Title: Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948)

After learning about Mohandas Gandhi, in what ways do you think he practiced Hinduism? What parts of Hinduism did he emphasize? What parts seemed less important to him? Would he consider himself a good Hindu? Would you agree with his self-assessment?

Around the time of religious struggle in the world, there was a spiritual man named Mohandas K. Gandhi. He was influenced by his early career, as a lawyer. He eventually used this skill combined with his religious passion, to help strengthen his Indian peoples’ religious freedom and social benefits. He practiced civil disobedience and non-violence against the British Empire. He was a vegetarian and believed in the sacredness of the cow. Gandhi was inspired by Jain teachings, such as (Ahimsa) which is the non- injury of any life on earth. The Hindu religion breaks society into the caste system. The caste was based on vocation or jobs. They were also divided on religious or ethic lines. He fought against the discrimination of the outcaste. He believed the poor people earned grace and respect from the gods, as a result of their long suffering and difficult lives. He wanted to modify the caste system to a better standard of living for all the people, not just the highly educated and wealthy people at the top of the caste system. The caste system seemed less important to Mohandas Gandhi. He wanted it to be more flexible so people would receive more equal rights in India. I would think that Mohandas Gandhi was a great Hindu leader. He was a religious reformer; he dedicated his life to truth. He freed millions of Indian people from the British government. He never thought of establishing an army of men, or using violent weapons. He was an amazing religious activist who demonstrated his feelings in a peaceful way. He organized strikes and fasts that mean (one does not eat for a certain period of time during the day). Mohandas Gandhi goal was political freedom for India, and dignity, integrity, and social justice for all his people in India. Many future political leaders were inspired by Mohandas Gandhi’s non-violent protests to bring about social change. He inspired Martin Luther King Jr’s Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s in the United States of America, and Nelson Mandela’s Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa. His thinking still continues to go on after his assassination in 1948. Gandhi's ultimate achievement was that he became a hero to his people, and a martyr in the eyes of the world.

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wednesday 6:15 to 9:05pm
Professor Susan De George
Fall 2007

Title: Hinduism in the 21st Century Great Britain

During the week, write at least one more post on a religion topic of your choosing.
Due October 2nd


There are millions of Hindus in the world. There are around 500,000 Hindus living in Great Britain today. Most Hindu settled in the inner city and were raised as poor people. They had menial jobs or worked at mom and pop businesses, such as grocery stores, or clothing stores. They used old church halls for their temples. Their parents and grandparents started schools in which their language and scripture, and performing arts were taught. Also, modern traditions have begun. The young women no longer wear the traditional dress as much. The young people have their own types of music. Many young teen and adult students have developed efficiency in the field of higher learning. Hindus in Britain have advanced their training and education with college degrees in engineering, accounting, and law. They are becoming a huge asset to the country of Great Britain. This is due to the traditions instilled from their grandparents and great grand-parents who were inspired by the great Mohandas K. Gandhi. His religious influence has inspired the people to rise to their expectations in life. The Hindu culture is to be admired by all in this modern British world! Do you know any Hindus? Do you feel that they have reached the highest level? Or can they go to new lengths? Are any of you of the Hindu religion in class? Has anyone been to a Hindu ceremony or worship? Please post any comments.


Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wednesday 6:15 to 9:05pm
Professor Susan De George
Fall 2007

Hindu Meetings and Worship Places. Here are my Snapshots of the Ganesha Shrine

I navigated myself to the Ganesha Shrine using the Second Life program. When I first arrived there I enjoyed the music that was used for inspiration and I had a very relaxed feeling. There were sculptures, pictures and paintings of worship. There were many different types of artifacts from the Hindu religions. You could sit down to pray. This is a great place for mediation. You will maintain great focus. These beautiful stone sculptures represent their past and history. This ancient religion demonstrates a sense of the spiritual world that all its followers should look for!

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wed 6:15 to 9:05 PM
Professor Susan De George

Due September 25th

In a number of places in his well-known book The World’s Religions, Huston Smith alludes to a 'cardinal tenet' of Hinduism, namely that people are different and that religion needs to be adapted to different people's needs. Based on both the material in your textbook and the material we discussed in class, what different ways does Hinduism conceive itself as adapting to different people's needs? How do the four types of yoga fit into this adaptation? Which path(s) might best fit you and your personality? Why? Reflect on these questions and then answer them for one of your blog posts this week.



