Respond to two or more of your classmates posts by Day 7. Your responses should be substantive, at least 150 words, and provide comments and questions that further the conversation. Compare the belief systems and societies you chose with those chosen by your classmates. What different observations did your classmates make concerning how spiritual or ethical systems are expressed in different areas of those societies? How have observations made about belief systems you did not address help you to understand better how people perceived the human experience?
GLORIA
Hello Class,
Christianity & Islam
Two Major World Religions
Christianity and Islam are two major world religions that each have influenced and shaped the societies where the belief systems are followed.
The societies where Islam was predominate were the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Christianity was primarily followed in Europe, North America, and South Africa. Islamic societies were adamant with strict gender rules and very strict on the way women dressed. Christian societies, placed more emphasis on singularity and personal freedom.
Both of these religions demonstrate their spiritual and ethical beliefs with rituals and practices. Muslims believe in five pillars of Islam: Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgramage to Mecca). These pillars are a guide to a righteous life (Esposito, & Mogahed, 2008). Christians practice sacrements such as baptism. and communion, as a way of showing faith.
The impact of revelation vs enlightment are the central role in each of these religions. Islam revelation is believing that Allah revealed his message to Prophet Muhammad through the Quran.The Quran serves as a guidebook for Muslims moral conduct, and provides guidance for life issues. Christianity focuses more on enlightment through Jesus Christ, who is considered to be the son of God, and was sent to save humanity from their sins (McGarth, 2016).
The spiritual or ethical beliefs of both of these religions, did impact how they viewed war and peace. Islam, a religion of peace, encourages Muslims to strive for peace and justice. It also allows for defensive war tactics if provoked. Jihad, sometimes misunderstood as holy war, is really referring to the struggle within oneself. Christianity promotes turning the other cheek and loving one’s enemy. this passive approach has influenced Christian societies throughout history.
Christianity and Islam, have shaped the societies in which they were followed. They both demonstrate spirtual or ethical beliefs through rituals and practices The impact of revelation vs. enlightenment is significant in its contribution to their societies. Additionally, their spiritual or ethical beliefs greatly influenced how they view war and peace.
Understanding these similarities and differences can foster a greater relationship between the two religions.
References
Esposito, J. & Mogahed, D. (2008). Who will speak for Islam.
Duke University Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/402110143Links to an external site.
McGarth, A. (2016). Christianity: An introduction. Journal for the academic study of religion,
21(1), 108-109. https://doi.org/10.1558/jasr.v2lil.10Links to an external site.
Juan Gutierrez
Jan 6, 2024Jan 6 at 9:58pm
Hello Everyone,
Christianity and Judaism, major religions with roots in Roman Judea and ancient Israel, significantly influenced the shaping of societies. Judaism has a deep historical connection with the Jewish people. “The birth of Judaism, the oldest of these religions, occurred in the second millennium B.C.E. (Fiero,2021, p.95). On the other hand, Christianity, originating in Roman Judea, rapidly spread beyond the empire, transforming societal norms, governance, and culture throughout the Roman Empire. Churches served as multifaceted hubs for worship, education, art, and charity, permeating Roman society with Christian values. Notable instances include when “Constantine invited bishops throughout the Empire to attend an ecumenical (worldwide) council (Fiero,2021, p.104)” to resolve disputesexemplifying the profound impact of Christianity on the fusion of religious and cultural elements in Roman society. Both belief systems share fundamental elements like monotheism, ethical codes, and sacred scriptures.
Expressing spiritual and ethical beliefs through rituals, prayers, festivals, and art was typical in ancient societies. Christian cathedrals and Jewish synagogues, architectural marvels, manifested faith and community gathering. Religious leaders played vital roles in interpreting sacred texts and disseminating ethical principles. Revelation-based beliefs in Christianity emphasized divine messages and authoritative scriptures, shaping doctrines and guiding moral conduct. Conversely, Enlightenment-based beliefs in Judaism focused on rational inquiry, ethical reasoning, and personal responsibility, fostering advancements in various fields.
The spiritual and ethical beliefs of Christianity and Judaism profoundly influenced artistic achievements. With elaborate details, Christian cathedrals and Jewish synagogues reflected devotion and divine grandeur, infusing art with moral ideals such as compassion and justice. Biblical narratives portrayed in art influenced the visual language of the time, highlighting the impact of these religions on the aesthetics of human creativity.
The sacred texts of Christianity and Judaism, the Bible, and the Torah shaped beliefs by offering divine guidance on morality and spirituality. The Bible and the Torah influenced adherents’ behavior as foundations for religious and ethical principles. While not directly tied to specific governance, the moral precepts within these works have impacted legal codes and governance structures in various societies.
