Religious Philosophy ~ We Went West ~ Lesson 21

 

Lesson 21 ~ Religious Philosophy ~ Ecclesiasticism ~ We Went West ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

Critics, and some academics, have sometimes maintained that it is this focus on the internal self that has prevented societies where these religions are predominant that has resulted in their lack of material gain and progress. They accept the notion that it is this psychological focus that has removed any emphasis on scientific, educational, or economic advances. What are your thoughts? Do you think that emphasizing the "inner you" that that necessarily precludes social or scientific advances?  I believe if you or a society take things to an extreme then, being totally in touch with your "inner being" can be disastrous to your own wellbeing. Hence, if a society such as those talked about is focused on each individual's inner being I would think this would be too many whole entities and the society would not be working for the betterment of the entire group.  This may cause a total breakdown in the structural basis.  In conclusion:  the individual/society that remains focused on themselves should restructure its thinking to include everyone in the society as a whole, not a lot of individual wholes.

 

If, as we saw earlier in the course, that it is true that religions have tended to focus on one of Russell's 'three great problems' at the expense of the other two, which of these problems seems to you to be the "most important"? Ignoring for the moment the specific religions this indirectly indicates, do you believe the world would be better off if it adopted the views of the Western Ecclesiastical religions (i.e. the natural problem), the Eastern Ecclesiastical religions (i.e. the social problem), or the Southern Ecclesiastical religions (i.e. the psychological problem)? Why?  Interesting, it would be nice if the world could adopt all three sects, however if I were to choose just one, I believe the world may do better adopting the Eastern Ecclesiastical religions, because these seem to be best suited for putting and keeping society's peoples to work and in a forward moving direction.  However, all three "problems" do have their own merits and this should not be over looked either.  It would be interesting if the ancient leaders would have had the ability to spy, if you will, on other parts of the world like using the internet to see what trials and tribulations they were facing and vice versa.  This would also give the different parts of the world the ability to incorporate into their own society what was working for them.  Far fetched eh?  Maybe not, just think of the historical change that might have taken place. 

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Religious Philosophy Lesson 19 - Trent Murman

Lesson 19 ~ Religious Philosophy ~ Ecclesiasticism ~ Essay

By: Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

Cao Dai is the eclectic Vietnamese faith that has shamelessly "borrowed" from other faiths in an attempt to create a faith that is universally unifying. Do you think that selecting rituals from multiple faiths and then merging them together provides a stronger faith than those from which you borrow? Or, do you believe that this dilutes and diminishes the value of the original faith? I believe that this is an attempt to open their doors to many peoples to join the Vietnamese Cao Dai.  This may also bring religion to many Vietnamese that may not otherwise be able to participate in a religious services and in my opinion this does not dilute or diminish any part of the original faith, in fact it may bring it even stronger to those peoples that can recognize parts of their faith in a combined unifying faith.  The Ainu are so socially attuned that they greet strangers with Irankarapte, meaning "let me softly touch your heart". What do you think of this? Are they a sensitive, caring, socially tolerant people? Or, do you think that this is insincere and phony? If it is legitimate, why do you suppose that the dominant Japanese culture has treated them so poorly (the official government position is that they are "noble savages")? I believe they are truly sensitive peoples and are in good position to minister in a sincere way to reach all persons of this particular Japanese culture.  We must also divulge whether the Japanese culture separates government from religion.  Maybe this is why they feel they have no control or are losing control over the religious masses.  I believe the Japanese culture is a very strict one and may have very little tolerance for those that may have opposing views as have participated acts that have occurred in the past when people went against the government.  Just an opinion of mine. 

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Lesson 18 ~ Religious philosophy

