Experiencing The World's Religions

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Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change, 6th Editio
n | 9780078038273
http://www.coursesmart.com/experiencing-the-world-s-religions-tradition/molloy-m
ichael/dp/0077432010
Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change, 6/e
Michael Molloy, University of Hawaii
ISBN: 0078038278
Copyright year: 2013
New to this Edition
Chapter 1, Understanding Religion
New discussion on the problem of defining religion
New section on The Study of Religion
New section on Recent Theories
Revised and condensed discussion of Key Critical Issues
New Conflict in Religion box, "Religious Blends"
New reading from mythologist Joseph Campbell, "Finding What Brings Joy"
Chapter 2, Indigenous Religions
New Deeper Insights box, "Australian Aboriginal Religion"
New reading, the Hawaiian chant "The Kumulipo," provided in Hawaiian with an
accompanying English translation
Chapter 3, Hinduism
New table on major Hindu gods
New Personal Experience section, "A Party"
New Contemporary Issues box, "The Chipko Movement"
Added discussion on the growing women's movement in India
New reading, "Finding Union with the Divine," from the Crest-Jewel of Discri
mination
Chapter 4, Buddhism
New First Encounter on visiting the Emerald Buddha and the Wat Po temple
New Contemporary Issues box on Thich Nhat Hanh and his movement of "engaged
Buddhism"
New Contemporary Issues box on "environmental Buddhism"
Added discussion on the changing attitudes toward women and women's roles in
institutional Buddhism
New reading from the poet Basho, "Life Is a Journey"
Chapter 5, Jainism and Sikhism
New reading from Satish Kumar, "A Prayer for Peace"
Chapter 6, Daoism and Confucianism
New First Encounter on the visit to a Daoist temple
New Deeper Insights box, "Daoism and Nature"
Added discussion on female imagery and themes and the role of women in Daois
m
New reading, "Holding onto Harmony," from the Daoist classic, The Zhuangzi
Chapter 7, Shinto
New First Encounter on visiting a Shinto shrine in the city of Naha in Okina
wa
New Deeper Insights box, "Shinto and Nature," on Shinto roots in the natural
world
New reading, "Shinto Prayer for Peace"
Chapter 8, Judaism
Revised and condensed section on Jewish Holy Days
Added material on differing views on women's roles in Judaism
New reading, "Tending the Garden," from the biblical story of creation
Chapter 9, Christianity
Added material on women among Jesus's friends and followers, women and women
's roles in the early Church, and women in the Protestant missionary movement
Revised and condensed section on The Christian Year, with a diagram depictin
g the Christian year
Revised section on The Challenges of Science and Secularism, including a new
paragraph on "Prosperity Christianity"
Revised section on Contemporary Influences and Developments, including a dis
cussion of views on female equality, biblical interpretation, fundamentalism, an
d the spread of Christianity in Africa and Asia
New reading from Julian of Norwich, "Revelations of Divine Love"
Chapter 10, Islam
New section, Islam and the Roles of Women
New Contemporary Issues box, "Islamic Ecology"
Added discussion on the conservatism of al-Qaida
Added discussion on the Arab Spring, particularly events in Egypt and Libya
New reading from the Turkish writer Fazil bin Tahir Enderuni, "Beauty Leads
to God"
Chapter 11, Alternative Paths
New Rituals and Celebrations box, "The Contemporary Pagan Year," with an acc
ompanying diagram of the year
Revised Deeper Insights box, "Major Orishas of Santera"
New Contemporary Issues box, "Ecology and the New Religious Movements"
New reading, "Baha'i Prayer"
Chapter 12, The Modern Search
New First Encounter on a conference of religious leaders and a discussion of
the role of women in religion
New Personal Experience, "A Picnic," a discussion of the good and bad effect
s of religion
New reading, "A Starry Night," from Audrey Sutherland's Paddling My Own Cano
e
World Religion Links 1

Academic Info on Religion
This site offers descriptions of and links to many religious studies web
pages.
( http://www.academicinfo.net/religindex.html )
The American Religious Experience
An online collaboration of religious studies professors. This site offer
s essays, book reviews, and an internet history course.
( http://are.as.wvu.edu )
Religious Studies Web Guide: Sacred Texts
Provides links to religious studies texts, from a searchable Bible to th
e Confucian Doctrine of the Mean.
( http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~lipton/texts.html )
Exploring Religions
Learn about world religions through extensive homepages for Buddhism, Ch
ristianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
( http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religionet/er/DEFAULT.HTM )
A Journey through Symbolic Forms in Jewelry
The moon, serpents, spirals and prayers; a journey through symbolic form
s across religions in jewelry. Explore representations and history of amulets an
d talismans, prayer beads, the evil eye, cross, dragonfly, and more.
( http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/symbolicjewelry )
Religious Studies Web Guide: Electronic Images
Collection of links to religious studies artwork, photographs, and other
images.
( http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~lipton/images.html )
Internet Resources for World Art
Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
View selected pieces of the museum collection, and find out more about e
xhibitions and cultural programs.
( http://www.asianart.org )
Centre Pompidou
Find information on the history and architecture of Centre Pompidou, as
well as the hours, phone numbers, and departments of the museum.
( http://www.cnac-gp.fr/ )
Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco
A complete guide to San Francisco fine arts museums. View artworks, lear
n about exhibitions, and get information on visiting.
( http://www.thinker.org/ )
Florence Art Guide
Easy-to-navigate online guide through the monuments, historic periods, a
rtists, and artworks of Florence, Italy
( http://www.mega.it/eng/egui/hogui.htm )
Giverny (Monet's gardens)
Explore the gardens, museums, castles, and archeological sites of Givern
y and Vernon, the "Heart of Impressionism." This site also offers information on
Monet (a resident of Giverny for forty-three years), as well as hotels and tran
sportation for tourists.
( http://www.giverny.org/index.htm )
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Get information on the Guggenheim Museum, located in Northern Spain and
dedicated to American and European art of the 20th century. Learn about its thre
e-year history, its current projects, and the surrounding city of Bilbao.
( http://www.bm30.es/homegug_uk.html )
Acropolis Museum
Explore the new Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece.
( http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/?pname=Home&la=2 )
Kyoto National Museum
Learn about the East Asian collection, exhibitions, and events offered b
y Kyoto National Museum, one of Japan's three main national museums. Also naviga
te through famous East Asian works using the museum dictionary.
( http://www.kyohaku.go.jp )
The Louvre
Gain access to the France's famous Muse du Louvre; learn about its histor
y, latest news, and collections, or view selected pieces through an online virtu
al tour.
( http://www.louvre.fr )
Museum of Modern Art
This site offers information about New York City's MoMA; learn about cur
rent exhibitions, view works from their collection, or read through the museum's
extensive history and ongoing expansion.
( http://www.moma.org/ )
The Smithsonian
Find information on the Smithsonian Institution, its museums, affiliatio
ns, outreach and research programs, and publications. Plan a visit, view selecte
d pieces, or read about new exhibitions.
( http://www.si.edu )
For Fuller Understanding 1
1
Explore the insights of Freud or Jung about religion, and use those insights to
examine the religious tradition with which you are most familiar. How would Freu
d or Jung understand that religion?
2
Review the list of academic approaches to religion on pages 00 00. Explain which a
pproach you find the most interesting and why you feel that way.
3
Drawing on your reading of this chapter and on your personal experience, write y
our own definition of the sacred. Identify what it is that distinguishes the sac
red from the nonsacred. Include examples to illustrate your ideas.
4
Design a religious pilgrimage for yourself to a region outside your home country
. List at least five sites that you would visit. Describe the purpose of your pi
lgrimage.
5
Describe your opinions, pro and con, about religion. Explain what concerns you h
ave with your religious opinions or affiliation. How did you arrive at your conc
lusions so far? Describe the religious influences on your upbringing. Was any on
e person particularly important in your religious formation?
6
In this book we will focus on architecture and travel as two aspects of studying
religions. Make a list of interesting religious buildings and travel destinatio
ns in your area.
7
Keep a notebook or journal of references to religion that you see in newspapers
and on television. What patterns do you see? What issues recur?
8
Invent a preliminary religion of your own, developing at least these major categ
ories: beliefs, moral rules, holy days, sacred places. Write a descriptive essay
about your religion, and present it to classmates and friends.
Interreligious Comparisons 1
Review the three patterns among religions that scholars use to study religio
ns in a comparative and historical sense. Choose one of the patterns and then lo
ok for similarities and differences in two of the religions to be studied in the
text. You may even want to limit your research to a particular time period.
Possible Paper Topics
Your instructor may want you to focus on a particular religion or religions
covered in the course rather than write on the more theoretical material present
ed in this chapter. One of the points made in this chapter is that religions are
not permanent theoretical constructs but are constantly in a process of change.
You may want to write about certain changes that occurred in one of the religio
ns that will be studied.
Research religious symbolism and its meaning.
Explore goddess worship in either ancient or modern times.
Reflection Exercises 1
The chapter begins with an imagined encounter in the mountains near a friend
's cabin that prompts asking big questions about life and the universe. Go back
and review them. What has prompted these questions in your life or in the lives
of your friends and family? Both positive and negative experiences can evoke suc
h pondering and reflection.
Symbols found in religions often have a universal quality. Try taking a basi
c symbol such as fire or water or one of your choice. Put the word in the center
of a page of paper. With radiating spokes coming from it, write down what the o
bject can be used for or how it manifests in the world. As you study the religio
ns in the text, look for your basic symbol to appear, and watch for its characte
ristics to convey ideas and concepts found in that religion.
Consider the eight great elements which religions manifest to some degree. H
ow do you currently answer or understand them? At the end of the course, you may
want to revisit them and see if your answers have changed. These are also great
questions with which to interview others. This could develop into an interestin
g project. You could interview a cross-section of people or you could explore th
e diversity within a single tradition.
The second pattern of comparison in religions includes views of the world an
d nature. Reflect on your own views of nature. Have they changed over time? Wher
e on the spectrum of attitudes is your understanding? Interview some friends for
their views.
Religion Beyond the Classroom 1
You can learn a great deal about religious practice and the artistic manifest
ations of religion without having to travel far from home. For example, you only
have to look under "Churches" and "Temples" in the yellow pages of a telephone
book to find listings that will probably extend for. In addition, Saturday newsp
apers often have religious news and announcements of upcoming events.
What were once considered "minority" religions are becoming widespread, and a
ny city will have meeting places for a variety of religions. North America, in p
articular, has many Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist temples, Catholic monasteries a
nd retreat houses, Zen meditation centers, Muslim mosques, Greek and Russian Ort
hodox churches, Hindu temples, and Hindu or Buddhist vegetarian restaurants. Cit
ies and counties with a diversity of ethnic minorities are particularly rich in
religious places of worship and meditation. Call up and ask about making a visit
. People in religious centers almost invariably welcome outsiders, and they will
direct you to other people and places within their tradition. Inquire about ser
vices, concerts, and meetings; and if you are seriously interested, ask to be pu
t on their mailing lists.
Although travel abroad requires more planning, effort, and money, it provides
unforgettable experiences. It can be done more easily than most people think an
d at virtually any age. Most religions encourage travel for religious reasons this
is the meaning of a pilgrimage, an ancient custom that is still very much alive
. The goal of a pilgrimage is not only to visit a particular place but to grow s
piritually. Even if your reason for travel is not conventionally religious, the
experience will surely result in personal growth.

Black Elk: Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux, 1863-1950
This site features Black Elk, the holy man of the Oglala Sioux. Read pra
yers and quotes, or purchase related reading material.
( http://www.indians.org/welker/blackelk.htm )
Hawai'i
Independent & Sovereign
Features HULI, Hawaii United for Liberation and Independence. Learn abou
t their independence goals and sovereignty petition, and gain information about
future peaceful protests.
( http://www.hawaii-nation.org/index.html )
Lonely Planet
Introducing Australia
Learn everything you need to know about Australia
its attractions, histo
ry, citizens, environment, economy, and much more.
( http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/australasia/australia )
Myths and Legends
Find links to and site descriptions of myths and legends resources, orga
nized by subject.
( http://pubpages.unh.edu/~cbsiren/myth.html )
Spirits of the Land Foundation
This site offers a Native American Indian resource for culture, history,
law, treaties, and traditions of tribes, bands, and nations.
( http://greatspiritearth.com/ )
1
Where you live is now or once was home to native peoples. Make up a list of thei
r traditional religious sites, beliefs, and practices. Visit the sites with frie
nds or classmates, and make a report to your class. What lessons about living ca
n be learned from the native culture of your region?
2
Visit a museum or gallery in your area that houses special examples of native re
ligious objects. Make a drawing of a single object. Explain in writing its backg
round, use, and maker.
3
Investigate the relatively new festival of Kwanzaa. Who created it and why? What
are its rituals? How would you compare it to a long-standing folk celebration s
uch as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year?

