Choose One Of The Categories Listed Below To Focus On ✓ Solved

Choose one (1) of the categories listed below to focus on for this assignment

Choose ONE (1) of the categories listed below to focus on for this assignment. Write a paper in which you compare and contrast two major Western religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Address the origins, region, main leaders, the particular teachings/philosophies, rituals, scriptures, holy days/holidays, and impact of the religions. Use the categories and terms from chapter 1 in your descriptions of the religions.

In a paper, write a dialogue between two of the following: Moses, Jesus, Muhammad. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Address these points: origin/birth; what led to their ethical system; what is their ethical system; what was the response to this system. Compare and contrast their teachings/philosophies. Use the terms and concepts from Chapter 1 to inform your research and presentation.

Write a paper in which you present a visual report on two (2) Western religions sites nearby [at least one has to be either Judaism or Islam]. An alternative for those in rural places would be to do an Internet search of two religious locations. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Look at architecture, interior space, etc. Include visuals to illustrate your points. How do these reflect the definitions and terms of Chapter 1 and what we have learned about these religions?

Conduct an extensive interview with a person who practices Western religions, the Sikh faith, or New Religious Movements and write a paper presenting the results of this interview. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Use these questions in your interview: How did you become associated with this religion? What is it about this religion that intrigues you? Is it difficult to practice your faith? What readings/scriptures do you use? What are some rituals you perform? What holy days/holidays do you keep? What would you like your neighbors/colleagues to know about your faith? Use the definitions and categories of religion from Chapter 1 to guide the interview.

Write a paper that explores religion in the news. Find an extensive news story on one Western religion or one of the New Religious Movements. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Using 5 (five) terms and concepts from Chapter 1 and pertinent chapters from Fisher, interpret that story for people at a family gathering by explaining how it relates to the basic tenets of that faith tradition. Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you: Use at least three (3) quality resources as references for the assignment and document your sources using SWS Style for in-text citations and references.

Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as quality resources. Write clearly and coherently using correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The assignment prompt offers five distinct options for exploring Western religions, including comparative analysis, dialogues with religious figures, visual site reports, interviews with practitioners, and media analysis. This diverse approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of how these religions operate within cultural, historical, and social contexts. For this sample paper, I will focus on the first option: comparing and contrasting two major Western religions—Judaism and Christianity—using the specified categories and concepts from Chapter 1.

Introduction

Religions profoundly influence societies, providing moral frameworks, rituals, and community identities. Judaism and Christianity are two foundational Western religions sharing roots but diverging in beliefs, practices, and societal impact. This paper aims to compare and contrast these faiths by exploring their origins, key teachings, rituals, scriptures, holy days, and their roles in contemporary society, grounded in the categories outlined in Chapter 1.

Origins and Historical Development

Judaism traces its origins to the covenant made between Abraham and God approximately 2000 BCE in the ancient Near East. Its development was marked by the Exodus, the establishment of Israel, and the Israelites' monotheistic faith. Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE within the Jewish context, based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who is considered the Messiah by Christians. While Judaism maintained a covenantal relationship with Yahweh, Christianity introduced the concept of divine incarnation and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Main Leaders and Central Figures

Judaism's central figures include Moses, Abraham, and King David, who are revered prophets and patriarchs. In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the central figure, complemented by apostles such as Paul, who facilitated Christian doctrines' dissemination. These leaders significantly shaped each religion's doctrines, rituals, and community practices.

Core Teachings and Philosophies

The core of Judaism resides in the belief in one God (Yahweh), adherence to the Torah, and the importance of covenant and ethics. Christianity emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, love, grace, and adherence to the teachings of the Bible. Both religions stress ethical conduct, charity, and community responsibility, although their specific doctrines differ significantly.

Practices, Rituals, and Holy Days

Judaism's rituals include observing the Sabbath, kosher dietary laws, and festivals such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. Christianity practices include sacraments like baptism and communion, with holy days such as Christmas and Easter. These rituals serve to reinforce community bonds and connection with the divine.

Sacred Texts and Scriptures

The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) is the foundational text for Judaism, comprising the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. Christianity's sacred texts include the Old Testament (shared with Judaism) and the New Testament, which contains the life and teachings of Jesus and early Christian writings.

Impact and Contemporary Significance

Both religions have profoundly shaped Western culture, law, and ethics. Judaism contributed foundational monotheistic concepts and ethical principles. Christianity's influence extends through Western art, philosophy, and societal values, often intertwined with statecraft and cultural development.

Comparison and Conclusion

While sharing a common ancestral tradition, Judaism and Christianity differ in their views of the divine, salvation, and religious law. Judaism's emphasis on covenant and law contrasts with Christianity's focus on faith and grace. Despite differences, both continue to influence contemporary ethical debates, social justice, and interfaith relations.

References

• Fisher, J. (2010). Living Religions. Pearson.
• Petersen, A. (2003). Jesus: The World in a Frame. Minerva Press.
• Smith, H. (2009). The World's Religions. HarperOne.
• Schmidt, B. (2014). Understanding Jewish Laws. Routledge.
• Davis, M. (2018). Christianity and Society. Oxford University Press.