3rd Quarter Extra Credit - 3.17.13

 

 

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World-p.8

March 17, 2013

Extra Credit: The Monastic Community

 

1. Why might it be easier to practice Buddhism if you're a monk or a nun?

It might be easier to practice Buddhism because monks and nuns are already have taken an oath to the of disciplinary rules called the Vinaya. A disciplinary code called the Patimokkha was also compiled in order to regulate the day-to-day conduct of the members of the Order. The difficulty that is to take the oath for all Buddhists, nuns and monks have already taken that oath as a lifestyle. Monks and nuns have taken an oath to sexual intercourse, theft, taking of a human life, false proclamation of miraculous powers. All of these oaths that the individuals of the Order must take and also must maintain the monks and nuns have already committed to living the lifestyle.

Another reason why monks and nuns may have an easier time practicing Buddhism. Because monks and nuns have devoted their lives to solitude and to focusing their life to their religion. But implementing their lifestyle into their practice of Buddhism that will make their devotion to their religion will be a great devotion to the religion in general.

 

2. What are the main differences between the rules for a Theravadin monk/nun and a monk/nun in the Tibetan tradition?

A Theravadin monk/nun -Buddhism is unique among Indian Religions in that Buddha, as founder of a spiritual tradition, explicitly states in canonical literature that a woman is as capable of nirvana (enlightenment) as a man, and can fully attain all four stages of enlightenment in the Dhamma and Vinaya of the Buddha Sasana. There is no equivalent, in other traditions, of the Therigatha or Apadanas which record the high levels of spiritual attainment by women.

This is different in Tibetan tradition monk/nun -In recent years, due to the repressive conditions in Tibet, an influx of nuns have arrived to join the refugee communities in India and Nepal. Ranging in age from pre-teen to mid-eighties, these nuns come from all parts of Tibet and from many different backgrounds. Upon arrival in India, many nuns are suffering severely from the stresses of their long, arduous and often dangerous journeys of escape. Some have faced torture and imprisonment at the hands of the Chinese authorities in Tibet and are enduring immense physical and emotional pain. In most cases, the nuns arrive without money or possessions. In this Indian religion women play a more submissive role.

 

3. Could any rules governing the lives of monks/nuns be modified or done away with altogether, without compromising the purpose and integrity of ordination? If so, which ones and why?

Yes, I do believe that the rules of governing the lives of monks/nuns . The one law that I believe should be changed is the following: They must respect the leadership of the Party and government, respect the Socialist system, strenuously study relevant official policies and voluntarily accept the leadership and oversight of government offices at all levels. The reason for this is because although they have devoted their lives to their religion doesn’t mean they should not be allowed to voice their opinion about the social and political structure of society.

Korean Buddhist Nuns from the Choir ^^

Blog Post 22 - Ancient Western Religions

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World – p.8

March 14, 2013

Blog Post 22 - Ancient Western Religions

 

1. When and where did Zoroastrianism begin to flourish?

Zoroastrianism began to flourish throughout Iran  during the Persian Empire, which occurred during the 5^th and 4^th centuries.

 

2. How did Zoroastrianism spread beyond its place of origin?

Alexander the Great conquered Persia which resulted in the culture of Zoroastrianism to spread among Persia and other countries.

 

3. Briefly describe the religious experience Zarathustra had at age 30.

Zarathustra at the age of thirty years old came in contact with an angel called Good Thought, Good Thought brought him a soul called Ahura Mazda. From that point on Zarathustra recognized Ahura Mazda as the only true God.

 

4. Name the sacred text of Zoroastrianism. What is the oldest material in this text, and who wrote it?

Avesta is the sacred text of Zoroastrianism. The oldest material within the Avesta is the Gathas. Zarathustra wrote the Gathas.

