Daoism/Confucianism Discussion – Part 1
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Researching Asian Religion while on sabbatical and answer the question Why would
a person go up into the mountains to find Balance & Harmony — values espoused in the
religions of Daoism, & Confucianism.
What are the ramifications for this sort of philosophy in the world today?
Are there any absolutes in the world, or is it a world of paradoxical relativism, like it or
not? What difference would this make?
What might the West learn from the key concepts in Confucian thought, especially around
the notion of Ren and Li?
Shinto Discussion – Part 2
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Is it fair to call Shinto a world religion if, in fact, one must be Japanese to belong?
Can one be Shinto and non-Japanese (a new attempt at non-exclusivity)? Interestingly, in
today’s 21st century world, there are those (non-Japanese) who would like to consider
themselves Shinto. The Japanese are rather bemused by this. Take, for example, the firstever Shinto shrine built outside of Japan in Stockton, California (now moved to
Washington), and others in Hawaii and Colorado.
How is it possible for a Japanese person to be born a Shinto, married a Christian, and
buried a Buddhist without any sense of inconsistency? Would this work in the West?
What are your thoughts on this practice?
Why do you suppose water is an important symbol that is used in the Shinto faith, and
virtually all other religions of the world? What does it symbolize? What does it bring into
being?
Buddhism Discussion – Part 3
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In your estimation, is Buddhism primarily a religion or a philosophy? Why? Why not?
What is unique and what is similar to the religions of Hinduism and Jainism, both of which
existed in Siddhartha’s day?
What is significant about Siddhartha’s Four Sightings?
Are there any parallels, or hints of similarities, to any of the monotheistic religions
practiced in the West?
What is the middle way, and how is this different from both Hinduism and Jainism?
Why Study Religion – Part 4
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Is religion a dying force/institution in society?
What should we think about the distinction between dogma and ritual?
Which of these two are dominant in yourself? In Hispanic culture?
Find a current news story demonstrating the connection between global events and
religion. Cite the source (including the Title of the story), tell what the event is about.
Hinduism Discussion – Part 5
Hinduism differs from most Western stereotypical views of religion, in that it has no founder
and no central text. Further, it has no essential ritual, systematized dogma, or active
proselytizing. The Vedas are the oldest Hindu scriptures, but they are not very important to
contemporary practices. Hinduism is an immensely diverse religion, with numerous gods and
major variations by caste, region and class. What unifies all these different forms of Hinduism
are common beliefs in karma, moksha, samsara and dharma, though interpretations of these
key terms will vary.
Briefly describe the major philosophical themes of Hinduism: such as, Brahman, Atman,
Karma, Samsara, Moksha, Dharma, Life-stages and the Caste system. How can Hinduism
embrace such a wide continuum of contradictory social beliefs and practices — universalism
and simultaneously its divisive caste system, treatment of women, and exclusivist nationalism?
Jainism Discussion – Part 6
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Why do you suppose the story of religion is a story of dialogue (with what comes
before it) and building blocks (providing a foundation for what follows)? In short, it’s
clear that religion does NOT exist in a vacuum, nor does it develop ex nihilo (“out of
nothing”). Give a few examples and explain.
What does it mean in Jainism to act as little as possible? Why is it important to a
Jain? How is it related to the 3 ethical pillars?
Describe the heroic feat of self-liberation through extreme asceticism as espoused by
Jainism.
In what way did Jainism influence both Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Judaism Discussion – Part 7
“At the heart of Judaism are the core dogmas that have defined it and have been held through
the ages: There is no God but God; one God, indivisible. God had chosen the children of Israel
(Abraham and his offspring) as his people, and he agreed to be their exclusive God. At the heart of
God is his love for humanity. Humanity is his crowning work of creation. God is understood in a
myriad of ways—as Lord, as nursing mother, as light, anthropomorphic as in changing his mind,
beyond comprehension, all powerful (omnipotent), and all knowing (omniscient). Life is
understood as sacred—a means by which we are blessed in order that we should be a blessing to
others. Suffering is redemptive, and faith is restorative. Faith is passed on through the matrilineal
line of descent, as opposed to the prevailing patrilineal line so common in most other religions.
Proselytizing is not actively practiced but accepted, as in the story of Ruth.”
Excerpt From: Dr. Mark David Luttio. “Introduction to the Study of World Religions.” iBooks.
“What is unique to Judaism as a religion, and how has it influenced all subsequent monotheistic
religions?”
Christianity Discussion – Part 8
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What is the significance of the statement, “Jesus was a Jew”?
In what ways did the early disciples of Jesus assume that they were carrying on their own
Jewish tradition (as a reform movement), rather than starting a new religious tradition?
What belief and/or practice was the breaking point between Jews and the followers of
Jesus?
Islam Discussion – Part 9
Islam understands itself as a corrective to the Jewish and Christian religions, stating that they
have returned to and reclaimed the original inspiration of these religions had they remained
true to their original inspiration.
In a 500-word discussion post, explain in detail how Islam builds on Christianity and Judaism,
as well as how it is different from them.
Sikhism Discussion – Part 10
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What is the significance of Guru Nanak’s statement (when coming up out of the water) in
relation to world religions?
What is unique to Sikhism in the Gurdwara?
If Sikhism is ultimately about the unity of religion without prejudice, and the
understanding of God without labels, how do Sikhs justify the killing of those of other
faiths?
Mysticism Discussion – Part 11
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Hardly any religion in the world (even the most peace-loving one) can claim a history
without some form of violence as a part of its history. Why do you suppose religion often
elicits or incites violence?
Is it possible to have something of a spiritual nature without it inevitably taking on form
and organizational structure over time?
Baha’i Discussion – Part 12
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If Bahá’í espouses monotheism, how does it account for and legitimize polytheism?
The Bahá’í govern by consensus without regard for personality or ownership of ideas.
How might this be applied in modern politics?

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