Digital Course Journal by

Why study religion?

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-11 23:09:07 UTC

As a journalism student, I've been digging into why studying religion matters. It's not just about beliefs; it helps us understand different perspectives that shape our communities and the stories we tell. In class, I have seen how religion affects cultures, society, and even how I tell stories in the media. I also watched a cool documentary that shared stories from people of various faiths [https://youtu.be/m6dCxo7t_aE?si=7Q0uzRKj9XWsasQT]. What's really interesting is how religion can impact how we report news and tell stories. How can understanding different beliefs make my reporting better and show more respect for different cultures? These questions make me curious.

Determinate and Indeterminate Religion

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-11 23:43:18 UTC

I've discovered that getting the hang of the difference between "determinate" religions with set rules and "indeterminate" ones that leave room for personal interpretation gives me a fresh perspective for my point of view. It's changing how I see culture and society. Before, when seeing a religious events, I'd see them through a fixed lens. If it was a 'determinate' religion, I'd focus on set rituals. Now, with 'indeterminate' religion in mind, I look for personal connections, how these experiences shape culture.

What is religion?

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-12 00:07:04 UTC

"Religion" is a diverse world, as per John Caputo. It's like having countless languages and perspectives to learn. This diversity is not a problem but a unique aspect of what "religion" is. It's a reminder of the boundless nature of this concept. I think that "religion" like a massive library with countless books in different languages. Each book tells a unique story, and I can't possibly read them all

Academic and Devotional Study of Religion

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-12 00:20:09 UTC

When I first heard those two definitions, I immediately think about how I learned to swim when I was a child, the academic approach is like reading books and watching videos to understand the techniques and history of swimming. The devotional approach is like jumping into the pool and experiencing the joy of swimming firsthand. That is also similar to study of religion. I have to use books, research, and analysis to learn about religion in terms of academic approach. In the opposite, devotional study is more personal approach, like I can connect with my own experiences, my own feelings, not books.

Is it better for a person to be “religious” or “nonreligious” to engage in the academic study of religion?

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-12 00:40:12 UTC

I think it doesn't really matter because one's personal beliefs, whether religious or non-religious, can deeply influence their approach to studying religion. For example, there are two students studying religion. One is religious, and the other isn't into religion at all. The religious student brings their personal beliefs and experiences into their studies. The nonreligious one looks at it more like an academic subject without personal feelings. Both ways are useful, and it shows how what you and me believe can affect how we study religion.

Religion: Public or Private?

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-12 01:01:38 UTC

Back in the day, religion was out in the open, part of everyday existence. Ancient societies, like Greece, embodied their deities in public life. Today, we often tuck religion into our private spaces, separating it from our daily routines. This change means that we're more diverse, and everyone can believe what they want. However, it can also make us wonder how our shared beliefs and traditions are changing. Like cooking. In the past, it was like a big community potluck, where everyone brought their dishes to eat with others. Now, it's more like having your own kitchen to cook what you want and eat alone or with your close friends.

Paradigm Shift

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-12 01:10:58 UTC

"Paradigm Shift" is all about shaking up how we see science. It's like telling us that scientists aren't always these super serious and emotionless folks. However, they've got their own wild ideas, even when everyone did not believe them.

So, this got me thinking, how has our view of science changed as time rolled on? And what does this mean for new discoveries? It's like going from a world of strict science rules to a more fun and passionate way of coming up with cool stuff and ideas. like how music has changed over time. Back in the day, classical music was like the boss, all strict and rule-following. Then, out of the blue, rock and roll, jazz, and other music styles showed up. Musicians decided to break all those old rules, get wild, and create new tunes.

Recall a moment in your life when you experienced a sense of awe, wonder, amazement, or reverence? Describe the circumstances, your emotions, and any lasting impact it had on you. Be as detailed as possible.

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-12 01:23:23 UTC

Back in 8th grade, I had this friend who made offensive jokes, and it made me really uncomfortable. I didn't want to ruin our friendship, so I kept quiet. Then, I decided to ask a teacher for advice. She told me, "Silence won't help; you should talk to her."

That moment hit me. I realized that talking honestly was the way to go. It made me understand the importance of communication and being true to my values, even if it's tough. It's a lesson I've carried with me ever since.

Hierophany

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-12 01:40:25 UTC

Hierophany is the term when everyday stuff gets a touch of the divine. The religious Mircea Eliade came up with it. He used it to explain when things or moments get super important and holy in a particular religious or cultural setup. It's like those times when you suddenly feel a deep connection with something sacred or special right in the middle of your ordinary life. Like a park bench I usually sit to read book, it is just a daily activity, but one sunny day, I sat there and felt this overwhelming sense of peace and wonder. It was like the bench becomes this sacred place for me, just for a moment.

Embodied & Lived Religion

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-12 01:50:25 UTC

When I pray in morning, I always doing a little dance to wake up my body, and even simple stuff like eating becomes a way of saying "thanks" to my faith. It's like a daily rhythm where my body and beliefs groove together.

The Theory of the Art of Interpretation

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-29 02:06:29 UTC

A foreign friend who sent a message to me: "The cat's out of the bag."

In that day, I think I was using hermeneutics (being a word detective), I wouldn't just think about cats and bags. I tried to figure out what my friend really means.

So, I might think, "Hmm, this isn't about a real cat. It's probably saying something different." I'd be using my word detective skills to understand the hidden meaning behind the words.

Religious Fundamentalism

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-11-29 19:28:41 UTC

So, I have a friend who's really, really into following all the rules of their favorite game. Religious fundamentalism, I think, is a bit like that, but with faith.

It's when people take their religious rulebook super seriously. They don't just read it; they follow every rule, word for word. It's like saying, "If the rulebook says it, that's how it is!"

These folks really love the old-school way of doing things. They resist new ideas or anything that seems too modern. It's like they want to time-travel back to the roots of their faith and stick to the original game plan.

What does it mean to say something is true?

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-12-01 01:29:26 UTC

“To say of what is that it is and of what is not, that it is not.”

"To say of pizza that it is delicious and of broccoli that it is not."

I am just speaking the truth about what I like. It's like calling things as I am—pizza, yum; broccoli, not my thing."

Independence Model

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-12-01 01:34:15 UTC

NOMA is a dinner party. Science is at one table talking about atoms, galaxies, and the speed of light. Meanwhile, religion is at another table discussing the universe's meaning, the purpose of life, and what's morally right. Both are having a good time in their own zones, not crashing each other's conversations. It's like a cosmic party where everyone respects each other's topics!

Dialogue and Integration Models

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-12-01 01:41:57 UTC

It like putting together a puzzle. Ian Barbour sets the pieces on the table, showing that science and religion can fit together. At first, they seem like they might not match (conflict), but Barbour says, 'Let's talk it out.' So, the pieces start having a conversation.

Then, John Polkinghorne, our puzzle expert, says, 'Instead of just talking, let's find where each piece fits best.' It's like solving the puzzle, making a complete picture where science and religion enhance each other's parts.

Interpretive Framework

hongphucnguyen02102005 — 2023-12-01 01:42:57 UTC

As a food enthusiast, my interpretive framework would focus on the ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques unique to that cuisine. I am interested in how different spices and herbs contribute to the overall taste, and I could appreciate the cultural nuances reflected in the dishes.