Religion 212 - Discussion One - Week 1

To: President Obama and family and all believers and non-believers in God.

I would like to dedicate all my time that I put into this class to my dear mother (Mary Alice Barnett who recently passed) and my dear father (Major Waddell Barnett who passed away too long ago) and grandmother (Lucille Miller who went back to school in an age of fall) and got her degree in college and my dearest aunt (Daisy Jackson who was like a second mother to me) and lastly Mr. Nute Scott a dear family friend who taught me some of the aspects of the world and true reality. These beautiful people in my life helped forge me, encourage me and made me dream and live this great American Dream. I won't stop. I encourage all young people to step up and defend your stance because the torch of America the Dream is yours and the nation will be defended to keep you strong, united to defend self and home. I love you people for saving me and mine. Thank you.

Felicia

Understanding Religions and Indigenous Sacred Ways

Define indigenous religion, and describe at least one aspect of indigenous religions that exists in a similar form in a traditional mainstream religion.

Indigenous religion is a practice of servitude and worship followed by a collective amount of people who are native to their country. Native(s) is being used to refer and conclusively state they are the original race that inhabited this country prior to the coming of European settlers.

Further this aspect of religion encompasses cultural heritage, beliefs, customs, mores and practices that are incorporated in religious practices. As such there is no written documentation and it has an informality and undefined quality attributed and if inquired about whether a religious practice is done the pinpointing of the exact religion practiced could not be done.

Characterized of indigenous religions are the similarities between the different races and their ability to be a facilitator and stabilizer of each race’s cultural survival and continuance. Therefore, retaining their own identity and established customs and practices. Further this allows an isolated position to ensure control and binding of people to the community and geographical location.

One aspect of indigenous religions that exist in a similar form is a traditional mainstream religion that includes the religion of Christianity. This religion has merged some of the customs of worship of indigenous people into their own traditional pattern. Also, varying methodology is utilized in the process of worship from formalized to liberalism in the church.

Define religion, and discuss why it is useful in society.

Religion is the acknowledgment and practice to worship which fulfills the need for belief and faith that defies rational thought. Also, as in many cultures it is viewed as a foundational base and assistant to instilling morality, integrity, honesty and correct fellowship which is assistant or works as a complement to bring forth the truthfulness, righteousness and love for self and others. Therefore, in fact establishing a conscience, remorseful nature, humility, joy, contentment, Love of God and inner balance.

Further religion is useful in society because it is a stabilizer and helps us know God and thereby revolve around his axis for his love and protection. Because of religion we as people obtain greater inner strength for life eventful challenges. As a believer myself I know his power and love for me keeps me safe, going and I am not the only one who is grateful to be a Christian and enjoys the enlightenment promised to us.

Consequently, it has and will always be a facilitator to help retain social norms, mores, laws and regulation, and expected good conduct. Also, it is a haven of joy and comfort because our Father God loves us.

Explain why it is important for you personally to understand the beliefs of other religious groups.

It is important for me to personally understand the belief of other groups because their religion acts as a door of understanding of each race. Their religion is synonymous with them the people and mirrors their fears, desires, beliefs, culture and as such it allows me a possibility of meeting these people with openness and without narrow-minded constraints. Further this will also build and reinforce my respect of other people, cultures and established traditions.

References:
Encyclopedia.com
http://www.encyclopedia.com/article-1G2-3448400023/indigenous-religions.html

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living Religions. Upper Saddle River, N.J. Pearson.

Response to Co-student

I agree that when an indigenous group of people are forcibly migrated what is in jeopardy is all cultural heritage, mores, society norms, control of self and others, language and a missing part of the ecological circle.
Further if they move into an area that is not populated the transferring of traditional habits is possible but would reflect changes either for the good or bad.

Also, I too am appreciative of the Christian belief and corrective ability of the church, belief and faith.

Thank you.

Felicia