On day three, God also created vegetation (plants and trees).

Day 4 - God created the sun, moon, and the stars to give light to the earth and to govern and separate the day and the night. These would also serve as signs to mark seasons, days, and years.

Day 5 - God created every living creature of the seas and every winged bird, blessing them to multiply and fill the waters and the sky with life.

Day 6 - God created the animals to fill the earth. On day six, God also created man and woman (Adam and Eve) in his own image to commune with him. He blessed them and gave them every creature and the whole earth to rule over, care for, and cultivate.

Day 7 - God had finished his work of creation and so he rested on the seventh day, blessing it and making it holy.

Nature of God/Creator

Christianity is a monotheistic religion, which means followers believe in one God. Christians believe God is the creator and sustainer of the universe. God is also all-powerful or omnipotent, all-knowing or omniscient, all-present or omnipresent.

View of Human Nature

In the Christian religion, the first humans were created in the image of God. The nature people were created with was good but according to the Bible people were given a free will with which to choose for or against God. Human nature makes us inherently human and distinct from all other creatures. Human nature includes the capacity to create, reason, love, and experience a wide range of emotions.

View of Good & Evil

View of Salvation

It is the saving of the soul from sin and its consequences, saving the soul frim the wrath of God’s judgement. It may also be called deliverance or redemption from sin and its effects. Salvation is actually the desired outcome to be gained from living a religious Christian life. It means eternal life after death, and freedom from sin and the consequences of sin.

View of After Life

Christians believe that God is just and fair, and so cannot let evil go unpunished. Most believe in the idea of judgement after death, and that God will treat people in the afterlife according to how they lived their life on earth. The vast majority of Christians believe in some kind of heaven, in which the deceased enjoy the presence of God and loved ones for eternity. Christians believe in hell, a place of suffering where unbelievers or sinners are punished. Views differ as to whether hell is eternal and whether its punishment is spiritual or physical. Some Christians reject the notion altogether.

Practices and Rituals

Many Christians will have been baptized, either as an infant or as an adult, and regularly participate in communion (also called the Lord's Supper and the Eucharist). Baptism and communion are considered sacraments. Sacraments are the most important rituals in Christianity.

Celebrations & Festivals

Advent - the 4 week season of preparation for the birth of Christ, and for the Second Coming. Christmas - Jesus' birth - often celebrated with nativity scenes, stories, pageants recalling the story of Jesus' humble birth in a stable surrounded by animals. Epiphany - the visit of the three wise ones to Jesus just after his birth and their subsequent spreading of the news of his birth throughout the world. Lent - the period leading up to Easter commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert fasting and praying. A time for personal reflection and improvement through prayer. Holy Week – the last week of Jesus' life, including Palm Sunday, which celebrates his triumphal entry into Jerusalem the week before he was crucified; Maundy Thursday, a remembrance of the Last Supper with the disciples; and Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified on a cross. Easter - Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Eggs are a major symbol of Easter since they symbolize new life. Crosses are often covered with flowers to symbolize Jesus' victory over death. Ascension Day - when Jesus' ascended into Heaven. Pentecost - the gift of the Holy Spirit, God's presence in the world, to Jesus' followers in the form of a mighty wind and tongues of fire. Saints' Days - official days, recognized by many Christians, especially Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican, celebrating people who have lived particularly holy lives and are recognized as official saints.

Week 7 - Sources

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

http://christianity.about.com/od/biblestorysummaries/p/creationstory.htm

http://www.religionfacts.com/trinitarian-monotheism

http://www.uri.org/kids/world_chri_cele.htm

WEEK 8

ISLAM

Cosmogony - Origin of the Universe

The Quran states that Allah created the sun, moon, and planets, each having their own courses and orbits.

