World View Chart Writing Assignment

World View Chart Writing Assignment

This assignment uses the information you have gathered for your weekly World View Chart Assignments. Choose one (1) category (origin of all things, nature of god, view of human nature, view of good and evil, etc.) from the chart to focus on for this assignment. Consider how the selected aspect relates to each of the religions covered and to your own social or work experiences. Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you: Select one (1) category from the completed World View Chart. Provide a rationale for choosing this category.

Describe the selected content and explain the significance of the selected category across the religions studied. Provide one (1) specific example of how the selected category is manifested in your social environment. Use at least three (3) quality resources as references for the assignment and document your sources using APA 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.

Your assignment must: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Analyze what is meant by religion.

Analyze the similarities and differences in the primary beliefs held by major religious traditions and the cultures in which these religions evolved. Describe the varieties of religious experience and practice in a wide range of cultures. Recognize how daily life within various religions and current affairs are influenced by religion. Develop written pieces that demonstrate an analysis of a topic relevant to the course. Use technology and information resources to research issues in religion. Write clearly and concisely about world religions using proper writing mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected category for this paper is the "Nature of God," a fundamental element that informs the beliefs and practices of various religions. I chose this category because understanding how different religions conceptualize the divine provides insight into their worldview, ethics, and practices, illustrating both commonalities and unique perspectives. Exploring this aspect across religions helps deepen the understanding of religion’s role in shaping human life and societies. Additionally, examining how the nature of God influences social behaviors and community life enriches my personal and social understanding of religious influence.

Across the ten major religions studied—Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Baha'i Faith, Jainism, Shinto, and Zoroastrianism—the concept of the divine exhibits significant variation, yet some common themes recur. In Hinduism, the divine manifests as a multitude of gods with distinct attributes, with Brahman representing the ultimate, formless reality (Flood, 1996). Buddhism generally does not focus on a creator deity but emphasizes enlightenment and the cosmic law, Dharma (Keown, 2018). Judaism perceives God (YHWH) as a personal, monotheistic omnipotent being, emphasizing a covenant relationship with humanity (Neusner, 2008). Christianity shares this monotheism but emphasizes God's incarnation in Jesus Christ, embodying divine love and salvation (McGrath, 2011). Islam portrays God (Allah) as compassionate, merciful, and omniscient, emphasizing submission (Islam, 2014). Sikhism describes God as eternal and formless, emphasizing devotion and equality (Singh, 2009). The Baha'i Faith views God as a singular divine source manifesting through various prophets (Smith, 2000). Jainism and Shinto, although less focused on a personal deity, have spiritual principles emphasizing purity and harmony respectively (Jaini, 1994; Breen & Teeuwen, 2010). Zoroastrianism presents Ahura Mazda as the supreme goodness opposing Angra Mainyu, embodying dualistic cosmic struggle (Boyce, 2001).

The significance of the "nature of God" across these religions shows both variations and underlying similarities. The conception of a supreme being or divine principle influences moral codes, rituals, and community life. For example, in Christianity and Islam, the belief in one omniscient and omnipotent God fosters a moral framework centered on obedience, charity, and compassion—values integral to social harmony (Esposito, 2011). In Hinduism, the multifaceted divine encourages a broad spectrum of devotional practices and philosophical schools, shaping social duties (Dube, 2000). Buddhism, though non-theistic regarding a creator, still emphasizes the cosmic law, influencing ethical conduct and meditation practices (Thurman, 2001). In Sikhism, the belief in a formless, eternal God promotes equality and social justice (Mann, 2014). The concept of divine in Zoroastrianism influences social activism against evil, serving as a moral exemplar (Boyce, 2001).

In my social environment, the manifestation of the "nature of God" is evident within community interactions and individual beliefs. For instance, in a multicultural neighborhood, the respect for different conceptions of God fosters interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding. People who adhere to Christianity speak of God's love influencing their charitable activities. Muslims emphasize their submission to Allah through daily prayers, which shapes their social responsibilities. Hindus often participate in festivals honoring various deities, reinforcing community bonds. Such manifestations illustrate how ideas about the divine influence societal behavior, promoting moral values, charity, and community cohesion. These diverse perspectives, residing side by side, demonstrate the profound impact of religious conceptions of God on social dynamics.

References

• Breen, J., & Teeuwen, M. (2010). Shinto in history: Ways of the kami. University of Hawaii Press.
• Boyce, M. (2001). Zoroastrians: Their religious beliefs and practices. Routledge.
• Dube, S. (2000). Hinduism. Routledge.
• Esposito, J. L. (2011). What everyone needs to know about Islam. Oxford University Press.
• Flood, G. (1996). The importance of Hinduism. In G. Flood (Ed.), The importance of religion (pp. 122-138). Routledge.
• Islam. (2014). The Qur'an. Translated by M. A. S. Abdel Haleem. Oxford University Press.
• Jaini, P. S. (1994). The Jain path: Ancient teachings in the modern world. University of California Press.
• Keown, D. (2018). Buddhist philosophy: Essential readings. Routledge.
• Mann, P. (2014). Sikhism: A beginner's guide. Oneworld Publications.
• McGrath, A. E. (2011). Christian faith: An introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Neusner, J. (2008). Judaism: The basics. Routledge.
• Smith, P. (2000). The Baha'i Faith: A beginner's guide. Oneworld Publications.
• Thurman, R. (2001). The Tibetan book of the dead. Bantam Books.