What did we carry forward for how to study religion in an academic setting?

This week we will be combining discussion about Chapters One and Two. What did we carry forward for how to study religion in an academic setting? And why are we starting with Indigenous Sacred Ways?

The answer to the second question can be found in why we also include pre-history and Ancient civilization religions. Our ancestors practiced these religions, and the major Five World Religions emerged from these roots, sometimes as a reaction to the older traditions, sometimes because a new prophet came along and set a new path, sometimes out of conquest and suppression of that which came before. But they are all still somewhere in this world.

The Australian Aboriginal culture is the longest continuous history in the world 35,000 years), and Hinduism retains the elements of primal religions. The more you study symbols, rituals, and myths, the more you can see the influence of the basic elements of religious practice and belief.

Chapter 1 Discussion Questions

1. What are some of the issues with trying to Define or Describe what religion is? From last week’s Introduction (Weekly Topic)? Which definition of religion works for you?

2. Does it surprise you that most institutional religions are patriarchal – male-centered– and hierarchical? Can you give some examples of religious founders who offered more inclusion and sometimes equality to women in their movement? What do you do with the statement “In the U.S. more women are preparing for the Christian Ministry” and Buddhist priesthood than men?

3. What are some of the problems or negative aspects that might arise with organized religions? Come up with at least two examples.

4. What are some major positions that have emerged in the dialogue between science and religion? Come up with two examples.

Chapter 2 Discussion Questions

1. What are some of the biases that made it difficult for Europeans to study the innerworkings of Indigenous spirituality and cultures?

2. How have Indigenous cultures managed to survive in today’s world. Offer two geographically diverse examples of tradition maintenance.

3. What is this business of Right Relationships and being related to plants, animals, minerals, geographies and how that works as a religious practice.

Last Completed Projects