Animoto

http://animoto.com/play/c98c29ee51e891f953d31196972f401e


This is my video on my religious veiws. When i tried to post it onto my blog it wouldnt work, so i posted the link right here. It shows mostly pictures of Jesus and God. Enjoy!

Sociology

In sociology class I had to do a presentation with my partner. We had many options to choose from like family life, marriage or religion. Since I took religion class I decided to do Islam. The main thing I learned from Islam is the family life. In Islam, the man is seen as the head of the household. He brings in the money and puts food on the table for everyone. The women however is seen as a maid. They have to take care of the children and the husband. They have to cook and clean. It seems they have a separation of power. Also I learned that men are allowed to marry up to 4 wives. To some it may sound real cool, but in reality it is difficult to treat 4 women equally and sharing time with them. Also I learned that the religion of Islam is the joining of Christianity and Judaism, to a certain extent. People who are Muslim believe that Mohammad was the last prophet of God and received 5 pillars or laws to help the people. This story would transform the religion into the second highest practiced religion in the world.

Hinduism

When I went to the temple, during the festival of Divali, I saw many things. The main thing I saw was the statues of Rama, Sita and Hanuman. These three are very important because they make up the festival holiday. Since Rama is a hero and his "partner in crime" Hanuman helped, they are seen as big time people. They are known for defeating evil. There was also rice and other stuff which were used to praise Rama and celebrate his victory over the Demon, Ravana. The main thing i noticed is that the place of worship there is very strict. No one was allowed to enter the place of worship unless they took off they're shoes. This shows the amount of discipline they have for their religion. I also noticed that the men took lead in the festivals while the women sang. To me it showed a little seperation of power between the men and women.

Pope Coming to Weschester County

In recent news, I heard that the Pope, Pope Benedict the 16th, is coming to Westchester County. I heard this news recently on news 12 Westchester. I heard that his main place of visit will be in Yonkers. There he will conduct service and visit the rest of the the county. Sounds nice to hear that the Pope will be coming to New York to visit. If anyone wants to go see him, this will be the best chance. He will be coming in the spring of 2008.

Altar

This is my altar at a nearby church in my community. This altar represents the place of worship for this church. As you can see the main picture in the front represents the last supper. This picture is very important because it is the last meal before the death of Jesus Christ. This picture also shows the cross with Jesus on it in the middle. This is the most famous thing found on altars which follow Christianity. It is to focus on the point that Jesus suffered for others.

Diwali

As I was looking through the assignment, I decided to write a post on the ritual of Diwali. This can also be called the "Festival of Lights." It is a celebration practiced by the cultures of India including, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. The event has many different activities. Drum playing and throwing around colored powder is jus two of the traditions. The main thing during Diwali, however, is the lighting of candles. The candles and the lights represents the uplighting of darkness and victory of good over evil. Most Hindus believe that Diwali is the day their God, Krishna, defeated the evil demon Narakasura. Another reson why I decided to post this up now is because Diwali is coming up soon. The tradition is practiced for five days and occurs usually around late October, early November. Here you can see some pictures of Diwali celebrated in India.

Hinduism

Hinduism is actuallly one of the most interesting religions I have come across. Even though the religion is practiced in my mother land, India, I really dont know much about it besides what I have tried to understand in class. The main thing I know is about the different Gods in the religion. To me it seems like Hinduism is like Greek Mythology because they both have different numbers og Gods. I dont know so much about Hinduism, so thats why I chose it as my topic for the research. If anyone else knows anything else important just fill me in. Yaa DIgg...easy

The Community, Issue and Discourse

The community I would talk to is the youth that listens to hip hop and rap. I mainly would talk about the violence and how some rap songs, even though mean one thing, can influence others to do wrong things. Dont get me wrong. I've been listening to hip hop and rap since I was 5 years old. I was attracted to the beats and the sounds. The only thing I didnt get attracted to is the violence. I feel that there is no point to fight over music. Also the fact that gangs have something to do with music. I dont think thats cool. Killings such as Tupac, Biggie and Proof I feel was pointless. They were murdered over some coastal beef. I dont think violence is the solution, well at least not in music. Following the Buddhist way of meditation, I feel, is the best way to calm these people down. Let them sit down and think to themselves; is what they are doing correct? I think the best way to understand a situation is to sit down and think about it for a while. Then the answer will come to you.

American Christian Foundation

One topic thats always catches me is the American Christian Foundation commercials. Everyone knows what Im talking about; the one where the man asks you to donate money for poor and needy children. These commercials catch me because I always put myself in their position and would think what can I do? I feel bad for these kids who grow up without an education and without anyone to feed them. The part when I feel bad is when I see these little kids drinking filthy water. The reason why Im so caught up in these commericals is because my friend has a little boy and I see him as my nephew cause we're so close. I wouldnt want to see my little man growing up like that. Just a thought I wanted to share. Be easy...

