...East/West Religious Paper Misanna Gordon HUM 130 July 15, 2012 Vickie Burns- Sikora Religion has in the past and will continue to be in the future one of the main forces that has constantly shaped and drives the world. Throughout many centuries, wars were fought, laws were made, towns and countries were built and broken down all in the effort to make known or protect many of the different religions that exists in the world today. In this paper I will be comparing and contrasting the different western religions which are Hinduism and Buddhism and the eastern religions which are Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The country of origin for Hinduism is India and Southeast Asia. Hinduism was originated from the word “India” which has the very similar spiritual and cultural practices; this was developed in India more than one thousand years ago. There are several societal and cultural influences that made the religion of Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated. The Hindus of India tends to follow several traditions and social standards. When it comes to culture, the Hindus have several myths indicating that there are multiple faces of the divine, and also myths indicating that the divine interacts in many forms with the believers Hinduism is a religious belief system that lacks unity; it is also referred to as the Santana Dharma. The Santana Dharma means the “eternal religion” (Fisher, 2005). The Hindu religion is made up of several religions that were...
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...Comparing and Contrasting Judaism, Christianity, and Islam “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” This was said by Stephen R. Covey and it means that similarities relate people to each other but differences cause them to become stronger by making them stand alone. Though they are similar in ways such as having multiple denominations, holy locations, and being linked to Abraham, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are different. They are unique in how they live their daily life, the way they worship, and their ages. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share many similarities but also many differences. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity have many things in common. For example, they all have multiple denominations within their religion....
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...Kyle Baldani Religious Studies Islam and Christianity: A Comparison October 4, 2010 Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with more than one and a half billion followers worldwide it is the most rapidly growing religion today. While on the surface Islam and Christianity appear to be very different, the history of the two religions and the core beliefs behind them are very similar. Most of Islam’s population comes from the Middle East, but there are still large amount of Muslims all over the world including Africa, China, and the United States (NationMaster, np). Depending on the region in which they live some customs may vary. Within the United States Islam has grown significantly in the past twenty years, largely due to the high percentage of immigrants coming over from the Middle East. Fundamentally speaking there are a few major correlations between Islam and Christianity. Two of the biggest similarities are the monotheistic bases of the religion, or belief in one God and the belief that both religions result from the direct descendent of Abraham, a quality also shared with Judaism. While there may be many similarities in the area of which the two sects were founded, they still differ in many ways most of which come from the doctrinal beliefs at the heart of each religion. The most important figure in the world of Islam, and a name that is recognized by most around the world is the prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in approximately 570 C.E. in the town...
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...but each rabbi is the instrument of his own synagogue in order to relay God's oral commandments to the congregation. Jewish tradition dictates that prayers be given three times a day: morning, afternoon, and evening. No work is allowed on the Sabbath so that Jews can spend the day in prayer, study, rest, and family feasting. The Jews believe the Messiah has yet to make himself known to those here on earth. It is their belief that virtue and obedience will be rewarded in the next life and that the suffering and forced exile they have endured will be addressed at the end of time. Christianity Christians believe in one God and that Jesus Christ was sent by him to convey God's love to those here on earth. Though seen as being mortal while He was one earth, Jesus was raised from the dead and returned home to His father in approximately AD 30. Jerusalem was the center of Christianity. The Apostle Paul was considered to be the first Christian theologian and believed he had been chosen to bring God's message to the Gentiles. The Bible, consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament, is the holy book...
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...Islam vs. Christianity The two largest religions in the world are Islam and Christianity. For most Americans, Islam is the religion of the Middle East; however, Islam is practiced all over the world by all races of people. The morning of September 11, 2001 was a very tragic moment for all Americans and unfortunately it caused most of us to view Islam as the religion of terrorists. As I started to prepare for this paper, Islam vs. Christianity, I wanted to focus on the religion and not the actions of some of the followers of the religion. But as I went deeper into the religious teachings, I could see how the religion itself could produce violent followers. Ahead, I will mirror some of the basic practices and principles of both religions to help us gain a better understanding of Islamic practices. Both Islam and Christianity believe in moral living and being good to others, but have different views on God and his interpretations. Both believe that there is a God; however, Christians believe in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and Muslims believe that God (Allah) is the one and only. Both believe that Jesus Christ existed, but Muslims believe that Jesus was merely a prophet who received a revelation from Allah and not the Lord and Savior that Christians proclaim him to be. The Christian holy Book, The Holy Bible, contains the Old Testament which chronicles the lives of those who lived before Jesus and is also sacred to Islam, and the New Testament which is unique to...
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...APOLOGETICS APPLICATION PAPER Glenda Campbell APOL 500 July 4, 2014 Outline Introduction 1. Summary of the Islamic worldview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2. Evaluating the Islamic Worldview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3. Correcting the Islamic Worldview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4. Defending the Christian Worldview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Apologetics Application Paper Introduction According to Brown, people everywhere filter what they read and hear through the grid of their own worldview. We all see the world different and the assumptions and prejudices that have about the world have an effect on how we regard the world. The Christian worldview and the Islamic worldview are similar, but they are different in many ways. But, what is a worldview? The ways a person views and understands the world have an effect on everyone. Sire defines a worldview as "a set of presuppositions (or assumptions) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously)...
