...In the myths of history, religious metaphors are based on history, not nature. The stories have a beginning and an end. All three religions believe “human beings are considered human by virtue of being children of the one God who created all things” (Esposito, Fasching, & Lewis, 2014). In other words, there is one true God who is the True Creator. They each tell the myth of Adam and Eve being the first humans, and worship Abraham as he is considered to be a true model of obedience. In each religion, life’s goal is to be in harmony with God. In Judaism, to be in harmony with God you must be obedient to God’s will and even debate with God. In Christianity, one must accept God as their savior, and Islam says that you must submit to the will...
Words: 363 - Pages: 2
...A creation story or a creation myth can be defined as a symbolic narrative of how the world began and how humans adapted to it. Some creation stories, such as African creation stories existed for years. These stories has been told and passed down by many. With creation stories many people can interpret in many different ways. One of the most common creation stories that have been told was the creation of the world. In this paper I chose to write about The Planet of Life. I chose to write about this creation paper because the story itself is really interesting to me and this story reminds me of stories from the bible. This creation story, The Plant of Life, comes from a Nyamwezi story. The alternate name for Nyamwezi is Wanyamwezi. It is located in Unyamwezi. Tanzania’s national language is Kinyamwezi. The religion they believe in is spirituality shaped by traditional beliefs; Islam and Christianity. They have much respect for the living dead. The Nyamwezi people were called Wanyamwezi. They lived in East African country of Tanzaina. Their home area was called Unyamwezi, “the place of the Wanyamwezi”. As years passed the Nyamwezi culture has both influenced the cultures of neighnoring African societies as well as the national Tanzanian culture. Their religion has also had great impact on modern Nyamwezi customs. The Nyamwezi tribe “people of the moon” is the second largest in Tanzaina. The family lives together and the villages are not necessarily based on kinship relationships...
Words: 801 - Pages: 4
...The Islam Religion Violeta Toribio & Ryan Landry University of Phoenix Rel/134 Jack Killough June 21, 2010 The Islam Religion “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God” is the basic core belief in the Islamic religion. Islam means “submission (to God)” in Arabic. Islam is a monothetic religion whose followers are also known as Muslims. This paper will be clearing common myths in the Islamic religion, explaining the sacred texts, and giving descriptions of common symbolism in Islamic text and religious practices. Also to be found in the paper is the historical foundation of the religion and some of the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity. Islam is a religion that has been subjected to many negative stereotypes where they are portrayed as violent uncivilized terrorist who oppress women. This portrayal comes from the lack of knowledge about the religion and how the U.S. mainstream media represents Muslims. Some of the common myths about Islam are Islam is intolerant of non-Muslims, Muslims don’t believe in Jesus, all Muslims are Arabs, and Muslims are violent terrorist. The first myth about Islam is that Islam is intolerant of other faiths. That is a misconception because the Qur’an preaches tolerance of other faiths, and the value of human life and to have respect for others. Announcements by Osama Bin Laden make the Islam religion seems like racist people who out to destroy any non-Muslims societies. The word of...
Words: 997 - Pages: 4
...The Islam Religion Rel/134 The Islam Religion “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God” is the basic core belief in the Islamic religion. Islam means “submission (to God)” in Arabic. Islam is a monothetic religion whose followers are known as Muslims. This paper will be clearing common myths in the Islamic religion, explaining the sacred texts, and giving descriptions of common symbolism in Islamic text and religious practices. Also to be found in the paper is the historical foundation of the religion and some of the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity. Islam traces its roots back to Abraham and his son Ishmael. In 570 AD, a descendant of Abraham named Mohammed was born. He began his life working as a shepherd for his uncle. In 610 AD, the Qur’an begins to be revealed to Mohammed by God. By 650 AD, the complete written text of the Qur’an is established. Only one hundred years after Muhammad’s death, Islam had spread around the Mediterranean. The Golden Age of Islam (750-1258 AD) saw new legal, philosophical, and religious developments. The major Hadith collections were compiled and the four modern Sunni Madh'habs, or schools of law were established. As the Caliphate, or Islamic Empire expanded, the Muslim culture became enriched by the scholars, poets, and scientists that they conquered. For example, many Muslim thinkers pursued humanistic, rational and scientific discourses in seeking knowledge, meaning and values...
Words: 1721 - Pages: 7
...Who Speaks for Islam is a book written by Dr. John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed. Both are experts in the Muslim world, and people’s attitude towards them. Chapter five opens with the statement, “Our world isn’t safer; it’s more dangerous.” In the same paragraph, it mentions that a source of this danger is terrorism, and will most likely remain a threat for a while. A key point mentioned in the first paragraph is that in order fight against terrorism is the abilities to put our biases aside and understand both views of the issue. This introduction is followed by a series of myths and realities. One of the myths given is that “They Hate Us Because of Our Freedom”. “They” meaning Muslims, and “Us” meaning the western world. The common belief amongst the West is that Muslims hate our society. As stated in the text, “they hate us...
