Religion Going Mountain High, What Religious Path will you Take?

Father John Martin, the spiritual director of Shantivanam, a Christian ashram (learning community) in southeastern India that focuses on the relationship between Christianity and the religions of India (particularly Hinduism and Buddhism) asserts that all the major religions of the world can be compared to a group of hikers climbing up different sides of a high mountain. Each hiker (and religion) takes a unique route to the top. While they are climbing the mountain, they cannot necessarily see one another. They may not even be aware that those in the other climbing parties are also ascending the mountain. They think they are alone as they make the ascent. Yet when they reach the peak, the climbers are surprised to find one another. Think back over the religions studied this semester. Then answer the following:What do you think Father Martin is saying about the different world religions?Do you agree with him? Why or why not?


Father Martin, talks about Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism he talks about all of them going up the mountainside. They are not going up together, they are going up separately. George Bernard Shaw wrote, “There is only one religion”(Shaw). They just take all different approaches. Similarities are more important than the differences in these major religions. In Hinduism Brahman is the God. Nirvana is heaven. God is a real entity. Buddhism focuses on the now, making it as good as possible. We are responsible for our own lives. We should be involved in our community to improve it. The reincarnation is a form of rebirth. Just like in the Christian religion, when we die our soul goes to heaven. We then begin a new life. Buddhism focuses on the now, making it as good as possible. We are responsible for our own lives. We should be involved in our community to improve it. The Bryn Marwr Presbyterian Church also focuses on making the community as good as possible. They welcome new immigrants to United States of America, by offering them language and computer classes. As well many different types of community and special events. Our Catholic Church St Bartholomew’s in Yonkers welcome all children of the community. They have an elementary school for the great community of Yonkers, New York. They have religious and Bible study courses at night. Every Sunday they have food drives for the poor and ill. At Christmas time, the church celebrates with the Christmas Giving Tree. This is a symbol of Jesus Christ’s love for everyone one. The parishioners bring in gifts for needy children of the community. The church also has clothing drives for families who experienced disaster, whether it has been a hurricane, earthquake or severe flood. In the Christian religion we have a lot of Budda’s, (Caring giving people in the Christian religion). Father Martin’s ideas are valid that the similarities amongst the three major religions of the world are more important than the differences.


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

If Jesus Christ and Martin Luther were time-warped to the present, how do you think they would each respond to each of the major forms of contemporary Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestantism)

JESUS CHRIST’S VIEW

Roman Catholicism

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. His journey on earth was the best thing that happened to all of mankind. He demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice with his Crucifixation on the Holy Cross, to forgive all peoples’ sins. My belief of Christ’s teachings would be similar to what he displayed, while preaching 2007 years ago. Jesus would approve of some of the modern Roman Catholicism ideas, but not all. The 7 sacraments, rituals that are practiced today would be pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ, as would all of today’s modern community outreach programs, such as food drives, and the Giving Christmas Tree, to provide needy people with food and gifts and clothing, during the holidays. Alcoholics Anonymous Programs, blood drives, and the Catholic School System would also be greatly appreciated. The Catholic religion has great respect for the Pope, who is the highest leader of Catholics in the world. The Pope promotes peace and justice for all nations and cultures. There are many problems in this church that Jesus would certainly not approve of. There is sexual abuse in the church, far too many divorces in the Catholic Church, and the frequent practice of abortion. Jesus in the most traditional way would not want people to steal from the wealth of the church. This has been going on for centuries after his death and resurrection to heaven. Perhaps a he would demonstrate a modern-day miracle to strengthen the belief in Him and the Roman Catholic way of life.

Eastern Orthodox

Jesus would be delighted by the fact that Eastern Orthodox Church is the least changed from its eastern traditional roots, which go back to the beginning of Christianity. They have preserved the teaching and traditions of the Twelve Apostles of 2007 years ago. It still uses the original Christian calendar, which sets the dates for the significant events in Christ’s life, in chronological order. Every Holy Day in the Orthodox religion, and every Sunday of the year are dedicated to Christ’s Resurrection. The Icons of the Orthodox Church are not idols, or objects of worship. It is the people or God who are depicted in the Icon, who are adored, and emulated.

Protestantism

The Holy Scriptures of the Presbyterian hymns and the faith in Jesus Christ would make Jesus feel proud and respected. I think that Jesus would approve and seek an increase in the amount of Holy Sacraments practiced on a regular basis. The Lord’s Supper might be served on a daily basis, not just on infrequent Sunday mornings. The Communion represents the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

JESUS CHRIST

MARTIN LUTHER’S VIEW

Roman Catholicism

Martin Luther had no respect for the Pope in his lifetime, but if he were alive today he would probably think differently. While he would certainly not believe that he Pope is infallible, the Popes of today are not treated like Kings of the past. The Holy Father now listens and respects all cultures, races, and religions of the world. Luther would approve of the Faith in Jesus Christ our Savior. Martin believed in “Strong Faith”. The Catholics believed in greater detail. Saints, popes, bishops, while still respected, are really only human beings who can make mistakes, or use poor judgment. Luther recognized this in his own lifetime! He would still want the Catholic Church to emphasize the Scriptures in the Bible. He would be very happy with the hymns being sung at Mass, at each religious service, or sacrament. We now have Adult Bible Study in our Catholic Church! The Catholic religion is now nearing the acceptance of married clergy. Martin Luther, would most likely speed up the process with his teachings and philosophy.

Eastern Orthodox

Jesus is the focus, which would make Mr. Martin Luther also very pleased. The Icons of the Orthodox Church are not idols, or objects of worship. It is the people or God that are depicted in the Icon, who are adored. He would be very happy with the hymns and formal use of music in this church. Luther would approve of the translation of the Bible in the church, into the native languages of the countries of the Eastern World. He would also approve of the married clergy of the Orthodox Faith.

Protestantism

The Holy Scriptures of the Presbyterian hymns and the faith in Jesus Christ would make Jesus feel proud and respected. This would also please Martin Luther. Luther would also approve of the use of native language in the prayer services, of each country, which practices Protestantism.

MARTIN LUTHER

Chris Thoma

Relg109DFB

Wednesday 6:15 to 9:05PM

Professor Susan De George

Fall 2007