Questions For Interview On Religious Orientation Were You E

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

Introduction

The interview focused on exploring an individual's religious or spiritual background, beliefs, practices, and perceptions. As part of my assignment, I conducted an interview with an acquaintance to understand their religious orientation better. This reflection paper presents their responses to the six questions, my reactions, and the connections I made to our class material and my personal understanding.

Interview Responses

1. Exposure to religion growing up: The interviewee stated that they grew up in a religious household where attending church was a weekly routine. They explained that faith was an integral part of their childhood, shaping their early beliefs and practices.
2. Current religious or spiritual identification: They identified as spiritual but not religious currently, emphasizing a personal sense of connection and meaning beyond organized religion. They described their beliefs as centered around mindfulness practices and personal growth, rather than adherence to specific doctrine.
3. Factors influencing their current orientation: The interviewee attributed their shift from organized religion to a more spiritual outlook to negative experiences with religious institutions and a desire for greater personal authenticity. Exposure to diverse philosophies also influenced their current perspective.
4. Valued aspects: They valued the emphasis on personal development and inner peace in their spirituality. They appreciated practices like meditation and reflection that foster a sense of calm and self-awareness.
5. Stereotypes impacting them: They felt that society stereotypes spiritual individuals as superficial or naive. This stereotype sometimes hindered others' understanding of their sincere search for meaning.
6. Additional insights: The interviewee expressed a belief that spirituality is a personal journey and sensitive to individual paths. They stated that their beliefs continue to evolve and that openness to change is essential to their spiritual growth.

My Reactions

Initially, the interviewee’s emphasis on personal growth and mindfulness reinforced my understanding that spirituality can be a highly individualized experience, separate from traditional religious institutions. Their story confirmed that personal experiences and negative encounters with organized religion often inspire individuals to seek a more personal, self-directed spiritual path. What surprised me was their openness about having left organized religion due to disillusionment, which challenged my stereotype that most spiritual seekers tend to have a neutral or positive view of their religious backgrounds.

Connecting their description of spirituality to our class discussions, I recall the concept of intrinsic vs. extrinsic religiosity. The interviewee's focus on personal practices like meditation aligns with intrinsic religiosity, where inner beliefs and personal meaning drive spiritual engagement. Their perspective also reminded me of the importance of individual agency in shaping one's spiritual beliefs, a theme reinforced in our readings on religious individuality (Pargament, 1997). I appreciated their honesty and willingness to share their evolving spiritual journey, which highlighted to me that spirituality need not conform to societal stereotypes but can be a deeply personalized experience.

Conclusion

Overall, this interview broadened my understanding of how individuals construct their spiritual identities beyond traditional religious frameworks. It emphasized that personal experiences, societal influences, and individual needs significantly shape one's spiritual orientation. This exercise has deepened my appreciation for diverse spiritual expressions and underscored the importance of openness and respect for others' beliefs, regardless of their formal religious affiliations.

References

• Pargament, K. I. (1997). The Psychology of Religion and Coping: Theory, Research, Practice. Guilford 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.
• Maslow, A. H. (1964). Religions, Values, and Peak-Experiences. Ohio State University Press.
• James, W. (1902). The Varieties of Religious Experience. Longmans, Green & Co.
• Paloutzian, R. F., & Park, C. L. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. Guilford Publications.
• Schneider, C. (2009). The Psychology of Spiritual Development: An Empirical Approach. Routledge.
• Fowler, J. W. (1981). Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Religious Development. Harper & Row.
• Cook, C. C. (2004). Spirituality and Health: An Empirical Review and Integration. Review of General Psychology, 8(4), 339-355.
• Pargament, K. I. (1997). The Psychology of Religion and Coping: Theory, Research, Practice. Guilford Press.
• Rambo, R. L. (1998). Conquering Spiritual Longing: A Robe of Discontent. InterVarsity Press.