Abstracts On Major Religions - Assignment Example

s on major religions 4/26/11 Hinduism-Hindus Find a Ganges in Queens, to Park rangers’ dismay Every religion has rituals. Somehowever, can be a threat to the environment around them. A sacred Hindu Ritual performed at Jamaica Bay creates an Environmental problem which has rangers handing out 75 dollar fines in order to preserve the wildlife and care for the world around them. It is important to be able to practice a religion, but if the religion rituals harm the world where others live as well, this can be sufficient reason for questioning.

Some of the rituals being offered include clothing, ashes, and coconuts which is considered liter. The Hindus people believe that Ganges, a name given to the bay, takes away their sickness, pain, and suffering. It is hard to dispute their belief system but both parties need to come to an understanding since they are on territory that is different from the one they are used to; Gayana. They are in Queens New York. As of right now, the officials are at a dead end. Ganges is located on the banks of the bay in Queens New York, where the Hindu population is growing.

It is hard to interfere when it comes to determining how the environment and the people should and should not be treated in the “name of the gods” but something has to be done in order to protect the wellbeing of all. Foreign and historical practices need to be conscientious of modern day reality. Pollution does not only harm the earth, but also the people, plants and animals in existence. The best way to bring this problem to light and to eventually fix it will be educate the people by giving them facts and statistics they can use that prove direct harm to themselves and those around them.

Without this information, ritualistic offerings will continue to be a problem. Abstract # 2: Buddhism-Brains of Buddhist monks scanned in meditation study The Buddhists have a religion which includes meditation. Meditation allows the person involved to slip into a deeper sense of reflection. Scientists have been studying Buddhists while they are under this so-called trance to see what part of the brain is being used. Like a seesaw, Buddhists who tap into this world called “oneness” or “nondualty” are attempting to unify themselves and their environment.

Since 2008, researchers have been placing the minds and bodies of prominent Buddhist figures into a 500kg MRI machine. This scanner tracks blood flow within the monks heads as they meditate. The meditation echoes a musical rhythm which can be tracked. There are many positive things about meditation. One of these things is that it “cultivates attention skills” says Dr. Josipovic, a man who moonlights as a Buddhist monk. Not only does meditation answer many questions about the well-being of the person, but this research on monks can also lead to understanding mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s and autism.

Research has found that the brain is organized into two networks. When a person is meditating, they are taping into the intrinsic or the default net work. While a person is not meditation, they are automatically in the extrinsic network. The extrinsic network focus on everyday tasks having to do with the external such as sports and school. The intrinsic focus more on the self which therefore creates unity with the environment. Countless studies have been made by neuroscientists who explain what happens when a person thinks of themselves.

The default network is more important that thinking about trivial things on a day to day basis such as what someone had for dinner. It can also give great insight into uncovering secrets on how the bring functions. During the self concentration, oneness and tranquility can be found and therefore create a better attitude and wellbeing for those who meditate. Abstract #3: Judaism-The Young Nazi who grew up to become a Jew A conversion to any religion can be hard. The feeling of alienation and estrangement from family and friends can devastate a person forever.

What makes people convert? The story of this Nazi who became a Jew has hit headlines. Theo was a boy born into a Catholic family. He idolized Hitler. His love and respect for Hitler was so great that whenever Hitler was in the area, he and his family would be at the front waiting to touch his hand. He recalls telling himself that his hand would not be washed for a very long time if he actually got to touch him. All of his life he was part of the Nazi regime. He really did not know anything else.

It wasn’t until he was older, and traveled to Britain that he received a “lightning strike.” His idea of being struck by lightning was a wake-up call for him. It was as if all of the Holocaust guilt caught up to him. He could no longer fathom the way Jews were treated, and for no reason at all. After marrying his second wife and realizing that she too had converted, he decided to start the conversion process. He didn’t just want to convert to Judaism but, but he wanted to be fully part of the culture, rituals and religion.

