Homework: Reflection: Religious Conviction in Action
In our modern, digital world, the way we understand and talk about religious issues has changed. Though religion is still defined by belief systems and social expectations, the way these beliefs should play in life looks different today than it did in decades past. Communication between individuals from vastly different cultures now happens instantaneously. We can share ideas related to science, politics, and religion with an immediacy that can present interesting challenges to our individual worldview.
Watch the three TED Talks from prominent figures (located in this week's Resources). Each video presents a specific religious topic in a way that reflects contemporary considerations.
Submit a 1 page Reflection paper in which you identify the main religious idea from one of the videos and then discuss how that idea is shaped by a consideration that is not religious. As you write, consider the following:
1) In what way does the globalization of communication affect the way we understand religion as a culture?
2) How do the ideas in each of the videos relate to your own religious identity?
3) How have actions and/or events in your own life challenged "traditional" ways of thinking about religion?
Project-Introduction
For your Project, you will pick one of the three pillars of analysis and complete a research paper on how that pillar can help you understand a religious tradition of your choosing in the context of a globalized culture. Your research paper will be the culmination of smaller projects you will work on in each week of the course. As you work through these small milestones, you will be asked to consider and respond to questions such as: What elements of your chosen tradition or pillar of analysis are most important? How has this pillar changed over time? How does this pillar relate to some of the key themes you will examine throughout the course?
To help you prepare for your Project, throughout the course you will be asked to complete sections of the Project Worksheet. You will return to the worksheet during various Discussions and other activities as you progress through the course. You will have a complete worksheet, which will be a solid foundation for the development of your research paper . Your Project milestones for this course will be as follows:
1) Select the religious tradition on which you will focus.
2) Select the pillar of analysis from which you will critically research your selected religious tradition.
3) Explore how a specific ethical dilemma was resolved or appears to be intractable for your religious tradition, from the perspective of your chosen pillar of analysis.
4) Your Project Research Paper is due.
Review
You developed a definition of religion and analyzed the relationship between your religious background, your identity and life experiences. You also evaluated elements of the religious marketplace in society and related the globalization of communication to the concept of religion as a cultural phenomenon. Yyou will explore the first of three pillars of analysis - beliefs.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
• The answer must be using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, typed, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• The response also includes a cover page containing the student's name, the title of the homework, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
• Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.