Ghandi

Mohandas Ghandi was one of the greatest religious leaders to live on the earth. He was such a humble man and believed that everything can be done by peaceful methods. He was a man of great faith and believed that through God, all things are possible. He also believed that peace can bring the people together, rather than violence. He believed that violence just brings corruption to the world and nothing more. He was a Hindu man who believed that his people, should be free and walk amongst everyone else. He was a great man.
Mohandas Ghandi was raised up in a Hindu community. That was his religion. He practiced it frequentley in that he prayed and thought of peace. However, he didnt believe that other religions were bad. He believed that Hindus, as well as Muslims are all equal. He always practiced peace and never raised his hands against anyone. He emphasized Hinduism mainly about the meditation and the peacefullness. He was a man who felt that violence will bring no resolution to any problem and the best thing to do is become peacful and talk things out. These were his main two focuses. He also believed in equality among men. He believed that no matter what color, race, or religion. Every man should be treated the same.
To me, I would think he would consider himself a good Hindu man. I feel this way mainly because he did whatever he could for his people, no matter their religion. He was helping the people. He wanted to see his people walk among free men. He didnt want to see his people working for others as slaves. I would agree if he thought of himself as a good Hindu. He was a great man. He carried his people on his shoulders and did whatever he could to lead them to independence and freedom.
Mohandas Ghandi was a great man. Even though he had his own religion, He helped out those who needed help and wished them well. He didnt care about religion but his country was very important to him. He was a great Hindu man and I think if he had the chance, he would do everything the same way.

Assignment #2

This week we read about Native American and African Religions. Although I am not from either of these cultures I can see where they are coming from. In the Native Amercian Religion, the people mostly believe in spirits living in the earth and the community. They believe there are spirits in the water, trees, wind etc. I can see where they are coming from because they are used to living along the earth and the community. Even though I dont follow the same things they follow, I feel that they feel strongly in their beliefs, and if its that strong, they should follow their beliefs.

Current Event #1

There was one article that made me think me for a while. It was about how the Christian Church doesnt agree with the idea of divorce. It was talking about how children of God should not be growing up without both of their parents. In the article they talked about a boy named Christopher Wilson who grew up in a Christian family. When he became 10 his parents had a divorce. Now Christopher had no father figure in his life. As a result he stopped being religious and stopped going to church, along with other activities he picked up on the way. The pastor at his church (they didnt give out his name) said that the divorce caused the child's breakdown and led him into the wrong path. He said when a couple is having a problem it is the obligation of the church members to help them out and bring them to the light. In a way I agree because a big percent of kids who go in the wrong direction come from a family where the parents are divorced. The pastor also said that the kids are the future of the world and destroying their lives will lead to nothing but chaos in the future.

2nd Assignment

I agree with Shaw's quote. There is only one religion but many different versions of. Religions are like doors to the same room. In a religion you pray and worship to a superior being. Even though people pray to different Gods, in reality they are practicing the art of worship.
Essential practices of a religion is prayer, worship, and forgivness. Even though there are many different religions, they all follow these basic fundamental practices. All those who participate in a religion obviously prayers to their God. Whenever a person is in need or in trouble, they call upon their God to help. I dont know about anyone else, but when I want something bad I ask God to help me get that; Like a new car! But anyway, religion is a part of most peoples lives and it helps them have hope that a superior being is looking out for them.

First Assignment

1.
Jehovah's Witness (100%)
2.
Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (98%)
3.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (94%)
4.
Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (91%)
5.
Eastern Orthodox (87%)
6.
Roman Catholic (87%)
7.
Orthodox Quaker (84%)
8.
Seventh Day Adventist (82%)
9.
Liberal Quakers (77%)
10.
Bahá'í Faith (67%)
11.
Orthodox Judaism (65%)
12.
Unitarian Universalism (63%)
13.
Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (56%)
14.
Reform Judaism (55%)
15.
Sikhism (54%)
16.
Islam (46%)
17.
New Thought (46%)
18.
Neo-Pagan (39%)
19.
Hinduism (31%)
20.
New Age (30%)
21.
Secular Humanism (29%)
22.
Mahayana Buddhism (28%)
23.
Scientology (26%)
24.
Theravada Buddhism (21%)
25.
Taoism (16%)
26.
Jainism (12%)
27.
Nontheist (11%)


I was really surprised I got Jehovas Witness. I am really not as religious as it seems. I was taught the basic fundamentals of my religion, which is Eastern Orthodox. What I was taught is that there is 3 Gods in 1; The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I was also suprised that I was chosen as a Mormon. I believe that Mormons are known to have many wives. I disagree with that. Marriage is sacred, or that's just what I was taught. I was actually happy to see that My religion, Eastern Orthodox, was at least in my top 5. Maybe I should do this survey again.

First Assignment

1.
Jehovah's Witness (100%)
2.
Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (98%)
3.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (94%)
4.
Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (91%)
5.
Eastern Orthodox (87%)
6.
Roman Catholic (87%)
7.
Orthodox Quaker (84%)
8.
Seventh Day Adventist (82%)
9.
Liberal Quakers (77%)
10.
Bahá'í Faith (67%)
11.
Orthodox Judaism (65%)
12.
Unitarian Universalism (63%)
13.
Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (56%)
14.
Reform Judaism (55%)
15.
Sikhism (54%)
16.
Islam (46%)
17.
New Thought (46%)
18.
Neo-Pagan (39%)
19.
Hinduism (31%)
20.
New Age (30%)
21.
Secular Humanism (29%)
22.
Mahayana Buddhism (28%)
23.
Scientology (26%)
24.
Theravada Buddhism (21%)
25.
Taoism (16%)
26.
Jainism (12%)
27.
Nontheist (11%)