Ancestral Religions and the Nature of Religion
We have gone through various traditions so far in class, and analyzed their myths and stories. How do these traditions, specifically through their myths, point to the nature of religion? What is the nature of the sacred? How is being established, or revealed, through their myths? Furthermore, how do these traditions shape their current understandings (i.e., Is it ritualized? Forgotten? Overridden by another tradition?).
This paper asks that you analyze a myth not covered in class, in order to consider another way of seeing the world, and seeing the sacred. ALL PAPERS: Have a strong introduction and conclusion Analyze John Mbiti and Lame Deer’s perception of the world through their writings in about a paragraph to start. What is religion from the African perspective? What is religion from the Lakota Sioux religion? In at least one more paragraph, explain how this was shaped in India, from the Rg Veda’s conception of Indra. What does Indra stand for? What does Indra establish?
YOUR CHOICE: Next, choose a tradition from Sproul’s book, Primal Myths. I’ve listed the Do Not Choose at the end (these are myths we went through already, or will be covered). Your choice should be something else. Read your myth thoroughly. You don’t need to do any background information on it (and, in fact, you shouldn’t). How does your myth establish a “ground of being” as per Sproul’s understanding? What can we glean from it regarding the societies’ understanding of itself and its nature? What is the source for the sacred? Your paper shouldn’t include outside readings. It MUST address Sproul intro, Mbiti, Lame Deer, and Whitaker. It MAY include Hart, Kinsley, Jones, Arnold, and Merlin if applicable. It CANNOT include outside sources that are non-academic.
Here are some tips: - NO FAITH STATEMENTS: this is a secular class, and the material must be presented from a secular perspective. - Make sure you have a clear introduction and conclusion, with your thesis stated clearly in the first paragraph - Refrain from using “I,” as in “I think,” “I see that” etc. - Italicize titles of books - Check spelling, grammar, word usage, punctuation - Make sure that your quotes are documented appropriately. Use MLA and always show the page numbers, for example: (Merlin 78). - The paper must be submitted to Turnitin to be graded - A paper without a works cited/bibliography will not be graded. PAGE NUMBERS ARE IMPERATIVE FOR YOUR SOURCES! - A plagiarized paper will be given a failing grade for the class. - BE CAREFUL WITH SOURCES! A paper turned in on time will be allowed a re-write, given that it is a full paper and not draft, and that it meets the above criteria. A paper turned in late will still be accepted but will lose re-write options. Your paper should be around 5 pages, and is worth 20% of your grade
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Introduction
John Mbiti and Lame Deer are two prominent contributors to the discourse on religion from different African and Native American perspectives. In his book African Religions and Philosophy, Mbiti overviews traditional African religions. In contrast, Lame Deer's book Lame Deer: Seeker of Visions gives an insight into the Lakota Sioux perspective on religion and spirituality. Both writers have different yet complementary views on the power of religion in human life and its place in the world. Mbiti, an African theologian, sees religion as a way to connect with the divine and build community. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the spiritual world to understand the physical world and argues that African spirituality emphasizes morality, society, and reverence for the natural world (Mbiti, p 23). Lame Deer, a Lakota Sioux medicine man, views religion as a way to understand and interact with the spiritual forces of the universe and emphasizes the importance of ceremony, storytelling, and traditional values (Deer and Erdoes, p 33). Through their writings, it is possible to analyze their perception of the world, particularly how they view the power of religion and its role in everyday life. Therefore, through their writings, their perception of the world can be analyzed, and what religion means from the African and Sioux perspectives can be explored.
Cultivating Strong Arms and Drinking Strength: Understanding the Spiritual Aspects of Life
In his book In Strong Arms and Drinking Strength, Whitaker discusses the importance of understanding the spiritual aspect of life to find balance and harmony in life. He explains that this understanding must include an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all living things, the importance of respecting the beliefs and traditions of other cultures, and the need to consider the numina when making decisions and interacting with the world. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging in vision quests to understand life's spiritual aspects better. Throughout the book, Whitaker emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong arms and drinking strength to understand life's spiritual aspects better. He explains that strong arms are those which are capable of reaching out in service to others and are strengthened through the practice of compassion, kindness, and generosity (Whitaker, p 45). Drinking strength is the ability to use spiritual power to help others and to make a positive difference in the world. Finally, he explains that it is necessary to drink strength to be able to stand firm in the face of adversity and to be able to take decisive action in difficult situations.
The Significance of Indra in India: A Reflection of the Rg Veda
The Rg Veda is an essential source of religious thought in India and provides an insight into the history and development of Indian religion. In Hindu mythology, Indra is seen as a heroic figure protecting the gods from their enemies. He frequently battles the forces of evil and is said to have fought the dragon Vritra, who was blocking the path of the heavenly rivers. Indra is also associated with fertility and rain, as he is said to have released the heavenly waters to bring fertility to the earth. Indra is also seen as a symbol of victory, as he was believed to have won many battles against the forces of evil.
In addition, Indra is associated with the concept of rebirth and is believed to have created the sun and the moon. He is also related to the power of creation and can create entire universes with the power of his mind. Furthermore, Indra is considered the protector of the Vedic people and their gods and is seen as the guardian of justice and righteousness. He is also believed to be a source of strength and courage, inspiring the Vedic people to stand up to their enemies and fight for justice. Indra's importance in the Vedic literature demonstrates his significant role in India's religious framework. His presence...