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...Michelle L. Murphy GCU: Spirituality in Healthcare March 16, 2014 Rev. Rick Hudock Abstract As heath care providers we need to keep mindful of the care we provide to several different religious traditions. It is up to the health care professional to respect and understand the ideals that affect our patients and their family members. In this paper we will compare the philosophies of three diverse faiths. The faiths chosen are Islam, Christian Science and Buddhism, and how they compare to Christianity. We will learn about basic beliefs, spiritual perspectives on healing, and the components of healing such as meditation, prayer and other rituals they follow. Furthermore, addressing the importance and perceptive of how to care for a patient with a different faith and cultural view. In the field of nursing we are in constant contact with patients of several different faiths. This requires an abundance of knowledge and acceptance towards multiple beliefs and religions. The philosophies of Christian Science, Buddhism and Islam compared to Christianity have significantly diverse beliefs surrounding health, illness, death and healing. From a spiritual perspective we will learn about each of these faiths. We will place focus on their beliefs on healing, meditation, rituals, prayer and their views on afterlife. We as healthcare providers need to know what is viewed with importance in their faith in order to treat the patient with respect and dignity. Buddhism is a religion based...
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...One of the largest religions in the world is Islam, with more than one and a half billion followers nationwide which is rapidly growing today. Islam and Christianity appear to be very different, but core beliefs behind them are very similar. Most of Islam’s population came from the Middle East, but there are still large amount of Muslims throughout the United States (Nation Master, 2010). Islam has grown significantly in the past twenty years within the United States. They both, belief in one God and that both religions result from the direct descendent of Abraham, a quality that is also shared with Judaism. The doctrinal beliefs of each religion are each different. Islam is the most important figure in the world, and a name that is recognized by most around the world is the prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in approximately 570 C.E. in the town of Mecca. At the time of his birth the area of Mecca was populated by many people who practiced polytheism, and a minority of the population was devoted to Christianity and Judaism. Instead of pursuing any of these practices, instead Muhammad would find himself meditating in a cave on the outskirts of town quite frequently, and it is there where Muslims believe their religion was founded. One night while meditating it is said that an archangel visited Muhammad and declared him as one of God’s prophets. Over his lifetime he had many more visions and through the help of his wife and cousins the words he received were written down, and...
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...Book Review on Karen Armstrong’s Islam: A Short History and Stephen Tomkins’ A Short History of Christianity Religion is a set of beliefs followed by a group of people and it usually involves a set of moral codes and devotion to a greater force. The vast amount of religions allows individuals to identify themselves within the values of certain doctrines. By analyzing two books whose main subject is religion, it was possible to learn and comprehend two of the most popular religions in the world. Stephen Tomkins’ A Short History of Christianity is a non-biased text where he carefully and meticulously explains the rise of Christianity as well as taking in consideration some other beliefs. On the other hand, Karen Armstrong’s Islam: A Short History, is a text that aims to diminish existing misunderstanding and misinterpretations of one of the world’s most important religions. For people who do not know much about the history of Christianity, Stephen Tomkin’s book is an excellent starting point, since it goes back to when Christians were Jews and both religions were considered the same yet “just one more new version of the faith of Jesus”(Tomkins, 76). It is important to say that people, who already know the Bible can also read this book for it gives specific details, and it accounts some historical limitations as well. For instance, he talks about Paul, one of Jesus’ apostles, and the letters he wrote to the church, telling and reminding people of God’s son’s miracles...
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...following essay will be discussing the essentials that are needed for a tradition to be considered a religion. Religion, for some people, is considered a tradition. There will also be information about the commonalities of the three Western religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam – and their differences. What is the essential and practices and beliefs for tradition in religion? The essentials and the practices of beliefs are known as religion. Religion is described as a “starry night, one of the world’s most loving paintings, depicts a sky full of luminous, spinning stars. Painted near the end of its creator’s life, work summarizes the vision of Vincent van Gogh” (Malloy, 2013, pg. 4). The star is known to be for a tradition to be called god or goddess that represent a religion all over the world. The painted is known as the creator of life as the Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)(Malloy, 2013) for example in the church I been attend the following belief that there is one god. The greater Allen also known as A.M.E Cathedral of New York they stand for Christianity faith. Illustrate your points by referring to the commonalities of the three Western religions. The common tradition Judaism, Christianity and Islam is the faith or the belief in one God also known as Monotheism. Judaism is from Hebrew of the bible that he who [God] brought him [Abraham] outside and said, 'Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.' Then he said to him, so...