Lesson 18 ~ Religious Spirituality ~ Definition ~ Essay

By: Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

If you belonged to a millenarian faith, how would that alter your behavior? If you have lived a life that makes it unlikely that you'll be one of the "chosen few to rule with Christ", would you spend your remaining days "living it up"? Would you repent, and spend your remaining days preaching and trying to lead others to make the "right decision"? Or, would you sit in the corner of your room all depressed, and fret over what was going to happen?  I certainly don't feel or prescribe to the thought of millenarian faith.  I feel we are all put here on this earth for a reason and none is actually labeled the "chosen few"  only Jesus should and can hold that title.  We have learned several things in the past regarding making the "right decisions"….I believe we as clergy should always be available to listen and help guide people to make decisions based on their own faith and what is right and proper to them, remembering there is no right decision that we are to impose on others but give them the right to make that decision for themselves.  If you belonged to an eschatological faith, how would that alter the way you live your life? Expecting the world (or age) to soon end, would it depress you, free you to do whatever you want, or make little difference to you? How would you expect the end to come? In a sudden global catastrophe? As an instantaneous "act of God"? Or, in a slow, gradual decline (i.e. will the world end with a cosmic whimper)? I feel the world will end some day, but will it be in an instantaneous "act of God"  I am not quite convinced this will be the case.  After all, we [the world] have been existing in this universe for millions of years so, at least in our short time of existence, I don't fear this particular act of demise.  This may be the way to go, if we were to go…quick and without time to plan or wonder.  I do feel if it was a gradual decline of our demise it would be almost complete chaos with everyone knowing and trying to put an end to the finality of the world. Finally, what is your view of apocalyptic faiths? Do you believe in prophecy? If you believe there were prophets in some distant past, why are there not any today? Or, are there? If there are, how can you tell a "real prophet of God" from an insane, deluded, mad man? In other words, how could you distinguish between a Moses and a Rasputin (remember, artists conceptions say they both had beards and even looked somewhat alike)?  I believe, as most others, there were prophets in biblical times because from when we were all children we were taught this.  There may very well be prophets in today's social structures.  However, there are also men of extraordinary ways to persuade the masses to bound with them, i.e. Hitler, Stalin, Khan, Christopher Columbus, the Pope's, Then we mention in Moses and Rasputin having beards which made them look somewhat alike….remember Jesus also had a beard.  I feel the authors/artists may have thought the beard symbolizes wisdom, maturity and knowledge.  Isn't it awesome that we all do have the ability and foresight to make our own decisions regarding whom and what we will follow and perceive as our "saviors". 

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Lesson 17 ~ Religious Philosophy ~ Globalization ~ Please Post

Religious Philosophy

Lesson 17  ~ Religious Philosophy ~ Globalization ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

Can you think of a Christian denomination that exemplifies the general Christian attitude about globalization? A denomination that is so convinced that they have the Truth the whole world needs that they will go to nearly any length to share it? I believe the Catholic church tends to fall into this category….after all they have millions of active followers and probably the same number of inactive followers.  I personally don't believe any religious sect is "wrong", but I do believe everyone is and should be allowed to participate and follow the group of their choices. Can you think of a Christian denomination that goes against the general Christian attitude about globalization? A denomination that is convinced that the Truth they believe they have is not necessarily the "way to go" for everyone?  I cannot pin point any one specific group that does this.  I feel if the opportunity that any one sect would cherish the thought of their religion going global and be the presiding religion, would definitely take that as a sign of approval from their god. Where would you classify Hasidic Judaism (the strict sect of Judaism that arose in Ukraine, and which is best known for their beards, long curled payoth, fedora hats, and black clothing.  Yes I believe this sect of Judaism does fall into that group and I feel they are very committed to their religious beliefs, ways of living and dress.

Go In Peace

Lesson 16~ Religious Philosophy ~ Religious functionality ~ Political Essay

Lesson 16 ~ Religious Philosophy ~ Religious Functionality ~ Political ~ Essay

Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

If your faith taught you that you were to "keep separate" from the secular world (assuming that it doesn't), what would you do if the government ordered you to participate at threat of jail time? What if the consequences included potential death (as it did for Jehovah's Witnesses in World War II Germany)?  This would totally be determined by your convictions.  If the threat of "jail time" was eminent then I would let your conscience be the guide.  Many great clergy men and women have done jail time in congruent with their personal beliefs.  In so far as the consequences leading to potential death…..I would sincerely hope this could be avoided especially during this day and age.  However, if this would materialize I think it would be a sad day in our history that something so barbaric could be the outcome.  If your faith taught you that it was your religious duty to "get involved" in the secular world (assuming that it doesn't) to ensure that the secular world conforms to the teachings of God (as they understand them), what would you do when a different religious group complained that their religious freedom was being denied as a result? Would you exempt them? Would you punish them for not acquiescing? Would you decide that any negative consequences for them were brought about by their refusal to comply with the Will of God?  Getting involved would have to be done like "walking on egg shells". Keeping true to your convictions and walking tall might be a tad too much for the average clergy man.  Being humble and sticking to the preachers creed remembering to keep separate church and state as much as possible.  I believe no religious sect should be silenced or held back from expressing their own values or beliefs.  It is such a wonderful thing that we all can express ourselves fully and be true to your own religious beliefs.  I believe there were no and should be no negative consequences to them for their refusal to comply with the "Will of God".  Peoples of this World need to be more tolerant of all.  Peace needs to be attained everywhere on our planet. 