Nature of God/Creator

Islam is based on monotheism. Tawhid, the oneness of Allah, is an essential belief for all Muslims. Islam teaches that Allah, the one god, has 99 attributes. Although we can understand some of His attributes, His essence cannot be comprehended by a human's limited mental capacity. Allah has created mankind primarily so that they may know their creator through his creations.

View of Human Nature

According to the Quran, Allah "created man from a clot of blood" at the same time he created the jinn from fire. Muslims believe humans are the greatest of all creatures, created with free will for the purpose of obeying and serving Allah.

View of Good & Evil

To understand the Islamic teachings on good and evil, one first needs to understand that Islam views life as a test of deciding between good and evil. The Qur’an clearly states that God is the only authority in defining good and evil. Therefore our perceptions of good and evil may be misleading. The Islamic definitions of good and evil are based on the purposes of creation and the meaning of human life. As mentioned above, the ultimate goal of human life is to become perfected spiritually through belief in God (iman), the knowledge of God (marifatullah), the love of God (muhabbatullah), and the worship of God (ibada). Accordingly, whatever brings a person closer to God and will benefit him in the Next World is good, and whatever takes a person away from God, and thus incurs His anger is evil.

View of Salvation

Islam teaches that no one can gain salvation simply by virtue of their belief or deeds, instead it is the Mercy of God, which merits them salvation. However, this repentance must not be used to sin any further. Islam teaches that God is Merciful, but it also teaches that He is Omnipresent.

View of After Life

Islamic beliefs about the afterlife are very important. Muslims believe in the continued existence of the soul and a transformed physical existence after death. Islam teaches that there will be a day of judgment when all humans will be divided between the eternal destinations of Paradise and Hell.

Practices and Rituals

The Five Pillars of Islam (Arabic arkan ud-Din, "pillars of the faith") are the five religious duties expected of every Muslim. The five pillars are mentioned individually throughout the Qur'an and Muhammad listed them together in the Hadith when he was asked to define Islam. Confession of faith (shahada), Ritual prayer (salat), Alms tax (zakat), Fasting during the month of Ramadan (sawm), Pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj)

Celebrations & Festivals

Islamic New Year

Ramadan

Eid Al Fitr

Eid Al Adha

Week 8 - Sources

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

http://www.patheos.com/Library/Sunni-Islam/Beliefs/Suffering-and-the-Problem-of-Evil

http://www.religionfacts.com/afterlife/islam

WEEK 9

SIKHISM

Cosmogony - Origin of the Universe

Sikhism is based on the idea of the ‘Oneness of Creation’. Sikhs believes the universe was made by Waheguru (God) who created the earth and all forms of life on it. Before the creation there was no earth, no sky, no sun and no life. Only Waheguru existed until he decided to create the world. Then Waheguru created everything by a single word. Waheguru is responsible for all of creation and everything in and on the earth belongs to Waheguru. Waheguru is in charge of all life and without his hukam (will) nothing can exist, change or develop.

Nature of God/Creator

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that believes in an all-powerful creator God who protects followers of the religion. God's nature is two-fold in the Sikh religion and the first part is transcendent. God exists outside of the material world and has no gender and no form. In the transcendent form, God exists outside of time and the cycle of death and rebirth that characterizes existence for followers of Sikhism. The Sikh God is beyond human comprehension, since in his transcendent form, God has no limits and cannot be understood by a mind grounded in the limits of the physical world.

View of Human Nature

According to Sikh belief, human nature is rooted in self-centeredness (haumai), as opposed to the divine consciousness (gurmat) and benevolence (parupkari) that are ideal. Humans exist in Kartar's total will, which pious Sikhs understand and enact in their daily lives.

View of Good & Evil

To Sikhs we are all born good, and as we grow up we have to combat all of the bad things around us, our spirit is strong and it should be able to stand up to life tough trials. The evil around is very influential, but you must be able to resist it, and be able to stay pure. They have five sins that are listed in the Sikh readings, they are: lust, anger/rage, greed, pride/ego, and attachment. Sikhs also belief that suffering is not actually directly inflicted by God, but is instead more of a test of an individual’s courage, and God just approves these tests. God wants to test a person faith and see if they are willing to give into these evil temptations.

