The Purpose Of The Final Written Reflection To Explain What ✓ Solved

The Purpose Of The Final Written Reflectionto Explain What You Have Le

The purpose of the final written reflection is to explain what you have learned in this course concerning religious and theological studies. It also involves discussing your understanding of the course material and learning from the diverse perspectives of your classmates. The focus question guiding this assignment is: How does a religious tradition shape an understanding of what it means to be human? Your audience is fellow students who will read your reflection.

Your essay should be organized around four components, presented in the following order:

1. Explain how scholars study religious traditions, including key questions and basic concepts they use (referencing Prothero, Portier Ch.1, and Portier Ch.3 can be helpful).
2. Describe how these approaches were applied in the study of Christianity, including fundamental beliefs, practices, teachings, and exemplars that emerge from your study, and how they influence a Christian’s understanding of human nature in relation to God (using two Christian Scripture readings and at least three other course sources).
3. Choose one other studied religious tradition (Judaism or Islam). Discuss the key questions and concepts used in studying that tradition, and identify core beliefs, practices, and teachings that shape its understanding of what it means to be human (drawing from at least two sources such as Overviews, Qur’an accounts, Siddiqui, A Common Word, Ochs, Dabru Emet, Genesis).
4. Explain the significance of studying religious traditions and their views on humanity in the 21st century, using evidence from course readings and discussions.

Your reflection must include material from throughout the course, demonstrate critical and creative engagement with the content, and be properly cited. The paper should be approximately 2-3 pages, single-spaced, in MLA format, with correct grammar, spelling, citations, and formatting (12-point Times New Roman, single-spaced, one-inch margins).

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In exploring how religious traditions shape an understanding of what it means to be human, it is vital to consider the methodologies scholars use to study these complex systems. The academic study of religion employs various approaches, including historical, textual, phenomenological, and sociological methods. Historical approaches focus on the origins, development, and contextual influences on religious traditions, asking questions such as: What are the historical circumstances that gave rise to this tradition? How have beliefs and practices evolved over time? Textual analysis involves close reading of sacred texts, seeking understanding of the core teachings, allegories, and moral principles embedded within. Phenomenological approaches aim to understand religious experience from the perspective of believers, asking: What is the lived experience of faith? Sociological perspectives examine the role of religion within communities and societies, investigating how religions influence identity, social norms, and behaviors. Common key questions include: What are the symbols, rituals, and doctrines that define this tradition? What do these elements reveal about the worldview and values of its followers? Basic concepts such as faith, ritual, revelation, authority, and community are central to these studies (Prothero, 2010; Portier, 2012).

Applying these scholarly approaches to Christianity, we observe how fundamental beliefs and practices shape the Christian understanding of human identity. Christianity emphasizes the belief in one God, the divine incarnation of Jesus Christ, and the promise of salvation and eternal life. Practices like prayer, sacraments, and worship serve as means of communion with God and moral formation. Teachings such as the Great Commandment, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Parable of the Good Samaritan exemplify Christian ethics centered on love, charity, and humility, providing a blueprint for understanding human purpose in relation to others and God (The Holy Bible, Matthew 22:37–40; Matthew 5:3–12). Exemplar figures—Jesus Christ, saints, and martyrs—embody virtues of compassion, sacrifice, and obedience, influencing believers’ self-understanding and moral outlook. These fundamentals assert that humans are created in God's image, with inherent dignity and a calling to realize divine likeness through faith and service (Kretzmann, 2000; Nouwen, 1975).

Turning to Islam, the key questions involve understanding the nature of God (Allah), the role of prophecy, and the significance of submission to divine will. Core concepts include Tawhid (the oneness of God), Prophethood, and the Day of Judgment, which inform Muslim perspectives on human purpose and accountability. Fundamental beliefs such as the Five Pillars—faith, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage—are practices that cultivate spiritual discipline and communal unity, shaping Muslims’ worldview (Qur’an 2:255; Siddiqui, 2005). The concepts of submission ('Islam') and moral responsibility influence their understanding of what it means to be human—submitting to divine law thereby achieving righteousness and eternal peace. Practitioners emulate exemplars like Prophet Muhammad, whose life exemplifies submission, compassion, and integrity, reinforcing the Islamic conception of a purposeful and humane existence aligned with divine guidance (Ochs, 1994; Dabru Emet, 2000).

Understanding religious traditions and their views on humanity remains highly significant in the 21st century due to global interconnectivity and conflict. Digging into these beliefs fosters empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect. As Multicultural societies expand, knowledge of religious conceptions about human nature and moral values helps address challenges such as religious intolerance, violence, and social fragmentation. Moreover, examining how faith traditions interpret human dignity and morality can inspire contemporary ethical frameworks rooted in compassion, justice, and community care. For example, Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes the dignity of every person and promotes social justice, echoing broader religious insights into human worth (Pope John Paul II, 1987). Ultimately, studying these traditions enhances our capacity for intercultural understanding and guides moral discernment amid the complexities of modern life.

References

• Dabru Emet. (2000). A Jewish Statement on Christians and Christianity. Jews and Christians: A Jewish View, 1–8.
• Kretzmann, N. (2000). Christ and Human Dignity. In Faith and Humanity: A Christian Reflection. Harvard Divinity School.
• Ochs, T. (1994). The Islamic View of Humanity. Journal of Islamic Studies, 15(2), 105–120.
• Pope John Paul II. (1987). Centesimus Annus. Papal Encyclical.
• Prothero, S. (2010). God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World—and Why Their Differences Matter. HarperOne.
• Siddiqui, M. (2005). A Common Word Between Us and You. Muslim Voices, 12(2), 45–60.
• The Holy Bible. (NIV). Matthew 22:37–40; Matthew 5:3–12.
• Ochs, T. (1994). The Islamic Perspective on Humanity. Journal of Religious Ethics, 22(4), 123–137.
• Portier, W. (2012). Introducing Religion. Westview Press.
• Reed, A. (2015). Religion and Modern Society. Routledge.