The relationship between spiritual or ethical beliefs and systems of rule in Christianity and Judaism is intricate, emphasizing justice, fairness, and moral conduct. Concepts of justice often revolved around divine justice, where adherence to ethical principles led to spiritual rewards, and divergence resulted in consequences. Both religions historically reflected patriarchal norms regarding gender roles.
Spiritual and ethical ideals profoundly shaped family relationships, emphasizing respect, obedience, and mutual support between parents, and fostering a sense of responsibility and righteousness. Sibling relationships were encouraged to reflect broader ideals of unity within the family, with a strong emphasis on maintaining family ties.
Regarding sexuality, both traditions emphasized the sanctity of marriage and moral conduct, discouraging promiscuity. Men and women experienced Spiritual and ethical ideals differently, with traditional gender roles influencing expectations.
In matters of war and peace, both Christianity and Judaism advocated for peace and ethical conduct in conflicts, with a provision for just war under specific circumstances. Justification for war often centered on defending one’s community or adhering to divine commandments. Tolerance toward other belief systems carried historical tension between acceptance and perceived threats. Ethical teachings encouraged charity and fair treatment, shaping societal attitudes toward economic practices and wealth distribution.
Regarding poverty and charity, both traditions emphasized the moral duty to assist the less fortunate, viewing charity as a manifestation of compassion and social responsibility. These beliefs challenged social hierarchies, advocating for equitable treatment and emphasizing the importance of spiritual well-being alongside material well-being. The spiritual and ethical ideals instilled a sense of personal responsibility toward the larger community, fostering a collective sense of social harmony.
Juan Gutierrez
Source:
Fiero, G. (2021). Landmarks in humanities (5th ed.). McGraw Hill.
Respond to two or more of your classmates posts by Day 7. Your responses should be substantive, at least 100 words, and provide comments and questions that further the conversation. Ask and answer questions, provide extra resources or tips that you found interesting or helpful, or debate about something you learned this week.
Jackson Gonsalves
TuesdayJan 9 at 12:49pm
What struck you in particular about the human condition and the expression of humanity as you explored the course materials this week?
One striking aspect of the human condition is our incredible diversity in beliefs, cultures, and experiences, yet our shared fundamental desires and needs. Across different societies and belief systems, there’s a universal yearning for meaning, connection, and understanding. The expression of humanity is seen in our capacity for empathy and compassion. Despite differences, humans have an innate ability to understand each other’s joys, pains, and struggles. This empathy often translates into acts of kindness, support, and solidarity, regardless of religious or cultural background.
Additionally, the resilience of the human spirit stands out. Throughout history, in the face of adversity, conflict, or hardship, humans have shown remarkable resilience, adaptability, and the ability to overcome challenges. This resilience is often showcased through art, literature, and collective actions aimed at healing, preserving culture, and striving for a better future.
What insights have you had?
Exploring the vast array of human beliefs, cultures, and experiences has highlighted the richness of diversity and the power of interconnectedness. Every belief system, culture, and individual perspective offers unique insights into the human experience. Exploring various belief systems has highlighted the complexity of ethical and moral frameworks and the power of connection. For example, what might be considered ethical in one culture or religion could differ significantly in another. This diversity challenges rigid notions of right and wrong, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of ethical considerations. In addition, the ability of beliefs and shared values to connect people across geographical, cultural, and historical boundaries is striking. It emphasizes the significance of shared narratives, traditions, and values in fostering a sense of belonging and unity among diverse communities. Understanding these insights has underscored the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and respect for diverse perspectives in navigating the complexities of the human experience. There’s much to learn and appreciate in the tapestry of beliefs and cultures that shape our world.
What has caused you to struggle or feel confused?
Nothing has caused me to struggle, just a lot of reading, so I must be strategic in my time.
What questions have come up for you at this point?
No questions
Do you have any helpful tips that you have picked up in this course or a past one?
No helpful tips other than rest, take breaks and break work up in chunks.
Jesse Fragoso
TuesdayJan 9 at 1:17pm
Hello Class,
A thing that struck me about the human condition this week is the vastly different religions and beliefs throughout the world. One thing that that remains the same throughout humanity is the divine beliefs we share even though some may be different from others, even if you don’t believe in a certain religion, you probably believe the science of evolution or something else.
I grew up a Christian, and I am familiar with other religions but not very many, that being said I don’t have any insights for this week.
The initial discussion post this week could have had way less prompts, and still asked for the same thing. I was okay, but I can see this confusing and overwhelming some people. Just an observation I made.
The small familiarities I do have with some different religions around the world are because of a couple previous courses i have taken, so I am thankful for that.
