...World Religions Darlene Lovely Hum/130 August 3, 2011 Charles Hall World Religions Islam is one the largest and fastest growing religions in the world, second only to Christianity. The Islamic faith believes that there is only one God, who is named Allah. The Qur’an is the holy scriptures of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the words of God revealed to the great prophet Muhammad for the purpose of educating Muslims on how to live spiritually, mentally, and physically pure lives. An interview on the religion of Islam was conducted with Lonna al’ Moctar, a thirty-nine-year-old administrative assistant at The Muslim Community Center of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. The Muslim Community Center of Louisville is the newest mosque in Louisville and is the “boldest architectural expression of Islam to date in Louisville” (Smith, 2010, para. 2). The Muslim Community Center of Louisville is a mosque “intended as a place of interaction for all faiths” to learn about Islam, and is also home to an adjacent school, the Islamic School of Louisville, for pre-school, elementary, and middle school students (Smith, 2010, para. 7). Not unlike the construction of other mosques across the nation, The Muslim Community Center of Louisville had its share of opposition; however, its neighbors never complained about the construction of the mosque itself. Shortly...
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...Ancient Greek Religion Final “What is Ancient Greek religion?” Main focus on the element of festivals, sanctuaries, and cults and how these all incorporate their own unique aspects when defining Ancient Greek religion. The Greek religious system depended not on a single deity, but on many. It did not depend on a sacred text and was served by both female and male priests. Greek gods did not assert rules for human conduct. The Ancient Greeks imagined human shapes and personalities for the immortal deities and then honored them in rituals that both comforted individuals and supported existing social systems. Religion in Ancient Greece was about community. While an individual does not have to believe the same thing as the community, they do have to participate equally in the religious actions. Belief was not the important thing. But if you don’t participate with the community, that will anger everyone and it offends the gods and endangers the community. It is treason to not participate. Greek religion is about action, not belief. It’s about give and take. The practice of religion cannot be separated from social and political life. Many concepts of Greek religion could be seen to benefit more than just the religious aspects. * Sanctuaries * Two most necessary features (directly related to ritual): * A place of sacrifice * A boundary line marking the space within which sacred rituals could be performed * Most sanctuaries were...
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...Ashlee Oliver Theology IV Mr. Boyle Pentecostalism 1 November 2012 Pentecostalism Pentecostalism originated in 1901 in Topeka, Kansas. A woman named Agnes Ozman claimed to become baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, and she started to speak in an unknown “tongue”. After this event occurred, multiple events like these occurred in other places. This practice of Pentecostalism was an addition to the Holiness Movement. In 1906, in Los Angeles, California, there was more documentation of “tongues” being spoken. Having the experience of speaking in other languages is called glossolalia. At the Azusa Street Mission, blacks and whites gathered together for worship, which spread the early Pentecostal Movement. During this time the Pentecostal disregarded racial barriers. There were many Pentecostal churches that were interracial, regardless of any laws throughout the 1920s. Eventually Pentecostalism was influenced to segregate and divided into white branches and black branches. After the Civil Rights Movement the Pentecostals re-emerged and joined again for worship. The three year Azusa revival participants returned to their homes and spread the information and word about Pentecostalism. This was the main reason why Pentecostalism spread across the United States. After the beliefs were spread in participant’s home towns, some whole churches began to convert to the Pentecostal faith. Pentecostalism is a semi-popular denomination of Christianity. In the early 20th century, most people...
