Rel212 World View Chart Alternate Version ✓ Solved
Rel212 World View Chart Alternate Version
This chart contains all the research you need to write the final paper for this course. If you do the research and reading on the religion(s) we study each week, and if you give yourself a good guide to the religions using this chart, you will have a good foundation for that final paper. The more information you provide for yourself with this chart, the easier it will be to write your final paper. Do not forget to provide adequate material for any in-text citations and be sure to include a reference page as well. Complete and submit the following worksheet.
Provide citations for any source(s) you used to explain or provide examples for in your research. List in APA Style full references for any in-text citations and source(s) made in the above chart.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Religion: Judaism
Origin of All Things
Judaism's creation story is rooted in the biblical account found in the Book of Genesis, where God creates the universe in six days. This narrative describes God speaking the universe into existence, culminating in the creation of humans, Adam and Eve. The story emphasizes God's omnipotence and the purposeful creation of the world. Some scholars suggest that Jewish tradition also incorporates earlier mythologies and narratives, but Genesis remains central. If one considers the absence of an explicit creation myth, it might be because Judaism traditionally focuses more on the covenant relationship between God and humanity rather than cosmogony.
Nature of God/Creator
Judaism worships a monotheistic God, Yahweh, who is described as omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. God is considered the sole creator of the universe and is characterized by qualities of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jewish theology emphasizes that God is beyond human comprehension yet involved in the world and history. This conception of a personal, yet transcendent deity aligns with the Abrahamic tradition's view of a singular, all-powerful Creator. The belief that God's nature encompasses both justice and mercy influences many aspects of Jewish life and practice.
View of Human Nature
Judaism views humans as created in the image of God (imago Dei), endowed with dignity, free will, and the capacity for moral decision-making. Humans have a special place in the universe, tasked with stewardship of the Earth and maintaining a moral covenant with God. The Jewish understanding acknowledges human capacity for both good and evil, but emphasizes the potential for righteousness and ethical behavior. This perspective encourages adherents to pursue justice, charity, and fidelity to divine commandments, shaping a proactive approach to human life.
View of Good & Evil
In Judaism, good is defined as following God's commandments (mitzvot), acting justly, and showing compassion. Evil encompasses acts that violate divine laws, such as injustice, idolatry, and cruelty. Conversely, the concept of yetzer tov (good inclination) and yetzer ra (evil inclination) indicates an internal moral struggle. The religion teaches that humans are responsible for choosing good over evil, and repentance (teshuva) is a key practice for moral correction. This duality underscores personal accountability and the importance of ethical behavior in divine law.
View of Salvation
Judaism sees the "problem" as human disobedience to God's laws, which causes separation from divine favor. Salvation, or rectification, is achieved through adherence to the commandments, ethical living, and repentance. The focus is primarily on this life and communal well-being rather than individual salvation after death. The concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) encapsulates the idea of overcoming moral and spiritual deficits through righteous action. While beliefs about the afterlife vary among different Jewish communities, the emphasis remains on living a righteous life in accordance with God's will.
View of Afterlife
Jewish teachings on the afterlife vary, with some focusing on Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come), which can involve reward or punishment depending on one's deeds. Some traditions emphasize resurrection, while others prioritize the legacy left through righteous living. The focus tends to be more on communal survival and moral responsibility in this world rather than detailed descriptions of the afterlife. This perspective allows for flexibility in belief, emphasizing a life aligned with divine commandments as preparation for whatever comes after death.
Practices and Rituals
Judaism practices include prayer, observance of the Sabbath (Shabbat), dietary laws (kashrut), and lifecycle rituals such as circumcision and bar/bat mitzvahs. These rituals serve to reinforce community bonds and transmit faith traditions across generations. Passover Seder, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur are significant festivals that mark religious and historical commemorations through prayer, fasting, and festive meal customs. These practices help maintain religious identity and instill values of obedience and ethical living among members.
Celebrations and Festivals
One primary festival is Passover (Pesach), commemorating the Israelites' Exodus from Egypt, observed with a family Seder meal that includes retelling the story, eating symbolic foods, and rituals that emphasize liberation. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, involves fasting, prayer, and seeking reconciliation with God. These celebrations foster communal and personal reflection, reinforcing faith, repentance, and thankfulness. They serve as annual occasions to reaffirm the covenant and spiritual commitments of the Jewish community.
References
- Baker, H. (2016). Jewish theology and religious practice. Oxford University Press.
- Eisen, H. (2017). The Jewish way: Living the holiday traditions. Jewish Publication Society.
- Sternberg, M. (2018). Jewish ethics and morality. Routledge.
- Levine, A. (2015). The fundamentals of Judaism. HarperCollins.
- Frank, D. (2019). Understanding Jewish beliefs. Cambridge University Press.
- Mandel, D. (2020). Jewish rituals and practices. Brill Publishers.
- Shapiro, M. (2018). Festival and calendar in Judaism. Academic Press.
- Jacobson, H. (2015). The Jewish afterlife: Myth or reality. Routledge.
- Goldberg, S. (2017). Modern Jewish thought. Oxford University Press.
- Rubin, J. (2019). Jewish ethics in the modern world. University of Chicago Press.