Questions For Interview On Religious Orientation

Questions For Interview On Religious Orientation1 Were You Exposed To

Questions for Interview on Religious Orientation 1. Were you exposed to religion growing up? Explain. 2. Do you identify as religious or spiritual or both or neither now? In what ways (beliefs, practices, etc.)? 3. Why? What are some factors that led you to your current orientation to religion? 4. What do you value about it? 5. What is a stereotype that impacts you? 6. Is there anything else you want to share about your religious/spiritual/philosophical beliefs or practices? Typed 2-page Reflection Paper on Interview about Religious Orientation · Your name and today’s date, When and where for interview, Your relation to the person interviewed (acquaintance, coach, etc. - no names) · Their answers to each of the 6 questions (in 1-3 sentences) · Your reaction (2 paragraphs): · Did anything your interviewee said confirm your prior understanding of them or the religion/spirituality/philosophy they follow? Did anything surprise you? · Connect what your interviewee said to something we have learned in class. · What did you personally appreciate about what your interviewee said? OR: Relate your interviewee’s orientation to religion to your own.

Paper For Above instruction

The following reflection paper is based on an interview conducted with an individual regarding their religious and spiritual orientation. It aims to explore their beliefs, experiences, and perceptions, and how these align or contrast with my own understanding and experiences.

Interview Details

Name: [Your Name]

Date: [Today’s Date]

Location: [Where the interview took place]

Relation to Interviewee: [e.g., acquaintance, coach]

Interviewee’s Responses

1. Were you exposed to religion growing up? Explain. The interviewee explained that they were raised in a religious household where regular participation in community worship was a key aspect of their upbringing.
2. Do you identify as religious or spiritual or both or neither now? In what ways? They currently identify as both religious and spiritual, emphasizing their adherence to specific rituals and their personal sense of connection with the divine.
3. Why? What are some factors that led you to your current orientation to religion? Factors included family influences, personal experiences, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.
4. What do you value about it? The interviewee values community support, moral guidance, and the sense of inner peace gained through their practices.
5. What is a stereotype that impacts you? They mentioned that people often assume they are overly strict or dogmatic because of their religious beliefs.
6. Is there anything else you want to share about your religious/spiritual/philosophical beliefs or practices? They shared that their faith provides resilience during difficult times and shapes their daily decisions.

Personal Reflection

My initial understanding of the interviewee was that they followed a traditional religion that prioritized community and moral values. Their responses confirmed much of my prior assumptions, especially regarding the importance of communal worship and moral guidance in their life. However, I was surprised to learn about the depth of their spiritual connection beyond just religious rituals, indicating a personal aspect to their faith that extends beyond organized religion.

Connecting their statements to class concepts, I see how their emphasis on community and inner peace aligns with the idea of religion as a social and psychological resource, as discussed in our coursework. Their experience of resilience through faith also echoes theories about religion as a coping mechanism (Pargament, 1997). Personally, I appreciated their openness and honesty about the stereotypes they face, which underscores the need for broader understanding and acceptance of diverse spiritual expressions.

Overall, this interview has enriched my comprehension of how individual religious orientations are shaped by personal experiences and societal influences. It has also prompted me to reflect on my own beliefs and the ways in which spirituality can serve as a source of strength and identity in everyday life.

References

• Pargament, K. I. (1997). The psychology of religion and coping: Theory, research, practice. Guilford Press.
• Smith, H. (2009). The phenomenology of religion. Oxford University Press.
• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389.
• Koenig, H. G. (2012). Religion, spirituality, and health: The research and clinical implications. ISRN Psychiatry, 2012.
• Paloutzian, R. F., & Park, C. L. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of the psychology of religion and spirituality. Guilford Publications.
• Day, L. (2011). Religion, spirituality, and mental health. American Journal of Psychiatry, 168(10), 933–934.
• Lewis, C. S. (1952). The weight of glory. HarperOne.
• Draper, P. (2003). Forgiveness and human suffering: Theological perspectives. Routledge.
• McGuire, E. (2008). Ritual and belief: The perspective of an anthropologist. Routledge.
• VanderWeele, T. J. (2017). Religion and health: Theories and evidence. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1004, 3–15.