4
At one time in the past, all of the world's peoples practiced indigenous religio
n. But today, believers in such faiths represent a minority within the global po
pulation. Explain possible reasons for this dramatic change. Consider factors su
ch as land use, means of subsistence, economics, culture, and technology.
5
Some argue that indigenous religions are generally more accepting of feminine re
presentations of the divine than are the world's major religions. Find evidence
that both supports and refutes this argument.
6
Investigate the history of Easter Island. (As a part of this, you might like to
see the film Rapa Nui.) Where did its people originate? What kind of culture did
it have? How are its statues explained? What caused its decline? What religious
practices are carried on there now?
7
Using the Internet and library, investigate the Yanomam people of Brazil and Vene
zuela. What problems do they face? How are their national governments responding
to their needs? What do you think should be done for them?
Explore the blend of Christian elements and features of indigenous religions
in the Native American Church.
Compare Navaho religion of the American Southwest with Tibetan
hropologist Peter Gold (Navaho & Tibetan Sacred Wisdom: The Circle
) has written a fascinating account with abundant illustrations of
in sand paintings and mandalas, healing rituals, creation stories,
d psychology.
Buddhism. Ant
of the Spirit
similarities
cosmology, an
Possible Paper Topics 2

Choose a specific oral religion and research it in depth according to the ma
jor themes introduced in the chapter. If it is a religion practiced in your area
, attempt to meet with practitioners and incorporate summaries of those intervie
ws in your paper.
Research the history, rich symbolism, and role of the sacred pipe in the rel
igious life of many Native Americans.
Explore the role of an art form such as dance or the creation and use of mas
ks in an indigenous religion of your choice.
People today generally do not experience the intimate connection with nature
, and especially with animals, that is so important to indigenous religions. Exc
ept for household pets, many people experience animals only in zoos, on TV, or i
n cellophane packages in the meat department. Yet our language reflects an earli
er time when animal traits and characteristics, or "powers," were readily attrib
uted to people. Consider such phrases as "lion-hearted," "foxy lady," "wise as a
n owl," and "strong as an ox." Make a comprehensive list of these references and
the characteristics to which they refer. Then contemplate the many connections
between human and nonhuman species. This exercise may lead you to a research pap
er on the symbolism and important role of animals among indigenous peoples.
In native religions, symbolic items or certain ritual actions protect or emp
ower a person. One place this feature of indigenous religions shows up is in the
phenomenon of good luck charms. Interview your friends to assemble a list of it
ems that function in this capacity. Also consider the ritual actions some sports
figures perform before or during games to ensure success.
What has been your most significant rite of passage? Were the rituals, wheth
er religious or secular in nature, meaningful to you? Why or why not?
Have you ever experienced a place that seems particularly special or sacred?
Consider places both in nature and in buildings. What contributes to your feeli
ng about these locations?
Places of interest for those who want to explore indigenous religions include sa
cred natural sites, locations where native religious life persists, the remains
of native religious buildings, and museums that display the arts of oral religio
ns. Some native religious events in North America are open to outsiders. (Schedu
les and policies about visitors are available on official Web sites of indigenou
s groups, as well as from state and province offices. Photography is generally n
ot allowed at these religious events, and behavior and clothing must be respectf
ul.) Although powwows are usually not religious, they allow viewers to experienc
e native dance and costume, which manifest elements derived from religions. Many
powwows are held in the southwestern United States, particularly during the sum
mer (check official Web sites). Religion and anthropology departments of local c
olleges are a good source for finding regional places of interest and ceremonies
open to non-natives. The following list is a small sample of sights in North Am
erica available to the general traveler.
United States
Arizona Canyon de Chelly (remains of cliff dwellings); Monument Valley (dramatic b
uttes, home to Native Americans since 12,000 B.C.E. and now Navajo Reservation l
and); twelve Hopi villages on three mesas in northeast Arizona, along Highway 26
4 (religious dances and arts)
California Los Angeles: Southwest Museum
Colorado Mesa Verde National Park (native dwellings and kivas); Dolores: Anasazi H
eritage Center
Hawai'i Big Island: Pu'uhonua 'o Honaunau (place of refuge with several reconstruc
ted temples); O'ahu: Kane'aki Heiau in Makaha Valley (reconstructed temple)
Illinois Collinsville (slightly east of St. Louis, Missouri): Cahokia Mounds (rema
ins of the largest and most complex indigenous urban center north of Mexico; a U
NESCO World Heritage site)
Minnesota sites at Red Lake, Leech Lake, and White Earth
New Mexico Bandelier National Monument (remnants of native cliff dwellings); Taos:
Taos Pueblo (Pueblo festivals occur on saints' days; picurs is August 10, the fe
ast of St. Lawrence; Za is August 15, the Assumption of Mary; A'coma is September
2, St. Stephen; Isleta, September 4, St. Augustine; Taos, September 30, Saint J
erome; Namb, October 4, St. Francis; Tesuque and Jemez, November 12, St. James)
New York New York City: Museum of Natural History, Museum of African Art, National
Museum of the American Indian
Ohio Peebles (20 miles from Bainbridge): Great Serpent Mound (serpent-shaped mound
, possibly inspired by a constellation or aligned with the summer solstice, attr
ibuted either to the Fort Ancient people or the earlier Adena culture).
Texas Fort Worth: Kimball Art Museum (Mesoamerican and African collections)
Washington, D.C. National Museum of African Art, National Museum of the American I
ndian
Canada
'Ksan, British Columbia: Gitksan village (seven tribal houses, a longhouse, and
many totem poles)
Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Civilization
Vancouver: Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia (large c
ollection of totem poles, masks, and other artifacts)
Victoria: Royal British Columbia Museum (fine collection of masks); Thunderbird
Park (totem poles)
Mexico
Chichn Itz: Mayan pyramids
Davisadero: Tarahumara native community
Mexico City: National Anthropological Museum and recently uncovered sites next t
o the cathedral
Oaxaca and Monte Albn (Zapotec and Mixtec ruins)
Teotihuacn (near Mexico City): Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the pyramids of the sun
and moon

Bhagavad Gita
Explore multiple English translations of the Bhagavad Gita; full text, s
ummaries, sometimes extensive introductions and commentaries.
( http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Hinduism/Religious_Texts/Bha
gavad_Gita/ )
Malkan.com Bhagavad Gita
Connect to a haunting presentation of the Bhagavad Gita chanted (Webgita
), or link to other sites like that of the magazine Silicon India.
( http://malkan.com/ )
Exotic India Art: Lotus
Discover the symbolism of the lotus and its history in Hindu and Buddhis
t religion. Explore pictures of many paintings and sculptures; links to Krishna'
s dance and love making with the dairymaids; forms of Shiva in visual arts; Mugh
al miniature painting; "Shakti: Power and Femininity in Indian Art," and much mo
re.
( http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/lotus )
Hindu Deities
Explore descriptions of several popular Hindu gods. View pictures and ex
planations of associated symbols.
( http://www.koausa.org/Gods/ )
Hinduism Today Online
Navigate through Hinduism Today magazine; subscribe, read back issues, a
nd view press releases.
( http://www.hinduismtoday.com )
Hindu Temples Reference Center
Offers a reference center of Hindu temples; view temples, learn about te
mple art and construction, and read temple news and history.
( http://www.mandirnet.org )
How to Become a (Better) Hindu
Complete how-to online text with stories of Westerners who entered Hindu
ism and Hindus who deepened their faith.
( http://www.himalayanacademy.com/resources/books/hbh/ )
International Society of Divine Love (Radha Krishn, Hinduism, Supreme God)
Learn about the ashram Barsana Dham in Austin, TX (or do a net search fo
r ashrams and temples near you); view teachings and activities, a calendar of ev
ents, and get an excellent taste of bhakti yoga in chanting and speech links.
( http://www.isdl.org/index.html )
Tattvavaada
Features a web resource for Sri Madvacharya's doctrine, out of the Krish
na devotional tradition, and includes frequently asked questions, literature, an
d a rejection of Upanishadic monism, which expresses the diversity found in Hind
uism.
( http://www.dvaita.org/index.shtml )
Traditional Yoga Studies Interactive
Academically grounded and accessible material on yoga by Georg Feuerstei
n; includes history and practice of various forms of yoga, therapeutic yoga, rev
iews of books and videos, and short academic articles on all aspects of yoga.
( http://www.traditionalyogastudies.com/ )
The Vedic Experience
Discover the Vedas in this comprehensive translation and commentary by R
aimon Panikkar, whose scholarship is recognized both in the East and the West.
( http://www.himalayanacademy.com/resources/books/vedic_experience/VEIndex.html
)
1
See if examples of Hindu practice exist near your home or school. (On the Intern
et you can find the location of many temples, the times of their religious servi
ces, and contact information.) Visit a Hindu temple or center, and attend a serv
ice if possible; then write a short description to share with others.
2
Read one of the numerous excellent works by contemporary Indian novelists (such
as V. S. Naipaul, Arundhati Roy, Amitava Ghosh, Vikram Seth, Sashi Tharoor, and
Jhumpa Lahiri) works that describe life in today's India or in the communities of
Indians who have emigrated to the West. Make notes on the elements of Hinduism y
ou find in the novel.
3
Read various selections from Walt Whitman's powerful group of poems Leaves of Gr
ass. Copy three short pieces that seem to suggest Hindu teachings. Read these po
ems aloud to friends, and then discuss their possible parallels with Hindu teach
ings.
4
Research the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Find out how and when he learned abo
ut the techniques of nonviolent resistance. Describe specifically how he made us
e of these techniques. What parallels do you see with the traditions of Hinduism
and with the work of Gandhi?
5
The sacred tales of the Hindu gods include accounts of female gods such as Durga
or Kali, who conquer demons or save the universe after the failure of their mal
e counterparts to do the same. Locate and read at least one of these accounts, a
nd write an essay that explores possible explanations for the depiction of divin
e feminine.
6
Research the roles of women in India today, particularly as they have been shape
d by Hindu beliefs and practices. (The Internet provides access to some popular
Indian periodicals, and video shops often carry Indian films.) Who are some of t
he principal voices in the debate within India on women's roles, and what are th
eir opinions? Do Hindu and secular leaders hold identical views?
7
Watch the film Monsoon Wedding. What is its plot? What are its tensions? What vi
ews of women do you find in it?
8
The Bhagavad Gita has been called a concise guide to Hindu philosophy. Mahatma G
andhi interpreted the essential message of this sacred text to be a call to self
less action. Describe what selfless action is, and then explain why Hinduism pla
ces such value in it.
Review characteristics of oral religions and trace their manifestations in H
induism. This is something that can be done with most of the religions you will
study.
Compare and contrast the role of sacrifice in Hinduism with that found in a
religion of your choice. You will need to research how the concept of sacrifice
has developed in Hinduism from Vedic times.
Explore the similarities and differences between devotional Hinduism and Chr
istian piety. You also might compare certain beliefs such as avatar and incarnat
ion and practices like the puja and communion.
Research and write in greater depth about Gandhi and the impact he had on bo
th India and the larger world.
Explore a major period in Hinduism, such as the medieval period that produce
d great devotional literature and poetry.
Research the seven chakras, or centers, that are said to exist along the spi
nal column. Much has been written on this topic, including scientific and psycho
logical research done in the West.
Discover how the visual and aural arts have conveyed Hindu religious concept
s and teachings.
Hinduism offers as one explanation for its many gods that humans need concre
te representations of the formless absolute. Also, finite minds can perceive the
infinite only in a limited way, according to taste and temperament, cultural ba
ckground, and other factors. Religions such as Christianity or Judaism view God
in carefully defined ways that restrict the names and personality that reflect t
he divine. Yet even here, the way that God is pictured varies. Reflect on the im
ages you have had of the divine, and interview friends about images they have ha
d. How have these pictures in your mind changed since you were a child? Is it po
ssible they will continue to change as you age or as you study religion more dee
ply? How do you account for this process, and how would you attempt to measure t
he correctness of one image over another?
Hindu artists have used symbolism extensively to portray qualities of the di
vine. Some of this symbolism is universal, whereas other aspects emerged from th
eir culture during different periods of history. Make a list of attributes you c
onsider to belong to the divine. Then imagine how you would symbolize these char
acteristics using features from the modern environment.
The ancient Vedic priests used fire in their sacrifices, and as the author p
oints out, fire still has significance to Hindus today. Fire is something that h
as been universally experienced by all peoples. It has been important in human l
ife in many ways down through history. Therefore it often appears in religious s
ymbolism in many different religions. Place the word "fire" in the center of a c
ircle, and then on spokes coming out of the circle, list all the varied ways hum
ans have used or experienced fire. Then reflect on how these attributes or uses
of fire could express spiritual concepts or experiences.
In the United States, Canada, and elsewhere, one can visit Vedanta Society cente
rs and ISKCON temples. They exist primarily in major cities, and both organizati
ons welcome all who are interested. Many ISKCON temples hold weekly public servi
ces that include chanting, a lecture, and frequently a vegetarian meal. An elabo
rate temple is located in New Vrindavan, West Virginia. In west Los Angeles, non
-Hindus are welcome to visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Shrine, located on
Sunset Boulevard near the Pacific Coast Highway. It has buildings in Indian styl
e and a peaceful lake. Temples built by immigrant Hindu communities can be found
in many places. Dozens of Hindu temples exist throughout the United States and
Canada. Most, of course, are in major metropolitan areas, such as Houston, Dalla
s Fort Worth, Chicago, and the areas around Washington, DC, but many exist in less
-expected places, such as Memphis, Tennessee. (Their addresses may be found on t
he Web.) The Iraivan Hindu temple is being built on Kaua'i in traditional Indian
style; the stone is carved in India and finished in Hawai'i.
Outside North America, Hinduism can be experienced in four places that are av
ailable to the international traveler: India, Bali, Nepal, and Singapore. India,
being the home of Hinduism, is filled with important Hindu temples and other re
ligious sites. If the traveler has only a short amount of time, the most importa
nt religious sites to visit in conjunction with Hinduism are possibly Benares (V
aranasi), to observe religious practices at the Ganges River, and Khajuraho, to
see its elaborate temples. Museums with major collections of Hindu art are found
in Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, and Kolkata (Calcutta).
Bali, as mentioned earlier, is a unique society, derived from the Hindu cultu
re that once existed on Java. Each village has its own gamelan orchestra (consis
ting primarily of percussion instruments, such as gongs, xylophones, and drums)
and regular dance ceremonies, many of whose stories are based on Hindu tales. Ba
linese painting and wood carving are similarly inspired by Hinduism. The temple
complex on Mount Agung is the mother temple of Balinese Hinduism. Called Pura ("
temple") Besakih, it is dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The offshore tem
ple at Tanah Lot is scenic, though sometimes crowded. Other temples of note exis
t at Batuan, Tampaksiring, and Bedugul. The town of Ubud, with several beautiful
temples in its vicinity, is a good place to stay for exploring much of the isla
nd. Entry to temples is allowed to non-Hindus, but a sarong must be worn.
Much of the population of Nepal is Hindu. The capital city of Katmandu stands
in a high valley that also contains two other towns, Patan and Bhadgaon (Bhakta
pur), and all three have interesting temples. The traveler can rent a bicycle in
Katmandu for visiting the towns and the rest of the valley.
Singapore, a thoroughly modern city and a financial center of Asia, affords a
n intriguing view of Hinduism active in an urban environment. Hindu temples of i
nterest include Sri Mariamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.