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...In Traveling to India you must first appreciate its vast size and large diversity. India’s land size makes it the seventh largest country in the world. India is also has the second largest population with over one billion. Religion is very diverse with religions representing Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists. Religion is very important in India and plays an important role in the personal lives of the people, and often contributes to relationships and business conducted their. India has 18 constitutionally recognized languages; however, English is the co-official language of the educated class, primarily because it is used in business dealings. India achieved its freedom from the British in 1947 and is today the world’s larges democracy. Since the early 90’s, India as opened its economy and allows foreign investment in most industries except some of its strategic industries. India’s average annual GDP over the past 25 years is around 6%. The national currency of India is the Rupee. In the past few years India has begun to emerge as a global player in the Information Technology area. India has no barriers to the entry of foreigners into the country and is fairly easy to get a visa, but entry from Pakistan can be more difficult. When traveling to India to conduct business, it is important to keep in mind that the view of time in America is not the same as people in India view it. If you have an appointment or meeting in India, be prepared for it to change at...
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...Presentation Topic Dowry And It’s Concept in Different Religion Dowry Dowry is the money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage. Dowry is 'any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage or by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other person, to either party to the marriage or to any other person at or before [or any other time after the marriage] in connection with the marriage of the said parties'. As per this definition, gifts of jewelry, clothes and cash traditionally given by the groom's family would also be covered by the anti-dowry law and hence declared illegal. Introduction The types of property included in a dowry vary tremendously depending on the economic circumstances of the families involved and the customary expectations of the society. A woman's dowry might include personal possessions (such as clothing and jewels), money, servants, or land. THE CONCEPT OF DOWRY IN DIFFERENT RELIGIONS Dowry (Dhaaj) is prohibited in every religion which cant affordable for the bridel’s family or more value demanding or asking form the Groom’s family. DOWRY In Islam There is nothing called ‘Dowry’ in Islam a Muslim father does not have to bother for dowry . On the contrary, Islam enjoins the groom to give a ‘Bridal-Gift’ or ‘Dower’ as a token of love and assurance to his wife at the time of marriage. The practice...
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...Families are comforted by the idea that religion suggests donating their loved ones body to higher learning institutions is a gift, an opportunity. Religion influences a lot individuals to donate. A recent survey was conducted including 481 participants including a variety of religions, 61% of which are Catholics, and 42 % are believers in other non-Catholic doctrines all in favor of cadaver donating because their religion suggested it (Rios, 2015). Families are all the more enforced that donating is good by what the past generations have started and the constant continuation of this act. Religion gives the cause more meaning; allowing for a new perspective on the same topic to be considered. The human body in some religions is described as...
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...Jewish Holy Day of Hanukkah REL/134 November 1, 2011 Instructor: Tim Westley Jewish Holy Day of Hanukkah With most religions there are special times of the year that people of faith celebrate holidays associated with the religion one practices. Hanukkah or Chanukah celebrates the Jewish rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the Second century B.C. Legend says Jews rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors during the Maccabean Revolt (History.com, 2011). The meaning of Hanukkah in Hebrew is dedication, and is an eight day festival, known as the festival of lights which begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev; usually in the months of November or December. Hanukkah for those who do not practice Judaism is probably the best known holiday celebrated in the Jewish faith. The reason for this knowledge is because of its proximity to the Christmas holiday celebrated by Christians. Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas that many non-Jews come to believe (Jewish Virtual Library, 2011). The Hanukkah celebration praises a miracle which is said to have occurred during the Maccabean Revolt. It is said that God made the one day's worth of oil burn for eight days, thus giving us the term Festival of Lights. There is only one essential ritual of Hanukkah and it is the lighting of candles. The Hanukkah candles are held a candelabrum which holds nine candles. This is special form of menorah (Molloy, 2010). The menorah in the Jewish faith is believed to portray the...