Hinduism is the most ancient religion practiced in the world we live in. It is also one of the most complex religions to understand. It is the mainstream religion of India. There is great feeling demonstrated in the Hindu Religion. People already have what they want; they just don’t realize that they have it. The belief is that every one wants get something out of life. First, it could be pleasure, but this is not satisfied with that individual. Eventually, the interest shifts to wealth, fame, or a high reputation. That would give an individual great pride and respect. This desire will shift again, and you will seek to help the community around you. The Focus will be to give and serve others in the environment you live in. We are all one with nature. Hinduism wants you to always build towards a Goal! First, it wishes to make the riches of Hinduism available to the Hindu and to any genuine seeker of truth and knowledge. But it does not limit Hindus to their tradition. Instead, it encourages them to explore all avenues that would lead to a realization of the divine, and it provides a system with many paths for such realization. Hinduism is always experimenting with new ideas. They want the people to feel religion as they go through life. Yes, yoga does adapt to different peoples needs. There are four different types of Yoga, Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, and Raja. People can follow those paths according to their own personal experience, and needs. Jnana would be characterized by common sense, experience, reflection, analysis, and intellectual focus, which is wisdom in someone’s life. Bhakti is the second type of Yoga that is used for love and emotions, visualization and direct feelings that would be very important to women, because women are very sensitive and family oriented. If you express your feelings instead of keeping them inside, you will reduce your stress, depression and mental disorders. Karma demonstrates service and working for the love and devotion of God to help others. It would be helpful for people who are very hard working, and are career oriented. It also helps people who do volunteer work. Raja is a good comprehensive yoga system, which deals with the refinement of human behavior and personality, which would suit all people who worship this religious ritual. The type of yoga that would best fit me is Jnana, which is the understanding of things, common sense, intellectual focus, and wisdom. Mediation is a single-minded focus. I feel strongly that I can train my mind, and learn to think while practicing this type of yoga with discipline.

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wed 6:15 to 9:05 PM

Post on a religion topic of your choosing. Cardinal Edward Egan to visit New York region

Cardinal Edward Egan will make a series of visits to the region of New York. There will be 19 visits to the various regents of the Archdiocese of New York. Cardinal Egan is considered to be a "head hunter", for the Catholic religion. Cardinal Egan demonstrates enthusiasm as a public relations speaker, and high representative of the clergy. His influence and beliefs benefits our society, and is proof that religion is still going strong in the metropolitan area. This is great to know, because there have been so many scandals regarding child abuse in this church. Hopefully, Cardinal Egan will bring the people back to church and restore their faith in the Catholic priest and clergy. Cardinal Egan’s tour will include stops in The Vicariate of Yonkers on Oct 23rd, The Vicariate of Northern Westchester Putnam Somers on November 15th, and West Nyack on November 26th. Do you feel that this will help bring the people back to church? Or is this problem too great to deal with in our society? Will it take years and years for the people to forgive the corrupt priests and clergy? Please post your comments.

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wed 6:15 to 9:05 PM
Professor Susan De George

Snaphots Of Interviewing Members at Second Life

Hello,

Here are my snapshots when I was interviewing members at Second Life. I interviewed members at second life, and many of them had different opinions about religious and spiritual beliefs. Some considered themselves more spiritual than religious. One member stated that she was an atheist, that he had no religious beliefs. One member replied that his religion was agnostic which means he is not quite sure if there is an (afterlife). Another member stated that religion is a Method of Life, I assume that this means his religion influences he decision making and behavior in a positive way. In all, I enjoyed navigating through Second Life. I like walking, flying, and driving their vehicles.

Religions are not dead belief systems, but continue to live and adapt to new and changing situations. Due September 18th

For one of your week’s posts do the following and post your answer on your own individual religion blog by September 18. Religions are not dead belief systems, but continue to live and adapt to new and changing situations



I agree with this statement. The Catholic religion is still going strong around the world. This is my own personal religion, and it has undergone changes to adapt to the modern world, the modern life. We can now go to mass on Saturday night and Sunday night instead of just on morning hours. Our mass use to be said only in Latin. Now it is spoken in English in America so that God’s word is fully understood. The priests have always been single celibate, now that is also changing. Now there is a shortage of priests. So there are some strong protests to make married men priests and even women too. We always had altar boys celebrate mass, but today with the rise of power of women we have altar girls. Women now have a greater role in the Catholic Church in America. We also involve lay people in our churches. They are deacons, Eucharistic ministers, and readers of the Holy Word. Our church has different programs such as the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to help people who have substance abuse problems. The church also has pre-marital programs and counseling to help young people become better spouses so that marriages don’t end in divorce. The Pope just had a world meeting with young Catholics in Italy, he begs them to stay married, and to think carefully before they get engaged. He also said that the children are suffering all around the world from too many family divorces. The Catholic churches collect food for the poor people in our community. This food is given to the food pantry in our local community. Our church also has a Giving Tree at the holidays. The gifts go to little children and the poor of our community. We also help the unwed mothers to keep their babies by giving them clothing and food rather see them have abortions! Therefore I do agree with this statement that the Catholic religion is still going strong and making change in the modern world.