 

5. Summarize the characteristics and actions associated with the Ahura Mazda.

The Ahura Mazda is characterized as eternal and universal goodness. The Ahura Mazda controls all cosmos and the destiny of all human beings, the Ahura Mazda is the father of the pathway of the sun. “By whom the moos waxes and wanes”, is how Zarathustra characterized the Ahura Mazda.

 

6.  What is Ethical Dualism?

Ethical Dualism is the belief in universal forces of good and evil. In Zoroastrianism, Ethical Dualism is the most distinctive feature.

 

7.  What is the LIE, and how does is relate to the Ahura Mazda?

The LIE is a belief that evil really exists, and that the LIE is really present in the world. This challenges monotheism of the Ahura Mazda. If an evil force really is this powerful to be among us than the Ahura Mazda may not really exist.

 

8. What must humans choose between in the Zoroastrianism comic scheme?

Humans much choose between truth and the LIE, which is the beneficent of the spirit and the hostile spirit.

 

9. Summarize Zarathustra’s understanding of human destiny.

Zarathustra’s understanding of human destiny is that after death individuals undergo Judgement. Which requires a crossing the Bridge Separator, which starts out as torment then leads to paradise.

10. Where are the general ethical demands of traditional Zoroastrianism life?

The general demands are caring for the livestock and fields. Generally one is to lead a simple life of always telling the truth and doing what is right.  Great care should be taken to avoid evil and the LIE.

 

11. Who are the Parsis’, and where do most of them live today?

The Parsis’ are the modern Zoroastrianism practices, most of them reside in India in today’s world.

 

12. What are commonly regarded as having been the Bible of the ancient Greeks?

The epic poems of Homer entitled Illiad and Odyssey are the books that were regarded as the Bible of the ancient Greeks.

 

13. Explain the meaning of this sentence: The Gods of the Olympian pantheon  are anthropomorphic?

The meaning of this sentence means that the gods of the Olympian pantheon have or are in human form and human characteristics.

 

14. What was Aeschylus’ main contribution to the understanding of the gods of the Olympian pantheon? Give an example.

Aeschylus’ contributed to the new ideas of Homeric religion. He became concerned particularly with the idea of Divine justice.  The play Agamemnom explain humans suffering as the divine plan of Zeus.

 

15. What is an oracle? What is the most famous oracle of ancient Greece, and why was it consulted?

An oracle was a sanctuary favored by a particular god, which was communicated by those who visited the site of the god. The most famous oracle was Delphi, Delphi was consulted because his wisdom was sought out.

 

16. Briefly identify the three basic aspects of the mystery religions:

- Individuals had to choose to become initiates, and they went through some form of initiation ritual .

- Initiates experienced a personal encounter with the deity.

- Initiates gained spiritual renewal through participation in the religion and, as with most mystery religions, hope for a better afterlife.

 

17. What mystery religion honored Demeter and Persephone?

The mystery religion of Eleusion (religion par excellence) honored Demeter as well as his daughter Persephone.

18. What is the god Dionysus associated with , and how is he often depicted as in Greek art?

Dionysus is classified as the god of fertility. Dionysus is often depicted through Greek art with grapes and vines. Dionysus often appeared in art of wild vegetation of hills and mountains.

 

19. Name the goal of the ascetic practices of the Orphics.

The goals of the ascetic practices on the Orhics was that the soul might eventually escape the body and realize the divinity of Dionysus nature.

 

20. What is Plato’s theory of knowledge?

Plato’s theory of knowledge is that we have knowledge of things because we have had that experience in a previous life.

 

21. What is Platonic Dualism?

Platonic Dualism is the connection between the mind and the body, in which both become one.

 

22. Why did Jesus seem to have much in common with the ancient Asclepius?

Jesus seemed to have much in common with the ancient inhabit because both were referred to as Saviors and the closeness of the worshippers and Asclepius which resembles the relationship between Christians and Christ.

 

23. What were numina, and what sorts of things were they thought to inhabit?

Numina are supernatural powers. These powers were thought to populate homes, towns, and the countryside.