Words: 671 - Pages: 3
...Kristine Moore Dr. Mills American Literature I 26 April 2015 The One that Launched A Thousand Religions “خالق واحد صحيح” (For purposes of understanding I refer to the creators in each religion as a he. This research is not intended to argue the gender of a higher being.) Native Americans, Christians, Deists, Muslims, and many other cultures have similarities in the ways they view the dawn of man. Creation stories have dated back anywhere from thousands of years to millions, yet it cannot be decided which version tells the true beginning. Religions and tales of the supreme beings who created Earth and life, come down in manuscripts and drawings that depict each individual purpose of life. With the advancement of technology, war, and government, the reason for man’s existence has changed and therefor his purpose needs to be redefined. خالق واحد صحيح in Arabic means “the one true creator” who holds and gives all power and life. The God, Allah, or Sky-Holder’s power is taken away in order for man to make what he has created right and so begins the beginning of a thousand religions. When man first thought about how to expand his power he did so while looking at his kingdom. From ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and even men like Christopher Columbus, power has stemmed from the ownership of land masses and the conquering of unexplored terrain. The world is in the state it is now because it shows who has gained the most power, yet man has neglected to protect the one thing that gave...
Words: 3903 - Pages: 16
...obligation. Maladjustment, as opposed to adjustment, is an essential responsibility of citizenship because it necessitates the progression of social and political structures, “God grant that we will be so maladjusted that we will be able to go out and change our world and our civilization.” (King 15) King describes the two traditional methods for oppressed people to respond; acquiescence, when individuals adjust themselves to maintain some sort of equilibrium (which can lead to stagnation), or an uprising, a form of maladjustment, that usually takes place violently. The Muslim women described in the writings of Mahmood and Scott embody maladjustment despite the fact that they live within the traditionally hierarchical power structure of Islam because they alter the structure of their religion simply by choosing to be being active participants. In “The Subject of Freedom,” Mahmood affirms King’s assertion of the importance of resistance in the form of maladjustment. But in saying that women can use “the instruments of their oppression as a means to assert their value both collectively…and individually” (Mahmood 7) Mahmood takes a distinct position from King by saying that people can operate within hierarchical power structures, rather than removing oneself from them, and still utilize their agency. Scott makes a related analysis in her study of observant Muslim...
Words: 966 - Pages: 4
...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 placed under the same or one category. In the Hindu religion, the people or the believers can be the followers of multiple faiths, they worship in a different...
Words: 1364 - Pages: 6
...mystery to what exactly happened? What were the conditions in Al-Andalus? Did people of different religious faiths coexisted at that time under Muslims’ rule? What caused the massacre and conversion of Jews and Christians into Islam? What led to the Spanish Inquisition? This paper is focused on the Spanish Inquisition, its causes and its consequences which includes the conquest of Spain by Muslims, the co-existence of Muslims, Christians and Jews, the fall of Al-Andalus leading to the Spanish Inquisition and the expulsion of Muslims from Spain beginning in 1478. This paper will also distinguish between religion and the wrongdoings of men, staining it for their ulterior motives. This paper will include different views of historians and their arguments about all of the incidents stated above. The central argument of this paper is, history of Al-Andalus, through many historians is biased; with little evidence, many of historians blames Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, for the eradication of Muslims from Spain, whereas Muslims (Almohads) did in fact, exterminate Jews in communities and forced Christians to convert to Islam. Muslims entered Spain in 711, overthrowing the Visigoth Rule. After that, they slowly covered most of the part of Spain spreading Islam. As Tina Hesman Saey writes that the Moors...
Words: 4726 - Pages: 19
...include a belief system, community, central myths, rituals, ethics, characteristic emotional experiences, material expression and sacredness. These various religions all have special traditions that honor the sacred to which its followers believe. Although, there are key critical issues in the study of religion, there are also many benefits. Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam are three examples of religion types that are practiced throughout the world. However, there are also different varieties of these religions practiced. In Christianity, the Orthodox churches of Greece, Russia, Romania and elsewhere are closely related to each other, but are rather different from western Catholicism. There are also numerous forms of Protestant Christianity such as Methodism, Baptist, and Pentecostalism. Different types of Buddhism include Theravada Buddhism which is practiced in Sri Lanka and in South East Asia. Mahayana, Tibetan, and Shingon are other examples of Buddhism. The most prominent division in the Islam religion is between the Sunnites and Shi’ites. The first of the eight elements that these religions share is their belief system. They have a common belief or worldview of the universe and what place the human being’s have in it. Community means that this belief is shared and practiced by all its members or group. Central Myths are stories that express the beliefs of the community and are retold and often reenacted. An example of a Central Myth is the birth of Jesus Christ. In Christianity...