(See related pages)
Buddhist Art and Architecture
Learn all about Buddhist art and architecture, including Borobodur, Stup
as, and Tibetan art; view images and read explanations.
( http://www.buddhanet.net/gallery.htm )
Buddhist Studies
Art Resources
Find extensive links to online collections, educational resources, comme
rcial art sites, and related Buddhist art pages.
( http://kaladarshan.arts.ohio-state.edu/anu/buddhart.html )
Dharmapala Centre School of Thangka Painting
Learn about Kathmandu's Dharmapala Centre, and its programs; view Thangk
a painting, intricate roll paintings depicting Buddhist iconography, and find ou
t what's new at the centre.
( http://www.bremen.de/info/nepal/Inhalt-e.htm )
Kyoto National Museum
View and learn about Kyoto National Museum's Buddhist collection, includ
ing sculpture, paintings, calligraphy, textiles, and metalwork.
( http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/ )
Buddhanet
Impressive site with many links, an "online cyber sangha"; multimedia in
cludes Zen comics, virtual tour of a traditional Chinese temple monastery, audio
talks by meditation teachers, free online instruction, and much more. Buddhanet
is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Buddha Dharma Education As
sociation.
( http://www.buddhanet.net/index.html )
Shambhala Sun
Online Buddhist magazine; "applies the wisdom born of meditative practic
from livelihood, parenting, and relationsh
e to all the important issues in life
ips to politics, social action, and the arts."
( http://www.shambhalasun.com/ )
Tricycle
Online magazine; "mainstream quarterly dedicated to exploring the full r
ange of Buddhist activity and its impact on Western Life."
( http://www.tricycle.com/ )
DharmaNet
Provides a virtual library of online Zen Buddhist associations, monaster
ies, and practice centers; also links to Pure Land, Theravada, Vajrayana, Nicher
en, and Tendai groups or centers.
( http://www.dharmanet.org/ )
1
Because a large number of immigrants from traditionally Buddhist countries, many
Buddhist temples particularly Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Tibetan have been esta
blished in the West. Arrange to visit a Buddhist temple in your area. Then write
a description of the temple and of your experience there.
2
Do a virtual journey over the Internet of Buddhist Web sites, which range from s
emiprivate devotional Web sites to museum-based libraries of Buddhist art. Prepa
re an annotated bibliography of the Web sites you found most valuable, and descr
ibe some of the insights and questions that occurred to you as you explored.
3
Read a biography of the Dalai Lama and other books about Tibetan Buddhism. Prepa
re a written report on how the Dalai Lama's beliefs and actions earned him the N
obel Peace Prize. The Dalai Lama consistently preaches nonviolence. Is this real
istic? Explain your position.
4
Find out if there is a Buddhist meditation center in your area. Visit it with an
other classmate, gather information, and then make a report to your class.
5
Do some library research on American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 1959) and
his connections with Japan. Is there any evidence to suggest that Wright was inf
luenced by Buddhist ideas or forms?
6
Zen has achieved widespread recognition and admiration in the Western world, but
more as a philosophy and aesthetic style than as a religious practice. Explore
possible reasons for Zen's popularity in the West and the apparent gap between p
opular interest and traditional practice of the faith.
7
Buddhism has sometimes been accused of being too passive and of overemphasizing
detachment from the world. Do you think that these are fair criticisms? If so, w
hat suggestions of change would you have for Buddhism? How might change be broug
ht about?
8
Read the teachings of a female Buddhist master, and write an essay that explores
how the master's work addresses the issue of gender within Buddhism.
Compare Shinran's ideas about salvation by grace alone to those of Martin Lu
ther in Protestant Christianity.
Compare and contrast Buddhist notions of nirvana with the Hindu concept of m
oksha.
Trace shamanistic themes or influences in Tibetan Buddhism.
Compare and contrast the position of the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism with
that of the pope in Catholicism.
Research in depth one of the arts influenced by Buddhism. Connect expression
s of that art with Buddhist themes and practices.
Focus on one of the Buddhist branches or schools in depth. Try to connect yo
ur findings with the basic themes of Buddhism discussed in this chapter.
Explore a controversial ethical issue like euthanasia or abortion from a Bud
dhist perspective.
Explore examples of "engaged Buddhism." What Buddhist principles justify it
and how does it differ (or does it?) from traditional practices of selected Budd
hist schools.
The core teachings of the Buddha express something universal about human exp
erience. Reflect on specific experiences you have had or witnessed in others tha
t illustrate the Four Noble Truths. Recount specific elements of the Eightfold P
ath that reduced or eliminated the suffering.
The concept of no-self is perhaps the most difficult idea in Buddhism. Besid
es its philosophical justification, it is related to the phenomenon of suffering
, with which we all have experience. The next time you are experiencing some kin
d of misery in your personal life, try the following Buddhist experiment: When y
ou are feeling down, rather than saying to yourself "I feel hurt and I am sad,"
say "There is hurt and sadness." Some people are surprised to report that the em
otional intensity decreases. One is labeling and witnessing mental and emotional
phenomena as they appear, without directly attaching it to some little "me" ins
ide.
Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist originally from Vietnam. He has introduced the
verb inter-be to reflect interrelationships and interdependencies. Consider an
object of your choice, such as a loaf of bread, and trace all the ways that obje
ct is connected to or dependent on forces or things outside itself. If you remov
ed those forces, could the object still exist? It seems like the bread or whatev
er object you choose inter-is with just about everything else.
Many people cannot see the point in being detached or in feeling neutral to
both pleasant and unpleasant things in the world. But sometimes the Buddhist log
ic is inescapable. Consider your feelings toward your favorite food. When that f
ood becomes leftovers, after a few weeks you would not want to eat it! The same
food becomes garbage, and we have quite different feelings toward it. Yet the ga
rbage can be composted, and then enrich the soil so that good food is once again
produced. Doesn't it seem rather strange to have such different emotional react
ions to the different aspects of this natural process?
Buddhism has now spread widely enough in North America that it is easily accessi
ble to those interested in experiencing it, including non-Buddhists, who are wel
comed. (The popular Buddhist magazines Tricycle and Shambhala Sun have directori
es at the back that list centers across North America.) Almost every large city
has a Zen center, as well as temples for Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Tibetan Bu
ddhist practice. The West Coast and Hawai'i are particularly rich in places to v
isit. The largest Buddhist temple in North America, called Kuang Shan Shi Temple
, was built by Buddhists from Taiwan and is in Hacienda Heights in the Los Angel
es area. Japanese gardens are open to the public in such places as the Golden Ga
te Park in San Francisco, the Botanic Garden in New York City, and the Butchart
Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia.
Travel in Asia allows the visitor to see Buddhist art in its traditional envi
rons, where monks reside and hold services. Five countries in Asia offer western
ers particularly rich experiences of Buddhism: Thailand and Sri Lanka for Therav
ada, Japan and South Korea for Mahayana, and China for both Mahayana and Vajraya
na.
Thailand is easily accessible because Bangkok is an airline hub for all of So
utheast Asia. Although Bangkok is not an old city, it has several temples on a g
rand scale. At Wat Po, one can walk around a large but charming Reclining Buddha
. Wat Phra Keo houses the famous Jade Buddha statue. Wat Bovorn (Bovornivet) is
a picturesque complex of large trees, old buildings, and canals. And visitors ca
n take an easy day trip by boat from Bangkok upriver to Ayutthaya, an old capita
l full of temples and sculpture in various states of preservation.
Sri Lanka is a tropical island south of India. One of the most moving statues
of the Buddha anywhere is at Polonnaruwa. The statue, cut from the rock of a cl
iff, depicts the Buddha lying peacefully on his right side. The Buddha's face cert
ainly not the face of an 80-year-old is serene. The serenity is reinforced by the
drapery of his robe, which looks like sheets of water smoothly cascading over th
e Buddha's body. The delicacy of the face and clothing contrasts with the large,
squarish feet, placed firmly together, which convey a sense of determination an
d strength. The other major sight in Sri Lanka is the ancient, great white stupa
at Anuradhapura, a monument that exhibits the origins of the stupa shape.
Japan is dotted with thousands of Buddhist temples. The greatest concentratio
n of historic temples is in the former capital cities Kyoto and nearby Nara. In
Kyoto, essential sights include Ryoan-ji, the most famous Zen garden in the worl
d; Kiyomizu-dera, a temple set on wooden pillars high on a hillside; Kinkaku-ji,
the Gold Pavilion; and Tofuku-ji, a temple complex full of maple trees and wood
en bridges. But this is only a small sample. Nara contains one of Japan's greate
st statues of the Buddha, the Daibutsu, housed in the largest wooden building in
the world.
South Korea is not well known to tourists but should be because of the except
ional natural beauty of this country's mountains and forests. South Korea's east
coast has fine temples, many of which are located in the scenic national parks
of Odae-san and Sorak-san. The greatest temple complex is Pulguk-sa, at Kyongju,
in the southeast.
China has so much Buddhist art and architecture that one could spend years vi
siting its sights. Because most visitors arrive in Beijing, there they can easil
y visit the Lama Temple (Yonghegong, a Vajrayana temple). They can also hire a t
axi to visit two temples in the Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan): Reclining Buddha Tem
ple (Wofusi) and the Temple of the Azure Cloud (Biyunsi). Major cities all conta
in Buddhist temples, and the cave art at Datong and Dunhuang is famous. A visit
to the city of Lhasa in Tibet offers a glimpse into the former center of Tibetan
Buddhism. The Dalai Lama once lived at the Potala, part of which is open to the
public. The Jokhang, the former "cathedral" of Lhasa, can also be visited. More
hopeful examples of Tibetan Buddhism can be experienced in Tibetan refugee comm
unities in Nepal (such as Patan in the Katmandu Valley) and in India (such as Dh
aramsala).
In Asia, although Buddhist art can usually be seen in a religious setting, so
me of the most important Buddhist works are now displayed in museums in Tokyo, Ban
gkok, Seoul, Taipei, New Delhi, and Beijing. Outside Asia, museums in large citi
es often have collections of Buddhist art. In North America, major museums are l
ocated in New York (Metropolitan Museum), Washington, DC (Freer Gallery), Kansas
City (Nelson Gallery Atkins Museum), Boston (Museum of Fine Arts), Cleveland (Cle
veland Museum of Art), Chicago (Art Institute), San Francisco (Asian Art Museum)
, Los Angeles (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), Seattle (Seattle Art Museum),
Honolulu (Honolulu Academy of Arts), and Toronto (Ontario Art Museum). Museums i
n many European cities also have significant collections of Buddhist art, partic
ularly in London (British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum) and in Paris (Muse
Guimet).

