The articles for today:
- "Form, Function and Controversy"
- "Dark Meat"
- "Use of Wiccan Symbol on Veteran's Headstones is Approved"
- "Muslim's Seek Nike's Apology"
- "Dispute Over Creche Pulls Down Tree and Menorah, Too"
Symbols and Symbolism in World Religions:
In addition to deriving a working definition of "symbol," we'll take a look at a number of examples and see what we can discern about the role of symbols in religion. I did invite you to think about/ create a symbol that represents "you." If anyone did that and is willing to share, that would be great.
We didn't get to this activity last time, so we'll wrap up today with it...
Religion Scholars: As you would probably imagine, a number of influential thinkers and scholars have studied religion over the years. Â You can take entire courses in the philosophy of religion or on theories of religion. Â Today, we'll take a very cursory look at the work of a handful of these scholars, both past and present.
You'll get a slip with one of seven names on it, as well as a little bit of information on them. Â Use that as a starting point to do a little Internet research on your figure. Â 3-4 of you will have each one. Â We're not asking for a book report or anything here. Â Instead, simply tell us who the person was and how they contributed to the study or religion. Â
Homework for Day #4 - Introduction to Religion
Please read the articles from the packet that are assigned for Day #4. Our focus will be on the roles ritual and ritual behavior play in our lives and in religion in particular.
I've posted a blog entry for the initial chapter in Huston Smith's The World's Religions. They'll always be on separate blog postings, and the specific due date will be listed there.
