Lesson 13 ~ Religious Philosophy ~ Functionality & Nature

Religious Philosophy Studies

Lesson 13 ~ Religious Functionality ~ Religious Nature ~ Essay

Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

Which view best describes your personal relationship with nature — dominion, cooperation, or reverence? I personally feel we should respect nature the best ways we can after all He has given us this planet on a long term loan (if you will) hoping we will not purposefully destroy it through our foolishness.  Knowingly doing things to harm the planet he has loaned us would be gravely against His wishes.

How is this view played out in your everyday life? How does it (consciously or subconsciously) impact the way you live your life, earn a living, and function within society? Recycling mass produced products is a great way to help our planet out.  Whether it be at the office, at an eating place or anywhere there is abundance of waste materials.  Our scientists are constantly devising ways to improve waste disposals.

Does whatever religious faith you follow share this view of nature? In what ways do you agree or disagree with the religious functionality of your faith with regard to the natural world? The natural world consists of us allowing the powers at be function as they see fit.  This can relate to religious functionality as well.  It would be natural to let God carryout his ultimate plan for not only this world but they entire universe.  Maybe there is a reason He has made our living conditions here on Earth compatible to our survival.  Maybe there is a reason the other planets cannot support our life forms as we know it.  I do believe He wants us to have our own visions and seek out the knowledge to pursue other worlds.  Maybe it is natural for other beings to be inquisitive of our planet and technology.  Maybe in His eyes we are just as important to Him as they are to Him.  My faith believes and subscribes to the salvation of our natural resources and the thought that no one power here on Earth should be in control of any one natural resource.  Mother Nature (God if you will) has given us this beautiful planet on loan…we need to continue doing everything in our power to protect it and return it as we received it.

GO IN PEACE

Lesson 12 ~ Religious Philosophy ~ Rev. Murman

Lesson 12 ~ Religious Expression ~ Sacred Space Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

Have you ever visited a spot considered to be a Place of Power? If so, how did it "feel"? Was this any different than anyplace else? There is a small church located near the city where I live, it was said to be a holy space because the priest and several of the congregational members claimed they had seen the statue of The Blessed Mary weeping.  This attracted many visitors and holy men to observe this phenomenon.  It was said to have no trickery involved and to be genuine.  I too took the opportunity to visit this holy space.  I can honestly say I felt no different vortex or spiritual enhancement that I normally get when I walk into any place of God.  I always have been so amazed at the "mystical" feelings I have when looking at the magnificence of it all.   The odds against this occurring are astronomical. Do you think this is coincidental, or is it the result of the actual existence of Places of Power? There is a great possibility in my mind that these lines could have occurred astronomically, after all it is said that beings from far away regions in space have visited our planet tens of thousands of years ago, perhaps preparing our places of power even way back then to coincide with these places of power, perhaps it was God himself aligning and preparing this earth for the future guidance of our biblical people to connect the places to each other.  I do not think this is coincidental because I believe everything from the time of creation of the Earth to present is all part of His greater plan for our part in the universe.  In closing I would like to put this out there – we cannot begin to think we are the only peoples or creatures in the massive universe, how small our minds would be to resign to this shallow thinking.  

Go In Peace 

Lesson 9 ~ Religious Philosophy

Religious Philosophy

Lesson 9 ~ Religious Expressions

By:  Rev. Trent

 

Consider your own religious path. What stories are told that serve to enlighten and educate? In other words, what stories are mythical? How about the mythical Santa Clause living at the North Pole.  This is a fable expounded upon here in the United States.  However in Europe there actually was a St. Nicholas that did go around with presents for children.  We here in the states presented this as a myth.  The Easter Bunny….St. Valentine's Day….are other mythical stories.   

Are any of these myths thought to be actual historical events? Is that important? Would it matter if it was proven that they didn't really happen? No I don't think it would really matter if they were proven not to have happened because these myths or stories are usually meant for the younger kids in the community.  Yes, I do believe these stories are beneficial because sometimes these myths can also be a learning tool and mostly they are very mild unlike "Urban Legends".     

Can you think of a non-religious myth? Perhaps political, or economic, or ethnic. What is the telling of this myth trying to convey?   The myth I would like to convey is from the Urban Legends….Stranger In The House….Where the baby sitter is in the house late at night alone and she receives multiple calls on the phone.  When she answers it there is no one on the phone.  She starts to get frazzled….she calls 911…they trace the call from inside the house….they tell her to get out of the house…she tries to get to the baby sleeping upstairs, she ends up scared out of her mind.  This can be classified as truth or fake….myths are not only there to help us understand but to scare us into conjuring up illusions within our minds. 

 Go In Peace

Lesson 10 ~ Religious Philosophies

Masters of Religious Philosophy

Lesson 10 ~ Religious Expressions Essay

Rev. Trent Murman

 

Are you what you thought you were?  After reviewing the quiz results, according to the doctrines I am exactly what I thought I was and I feel for me this is the best way for me to carry out my ministering.  I have found that being liberal and open to all suggestions, experiences and tolerance to all persons has allowed me to gain valuable knowledge every time I have the privilege to counsel or speak with someone.  I feel this is very important that everyone have the freedom to express themselves without being judged.  Remembering we are all God's children and only He can judge. 

Go In Peace