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wed 6:15 to 9:05 PM
Fall 2007

Post a Religion topic of your choosing. Due Tuesday September 18th Title: Muslim Day Parade in New York City.

Title: Muslim Day Parade in New York City


Last Sunday in Manhattan September 9th, the Muslim people organized a big parade. The non-Muslims were protesting this event because it was held so close to our sixth anniversary of 9/11/01. Someone called it a “Catastrophe” because the parade celebrated the Muslim beliefs and practices, and many people perceive these as terrorism. Not all Muslims are terrorists, not all terrorists are Muslims! Our proud country still offers the religious freedom and right to assemble to all people of various religions, even Muslim. The United States of America still allowed this religious group to celebrate in New York City, the site of the biggest terrorist attack on American soil. This proud country offers freedom to all its citizens that live here, regardless of religion. Do you think that this should have been done this way? Or should the parade have been cancelled? Would you attend a Muslim day parade? Would you have fear in doing so? Do you think that the parade should have been postponed? Were any of you at the parade in New York City? Please feel free to post any comments.

Thanks

Chris Thoma
Relg 109DFB
6:15 pm to 9:05pm
Fall 2007

Second Post During the Week: George Bernard Shaw Wrote: There is only one Religion, though there are hundred versions of it”. Do you agree with Shaw?

I agree with George Bernard Shaw, because if you look at the three major religions, Christianity, Protestant, Judaism, they share similar beliefs and practices. These religions are Monolithic. They believe in one God or superior being. They get their beliefs from and rules from the Old Testament Teachings and the Bible. All these religions influence people to do good rather than evil in the world. Family is very important to them; they honor their parents and the older generation. They welcome children into their families. They practice the golden rule which says, love your neighbors as yourself. Each religion has leaders, teachers, and role models. The Jewish religion has rabbis and cantors. The Christian religion has Priests. The Protestant religion has ministers and pastors. Each religion builds its own beautiful buildings of worship. The Catholics and Protestants have churches. The Jews have temples and synagogues. The major rites of passage in Life are celebrated through the religions. A new baby is brought to church for Baptism. A Rabbi performs the circumcision on a brand new male baby. Marriages are celebrated at the temple or church. A Catholic child is confirmed at twelve or thirteen years of age. A Jewish child of thirteen has a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. When people die they are brought to church or temple for their funerals, before they go on to their afterlife. They all have separate schools, which focus on their religious teachings. Therefore, these are some of the shared beliefs and principles, which prove that George Bernard Shaw is correct, when he states, “There is only one religion, with differing versions of it, throughout the world!




Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wednesday
6:15 to 9:05 pm
Fall 2007

"Belief -O- Matic Survey"

Hello,

Here are my results after taking this interesting Quiz.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)


I learned that many religions share the same basic beliefs of my religion which happens to be Roman Catholic. My religion came up as 88%, when compared to my personal beliefs. According to the survey I am more like a Mormon. Mitt Romney our Republican Presidential Candidate (Possibly) also shares those beliefs. I feel that his religious beliefs would carry many electoral votes both in the primary and general election. America is looking for someone with high standards, and moral values. I am surprised by the outcome out the quiz. I thought that my religion was very different from the others, especially the Mormons and Jehovah's Witness.
The older members of my religion almost made me afraid of the Jehovah's Witness. We would be dammed if we even accepted or read their literature when they rang our door bells. Of course now i realize how ridiculous it is. All these religions have good teaching, and good principles to make the world a better place to live in. The Chicago Tribune’s article starts off with an opposing question? Can A Mormon Be President? They state that some religions view the Mormon religion as a cult. They question whether Mitt Romney should be are next President. Many people do not approve of polygamy. This practice is not as prevelant today in the mormon religion. This is another example how religion and our beliefs affect our lives.

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wed 6:15 to 9:05 PM
Professor Susan De George