Jain Center of Northern California
Provides thorough information about the Jain Center of Northern Californ
ia; read about the religion and its principles, upcoming events, the latest news
, and related websites.
( http://www.jcnc.org/ )
Jainism: Jain Principles, Tradition and Practices
Learn all about Jainism, with links to many pages explaining its fundame
ntals and history, listing songs and prayers, and detailing vegetarianism and Ah
imsa.
( http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/jainhlinks.html )
Jain Meditation International
Navigate through the Jain Meditation International Virtual Center; find
out about the practice and theory of Jainism or read a biography and interview w
ith the center's founder, Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu.
( http://www.jainmeditation.org/ )
Jainworld
Explore the Jain religion through information on Jain philosophy, societ
y, literature, education, including downloadable Obedience recitals.
( http://www.jainworld.com )
The Sikhism Home Page
Learn all about Sikhism, its origin, development, philosophy, and script
ures.
( http://www.sikhs.org/ )
Sikhnet
Explores the history and evolution of Sikhism and its culture. Offers au
dio clips, live events, news, discussions, matrimonials, chat, Sikh blogs, Sikh
dharma, turban-tying videos, devotional music, clip art, and screensavers.
( http://www.sikhnet.com/ )
1
Construct arguments for and against the Jain acceptance of religiously inspired
self-starvation.
2
Jainism preaches complete vegetarianism eating no fish or animals. Is this reasona
ble for all people, or only for a small minority? Support your assertions with e
vidence.
3
Define the Jain principle of ahimsa. Citing examples to illustrate your point, e
xplore the principle's relevance for our world today.
4
In sharp contrast with Jainism, Sikhism places emphasis on militant self-defense
. Conduct research into the faith, and explain possible reasons for this emphasi
s. Then argue the case for and against it.
5
Using the Internet, find the locations of ten Sikh temples (gurdwaras) in the Un
ited States or Canada. Where are the largest concentrations of Sikhs? Describe w
hat you find about their religious life, buildings, and services.
6
Visit a Sikh temple in your area, if there is one. Interview the priest, and wri
te a short account of your visit and what you learned there.
Compare and contrast the purpose and the practice of Jain and Hindu puja dev
otions.
In greater depth, compare and contrast Sikhism with either Islam or Hinduism
.
The sword is an important symbol in Sikhism, with great historical significa

nce. In Japan, the sword became historically and symbolically significant in cer
tain schools of Zen Buddhism. Compare and contrast this fascinating role of the
sword in religion.
Research (in depth) the contributions of each of the ten Sikh gurus.
Explore scholarly arguments that Sikhism is an entirely unique religion vers
us the view that it is merely a combination of Hindu and Muslim elements. What i
s your conclusion?
Explore ahimsa in Jainism and study how Gandhi applied it to modern times.
Research the modern struggle of Sikhism to establish a separate state in Ind
ia.
The Jains honor twenty-four great people, or tirthankaras, who serve as hero
es and role models. Most religions have saints or special people that accomplish
ed extraordinary things. Even outside the sphere of religion, people have mentor
s and role models. Who are the people who have most influenced you? They can be
people you know personally or famous figures from the past. After compiling the
list of those who are great people for you, ponder the characteristics you most
admire about them. How could you develop these attributes in your own life?
Both Jainism and Buddhism claim certain jobs are not appropriate for anyone
on a spiritual path. For the Jains, that would be any occupation that inflicted
harm even on animals. Consider life today. Can you identify any occupations that
you think conflict with a spiritual path? What are your reasons?
Jains and many Hindus and Sikhs maintain home altars. Several other religiou
s traditions do likewise, including Orthodox Christianity and some Roman Catholi
cs. These altars are a reminder of one's religious commitment and identity. They
serve as a call to devotion. Many believe their homes are blessed by these alta
rs. Perhaps this same impulse manifests in the secular world of work, where peop
le set aside part of their desk or office for personal items and pictures of tho
se closest to them. What personal items have you placed around your work or stud
y area? What do these objects mean to you? If you were to intentionally establis
h a home altar, what would be on it?
Jainism
The great sites of Jainism are in India. Elaborate temples are located in severa
l cities, particularly Kolkata, Ajmer, and Mumbai. There are temple complexes on
several mountains, the most famous of which are on Mount Shatrunjaya near Palit
ana and on Mount Abu, in western India. The place of Mahavira's death, at Pava,
near the city of Patna in northeastern India, is a center of pilgrimage.
Sikhism
The greatest site of Sikhism is its religious center, the Golden Temple, set in
a large artificial pond in the city of Amritsar, in the Punjab region of northwe
stern India. Sikh temples can be found in many cities throughout the world and m
ay be visited by non-Sikhs.

The Abode of the Eternal Tao
Provides extensive information on Taoism (Daoism), China, and Chinese he
rbs through an open message board, online chat, and a quote of the week.
( http://www.abodetao.com/ )
Chad Hansen's Chinese Philosophy Pages
Learn about Chinese philosophy, focusing on Daoism as the philosophical
center. This site offers ideas on Legalism, Mohism, and law rights.
( http://www.hku.hk/philodep/ch/ )
Confucius Publishing Company
Detailed biography of Confucius, translated text, and interesting pictur
e archive of representations of Confucius down through history, including Confuc
ian temples, wall hangings, etc.
( http://www.confucius.org/index.html )
Daoism Depot
Offers information on Daoism and related subjects; choose between commun
ication and contemplation, or get a free Yijing reading.
( http://www.edepot.com/taoism.html )
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
This entry discusses Confucius's life, political philosophy, education,
and ethics, with links to Mencius, Laozi, and Zhuangzi.
( http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/confucius/ )
Taoism Information Page
Provides English-language scholarly and philosophical information on Tao
ism (Daoism) and related subjects, such as acupuncture, alchemy, Feng Shui, and
martial arts.
( http://www.vl-site.org/taoism/index.html )
1
According to traditional Confucian philosophy, what is the appropriate social ro
le for women? Write an essay that explores the apparent conflict between this tr
aditional view and modern Western values concerning gender. Is it possible to re
concile the two positions?
2
Describe how Daoism and Confucianism complement each other.
3
List the differences that you see between the Confucian junzi (noble person) and
the Theravada Buddhist monk.
4
Do you see any contradiction between the Daoist ideal of gracefully accepting de
ath, suggested by the Daodejing, and the Daoist search for long life and immorta
lity? Can the two goals be reconciled? Explain your answer.
5
Visit a museum that has a display of Chinese art. List the images that the paint
ings have in common. Sketch a copy of a favorite painting. Why do you like the w
ork? Who is the painter? What details of the painter's life can you discover?
6
In your imagination and with the help of the Internet, plan a trip to China. Lis
t the places of religious interest that you would visit. Describe them briefly,
giving your reasons for wanting to experience them.
7
Investigate whether your area has a Chinese garden, and visit it if you can. Fin
d books in the library with photographs of Chinese gardens. What common Daoist t
hemes and images do you find there?
8
Watch a Korean drama on television. What Confucian values do you see?
9
Read the story of Zhuangzi's dream about being a butterfly. Write an essay that
explores the significance of this story within Daoist philosophy.
10
Do research on contemporary Japan, and view films and photos of life there. Unde
rneath a modern surface, many older customs remain. Can you see any that can be
traced to Confucian influence?
Compare the concept of the Dao with the Brahman of Hinduism.
Compare and contrast the Daoist view on the relativity of knowledge with Jai
n multiperspectivism.
Investigate the main tenets of an organization like Promise Keepers, analyzi
ng them from a Confucian perspective.
Though Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism all emphasize peace and nonviolenc
e, aspects of the three contribute to the philosophy behind Asian martial arts.
Investigate some of the connections, which will vary in the different martial ar
ts.
Explore the history of one of the Chinese arts and how it was influenced by
either Daoism or Confucianism.
Examine the resurgence of Confucianism in an Asian country of your choice.
Wu wei is the Daoist concept of spontaneous and effortless action. One manif
estation of it occurs at special times in repetitive activities like running, wh
en the thinking mind is at rest and there are no concerns about pushing harder o
r winning or losing. All tension is absent, and one is especially in tune with t
he body and the environment. Movements are precise and intuitive, and one is una
ware of chronological time. The Daoists maintain that this is all quite natural
and that this kind of awareness can be cultivated in various ways. Everyone has
experienced such moments at one time or another. Explore your own experiences of
such times and interview friends or family members for theirs.
The Confucian virtue of li attends to propriety and ritual. Think of all the
ways human beings have ritualized the social intercourse of daily life. Actuall
y it may be more difficult to find a mode of social interaction that is not ritu
alized in some way. Examine the simple rituals of greeting one another. Isolate
the components of intent, word, and gesture. When does the ritual work and when
does it not? Then investigate something more complicated, like the rituals of da
ting. Explore the value of clearly defined rituals in this area versus a more Da
oist approach of freedom and spontaneity. Which do you prefer and why? If the pr
evious "either/or" question bothers you, then you may already be thinking with a
Chinese-like mind. If so, try combining the two approaches in a yin/yang way.
Daoism
For a view of popular Daoist religion, the temples of Hong Kong, Singapore, and
Taiwan are easily accessible and offer fascinating experiences, especially durin
g festivals. In Hong Kong, three temples of interest are Wong Tai Sin Temple, Ch
ing Chung Koon Temple, and Man Mo Temple. In Singapore, you might visit Wak Hai
Cheng Bio Temple, Thian Hock Kang Temple, and Jiutiaoqiao Xinba Naduagong Temple
(which blends elements of Hinduism, Daoism, and Islam). In Taipei, Bao An Templ
e is dedicated to healing, and Chih Nan Temple, a short distance from the city,
features Buddhist and Confucian halls. In mainland China, many Daoist temples ar
e being rebuilt and reopened. Especially picturesque are those at the great Daoi
st mountains, such as Taishan and Songshan. In Beijing, services are offered mor
ning and evening at the White Cloud Temple (Baiyunguan).
Confucianism
For a view of Confucianism, visitors can go to the Confucian Temple (Kongmiao) a
nd former Confucian Imperial Academy (Guozijian) in Beijing. Traditional Confuci
an ritual has been restored at the Temple of Confucius in the town of Qufu. An e
laborate festival is held there on Confucius's birthday in the fall, and a weekl
y demonstration of Confucian ceremony is offered on Saturdays for visitors. The
town also contains the tomb of Confucius and the Confucian family mansion.
Although Confucianism as a value system is alive throughout much of East Asia
, traditional Confucian ritual and training are most visible in South Korea and
Taiwan. Rituals are common in September and October, in honor of Confucius's bir
thday. Some places also have festivities in springtime, particularly at the spri
ng equinox.
To experience traditional Confucianism in South Korea, one should visit the i
mpressive Chongmyo Royal Ancestors' Shrine in Seoul. A Confucian ceremony (calle
d Cherye) occurs there each year on the first Sunday of May. Songgyun'gwan Unive
rsity contains a Confucian shrine, and Confucian music and ritual are performed
there in spring and autumn.
Beyond Seoul, Confucian academies are located throughout South Korea, althoug
h nowadays they are used for a variety of educational purposes. In Andong there
is the Tosan Sowon, and near Angang is the Oksan Sowon. In Kangnung, visitors ca
n visit the Hyangkyo and Taesungjon Confucian Academy and Shrine at Myungnung Sc
hool. Six miles from Kangnung is the Ojuk-hon Confucian Shrine, with a festival
on October 26. Chunghak-dong, in the hills near Chinju, is a Confucian village w
here the Confucian classics are taught in traditional style. Some families also
maintain private Confucian shrines for the veneration of Confucius and their anc
estors.
In Taiwan, sizable Confucian temples can be found in major urban areas. The C
onfucian temples in Taipei and Tainan are especially beautiful. Ceremonies are c
onducted at most Confucian temples early on the morning of September 28, which m
arks Confucius's birthday in Taiwan.

