RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
INTEGRATIVE ESSAYS
This semester you embarked on a journey to learn about Religions of the World. Having explored many concepts about
the nature and history of religion as well as a variety of religious traditions, please discuss the following in welldeveloped essays.* You will prepare and hand in two (2) essays total.
Choose ONE of the following....
1. How has the examination of religious traditions other than your own increased your understanding of and
respect for religion in the world today? What specific things have you learned (or been challenged to think
about) will you take forward into your dealings with people in the future?
2. How has the examination of religious traditions other than your own influenced the way you think about your
own religious tradition? Be sure to name specific ideas/practices from other religions and how they have
challenged you see your own religious upbringing in a new light?
3.
In our exploration of different religions this semester, we explored a diversity of religions, and also saw that
there is diversity within religion. Please discuss in specific detail your observations on how a religious tradition
might both benefit and be challenged by different sects/denominations within its generally unified identity.
and ONE of the following...
4. Sometimes, we hear people say "Religions are all basically saying the same thing...." This can disregard the unique
and sacred cultural expressions of specific religious traditions. However, a respectful closer look does reveal several
important themes regarding human nature, our attempts to understand and know our place before God, and our right
relationship with one another. Choose any two religious traditions we have looked at this semester, and compare how
they address these three areas, noting any similarities and differences...with appreciation for the unique cultural
expressions of these religions. How are these different paths be on the same journey?
5. People who do not understand religion sometimes mistakenly say that "Religion is a way that people escape from
reality." However, an informed understanding of religion reveals that healthy religious practice is a way for people to
deepen their engagement with reality. Please choose any two religions we have looked at this semester and discuss
how the spirituality of this religion invites people to live with more mindful awareness of the "really real" and move
away from the illusions of this world.
*Essay should be typed, double-spaced (1” margins on paper; 10/12 font size); length: one to one and a half
pages. Your examples should include specific ideas that were presented in class during the semester, as well as
your thoughts about those ideas. Be sure to organize and develop your thoughts in clear paragraphs…and
PROOFREAD your work before submitting.
DUE:__________________________