 

24. Who was the most powerful Roman deity?

The most powerful Romans deity was Jupiter, the sky god.

25. Identify the 6 planets of our solar system that are named after Roman deities.

The 6 planets that are named after our solar system are the following: Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn.

 

26. Why did the Roman state consider it essential to maintain official worship practice?

It was believed to help ensure the welfare of the Roman state.

 

27. Which mystery religions were the main rivals of Christianity in the later Roman Empire?

The mystery religion that was the main rival with Christianity in the later Roman Empire was the Mithraism mystery religion.

 

28. Briefly summarize the Egyptian  myth of Iris and Osiris.

The Egyptian myth of Iris and Osiris was that Osiris (Iris’ husband) was killed and cut into pieces by Iris’ evil brother. Iris looked for Osiris’ body parts, and when she found them she mummified his body parts and that brought him back to life. And when Osiris came back to life he became the god of the underworld.

 

29.  Briefly describe the sort of emperor worship encouraged by Augustus.

The type of emperor worship that was encouraged by Augustus was not on himself but on the genius guardian spirit that he designed.

30.  Why did Christians and Roman rulers clash over emperor worship?

The Christians and the Romans clashed over emperor worship because Romans believed that Christians did not support the state by not worshipping the emperor, and Christians did not worship the emperor because that would go against their entire belief of only worshipping the one true God.

Judaism Assignment - 3.10.13

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World – p.8

March 11, 2013

Judaism Questions:

 

1. What are the three functions of a synagogue?

The three functions of a synagogue are the following :

-          1.House of Assembly- Here Jews use this as a meeting place. Within Judaism there are strong roots of a communal society. The synagogue is the place where people meet to pray, study, celebrate, mourn, and socialize. Jews receive support and guidance through the advice of the community, this foundation begins in synagogues.

-           2.House of Study- The main function of a synagogue is used as a place to study. In synagogues Jews study the Torah.

-          3. 3.House of Prayer- Here individuals meet for prayer, Judaism requires prayer three times a day.

2. What does the layout of a synagogue look like? Check out the various items and then identify the purpose and location of the following:

Ark- The aron ha-kodesh (the holy ark) serves as the replacement for when the Torah is not used. The Holy ark also serves as the focal point while an individual is praying. Above the ark stands an eternal light that represents the eternal light of the Temple. The ark can be decorated in many ways and come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. The core of the ark is a cabinet that contains the Torah scrolls.

Torah Scrolls-usually has a parokhet or curtain covering it. For specific holidays some Torah Scrolls are decorated with white cloth to recognize its purity. But ordinarily the Torah Scrolls are decorated with elaborate jewels and rhinestones.

Ten Commandments-  Located below the Torah Scrolls

3. What is a rabbi?

In the Jewish community, a rabbi is viewed not only as a spiritual leader but as a counselor, a role model and an educator. Rabbi literally means teacher.

-          How does a Jew become a rabbi?

To become a rabbi one would usually train for about five years at seminaries such as Hebrew Union College (Reform) or The Jewish Theological Seminary (Conservative). Orthodox rabbis will usually train at Orthodox seminaries called yeshivot.

-          How does a rabbi differ from a clergyman?

Rabbi’s differ from clergymen because clergymen guide the members of the community while rabbi’s teach members of the community.

-          What is the rabbi’s role?

A rabbi is viewed not only as a spiritual leader but as a counselor, a role model and an educator.

 4. What is the nature Shabbat? (also called Sabbath) When does it occur?

The nature of the Sabbath is a day of prayer spent in synagogues. But the nature of the Sabbath is to devote one day out of the entire week and focus on the more important things in life other than work and school primarily for one’s faith and observance. The Sabbath occurs on the seventh day of the week, which is Saturday.