Early Shinto
Provides texts on Ancient Japan and the Shinto religion, spanning severa
l historical periods, and offers information on other Japanese religions.
( http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ANCJAPAN/SHINTO.HTM )
Noh Dancing
Learn about Japanese Noh dancing through text and images focusing on the
origin, event, and dancing of Noh.
( http://linus.socs.uts.edu.au/~don/pubs/noh.html )
Shinto
Tour through this guide to Japan, as it focuses on the Shinto religion,
its history, images, and links.
( http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2056.html )
1
Design a "new"religion that builds upon some of the elements of Shinto and perha
ps incorporates traditions from other religions and institutions.
2
Research one of the Shinto New Religions. Look into its origins, its current sta
tus, and its spread. Use your research to predict its future course.
3
Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, is the kami most closely associated with the
national identity of Japan. It is from this deity that all Japanese emperors cla
im descent. Despite this female deity's special place within the religion, both
Japanese culture in general and Shinto more narrowly are typically characterized
as being patriarchal in nature. Write an essay that explores this apparent cont
radiction.
4
With the help of a library, an architects' association, and/or the Internet, res
earch recent trends in Japanese architecture, both grand (public spaces) and sma
ll (private homes). Write a report that highlights the connections between recen
t trends and traditional Shinto attitudes and arts.
5
Conduct research into a kami that represents nature, and deliver a PowerPoint pr
esentation to your class that explains the kami's character and significance wit
hin Shinto.
6
If there is a Shinto shrine in your area, visit it and make drawings of its arch
itecture and setting.
Compare and contrast ideas about purity and uncleanliness between Shinto and
Hinduism. You could also include Judaism.
Select one of the major periods in Japanese history and explore the complex
interactions between Shinto and Buddhism, and perhaps with Confucianism.
Religion has often been used to justify war. Explore this history and its ju
stification in Shinto and in a religion of your choice.
Compare and contrast Shinto with an indigenous religion.

Review the material on oral religions in previous chapters, and select a few
features by which to explore Shinto in depth.
If you explore one of the New Religions, identify elements borrowed from Shi
nto and other religions, or review chapter 1, "Understanding Religion," and anal
yze the New Religion according to the key characteristics that define religion.
In the chapter on indigenous religions, you may have reflected upon special
places in nature that have meaning to you. Shinto also values such places that c
an actually become part of one's identity. Another idea Shinto could convey is t
hat every place is unique and special (the kami are everywhere). Consider where
you live now. What makes it special and unique?
Another related reflection is based on the idea that indigenous religions co
ntain stories on how a particular people came to a place. Shinto has stories abo
ut the creation of Japan, how the first people arrived there, and the adventures
that shaped them in this land. Consider where you now live. What brought you to
this place and how has this place brought you to you?
Washing, sweeping, and cleaning have religious significance in Shinto. Refle
ct on how you feel after a shower or after you've cleaned and organized a room.
From the Shinto perspective, the cleansing and self-discipline required is an ex
ercise of purification. Relevant is the recommendation of some psychologists tha
t to make a change in our inner lives it helps to make change in our outer lives
. Also remember the phrase grandmothers used to be fond of saying: "Cleanliness
is next to godliness."
Every town and village in Japan has at least one shrine, and most have many more
. The neighborhood shrines are full of charm and worth visiting, particularly du
ring a fair or festival (matsuri). (Check guidebooks and local English-language
newspapers in Japan for dates and times.)
In Tokyo, Meiji Jingu is the preeminent shrine. Sundays, New Year's, and mids
ummer are especially good times to visit. Yasukuni Jinja is another large shrine
in Tokyo. (Because it is dedicated to military personnel who died in war, it is
sometimes a center of controversy for those who fear a resurgence of Japanese m
ilitarism.) Both shrines are in traditional Shinto style. An example of "baroque
" Shinto style can be seen just outside Tokyo; located at Nikko (an easy day tri
p from Tokyo), Toshogu Shrine is a large complex of elaborate buildings.
Kyoto, the ancient capital, has several shrines of beauty and interest. The m
ost imposing is Heian Jingu, painted red in the Chinese style. Gion Jinja, Kitan
o Jinja, Shimogamo Jinja, and Kamigamo Jinja are additional beautiful shrines lo
cated in Kyoto.
Ise, in southeastern Honshu, is not easily accessible to the foreign visitor
because it is off the usual tourist route, but it can be reached by train from T
okyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. In pure Shinto style, its shrine is one of the greatest a
rchitectural sights in the world.
Mount Fuji is the most important and possibly most beautiful mountain of Japa
n. Several Shinto sects worship its kami, and many Japanese climb Mount Fuji onc
e in their lives as a semireligious pilgrimage. Visitors commonly travel to Moun

t Fuji, stay overnight, and walk up to experience dawn from a lookout spot near
the top of the mountain. (Consult the Japan National Tourism Organization for he
lp in making all travel plans and reservations.)
Because of the immigration of Japanese to Hawai'i, Shinto is quite evident th
ere. The main shrine of Honolulu is Izumo-Taisha-kyo, near the downtown area and
Chinatown. It is in fairly pure Shinto style. Another is Kotohira-Jinsha, near
the Bishop Museum in Kalihi. Wakamiya Inari Shrine is located in the Plantation
Village at Waipahu Cultural Garden Park. This red shrine is typical of a small,
local shrine. Also worth visiting, especially at New Year's, is Hawai'i Daijingu
, in Nu'uanu.
On the mainland, the Tsubaki Grand Shinto Shrine of America is located at Gra
nite Falls, Washington, near Seattle. In British Columbia, the Kinomori Jinja an
d Brightwoods Spiritual Center may be found on Salt Spring Island.

Scrolls from the Dead Sea
Explore the Dead Sea Scrolls via the Ancient Library of Qumran and Moder
n Scholarship, an exhibit at the Library of Congress. View selected readings and
other recourses.
( http://www.ibiblio.org/expo/deadsea.scrolls.exhibit/intro.html )
FIU Libraries: Internet Resources for the Study of Judaism
Find a list of links to recourses for the study of Judaism, organized in
to categories such as General Reference, Electronic Journals, and Early Jewish H
istory and Literature.
( http://www.fiu.edu/~library/internet/subjects/religion/reljud.html )
A Great Assemblage
Gain information on Yale's Great Assemblage, an exhibit of Judaica, feat
uring manuscripts, prints, ketubahs, and other important Yiddish and Hebrew work
s.
( http://www.library.yale.edu/exhibition/judaica/ )
Jewish/Israel Index Communities and Synagogues
Navigate through this list of links to Jewish communities and synagogues
.
( http://www.maven.co.il//subjects.asp?S=171 )
Internet Resources for Jewish Studies
Check out the University of Delaware's extensive list of Judaism links,
including Jewish Studies topics, museums, libraries, and publications.
( http://www2.lib.udel.edu/subj/jew/internet.htm )
Judaism 101
This site offers an online encyclopedia on Judaism, covering beliefs, cu
stoms, people, language, and scripture. Search the site, start at your own level
of knowledge (basic, intermediate, or advanced), or check out the extensive lin
ks.
( http://www.jewfaq.org )
Maven More than 5,600 Jewish/Israel Links
Find an extensive list of 1000's of Judaism links, organized by topics s
uch as Communities, Entertainment, Shopping, and Travel.
( http://www.maven.co.il/ )
Reform Judaism
Follow this tutorial on Reform Judaism: learn about the religion, meet t
he "Family of Reform Judaism," or "Ask the Rabbi."
( http://rj.org )
A Teacher's Guide to the Holocaust
Learn about the Holocaust through its timeline, people, and art. This si
te offers both teacher resources and student activities, as well as photographs,
virtual reality movies, and survivor testimony clips.

( http://fcit.coedu.usf.edu/holocaust/ )
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Gain access to countless museum resources; read the calendar and academi
c publications; visit the library and museum shop; view museum images and exhibi
tions; or learn about internships and the Days of Remembrance.
( http://www.ushmm.org/ )
1
With a few classmates, undertake a comparative study of women's roles in several
religions, including Judaism. Pay particular attention to changes that took pla
ce during the past century, and speculate on changes that might occur in the fut
ure.
2
Jewish sacred texts, like texts in the Hindu, Christian, and Islamic traditions,
show a God who at times commands violent action. (Read the Book of Judges as an
example of this.) If you were a rabbi in today's world, how would you treat suc
h texts in your teaching and preaching?
3
Make a presentation that explores the modern significance of the Ten Commandment
s. Why are some of the commandments reflected in the U.S. legal code while other
s are not?
4
One of the central beliefs of Judaism has been that historical events reflect th
e will of God. Explore the philosophical challenges posed by such beliefs in lig
ht of twentieth-century history, particularly the Holocaust and the creation of
Israel.
5
With the help of the Internet and the library, create a plan for a pilgrimage to
Jewish sites in Israel. What places would you like to visit? Make a list of ten
places, and give your reasons for wanting to visit them.
6
Contemporary Judaism does not have orders of monks and nuns. What does this fact
say about Jewish values? In your opinion, how does this fact influence Judaism?
If there were Jewish monks and nuns, how would the religion be different?
7
With the help of the Internet and the library, investigate the life of artist Ma
rc Chagall. What Jewish images and themes do you see in his paintings?
8
Attend a religious service or festival at a local synagogue (or elsewhere). Writ
e a description of your experience.
The Jewish scholar Moses Maimonides argued that faith and reason were comple
mentary. Roughly a half century later, St. Thomas Aquinas held the same position
in the Christian world. Compare and contrast the reasoning of these two thinker
s.
Tradition and ritual are very important in both Judaism and Confucianism. Co
mpare and contrast the purpose and function in each.
How is the monotheistic vision of the Sikhs similar to and different from th
at of the Jews?
Explore in depth probable influences from Egyptian religion on the Hebrew re
ligion and scriptures.
Research the many interpretations of the story of Adam and Eve.
Research the history, development, and major figures of either the prophets
or wisdom literature.
Choose a period in Jewish history and explore it in depth.
Take the time to read in the Hebrew Bible some of the stories mentioned in t
he chapter. Many people are surprised to discover that the greatest Israelite he
roes are portrayed in a very human way. They are not idealized saints, but flesh
and blood people with distinct personalities. They possess both strengths and w
eaknesses that affect their lives and those around them in dramatic ways. Identi
fy some of these traits and trace the lives of these people. With whom do you id
entify and with whom do you feel antagonism? This will say much about who you ar
e.
Consider Judaism's many festivals and holidays, each with a particular empha
sis and practice. Observing these times with others creates a deep sense of belo
nging and a connection with an ancient tradition. These practices help shape ide
ntity and bring people to the realization that they are part of something much l
arger than themselves. Certainly, one cannot know what it is like to be part of
a practicing Jewish community from the outside. But perhaps those of us on the o
utside might review celebrations and practices that serve a similar function in
our lives. How could you enhance or develop them further? You might want to get
one of the popular books on rituals for suggestions.
Rent a DVD of the movie Schindler's List and perhaps watch it with a few fri
ends or classmates. The movie chronicles the Nazi campaign against the Jews and
evokes emotions ranging from horror and despair to hope and triumph. Reflect on
the terror human beings can inflict on one another, and on the depth of sufferin
g and persecution experienced by the Jews. Also ponder the strength of the human
spirit and the power of those who commit to life and goodness.
Two other inspirational movies with holocaust themes include Life Is Beautif
ul and The Pianist. Life Is Beautiful was directed by, was co-written by, and st
ars Roberto Benigni. In 1930s Italy, a carefree Jewish book keeper named Guido s
tarts a fairy tale life by courting and marrying a lovely woman from a nearby ci
ty. Guido and his wife have a son and live happily together until the occupation
of Italy by German forces. In an attempt to hold his family together and help h
is son survive the horrors of a Jewish concentration camp, Guido imagines that t
he Holocaust is a game and that the grand prize for winning is a tank. The Piani
st stars Adrienne Brody and is adapted from the autobiography of Wladyslaw Szpil
man, a Polish Jew who developed unique survival skills during World War II. Dire
ctor Roman Polanski states that "the Pianist is a testimony to the power of musi
c, the will to live, and the courage to stand against evil." If there is a synag
ogue in your area, you might contact them about organizing a Jewish film festiva
l with members of the congregation and perhaps your class leading discussion gro
ups. The movie Yentl, starring Barbara Streisand as a girl who wished to be a ra
bbi, can also be explored for Jewish cultural and religious themes; the classic
Fiddler on the Roof is another likely candidate.
Because Judaism is a religion that emphasizes practice, to experience Judaism on
e should see how it is and has been lived. This can be done by attending service
s and visiting with Jewish families. If travel is possible, touring North Americ
a, Europe, and Israel, in particular, is an unforgettable way to experience Jewi
sh life.
North America Jewish life is vibrant in the United States and Canada. People wit
h specifically religious interest may visit most synagogues to experience their
Sabbath prayer. (It is thoughtful to phone beforehand to make arrangements.) The
re are architecturally significant synagogues in some major cities, especially N
ew York and Los Angeles.
Some Jewish families are happy to include non-Jews in Passover Seders; this can
sometimes be arranged through synagogues in one's area. Non-Jews are frequently
invited, too, to bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah celebrations and to weddings; such
celebrations are wonderful opportunities for non-Jews to experience the visual a
nd oral richness of Jewish practice. Jewish contributions to the arts can be see
n in several places, such as the Jewish Museum in New York City, the Contemporar
y Jewish Museum in San Francisco, and the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in
Chicago. The Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, provides powerful insight into
the buildup of anti-Semitism in Germany and the virtual destruction of European
Judaism during World War II.
Europe The continent is dotted with significant sites and museums, particularly
where there was once a strong Jewish presence. Jewish museums (some housed in fo
rmer synagogues) are located, for example, in Vienna, Prague, Copenhagen, Berlin
, Budapest, Toledo, and Amsterdam. Amsterdam is also the city of the Anne Frank
house which should have particular meaning for anyone who has read her diary. Form
er ghetto areas in some cities still retain a flavor of Jewish life, for example
, in Venice (near the train station), Paris (the Rue des Rosiers area in the Mar
ais district), Amsterdam (Jodenbuurt, around Jodenbreestraat), Prague (five syna
gogues and a cemetery in the Josefov area), and Crdoba (the Judera, Synagogue, and
Plaza Juda Levi). A few former concentration camps have been kept intact as mus
eums and memorials to the Holocaust, such as Dachau (near Munich), Theresienstad
t (near Prague), and Auschwitz (near Krakow).
Israel This country is, of course, full of significant Jewish sites, of which Je
rusalem is the most important. (It is wise to check on travel alerts when planni
ng a visit to Israel.) The Western Wall of the Second Temple is a place for pray
er; the Shrine of the Book displays examples of the Dead Sea Scrolls; and Yad Va
shem is a memorial to the Holocaust. Other places in Israel are also worth visit
ing, time permitting. One such site is the fortress ruins of Masada, where Jewis
h Zealots resisted Roman soldiers, even to the point of suicide. The tomb of Abr
aham is venerated at Hebron, and Mount Carmel (near Haifa) is associated with th
e life of the prophet Elijah. Finally, visitors might be interested in arranging
to visit, stay in, and even work at one of Israel's many communes (kibbutzim).