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...Part 1: Islam I have chosen Islam because of the views some of our society has on this religion and its beliefs after September 11th. Having lost good friends on this tragic day I have tried to study this religion to see where we differ in views. Origin There God is Allah as expressed through Mohammed around 610 AD. This was in Saudi Arabia as stated in history Mohammed had a meeting with an Angel and created the Quran. The Quran is the Islamic or Muslim Bible. The angel Gabriel was to have spoken to Mohammed. Identity Identity to a Muslim is very important. They believe that identification on their Judgment Day is paramount. That is why they pray to Allah before sunrise every day. This identity is the one that makes you sincere in your ways and thoughtful when you deal with people. This identity is the one that does not allow immoral acts. This identity is the one that makes you realize that being a Muslim is a way of life. Therefore contrary to many Americans views on this religion a Muslim is a good human being. Meaning They believe that this world is a sensory world. If you do not believe in a higher being than there is no life for you other than the riches of this world. Morality Contrary to the established rule in America. Islam is a religion of peace and wellbeing. The word Islam in Arabic means Peace. Do not follow in the steps of Satan he is your enemy. This statement comes from there book. Destiny They believe Allah is the creator of all things. They...
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...World Religion Report Carolyn Maynard HUM 130 December 7,2010 Byrl E. Shaver II Abstract Christianity is the largest, and one of the oldest world religions. Although it began as one, it currently has various denominations. All of these Christian groups and churches, however, adhere to the central tenets of Christianity. Christians have a distinct understanding of the nature of God, the identity of Jesus Christ, and the role of salvation. While most of the Christian holy sites are in Rome and Jerusalem, two of the earliest centers of the religion, Christian sites can be found in all countries where the religion is present. The early Christian missions, located primarily in Florida and California, are an example of important sites for the religion in the United States. This paper provides an overview of the religion, information regarding St. Augustine Mission in Florida, an interview with a Christian, and a comparison between Christianity and Islam in order to provide a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Christianity is currently one of the world’s largest religions. Approximately 33% of the world’s population or around 2.1 billion people profess the Christian faith (Major Religions…, 2007). Who are these people? What do they believe in? Where do they come from? Where are they going? These are some of the basic questions many people, unfamiliar with Christianity, could have about the religion. Many Christian symbols, such as the cross, are well known, but...
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...These religions are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Each of these religions is monotheistic and is practiced by more than half the people in the world. Monotheistic religion is the belief in one God. Although Judaism, Christianity and Islam religious practices are each monotheistic, some of the religious traditions are different. Judaism believes there is one God who cannot be made up of parts; Islam embraces an immaterial, invisible God, one to be intensely feared in His omnipotence; Christians hold fast to the trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The differences mentioned are but a few of the differences between the three religions that could very well be reasons for some of the struggles believers faced during the early biblical days. To better the religious traditions of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, one must study the early traditions and struggles of each religion. The writers of this paper will discuss the similarities, differences, theological and historical connections between the three religions. Historical Connections Judaism is historically connected to Christianity through Jesus and the Old Testament. Jesus is considered the Messiah in Christianity and the Son of God. Jesus was actually born and raised Jewish in ancient Palestine. His birth to a virgin mother enforced the belief that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and is therefore the Son of God, or the Messiah. This began the new religion Christianity whose primary beliefs...
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...World Religion-Islam Lanise A. Middleton HUM/130 12/07/2014 Marc Rhoades What is Islam? The word Islam comes from an Arabic root word meaning, “Peace and Submission”. The religion instills that one will discover peace by submitting to Allah totally with all your heart. Islam is the 2nd largest religion in the world. There are over 1.6 billion followers. Islam is a monotheistic faith along with Christianity and Judaism. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. And as followers of Islam, Muslims have basic beliefs that they believe in: Faith in unity of Allah (God) Faith in Angels Faith in Prophets Faith in the books of Revelation Faith in the afterlife Faith in destiny Faith and good deeds go hand in Islam. Belief in Allah makes obedience a duty. Everything in life has to be an act of worship. This is known as the Five Pillars of Islam. The first pillar is the Testimony of Faith or Shahaadah. This is believing and professing God’s unity. There is no god but God Muhammad is the messenger of God. Second, is Prayer (Salat). A daily ritual of praying five times per day. This is done to strengthen belief in God, purify the heart, comfort the soul, encourage the good and get rid of the evil in a person, and develop the mind. Next, Almsgiving (Zakat). This is known as charity. At the end of the year Muslims must donate a small portion of their wealth to needy Muslims. The fourth pillar is known as fasting (Sawm). Frequent fasting is recommended, however the mandatory...
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...the old saying “The two things you never talk about around the dinner table are religion and politics”. I came into this class very closed-minded, thinking that the only religion that is “true” and makes the most sense is Christianity. However, after closely studying and learning the concepts of Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Chinese religions I began to question myself. How can one say that there is only one true religion and the rest are false? And who gets to determine which one is true? Whether one religion has the absolute truth or not - is a difficult question to answer. In fact, in my opinion it is impossible to answer. I agree with what Mortimer Adler wrote in his book “Truth in Religion” that “All the great religions claim truth for their beliefs whether they deny that there is truth in other religions or acknowledge that there is some measure of truth in some or all of the others”. Every religion will always claim to be the true one. However, since there is only one reality, it is logical to say that only one religion can be true. W. L. Craig has said in his debate that world’s religions conceive of God or Gods in so many contradictory ways that they cannot all be true. For example, concept of God in Islam and Christianity is so different that both religions cannot be true. Both religions can be wrong, but they cannot be both correct. Mortimer Adler mainly concentrates on the three monotheistic religions of Western origins that claim to have...
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