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Religious Philosophy ~ Lesson 15

Lesson 15 ~ Religious Philosophy ~ Religious Functionality ~ Religious Nature ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman OSM, OSF

What is your perspective on this "great problem"? How do you view your relationship with Reality? Are you entirely material, entirely spiritual, a mixture of the two, or a spiritual being trapped in a material prison?  I have always considered myself to be a down to earth person.  I like new things, but do not consider myself materialistic.  I believe I am a mixture of the two.  There are many things that are a necessity of life and unfortunately it appears that society/government dictates to each of us that certain things are mandatory to function in life, i.e. you must have a credit card/debit card to purchase airline tickets, plus a government issued ID to check-in.  This is just another way of "Big Brother ~ 1984" the government keeping tabs on everyone.  It is sad, but this is one piece of reality that unfortunately we cannot control.

How do you think that your view of your relationship with Reality impacts the way that you approach spirituality? Does it make you more submissive, studious, prayerful, resigned, contemplative?  I believe reality and spirituality are a growing part of everyday life and the ability to separate church and state is a must as discussed/promised in the Constitution.  However, we all end up being more submissive to the government rules and are resigned to abide by them.  Rules can be contemplated as much as one likes, however cannot be changed to suit the division of church and state.  It just doesn't seem to work that way.

Finally, how do you think that your view of your relationship with Reality impacts the way that you live your life? Does it make you more moral, immoral, ethical, unethical, logical, independent, determined? Does it impact your views on medicine, charity, politics, employment, vegetarianism, taking risks?  If one wishes to "buck the system" there is a healthy amount of risk taking involved.  This may be a good thing because it challenges you to think and evaluate more closely your moral standings leading to more independence if gone about it in a non-harassing way and that society can accept your actions.  Having been involved with medicine for a fair number of years I can see the premise the scientists present as their argument which we reviewed a few lessons back.  I can also accept that one's views may and do constantly impact their employment and I believe no one should push their moral standings to the wayside when seeking employment.  However, at times it may be required to bend them just a little to seek gainful employment.  You can always un-bend them back to your personal way of thinking later.  It has not waivered my charitable contributions, I still donate to the Wounded Warrior Project for helping our vets with their daily struggles and assist where I can.  And, I also donate to the charity of State Police Families of Fallen Officers in the line of duty.  I think these are worth while and it does give you that sense of doing a small part to help people out in their times of need….and after all isn't that what our profession is all about?     

Go In Peace

Religious Philosophy ~ The Great Problems of Life ~ Lesson 14

Lesson 14 ~ Religious Philosophy ~ The Great Problems of Life ~ Essay

By: Rev Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

What does your religious faith teach you about "others"? Are they to be respected, loved, and honored? Are they to be tolerated? Are they to be viewed as potential converts? Or, are they seen as an imminent threat to the faith?  We believe all persons are to be respected, loved and honored which comes toleration of all peoples.  We do not seek to convert people, however if they come to us of course our doors are always open and accepting.  We do not feel other religions are a threat to our faith.  We are all children of God and all accepting in His eyes. 

Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle of it. At the top of the left side write "God's community", and at the top of the right column write "All life is One". Now, using the quotations given in this lesson, place each of these religions in the column you think best fits their theological and philosophical position: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Shinto, Hinduism, Confucianism, Sikhism, Jainism, Baha'i, Tenrikyo, and Buddhism.

 

God's Community		All Life is One
Christianity		Confucianism
Jews		Buddhism
Islam		Sikhism
Judaism		Jainism
Baha'i		Hinduism
Shinto		Tenrikyo

  

Go In Peace