Christus Rex
Provides information on the resurrection of Christ and countless links t
o such sites as the Lord's Prayer in 1180 different languages, the Christian Inf
ormation Center, and the Anthology of the Crusader Inscriptions.

( http://www.christusrex.org/ )
The Episcopal Church USA
Gain access to the Episcopal Church online; browse through the Bishop's
Pages, purchase prayer books, or find out about current Episcopal programs. All
the major denominations have extensive websites that one can use search engines
to find. Only a representative sample is found in this list.
( http://www.dfms.org )
Gregorian Chant Home Page
Provides many links to Gregorian chant and related subject sites, includ
ing chant research, medieval music theory, chant performance, and historical and
humanistic sciences.
( http://www.music.princeton.edu/chant_html/ )
A Guide to Christian Literature on the Internet
This site offers information and links to guide you through Christian li
terature online, organized into categories such as Bibles, Bible study aids, and
book collections.
( http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/christian-books.html )
The Holy See
Gain access to the Vatican City-state, museum, archives, and library, wh
ile also exploring catechism of the Catholic Church, sacred scriptures, the Gosp
els of the Peoples, and the Jubilee of Families.
( http://www.vatican.va/ )
USA
National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order
Many of the orders of the Roman Catholic Church, the monastic groups, al
so have organizations that include the laity. This is one of them.
( http://www.nafra-sfo.org/ )
The Order of Saint Benedict
Learn about the Order of Saint Benedict through texts, the Oblates of Sa
int Benedict, and links to monastic topics.
( http://www.osb.org )
The Orthodox Christian Page in America
Get information regarding Orthodox Christianity by navigating through sc
riptures, liturgy, prayers, news, and other resources, including beautiful icons
.
( http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/ )
Outline of Objects and Topics in Scrolls from the Dead Sea
Tour through the Dead Sea Scrolls using this detailed outline; link to s
elected passages and view maps online.
( http://www.ibiblio.org/expo/deadsea.scrolls.exhibit/overview.html )
The Religious Society of Friends
Link to countless Quaker-related sites, including Quaker-run businesses,
Quaker genealogy, and Quaker history.
( http://www.quaker.org/ )
United Methodist Church Home Page
Learn about the United Methodist Church and its members; this site offer
s news and views, Methodist colleges, and a jobs database.
( http://www.umsource.net )
World Council of Churches
Visit the World Council of Churches, a fellowship of 342 churches from v
irtually all Christian traditions; learn more about the council and its events a
nd projects, or link to related sites.
( http://www.oikoumene.org/ )
1
The Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene are typically considered to be two of the mos
t significant female figures of the New Testament. What possible messages do the
y communicate to modern Christian women?

2
Locate important examples of Christian art and architecture in your area. Prepar
e a self-guided tour tailored to a visitor who is interested in religious art an
d architecture.
3
Imagine that you have been offered an all-expenses-paid one-month trip to Europe
and Turkey in exchange for guiding a tour group to cities and sites that played
major roles in the spread of Christianity. Do research to help you put together
an itinerary. Then write a "script" of the history and details you will share w
ith your tour group at each site.
4
See if there are any Christian nuns in your area. Arrange an interview with seve
ral nuns and, if possible, a visit to their convent. Ask the nuns to relate thei
r personal stories of their choice to join the convent. Ask them also about thei
r joys and their hopes. Write up your report as a collection of life stories or
as part of a study on the status of women in various religions.
5
Modern Christianity is sometimes characterized by the split between followers wh
o believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible and those who believe in a
figurative interpretation. Write an essay that explores possible reasons for thi
s split and its significance for Christianity.
6
Experience the choral Sunday service at an Episcopal cathedral (or major Episcop
al church) in your area. Make a report on the composers of the music performed.
7
In light of modern understandings of human sexuality, what religious meanings do
es celibacy have? Do you think that the practice of religious celibacy should be
abandoned, retained, modified, or expanded among Christian groups? Please give
reasons.
8
Do research on the Salvation Army. When was it begun, and who were its founders?
What kind of work does it do in your area? If possible, interview a member, and
write it up.
9
Investigate on the Web the important sites of Mormonism. Make a list, and descri
be why they are important. Visit one, if you can.
Some Hindus accept the concept of an avatar, or descent of a God who appears
on earth to restore righteousness. Compare this with the Christian understandin
g of incarnation.
Compare and contrast Jesus' use of parables with the purpose and function of
koans in Zen Buddhism.
Mahayana Buddhism stresses the practice of karuna, or compassion for the suf
fering of all beings. Assess the similarities and differences with the Christian
idea of agape love.
Explore in more depth possible influences on early Christianity of the myste

ry religions.
The text makes reference to the impact that biblical scholarship has had on
interpretation of the Bible. Research the strategies and techniques of one of th
e modern approaches, such as form criticism, redaction criticism, or narrative t
heology.
Explore the life of one of the significant missionaries listed in the text.
Be sure to research modern appraisals of that person's accomplishments.
Many scholars have said that liberation theology is the most significant mov
ement in Christianity in the twentieth century. Research the origins and methods
of this movement, which led to the deaths of many priests, nuns, and lay leader
s throughout Latin America at the hands of military dictators and right-wing dea
th squads.
Explore in depth one of the topics raised in the "Contemporary Influences an
d Developments" section of this chapter.
Much has been written in the past couple of decades by theologians and socia
l scientists about forgiveness in interpersonal relationships. The concept has a
lso been extended to national and international conflict mediation. Explore one
of these two topics.
Many Jews living in the time of Jesus believed they were living in the "end
times." And during almost every period of history, some people have believed the
same thing. Could we be living in the end time now? How could the end happen? H
ollywood has portrayed the end of the world in many ways nuclear annihilation, inv
asions, volcanoes and earthquakes, comets or asteroids hitting the earth. Take t
ime to reflect on how you and those around you would react if you knew the end w
as near. If you can picture this vividly enough, see if it changes some of the t
hings you think are important and valuable.
In Paul's understanding of grace in Christianity, one essentially gets a rew
ard or unmerited gift when in fact one deserves exactly the opposite. Think of t
imes when you "had it coming" for something you had done that was clearly wrong.
Have there been times when the party wronged actually forgave you? What impact
did it have on you? And what about the reverse situation? Feeling hurt and anger
, somehow you were able to let go of the feelings and forgive instead of seeking
"paybacks." Was it easy or difficult? What finally did or did not enable you to
forgive?
Jesus advocated nonviolence and not judging others. Some say you can do this
only if you expect the end of the world tomorrow. Is it possible? What's the va
lue? Don't you have to make so many exceptions and qualifications to the rule th
at soon it has no real content? What do you think?
One of the things that Jesus urged was simplicity, recommending that people
become like little children (Matt. 18:3). Elsewhere Paul talked about putting ch
ildish ways behind him and growing up (1 Cor. 13). What gives? Is this one of th
ose glaring contradictions that would-be debunkers of the Bible like to point ou
t? How do you resolve this? In what ways should we be like children and in what
ways like adults?

