Reflection on World Religion
Table of Contents
PEARLS OF WISDOM 3
HINDUISM 3
BUDDHISM 3
TAOISM 4
CONFUCIANISM 4
CHRISTIANITY 4
JUDAISM 5
ISLAM 5
PRIMAL RELIGIONS 5
REFLECTION 6
Pearls of Wisdom
It has been an outstanding five weeks. This was the course that I 've been waiting to take since I started Capella back in April of 2004. Finally after weeks of reading World Religions by Huston Smith, I have developed an understanding of some of the world 's religions. I can never be an expert in this field, and I don 't want to, but at least I have an idea where these religions originated and have a general concept of the beliefs behind each religion. Each of the religions we covered have one thing in common that stick out, and that is promoting peace and harmony.
Hinduism
One thing that I have learned is that Hindus do not worship cows. Hinduism has no founder or date of origin. Hindus believe in one supreme God who created the universe. He created many Gods, highly advanced spiritual beings, to be his helpers. Many Hindus are devoted followers of Shiva or Vishnu, whom they regard as the only true God, while others look inward to the divine Self, meaning meditation. Whomever they decide to worship, it all points to the same deity.
Buddhism
Buddhism was founded around 520 BC by Siddharta Gautama, who was an Indian Prince. Buddhism emphasizes practice over belief. In reality, however, Buddhism centers on correct understanding of human nature and ultimate reality. The Buddha was, after all, called the "Enlightened One." He taught that the way to eliminate suffering began with understanding the true nature of the world. In Buddhism, the purpose of life is to end suffering. The Buddha taught that humans suffer because we continually strive after things that do not give lasting happiness.
Taoism
Lao-Tze founded Taoism around 550 BC. The goal in Taoism is achieve Inner harmony, peace and longevity. The ultimate reality in Taoism is the Tao, or Way. But the Tao
PEARLS OF WISDOM 3
HINDUISM 3
BUDDHISM 3
TAOISM 4
CONFUCIANISM 4
CHRISTIANITY 4
JUDAISM 5
ISLAM 5
PRIMAL RELIGIONS 5
REFLECTION 6
Pearls of Wisdom
It has been an outstanding five weeks. This was the course that I 've been waiting to take since I started Capella back in April of 2004. Finally after weeks of reading World Religions by Huston Smith, I have developed an understanding of some of the world 's religions. I can never be an expert in this field, and I don 't want to, but at least I have an idea where these religions originated and have a general concept of the beliefs behind each religion. Each of the religions we covered have one thing in common that stick out, and that is promoting peace and harmony.
Hinduism
One thing that I have learned is that Hindus do not worship cows. Hinduism has no founder or date of origin. Hindus believe in one supreme God who created the universe. He created many Gods, highly advanced spiritual beings, to be his helpers. Many Hindus are devoted followers of Shiva or Vishnu, whom they regard as the only true God, while others look inward to the divine Self, meaning meditation. Whomever they decide to worship, it all points to the same deity.
Buddhism
Buddhism was founded around 520 BC by Siddharta Gautama, who was an Indian Prince. Buddhism emphasizes practice over belief. In reality, however, Buddhism centers on correct understanding of human nature and ultimate reality. The Buddha was, after all, called the "Enlightened One." He taught that the way to eliminate suffering began with understanding the true nature of the world. In Buddhism, the purpose of life is to end suffering. The Buddha taught that humans suffer because we continually strive after things that do not give lasting happiness.
Taoism
Lao-Tze founded Taoism around 550 BC. The goal in Taoism is achieve Inner harmony, peace and longevity. The ultimate reality in Taoism is the Tao, or Way. But the Tao
References: Smith, Houston (1986). The Illustrated World Religions, A Guide to Our Wisdom Traditions. Labyrinth Publishing.