He asked to have his Bar Mitzva, a ritual giving to teen boys, at the age of 62. He was also baptized or received a mikve (a ritual bath) and during this purification process he submerged himself so deeply with the idea of purging himself from all wrong. He believed that he had a lot to wash away. It took four years for him to eventually convert and during four years he learned Hebrew and the Torah. He remembered stories from the Old testament and wanted to bridge the gap between what he knew and what he was now learning.

He was not just converting, he was become a new person, taking on a new identity and become one with himself and the community around him. He became a traveling speaker and went from synagogue to synagogue teaching people about the Holocaust. He was now one of them! It was not the religion that saved him, it was the knowledge of the wrong done to others that brought him to a greater understanding of himself! Abstract # 4: Christianity-Why I believe in God There are many reasons people believe in God.

Reasons create debates.There was a huge debate about a famous pastor from Grand Rapids Michigan. The debate and opposition was about his book called “Love Wins.” In this book, Rob Bell talks about different religions and God’s character. He asks some very controversial questions which results in the media interfering. The questions he asks are so thought provoking that other pastors rebuke him and claim his observations and thoughts to be heretic. This story is about a man who explains to the world why he believes in God.

Pastor Rob Bell’s church is considered to be a mega church where at least 10,000 people attend each week, at each service. As Good Morning America, the author of this article, speak to Rob, they are given a message a love, peace and understanding. The focus of this article includes and excerpt of Rob’s book which is consider heresy. His supporters express their love for “Love Wins” as they understand that the questions being asked in the book do not originate from Rob Bell himself but are questions that are as old as the Bible.

These questions are bringing old ideas into a new time period. Rob’s ideas on Hell illuminates the embracing nature of God and His love. It does not shut out others but instead calls them to the table to eat together. Jesus came and died for all, not for the select few is the premise of this extremely popular book. He also explores Christianity and tries to relate to his readers his ideas on the belief in a God. He essentially says that everyone believes in something and faith in that something makes us who we are.

Rob states that many people are afraid of discussing the most needed questions but argues that Jesus is smart enough an strong enough to hear these questions. Contrary to popular belief, Christians don’t have all the answers and sometimes saying “I don’t know” is what faith is all about. Jesus did not come to prove his existence but instead he came to exist, love, die and resurrect for all! Abstract # 5: Islam-In Iraq, Bottoms up for democracy Democracy has been the focus of many countries in the past few years.

People want to be able to have a voice, to speak their voice and to have their voice be heard and acted upon. But what happens when religion interferes with the government? This article focuses on Iraq and its attempt to balance religion and secularism. Tariq Harb is disliked because he drinks. Some people don’t only dislike him, but they want to kill him he says. Bars and clubs were raided in order to remind the people that the country was indeed Muslim. They demand respect as a result. Soon after, protests for reform lead to a renaissance of the night life.

This new tilt away from Islam has given the people a more expansive view of freedom. The government is now review their laws and lifting bans in areas of oppression. Women were no longer required to wear veils, art and music was allowed at schools again and people felt an overall sense of freedom. The seesaw has lately been pushing less towards Islam and more towards democracy. Finding a balance is hard but not impossible. Some say the problem is not Islam vs. democracy but more so, divisions in the body politics and the state.

Iraq’s quest for democracy seems shaky because the US has imposed the idea, but much of the idea is idealistic which offers few lessons that apply elsewhere in the Middle East. The concept of democracy affects Islam because it gives a new perspective to violence and how it should be handled, women’s rights and the consumption of alcohol. Islam and democracy is not an oxymora but moreso, it should be able to go hand in hand. There is a law, and people should be free to choose within the confines of the law as long as it is not restricting or hurting anyone.

Works Cited Arango, Tim. "The New York Times: Week in Review." 16 April 2011. In Iraq, Bottoms up for Democracy. 26 April 2011 . "BBC News." 21 April 2011. The Young Natzi who grew up to become a Jew. 26 April 2011 . Danzico, Matt. "BBC." 20011. Brains of Buddhist Monks scanned in Meditation Study. 26 April 2011 . Dolnick, Sam. "The New York Times Company." 2011. Hundus find a ganges in queens to park rangers dismay 26 April 2011 . Granderson, LZ. "CNN." 26 April 2011. Why I believe in God. 26 April 2011 .