Christianity has been a major patron and protector of the arts. The following li
st is long enough to highlight some of the significant examples of Christian art
, but it represents a mere sampling of the multitude of artistic expressions pro
duced by Christianity.
The best time to visit Christian churches is when they come alive, that is, duri
ng services or concerts. Almost every Christian church has at least one service
on Sundays. In cathedrals and major churches the choral service is the most impo
rtant and usually begins at about 10:00 or 10:30 in the morning. The great festi
vals, such as Christmas and Easter, are a particularly good time to attend a rel
igious service. Concerts are often held in churches, too usually in the evening. C
onsult local sources of information, such as newspapers, hotels, and the churche
s themselves for their schedules.
North America Fine church buildings are located in many places, particularly in
major cities. In New York: Saint Patrick's Cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint Joh
n the Divine, Saint Thomas Church (its choir school sings at services during the
school year). In Boston: Trinity Church. In Washington, DC: the National Cathed
ral and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. In San Francisco: Grace Cathedr
al (which also has a choir school). In Los Angeles: the Wayfarer's Chapel (Palos
Verdes) and the Crystal Cathedral (Orange County), which has special programs i
n preparation for Christmas and Easter.
There are many smaller churches of interest as well. Some historical churches in
clude the Old North Church in Boston and the Franciscan missions of California (
fine ones are located in Carmel, Santa Barbara, and San Juan Capistrano). Other
churches are modern, designed by well-known architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wrig
ht's Unitarian Meeting House in Madison, Wisconsin, and Marcel Breuer's at Saint
John's Abbey Church, Collegeville, Minnesota.
In Canada, of special beauty is the neo-Gothic Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal.
In Mexico, the cathedral of Mexico City is exceptional and is on the site of an
Aztec temple.
Europe The most important countries in Europe for visitors interested in the art
and architecture of Christianity are England, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, an
d Greece. Below are some of their major religious sights.
In England, visitors should include in their itineraries Saint Paul's Cathedral
and Westminster Abbey. The cathedrals of York, Durham, Lincoln, Wells, Ely, Sali
sbury, and Winchester are also fine buildings. Sunday services are usually held
at about 10:00 A.M. (mattins) and 4:00 P.M. (evensong).
In France, organ concerts are held on Sunday afternoons at Notre Dame Cathedral
in Paris. Other churches of interest in Paris are Sainte Chapelle (featuring exq
uisite stained glass), Saint Severin, Sacre Coeur (in neo-Byzantine style), and
the Madeleine (in the style of a Greek temple). The cathedral of Chartres is a m
asterpiece of Gothic style, with much original stained glass and sculpture. Othe
r significant Gothic cathedrals are located in Amiens, Rouen, Rheims, Laon, and
Strasbourg. Major museums located in Paris are the Louvre and the Muse de Cluny.
Italy is the home to so much fine religious art and architecture that limiting e
xamples to a small sampling is difficult. First-time travelers might want to vis
it the following in Rome, Florence, and Venice. In Rome: Saint Peter's Basilica
(there is a papal blessing at noon on most Sundays), the Sistine Chapel, Saint M
ary Major, Saint John Lateran, Il Ges (a Baroque church with a spectacular ceilin
g), Santa Maria della Vittoria (featuring Bernini's statue of Saint Teresa in ec
stasy), and Santa Sabina (in very pure basilica style). In Florence: the cathedr
al (Duomo; with baptistery doors by Ghiberti and a bell tower by Giotto), Santa
Maria Novella, Santa Croce, Orsanmichele, and the Convent of San Marco. In Venic
e: Saint Mark's Cathedral (featuring mosaics), Zanipolo, Salute, and Frari. Othe
r noteworthy cathedrals are located in Milan, Siena, and Orvieto. Assisi and its
basilica are wonderful to visit because of their association with Saint Francis
and the frescoes attributed to Giotto. Major museums are located in Rome (the V
atican Museum), Florence (Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, Bargello, San Marco, and
Accademia), and Venice (Accademia).
In Germany, an especially fine Gothic cathedral (Dom) is located in Cologne. Oth
er cathedrals of note can be found in Munich, Freiburg, Mainz, Dresden, and Ulm.
Major museums are located in Berlin.
In Spain, the center of the Catholic Church is Toledo, one of the most beautiful
hill towns in the world. Two sights not to miss there are the cathedral and the
church of Santo Tom. In Barcelona, of particular interest are the cathedral and
the incomplete Sagrada Familia church (by Antonio Gaud), which looks like melting
ice cream. Other cathedrals of note are located in Seville (the location of one
of the largest cathedrals in the world), Salamanca, and Madrid. The cathedral o
f Crdoba is a beautiful former mosque, still almost entirely intact. The major mu
seum is the Prado in Madrid.
In Greece, two buildings of interest in Athens are the Little (Old) Cathedral an
d the New Cathedral. In Thessalonki, visitors should see Agios Georgios, Agios Di
mitrios, and Agia Sophia. Monastic life can also be experienced at the monasteri
es of Meteora, built on mountains. The Byzantine Museum in Athens contains many
fine pieces of Christian artwork.

Arab World
The past, present, and future of the Arab world; Arabia before the 7th c
entury; emergence and spread of Islam; contributions to civilization; confrontat
ion with Europe; nationalism, reform, and fundamentalism.
( http://www.imarabe.org/ang/perm/mondearabe/index.html )
Academic Info: Islamic Studies
This site offers links to and descriptions of Islamic sites, articles, a
nd guides.
( http://www.academicinfo.net/Islam.html )
Al-Islam
Learn about Islam as you read through beliefs and practices, the Infalli
bles, and Allah and the Holy Qur'an.
( http://www.al-islam.org )
FIU Libraries: Internet Resources for the Study of Islam
This site features links to Islamic sites, organized into such categorie
s as General Reference, History and Writings, Electronic Journals, and Collectio
ns of Images.
( http://www.fiu.edu/~library/internet/subjects/religion/relislam.html )
Islam for Today
For Westerners seeking a knowledge and understanding of Islam. A guide t
o the religion of Islam; Muslim history and civilizations; the rights of women i
n Islam; Islam in the West and around the world today; and Muslim schools and fa
mily life.
( http://www.islamfortoday.com/about.htm )
IslamOnline
Breaking news around the world, health and science, family, art and cult
ure, ask the scholar, cyber counselor, and parenting counselor.
( http://www.islamonline.net/English/index.shtml )
Minaret of Freedom Institute
For non-Muslims the mission is to counter distortions and misconceptions
about Islamic beliefs and practice; to demonstrate the Islamic origins of moder
n values like the rule of law and sciences like market economics; to advance the
status of Muslim peoples maligned by a hostile environment in the West and oppr
essed by repressive political regimes in the East.
For Muslims the mission is to discover and publish the politico-economic policy
implications of Islamic law (shari'ah) and their consequences on the economic we
ll-being of the community; achievement of a good society; and to promote free ma

rket thought and the establishment of free trade and justice.
( http://www.minaret.org/index.html )
1
List some differences in attitudes toward women in Islam, Protestant Christianit
y, and Hinduism. Organize a panel to discuss this topic.
2
The Qur'an, like the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, shows a God who at times comma
nds violent actions. If you were an imam in today's world, how would you treat s
uch texts in your teachings and preachings?
3
Write an essay that explains why Islam prohibits physical representations of All
ah. Discuss how this prohibition has influenced the development of Islamic cultu
re.
4
The Islamic legal codes (Sharia) differ from contemporary Western legal codes in
important ways such as the designation of an illegal code and the appropriate pun
ishment for that crime. List five important examples of specific differences. In
cases of conflict, which code should be followed? What cultural circumstances s
hould be followed?
5
Islam places great significance on fasting and charity. Conduct research into th
ese two practices, and write an essay that explains their origins within Islam.
Discuss why they are so important for Muslims.
6
Islam emphasizes modest female attire, such as wearing a head scarf and covering
the arms and legs. What is your opinion of this? If possible, speak to a Muslim
woman about this practice. What is her opinion?
7
Islam is becoming an important presence in Europe and North America. Discuss wha
t contributions Islam might make there. Also discuss how non-Islamic cultures mi
ght influence or change the practice of Islam. (For example, could Islamic worsh
ip begin to adopt regular congregational music of some kind?)
8
Make a list of mosques in your geographical region. Visit one and, if possible,
experience Friday public prayer there. Describe what you experienced.
Compare the use and meaning of empty space in Islamic architecture with that
in Daoist-inspired drawings.
Compare and contrast passages in a translation of the Qur'an that seem to ca
st women in a submissive role to passages in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 14
:34 35; Ephesians 5:21 27; 1 Timothy 2:11 14). Research various interpretations of eac
h.
Explore specific marriage practices and rituals in Islam and compare with th
ose of Hinduism or Judaism. Recognize that great variety exists between countrie
s or regions within the same religion.
Compare and contrast the way paradise is used as a theme in Islamic art with
the way the Pure Land is portrayed in that school of Buddhism. Gardens are prom
inent in both.
Explore the history and cultural features of one of the secondary centers of
Islam, such as Crdoba, Granada, or Delhi, that were sometimes totally independen
t caliphates.
Examine the life and thought of one of the Sufis, such as Rabia or Rumi, or
one of the great poets Omar Khayyam, Hafiz, Jami.
Research the strategies that one or more Islamic societies or countries are
employing to meet the challenges of modernity.
Assume you work for a firm in the Eastern world, in a country that is not pr
edominately Muslim, and your CEO has asked you to write up a plan for opening a
branch office in a Muslim country in the Near East. Its employees would include
people from your country and the local labor force. What adaptations would be re
quired to increase the likelihood of success? What measures would you advise to
minimize intercultural conflict? (Thanks to Fr. Joseph Hirsch of Regis Universit
y for this topic.)
Our society is often characterized by its quest for newness and change. This
is seen in the latest trends in fashions, home furnishings, automotive design,
and what is popular in music. Magazines feature lists of "what's in, what's out,
what's hot, what's not." Contrast this with some fundamental features of Islami
c culture the repetition of daily prayer, the frequent hearing of the words of the
Qur'an, and how the repetition of phrases and images is comforting to hearers.
What in your own life is repetitious yet is meaningful and brings comfort? Refle
ct on ways you might enhance this aspect of your life.
Many Muslims have traditionally used prayer rugs on which to perform their d
aily worship and praise. These have served the functional purpose of protecting
one's clothes in whatever environment the worshiper finds himself when the call
to prayer occurs. Yet on a symbolic level, a sacred space is created that is ori
ented to Mecca and connects the worshiper to all it represents. The design on th
e carpets often reflects concepts of paradise with flowers and fountains, or the
y often incorporate an image of the Kabah, which is the centerpiece of the Hajj.
Perhaps like the flying carpets of Arabian lore, they metaphorically transport
the rider this time to a spiritual place or state evoked by the images. If you wer
e a Muslim, what would your ideal prayer rug look like? Perhaps leaving the reli
gion of Islam behind, develop and draw a design for a prayer rug that reflects y
our own spirituality. What images would be on it? In what direction would you po
int it? Try making one on paper or drawing it on cloth (approx. 26" by 44"), and
explore your thoughts and feelings while using it.
During the Hajj, one Muslim said she had never been crowded in such a large
throng of people as when circling the Kabah, yet never felt so alone and close t
o Allah. Have you ever been in an extremely large crowd united in purpose? What
was the experience like? How might it be similar and different from the Hajj? Yo
u might interview someone who went to the Million-Man March or who has participa
ted in a Promise Keepers rally. Analyze their experiences and develop your analy
sis into a paper.
It has been said that quite a few Arabs who initially opposed Muhammad's mes
sage were so overwhelmed by the Qur'an's beauty when they first heard it recited
that they instantly converted. Can you image such an impact of beauty in your o
wn life? What would it be?
If you were asked by the CEO of a U.S. company to set up a branch office in
an Islamic country, staffed by both locals and Americans, what considerations an
d adaptations would be required? This could become a full-fledged project for bu
siness majors. Since there are forty-three primarily Islamic nation-states, the
project could involve researching the unique features of one of them. (Thanks to
Fr. Joseph Hirsch of Regis University for this idea.)
Great Islamic art and architecture can be experienced most easily today in Egypt
, Turkey, and Morocco countries with well-developed infrastructures for travelers.
Southern Spain also has much Islamic architecture.
Note that some mosques are open only to Muslims (especially in Morocco); a fe
w have tours for non-Muslim visitors, however, and all, of course, can be viewed
from the outside. Only Muslims may visit Mecca.
Egypt In spite of being a modern city, Cairo has much that is old and traditi
onally Islamic. Among its Islamic treasures are the al-Azhar Mosque and Universi
ty and the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
Turkey Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Its skyli
ne, although constantly changing, is dominated by domes and minarets. Aya Sofia,
built first as a cathedral and then serving as the central mosque of the city,
is now a museum; but its architecture set a pattern for much subsequent mosque d
esign. The Mosque of Sultan Ahmet is famous for its six minarets; it is called t
he Blue Mosque for its interior tilework. The Sleymaniye Mosque is also famous fo
r its size and domes.
Morocco One of the greatest sights in Morocco is the new Hassan II Mosque at
the edge of the ocean in Casablanca. The mosque whose interior is as impressive as
its exterior is open for morning tours. Although most mosques in Morocco are clos
ed to non-Muslims, visitors are welcome at the many medersas (religious schools)
. The cities of Fez and Marrakesh should not be missed and have good museums of
Islamic art.
Spain Southern Spain is rich in Islamic art. One of the world's architectural
masterpieces is the Alhambra palace in the hilltop city of Granada; worth visit
ing nearby are the gardens of Generalife, a thirteenth-century country estate. I
n Crdoba, the cathedral is a former mosque (called Mezquita); its interior is a f
orest of columns and Islamic arches. In Seville, the minaret of the former centr
al mosque remains in use as the cathedral bell tower, called La Giralda. (The de
sign of this ancient minaret is so beautiful that it has inspired many modern bu
ildings: the Ferry Building in San Francisco, the Wrigley Building in Chicago, t
he Freedom Tower in Miami, the Terminal Tower in Cleveland, and the San Remo and
the Municipal Building in New York.)
United States Many of the more than one thousand mosques in the United States
are small and are often converted houses or stores. But large mosques and Islam
ic centers exist in some places, such as in Perrysburg, Ohio (near Toledo), in W
ashington, DC, in Los Angeles (Culver City), and in New York. Mosques in the Uni
ted States often provide guided tours for Muslim and non-Muslim visitors alike.
New Religious Movements Resources