 

 5. What is the Torah? What is the Talmud?

 

-          Torah - Torah" refers to the Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. But the word "torah" can also be used to refer to the entire Jewish bible. To Jews, there is no "Old Testament." The books that Christians call the New Testament are not part of Jewish scripture.

-          Talmud – the Talmud is the Oral Torah. There is a tradition explaining what the above scriptures mean and how to interpret them and apply the Laws.

6. There are different branches of Judaism. Describe the following…

Orthodox: They believe God gave the whole Torah to Moses at Mt. Sinai,  Orthodox are sometimes called "modern" Orthodox

Reform: German rabbi Abraham Geiger suggested reforming Judaism by underplaying traditional beliefs, and have a greater focus instead on the acceptance and promotion of moral law and monotheism. These ideas eventually led to the start what is now referred to as  Reform Judaism

Conservative: Conservative Judaism believes that while sacred Jewish writings did come from God, there was a human component. Although Jewish law should be obeyed, it must adapt.

Zionist: While a few secular and some Orthodox Jews remain anti-Zionist, support for Israel is now overwhelming.

 

7. What is Hebrew?

It was the language of the early Jews, but from 586 BC it started to be replaced by Aramaic.

 

8. What is Yiddish?

Yiddish was the primary language of Ashkenazic Jews in the shtetl, found throughout eastern and central Europe.

 

 9. Define the following Yiddish terms:

Mazal Tov: "good luck/fortune" in Hebrew and has been incorporated into Yiddish, and is now used in English as well. It is often used in place of "congratulations."

                                                                                                

Shalom: Shalom means"peace." Peace is only one small part of the meaning. "Shalom" is used to both greet people and to bid them farewell, and it means much more than "peace, hello or goodbye.

 

Mitzvah: a precept or commandment of the Jewish law.

 

10. Rites of Passage – Use this link to define and describe the following:

 

Brit Milah (Bris): A part of Jewish birth is the ceremony of circumcision.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah: From the age of 13 and a day onward, a Jew is counted as part of a minyan [the quorum required for public prayer], eligible to read Torah publicly, and obligated to fulfill the dictates of Jewish life.

Jewish Marriage: Originally, a Jewish marriage was proposed in two stages: Kiddushin (betrothal) and Nisu'in (marriage). Through the Talmudic period, these two stages,  were acted one year apart; by the Middle Ages, they had been combined, as they are today. According to the Mishnah, a Jewish marriage is a legal contract which can be formed in three ways. Which are the following: (1) with money (as when a man hands a woman an object of value for the purpose of contracted marriage, and in the presence of two witnesses, and she accepts); (2) through a written contract; (3) or by sexual intercourse, a method strongly discouraged by the Sages.

 

11. Holidays –

Rosh Hoshanah- Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year

Yom Kippur- Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and/or attend synagogue services on this day. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of Tishri.

Hanukah- Hanukah is Jewish Christmas, which mirrors many many of the Christmas customs, such as exchanging gift and various decoration.

Passover- Pesach begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan.

 

12. What is something you knew about Jewish traditions that this confirmed?

Something that is confirmed about the Jewish traditions that this lesson confirms is the practice of the Sabbath. I heard that the Sabbath was on Sundays but sometimes I heard it was on Saturdays, and this lesson confirms the conflict.

 

 13. What is the most interesting or surprising information out of all of this?

The most interesting/ surprising information about all of this lesson is the intricate process that Jews go through during their marriage process.

 

 14. What is one aspect of Jewish tradition which is similar to a tradition in your life?

One aspect of Jewish tradition that is similar to a tradition in my life specifically is the tradition of Jewish Bar Mitzvah’s. This is similar to my family tradition of when an individual in my family turns 16. My family throws a large family party and highlights how much that 16 year old has grown and how they are at the starting point of adulthood.

 

15. What is one aspect of Jewish tradition that is different from a tradition in your life?

One aspect of Jewish tradition that is different from my traditional way of life is their marriage system. It’s much more intricate than my traditional views of marriage.