View of Salvation

Sikhs believe that salvation can be attained by anyone who meditates upon the name of God. God is not bound by boundaries, for He is omnipotent. Sikhs believe that Sikhism is the best and simplest, most straightforward way of realizing the present of God, to be One with Him and attain salvation.

Sikhs do not believe that only one Religion has the only way to attain salvation.

View of After Life

Sikhs do not believe in an afterlife in either Heaven or Hell. Sikhism teaches that the soul reincarnates when the body dies. Sikhs believe that good, or bad actions, in this life, determine the life form into which a soul takes rebirth.

Practices and Rituals

Sikhs strive to achieve divine consciousness in all aspects of their daily lives. This search is rooted in set daily prayers (early morning, sunset, and before sleep) and contemplation of the divine name (simran). Sikhs also congregate to sing the Guru's hymns (kirtan) and hear discourses (katha) on the Gurus' teachings. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, was born in 1666. His birthday is celebrated in December or January. Maghi commemorates the martyrdom of the "Forty Immortals," forty followers of Guru Gobind Singh who had previously deserted him. Hola (or Holla) Maholla is a mela celebrated in Anandpur on the Indian festival of Holi in memory of Guru Gobind Singh. Vaisakhi, in April, began as a Hindu festival of thanksgiving but for Sikhs, marks the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. October is Guru Nanak's birthday celebration

Celebrations & Festivals

The most important holidays in Sikhism are gurpurbs, festivals marking the birthday or martyrdom of a Guru. Other holidays are melas or fairs. Most Sikh holidays are celebrated with a ritual 48-hour reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, processions (see above), preaching, prayer, and congregational worship.

Week 9 - Sources

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

http://peopleof.oureverydaylife.com/sikhs-concept-god-4482.html

http://sikhismfacts.weebly.com/good-and-evil.html

http://www.patheos.com/Library/Sikhism/Ritual-Worship-Devotion-Symbolism

WEEK 10

NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS

Cosmogony - Origin of the Universe

New Religious movements are very interesting because there are various types and mixtures of beliefs. Some still do believe in God while others take a more scientific approach to the origin.

Nature of God/Creator

New Age thought supports the theory of organic evolution, but extends the concept to the evolution of the spirit. This is the concept of "Evolutionary Godhood," where the next step in evolution won't be physical, but spiritual. The principles of evolution are constantly moving mankind toward god-consciousness, where man and reality connect in unified enlightenment.

View of Human Nature

New Age possess unique perspectives, most uphold the belief that human beings possess divine essences within themselves. This position develops from the overall pantheism and monism within the New Age movement. Like other pantheists, New Agers believe that the divine exists throughout the world. But human beings, as sentient living creatures, possess the ability to understand their natures and therefore to explore and develop them. Most New Age practices therefore center on self-development.

View of Good & Evil

The new movements tend to believe that there is really no good and evil. It is like the law of polarity where everything exists at once, just on different poles. Like hot and cold on a thermometer – cannot really tell where hot or cold exist.

View of Salvation

New agers believe in living a good life, in being positive, in karma. Living good in the now

View of After Life

Like many things about this movement, the afterlife is a topic that has mixed views. There are some that believe and some that do not

Practices and Rituals

Again, nothing set in stone here. Practices and rituals varies. A lot of times practices incorporated are done individually and sometimes they are of practices and rituals taken from another group. Some might do yoga, centering exercises like meditating etc.

Celebrations & Festivals

Celebrations varies. Some get away from celebrations while others share the general celebrations of their culture

Week 10 - Sources

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

http://www.patheos.com/Library/New-Age/Ritual-Worship-Devotion-Symbolism/Rites-and-Ceremonies

http://www.religioustolerance.org/newage.htm

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