Find links to sites with academic information about new religious moveme
nts and alternative spirituality.
( http://www.academicinfo.net/nrms.html )
Religious Movements Homepage Project, University of Virginia
Tour through the archived version of this site that is dedicated to the
study of religious movements; read its mission statement, study lectures, or lin
k to profiled pages. A new site is under development.
( http://www.religiousmovements.org )
Alternative Religions
Provides links and explanations concerning alternative religions, such a
s Pantheism, Wicca, and Scientology.
( http://altreligion.about.com/religion/altreligion/index.htm )
Covenant of the Goddess Homepage
Learn about special projects and local activities offered by the Covenan
t of the Goddess, while exploring information on witchcraft and other related or
ganizations.
( http://www.cog.org )
Church Universal and Triumphant
Learn about the teachings of the universal truths from the Summit Lighth
ouse; purchase reading material, find out about current events, or view the libr
ary of teachings.
( http://www.tsl.org )
Graduate Theological Union
Offers information on admissions, alumni, faculty, centers, syllabi, cou
rses, and student affairs at the Graduate Theological Union, the largest partner
ship of seminaries and graduate schools in the United States.
( http://www.gtu.edu )
American Humanist Association
Top stories, publications, feminist caucus, U.N. NGO office, and link to
the Humanist Society founded in 1939.
( http://www.AmericanHumanist.org )
Interreligious spirituality
Learn about the Council on Spiritual Practices, as you read about spirit
ual development, practices, and experiences.
( http://www.csp.org )
Religious Tolerance
Gain extensive knowledge about world religions; learn about the twelve m
ajor religions and other spiritual paths, or read book reviews and related essay
s.
( http://www.religioustolerance.org/var_rel.htm )
Scientology
Get information on the Church of Scientology, its founder, origins, and
current events; take a personality test, view short video clips, or study statis
tics and growth.
( http://www.scientology.org/home.html )
1
Do research on the art, music, altar design, or ritual clothing of a Yoruba-base
d religion. Using books, recordings, or the Internet, find examples, and report
on what you find.
2
Search for Wicca Web sites on the Internet. What Web sites did you find, and whe
re are they based? What are some of the names of the people who have posted the
Wiccan sites? What types of information and merchandise do they offer?
3
In your area, look for a center of Theosophy or of one of its offshoots (Anthrop
osophy, Krishnamurti Foundation). Attend a meeting or contact the center for inf
ormation.
4
Do research on the Waldorf schools. What is the philosophy behind them? How did
they develop? Where are they located? If there is one in your area, visit it and
learn about its curriculum. Report on your findings.
5
If there is a Vietnamese American community in your region, find out if Cao Dai
is practiced there. Describe what you find.
6
Collect the lyrics of eight or ten reggae songs. Analyze them for their ideas an
d language, and list recurrent images. Try to find a few parallels in the Bible
for the images, ideas, and language of the songs.
7
Create an imaginary religion dedicated to Bob Marley and based on reggae. What w
ould be the sacred texts, the commandments, the images, the places of pilgrimage
, the foods, the clothing, the holy days?
8
With friends, attend a Baha'i service or meeting. Write a report that gives deta
ils about the participants, the meeting place, the texts that were read, and the
announcements that were made.
9
The followers of traditional religions have been known to view new religions ske
ptically, sometimes even with hostility. Explain why you think this is the case.
10
Write an essay that explores possible reasons for the prominence of Goddess wors
hip in Contemporary Paganism.
Explore the similarities between Christianity and Baha'i in origins and teac
hings.
Further research the similarities and differences between the two contempora
ry Pagan religions of Wicca and the Druid movement.
Discuss the similarities and differences between the sacramental use of mari
juana in Rastafarianism and wine in Christian communion or peyote in the Native
American Church.
Investigate the elements causing some new religious movements to become a da
nger either to society or to their followers.
Explore the life of a key figure in one of the new religious movements, such
as Marcus Garvey, L. Ron Hubbard, or J. Krishnamurti.
Examine the effect of religious persecution on one of the new religious move
ments.
Explore the similarities between Christianity and Baha'i in origins and teac
hings.
Further research the similarities and differences between the two Contempora
ry Pagan religions of Wicca and the Druid movement.
Discuss the similarities and differences between the sacramental use of mari
juana in Rastafarianism and wine in Christian communion or peyote in the Native
American Church.
Religious centers for a wide variety of alternative religious movements can be f
ound in cities across the United States. Check the yellow pages of the telephone
book (look under "Churches"), and contact college departments of anthropology,
history, and religion. The Internet is also a rich resource for learning more ab
out new religious movements and locating places of religious practice, both in c
ities and in rural areas. We should note, however, that a few new religious move
ments can be very aggressive in seeking new members; they often ask for names, a
ddresses, and phone numbers of all visitors and callers. Consequently, it is a g
ood idea to be cautious. Do not fill out guest cards or questionnaires or give o
ut your address or telephone number unless you are sure that you want to be cont
acted again by a particular group. A good way to get around this difficulty is t
o ask for a brochure and say that you'll be in touch later if you're interested
in learning more.

Beliefnet
The mission is to help people find and walk a spiritual path that will b
ring comfort, hope, clarity, strength, and happiness. Whether you're exploring y
our own faith or other spiritual traditions, they provide you devotional tools,
access to the best spiritual teachers and clergy in the world, thought-provoking
commentary, and a supportive community. Blogs and quizzes (like answering 20 qu
estions about your concept of God, the afterlife, human nature, and more) to tel
l you what religion (if any) you practice...or ought to consider practicing.
( http://beliefnet.com/ )
Gratefulness.org
Eclectic spirituality, multifaith, that facilitates community interactio
n by providing a set of practices and tools for cultivating gratefulness. Featur
es Brother David Stendal-Rast, Ph.D. and senior Benedictine monk, recipient of t
he Martin Buber Award for his achievements in building bridges between religious
traditions.
( http://www.gratefulness.org/ )
Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life
The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life is a project of the Pew Resear
ch Center. It seeks to understand the intersection between religion, public poli
cy, and politics. Key topics of concern include: the role of religion in contemp
orary American politics and government policy, bioethics, religion and gay marri
age, the role of religion in schooling and the death penalty. Also offered are s
ome materials on Muslims/Islam and politics. The Web site provides information o
n the aims of the forum and its current research. It includes access to press re
leases, transcripts of discussion events plus full text reports and opinion poll
surveys.
( http://pewforum.org )
New Age Web Works
Choose between Spiritual, Pagan, and Metaphysical entrances as you check
out beliefs, practices, and images.
( http://www.newageinfo.com/ )
Rastaology
This site offers information on Rastaology and the Ethiopian National Fr
ont; read chants, psalms, and the mission statement.
( http://members.tripod.com/~rastaology/ )
Science and Spirit
Explores how science and religion can work together to address the vital
issues of our time in a way that is accessible and relevant to everyday living.
Looking at life's complexities through the lenses of both science and religion
offers insight neither discipline provides alone.
( http://www.science-spirit.org/ )
Spirituality & Health
Reports on the people, the practices, and the ideas of the current spiri
tual renaissance.
( http://www.spiritualityhealth.com )
University of the Seven Rays Home Page
Tour through the University of the Seven Rays, its education programs, c
onference information, and products and services.
( http://www.sevenray.com/ )
Witches' Voice
Navigate through the Witches' Voice's countless links, images, articles,
and upcoming events.
( http://www.witchvox.com )
1
Islam and Buddhism are spreading in North America. How do you think each religio
n will be changed by contact with the widespread behavior and values of the surr
ounding culture?
2
How do you see feminism changing traditional religions over the next hundred yea
rs?
3
Design a ritual that expresses human relationships with nature. What music might
accompany it? Where would it occur? How frequently would it be celebrated?
4
With a partner, write both sides of a debate on the assertion "Religions have in
human history done more harm than good and therefore should be banned."
5
Design a home altar that expresses and celebrates the season. Take photos and sh
are them with your class. Explain what elements you have included and their purp
ose.
6
Study the life and paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe. Describe the images she uses.
What does she seem to be expressing in the way she treats these images?
7
Study the life and photographs of Ansel Adams. List the places that he seemed to
love to photograph. What makes his photographs distinctive? What similarities w
ith Daoist ideals do you see in his photographs?
8
Study the life and paintings of Mark Rothko. How might his origins have affected
his subject matter? Describe the difference between his early, middle, and late
styles. What do the paintings of his mature style seem to be expressing?
9
It is commonly said that religion is a "crutch" to help an individual deal with
pain, overcome loneliness, or create meaning in life. Is this a fair assessment?
What examples would you give for and against such an argument?
10
Throughout history, religion has placed an emphasis on regulating human sexualit
y. Write an essay that argues for or against the continuation of this emphasis i
n the twenty-first century.
11
Religion today often struggles with the tension between maintaining continuity w
ith the past and making changes to maintain relevance in the present and future.
Write an essay that gives examples of these contrary impulses and then explains
them.
Investigate the features of fundamentalism and then compare and contrast fun
damentalist movements in two religions of your choice.
Explore the successes and challenges of those engaged in interfaith dialogue
. What is the overall purpose and what are the ground rules for such encounters?
Explore how the traditional religions of Christianity and Islam (or other tr
aditions studied) are rethinking the place of nature in their religious understa
nding.
Research and discuss accommodations to the modern world achieved in a religi
ous group of your choice.
Explore the principle of separation of church and state and how it is being
applied in the United States today.
A lot of recent scholarship and discussion has centered on the relationship
between science and religion in the modern world. Review the findings and take a
position.
This reflection is actually a bit of a challenge. The text's author has give
n ample illustrations from music, photography, painting, and other areas that de
monstrate the three aspects of eclectic spirituality interrelatedness, reverence a
nd respect, and the contemplative stance. Develop a multimedia presentation on o
ne of the three features that somehow conveys an experience of that aspect.
Review the changes and challenges religion faces in the modern world, then r
eview the practices and beliefs of a religion of your choice. Now imagine you ha
ve gone through some kind of a space-time rift and returned five hundred or a th
ousand years from now. How is the religion, if it still exists, being practiced
and conceived?
Many of the role models for the environmentalism movement are women. Notice
that three of the four listed in the text have directly centered their work on a
nimals. As traditional religions rethink the role of nature in their religious u
nderstandings, they also must consider animals. Already in 1993 an international
group of Catholic and Protestant biblical scholars concluded that animals have
just as much a possibility of getting into heaven as human beings. Imagine ways
this new thinking about animals could influence religious beliefs and practices.
In the text, the author demonstrates how secular philosophies like Communism
or events like a rock concert manifest features of religion. Explore other area
s like the courtroom or a football game to identify religious features and pract
ices that appear.
After studying many of the world's major religions and investigating the rel
igious search in the modern world, you are now in a position to possibly define
a religious experience. They occur in religious settings and in nature. And the
author says that they sometimes occur in nontraditional places, like watching a
movie or experiencing music. What have been the spiritual experiences of you and
your friends, and where have they occurred?
The national park movement is an expression of a growing sensitivity to nature.
It shows an awareness of the connection between nature and the spiritual experie
nce. In the continental United States, there are parks of special importance: Yo
semite, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, the Grand Canyon, and Bryce Canyon. In Al
aska, there are Denali National Park and Glacier Bay. In Hawai'i, there are Volc
ano National Park on the island of Hawai'i and the Na Pali Coast on Kauai. In th
e Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise are two sites worth visiting. In Centr
al America and South America, the system of national parks is less developed but
is under way, particularly in Costa Rica, Belize, Venezuela, and Brazil. In Afr
ica, there are major wildlife refuges in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.

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Experiencing the World's Religions 5e http://highered.mheducation.

World Religion Links 1

World Religion Links 2

uch as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year?

Possible Paper Topics 2

World Religion Links 3

World Religion Links 4

World Religion Links 5

The sword is an important symbol in Sikhism, with great historical significa

World Religion Links 6

World Religion Links 7

Compare and contrast Shinto with an indigenous religion.

e in their lives as a semireligious pilgrimage. Visitors commonly travel to Moun

World Religion Links 8

virtual reality movies, and survivor testimony clips.

World Religion Links 9

ormation Center, and the Anthology of the Crusader Inscriptions.

y communicate to modern Christian women?

Explore in more depth possible influences on early Christianity of the myste

Religion Beyond the Classroom 9

World Religion Links 10

ll-being of the community; achievement of a good society; and to promote free ma

World Religion Links 11

New Religious Movements Resources

World Religion Links 12

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