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...Argentina Introduction Argentina has a population of 33 Million with an ethnic composition of 85 percent European descent, primarily Spanish or Italian. Indians, mestizos (people of mixed Indian and Spanish ancestry), and blacks together make up the remaining 15 percent. The Republic of Argentina is a democracy for now, but has had a long history of military power. Spanish is the official language, although many people speak English, Italian, or other languages. Argentine Spanish is heavily influenced by Italian and is unlike Spanish spoken anywhere in Latin America. Church and state are officially separate, but about 90 percent of the population considers itself Roman Catholic. Jews and Protestants account for 2 percent each. Argentina Fun Fact Argentina is the homeland the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church known as the Bishop of Rome. Jorge Bergoglio, is the first Pope selected from outside Europe in over 100 years and the first from the Americas. He will be known as Pope Francis. The longtime Bishop of Buenos Aires, the new Pope spent the majority of his career at home in Argentina with his roots in the Jesuit Order. As the Cardinal of Buenos Aires, he was known for humility, doctrinal conservatism and a commitment to social justice. Argentina is a country of wide-open pampas and ancient forests, in addition to very sophisticated cities, such as its capital, Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, has the largest number of Jews in Latin America; they are commonly referred...
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...Business and Negotiation Practices India 08 Fall Prepared by: Andrew B India: Business and Negotiation Tactics Facts and Statistics Location: Southern Asia Capital: New Delhi Population: Estimated 1.2 billion Government: Federal Republic Main 3 Religions: Hinduism, Muslim, and Sikhism Business Etiquette When entering business with people in India, the first important thing to understand is the hierarchy. Of all the cultural influences that affect the Indian business culture, hierarchy plays a key role. Indian society operates within a framework of strict hierarchy that defines roles, status and social order of its people. Dress Etiquette When dressing for a meeting it is important to know that business attire must be conservative. This means dark coloured conservative suits for men and conservative suits or dresses for women. Women are also expected to have proper hemlines and skin appropriately covered. Meeting and Greeting When doing business in India, meeting etiquette requires a handshake. However, Indians themselves use namaste, which is a Hindu greeting. This is the act where palms are brought together at chest level with a slight bow of the head. Westerners are welcomed to partake in this tradition as it shows a sign of their understanding of Indian etiquette. It is also important to know that genders play a role in greeting. Men are ok to greet other men with a handshake but are not to shake the hand of a woman. They are simply to acknowledge...
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...Rites of passage are present in all cultures and religions throughout history. In these rites of passage, gifts play an important role both in marking the transformation and in reinforcing the relationship between the giver and the receiver of the gift. One particularly important rite of passage that is present in most cultures is that of marriage. Each culture has their own traditions surrounding weddings and while in modern day America many different traditions from cultures around the world are practiced and considered very important in today’s society. In this paper we will examine the similarities and differences between Somali-American wedding traditions and those of European-Americans, along with the religious and cultural traditions they've discarded or lessened in practice to fit into the always changing American lifestyle. In a traditional Somali-American wedding, religion plays a huge role from the very beginning of the relationship, when a man courts the woman all the way to the final stage of tying of the knot. Since 99% of Somalis are sunni-muslims, the religion that governs this marriage process is Islam. When a man is interested in marrying a woman he must first consult with his elders, then, the man must next talk to the woman’s parents and elders. The woman’s elders then make a decision based upon how well they know the man’s elders, and the if they find the man and his family to be a suitable match. How fit a man is, is not only determined by his actions but...
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...According to the New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition, “culture can be defined as the sum of attitudes, customs, and beliefs that distinguishes one group of people from another. It could be transmitted through language, material objects, ritual, institutions, and art, from one generation to the next.” However, in a society or country there have to be culture, because it is the way of life of people. Every society has to have its own cultural values despite to its population and location. Culture can also be seen as a relationship that brings different people together. Culture is of different types which include religion, socio-culture, dressing, language and greetings. The essay will be based on mainly the religion, language...
