Journal Entries!

What’s religion; what’s cultural practice? 1.If you’re from the U.S., you should be able to answer this: was the U.S. government founded on Christianity? What is your opinion of the separation of church and state? 2.If you’re from a country that is some kind of theocracy (the government is founded on a particular religion), explain how religious beliefs are part of your country’s laws. 3.If you’re a Muslim student, are you able to explain something about Shariah law to other students? Keep in mind that most other students know very little about this school of law, and any information you have at all will be helpful. You do not have to be a law expert! 4.Do you think U.S. culture reflects the result of the separation of church and state? Is that good, bad, or do you have no opinion? (an example of separation of church and state is that students do not pray in public school) 5.U.S. law allows for legal abortion (Roe vs. Wade). Do you think there would be no abortions performed if it were illegal in the U.S.? Do you think the law has caused more promiscuity? If you are from a country where abortion is illegal, do you think no abortions are performed? What cultural values cause some women to choose abortion over having a child? 6.Is the death penalty legal in your country? 7.In the U.S., you will often find people who believe abortion should remain legal and who also believe the death penalty should be banned. You will also find people who believe abortion should be made illegal and the death penalty should remain. How do you explain these differences? 8.Can you think of a situation where one should follow the “laws of God” rather than the “laws of man?” 9.Is how people in your culture dress influenced by religion, or by common practice of what’s popular among people? 10.Does facial hair on men have any special meaning in your culture?