Words: 953 - Pages: 4
...Abstract A basic knowledge of Islam is becoming essential for Americans today. Presently there are nearly five million Muslims living in America. These Muslims face persecution by Americans as a result of the country’s present state of affairs. In their own communities Muslims are forced to defend themselves against their enemies. To be a Muslim is not just an individual activity it is a community identity and responsibility. Islam is considered a total way of life for the religious community. For many in America who are raised with the idea of the separation of church and state and the sense that religion is a private affair, Islam can seem confusing, especially since Islam does not have a “church” to preserve and promote its beliefs. There is a great diversity among Muslims as there is among other religious communities in America. Because America is predominantly Judeo-Christian it is sometimes easier for Christians and Jews to practice their faith. American schools do not recognize Muslim holidays. Even such a simple task as attending Friday congregational prayer and taking a break to perform the salat during working hours are often difficult. Muslim culture has become prominent in coutries other than Islam. Countries that have a large Muslim following include Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States. Accepting Cultural Differences in Muslims Since the tragedy of 9-11 a...
Words: 3458 - Pages: 14
...|Mayan/Aztec - Ancient | |Origins of the religion: |Between 10000 and 7000 BCE a group of ancient Egyptians settled in the Nile Valley. |Mayan religion was founded c.250AD which is the rise of the Mayan civilization | |It's Founder, dates, Key Figures, Historical |7000 – 3000 BCD the people became organized into separate villages. After 3000 BCE |(http://www.religionfacts.com/mayan-religion) | |Development, Cosmogony (creation stories), |hieroglyphics were developed after the independent villages become united under one |Aztec formed between the 12th and 15th centuries AD. | |Myths |kingdom. They were then ruled by one imperial Pharaoh. |(http://www.aztec-history.com/aztec-timeline.html) | | | |Religion for both cultures was a central part of their daily lives. They prayed and | |HOW THE RELIGION STARTED … | |made sacrifice to please their deities. | |* Write at least 4 sentences! | ...
Words: 5398 - Pages: 22
...polices be part of Religion Religion means the faith in and love of a superhuman controlling force, particularly an individual God or divine beings. It ought to be recalled that there is no connection in the middle of religion and viciousness, neither in Islam, nor in any religion besides. Brutality is a social and political wonder. Without a doubt there is notice of war in sacred texts such as Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Qur'an. However, this notice is not to set up any basic connection in the middle of religion and roughness yet to depict certain social and political circumstance that won around then. It can be called basic just if these sacred writings command brutality as an alluring arrangement. It is imperative to recognize what is experimental and ideological. The Twain don't generally meet. While viciousness is experimental, peace is ideological. All sacred writings, especially the Qur'an while allowing savagery in some inescapable circumstances, appoint peace as a standard. The considerable religions of the world came to build up equity and peace, not to execute vengeance and viciousness. Requital and brutality can never turn out to be a piece of any religion, considerably less that of Islam. Allah has made both in individuals - inclination for hostility and savagery and magnified feeling for tranquility of peace. Allah, as indicated by the Qur'an, made human individual in the best of mold and after that rendered him refuse of the world. Indeed it...
Words: 1149 - Pages: 5
...Islam is an Arabic word derived from the Semitic three-letter root -s-l-m - as the Hebrew word for peace, shalom, often used as a greeting. The meaning of "Islam" encompasses the concepts of peace, greeting, and submission. Thus, a Muslim - the word is derived from the same root -is one who submits to God, a stance enunciated in the traditional profession of faith. The root word of Islam is "al-silm" which means "submission" or "surrender." It is understood to mean "submission to Allah." In spite of whatever noble intention has caused many a Muslim to claim that Islam is derived primarily from peace, this is not true. Allah says in the Qur'an (translated): [2:136] Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have surrendered. [Arabic "Muslimoon"] Submission and peace can be very different concepts, even if a form of peace is often brought about through forcing others into submission. • "There are, according to Khan, two kinds of Jihad. The greater Jihad, in which a person fights their animal tendencies, and a lesser Jihad, in which they fight on behalf of their community." The ideas and ideals behind the Lesser Jihad introspective inspection in order to improve oneself and bring one closer to their religion...
Words: 502 - Pages: 3
...THE ALEVI COMMUNITY IN TURKEY AFTER 1980: AN EVALUATION OF POLITICAL GROUP BOUNDARIES IN THE CONTEXT OF ETHNICITY THEORIES A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES OF THE MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY BY ALİ MURAT İRAT IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION APRIL 2006 Approval of the Graduate School of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Sencer Ayata Director I certify that this thesis satisfies all the requirements as thesis for the degree of Master of Science. Prof. Dr. Feride Acar Head of Department This is to certify that we read this thesis and that in our opinion it is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a thesis for the degree of Master of Science. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pınar Akçalı Supervisor Examining Committee Members Prof. Dr. Ayşe Ayata Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pınar Akçalı Assist. Prof. Dr. Aykan Erdemir (METU-ADM) (METU-ADM) (METU-SOC) I hereby declare that all information in this document has been obtained and presented in accordance with academic rules and ethical conduct. I also declare that, as required by these rules and conduct, I have fully cited and referenced all material and results that are not original to this work. Name, Last name: Ali Murat İrat Signature : iii ABSTRACT THE ALEVI COMMUNITY IN TURKEY AFTER 1980: AN EVALUATION OF POLITICAL GROUP BOUNDARIES IN THE CONTEXT OF ETHNICITY THEORIES ...
Words: 52011 - Pages: 209