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...Christianity developed from the Jewish faith in the person and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. The Christian religion, as with the ancient Greek religion, was first generated through the oral tradition. Jesus was believed to be the only Son of God by the early Christians, and this belief has endured in the modern Christian world. The Holy Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testament, is the basic scripture for Christians, and although Christianity and Greek Mythology are very distinct, they are similar in many interesting ways. Statement of Purpose I am a Christian, and in writing this piece I am in no way saying that Christianity is a myth. It is my intention to point out how Greek mythology and Christianity are similar, and nothing more. It is interesting to learn how ancient people lived and worshiped, and psychology finds mythology useful in classifying modern modes of action. Three Major Ways Greek Mythology and Christianity are Similar Although the gods and heroes of Ancient Greece are not worshiped today, this ancient religion is still comparable to modern Christianity. Greek mythology and Christianity are similar in that they: (1) teach a moral way of life; (2) teach that a woman (Pandora or Eve) caused the downfall of mankind; (3) and both have a savior figure. Although Greek mythology and Christianity are similar, they differ in their concept of sacrifice, punishment, and doctrine, and I will discuss this in a separate piece. A Moral Way of Life To begin, Greek...
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...Explain (cause and effect) how religious traditions seek to answer the enduring questions of life. Religion is the belief and worship of a transcendent controlling authority that has developed, and become a quintessential factor in the way individuals, and communities process, and comprehend the enduring questions of life. Religious traditions through its characteristics seek to answer these timeless questions, which go beyond human comprehension and scientific understanding. Religious traditions are defined by its 4 characteristics: beliefs and believers, sacred texts and writings, ethics, rituals and ceremonies, which are continually being reinvented, reinterpreted and renewed. In order to keep a religion living and dynamic that embodies its core beliefs whilst still adapting facets to modern context throughout the ages like Christianity has been undertaking for the past 2000 years. Sacred texts and writings are an essential aspect of religious tradition that must be embraced. Whether they are written, oral or made into visual images, as they aid the adherents to understand the answer to the enduring questions of life. For example the bible is the most important, core document in Christianity as it contains the Word of God, it presents believers with the most important role model and practical exemplar for which they can base their existence around. Therefore adherents are able to understand that earthly life, possession and desires aren’t important compared to what...
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...Weddings of Two Separate Cultures | The Differences of a Traditional Cambodian & Traditional Indonesian Wedding | Social Psychology v3.0 Final Project | | When it comes to wedding, it is suppose to be the greatest moment in your life; so why not make it memorable. Everywhere in the world, weddings are either done traditionally or in a way that is affordable, but it will always be that day that you will remember and hold dear to your heart. In most cases, a lot of weddings are conducted based on their religion and culture, but a lot of traditional weddings are fading due to globalization; and most couples just want something simple, and the way that they want. Like I said, weddings are suppose to be that moment to remember, so why not have it done the way that you dreamed it to be, or like for it to be. As with a traditional Cambodian style wedding, the marriages are usually arranged by the parents; the ages of the men are usually between 20 and 25, while the women are between 17 and 22. The couple can also be put together by friends and even a match maker, or he can suggest a likely spouse, and have the parents setup the marriage negotiations. Unlike the male in the marriage, the women have the right to veto the decision, if she disagrees with the relationship. After a spouse has been selected, someone meets with the parents and discusses the subject of marriage. Then each family will investigate the other to make sure their...
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...thinking about them, and that are passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next” (Culture). Argentina’s culture is a unique blend of European and Southern American influences. Spanish is spoken mainly in Argentina, Argentinian Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. In some ways it sounds more like Italian than Spanish. There are also many other languages spoken in Argentina, including Italian, German, English, and French (Language in Argentina). The predominant religion of Argentina is Roman Catholic. Although Roman Catholic is the well-known religion, it is not the only religion practiced in Argentina. The country is also home to religions such as Protestants, Muslims, Jews, and other religious groups (Argentina). Visiting or conducting business internationally means mixing with new cultures. Every culture has its own etiquette and customs which if not researched or understood can cause offense or embarrassment. Meetings, gift giving, dress and appearance, greeting, names and titles, personal space and touching, taboos, and negotiations are important key areas for consideration when doing business in Argentina. Meetings When doing business in Argentina one should make an appointment to meet 1-3 weeks beforehand. You should expect to wait at least 10 to 15 minutes for any appointment, this is considered normal in Argentina and does not signify any lack of respect for the relationship. But, it is best for you to arrive on time...
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