Apa Format Scholar Authors Use Provided References

Apa Format Scholar Authors Use References That Is Provided Please R

APA format. Scholar authors. Use references that is provided. Please read all instructions before start the assisgnment. 2- to 3-paragraph Discussion post in which you do the following: 1. Explain one particular current event or issue in the Middle East in which the religion(s) of the area affect other people’s perceptions of that religion in a negative way. 2. Contrast your perceptions of this issue and the religions involved before this course with your perceptions now that you know more about the religion(s) involved. Has anything changed? Why or why not? 3. Conclude with what you can do with your knowledge of these religions to put Middle Eastern events into a more objective perspective for yourself and for others. Reference Kurtz, L. R. (2016). Gods in the global village: The world’s religions in sociological perspective (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Chapter 8, “Religion and Social Conflict — The Politics of Heresy” (pp. 293–324)

Paper For Above instruction

The Middle East has long been a region marked by complex religious identities, deeply intertwined with social and political issues. A contemporary event that exemplifies how religion influences perceptions negatively is the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This dispute is heavily rooted in religious claims to land and sovereignty. The perception of Islam in Western media and societies has often been shaped by the portrayal of Palestinian resistance and militant groups such as Hamas, leading to stereotypes that associate Islam broadly with violence and extremism. Such portrayals oversimplify the religion's rich diversity and misrepresent the beliefs of many Muslims who advocate peace and coexistence. This negative perception affects not only interfaith relations but also international diplomatic efforts, fueling mistrust and prejudice that hinder peaceful resolution efforts.

Before taking this course, my understanding of Islam and other Middle Eastern religions was limited and influenced by media stereotypes. I viewed the conflicts largely through a political lens, assuming that religious differences were the primary cause without delving into the nuanced theological or sociocultural contexts. Now, with increased knowledge from Kara’s insights in Kurtz (2016), I recognize that religion often plays a complex social role, sometimes exacerbating conflicts but also serving as a foundation for peace, community, and identity. The course has broadened my perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding religious beliefs within their social and cultural contexts rather than relying on sensationalized narratives. This shift is crucial for fostering more objective and empathetic views of Middle Eastern conflicts and religious communities.

Armed with this knowledge, I can contribute to more balanced discussions on Middle Eastern events by promoting awareness of the contextual and sociological dimensions of religion. Recognizing that religions are not monolithic and that diverse interpretations exist within any faith allows for a more nuanced view that counters stereotypes. Additionally, I can encourage others to explore beyond headlines and simplistic narratives and appreciate the roles religion plays in shaping individual and collective identities. This informed perspective can help reduce prejudice and promote greater intercultural understanding, ultimately fostering dialogue based on respect and empathy rather than fear and misinformation. Appreciating the sociological perspective outlined by Kurtz (2016) enables me to approach religious conflicts more objectively and advocate for conflict resolution grounded in understanding rather than misconception.

References

• Kurtz, L. R. (2016). Gods in the global village: The world’s religions in sociological perspective (4th ed.). Sage Publications.