Write a short essay of 400-600 words that responds to this question: How do religions both unite and divide humanity?
As you develop your response, you should choose two of the following areas of religious influence from Unit 3 to analyze:
Religions & Society
The perception of the roles of men and women in religious life has been known to shift and change over the years. This has not affected only religious organizations from within. It has also influenced the institutions of government and education. Gender and religion are also related to notions about the nature of God, gods, deity in general. Many traditions have cosmologies and creation myths that are very gender-specific.
For support of the monogamous union, some practitioners of Judaism refer to this verse in the book of Genesis, in the Hebrew Bible: “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” There are references to childbearing and different spiritual values attributed to this in the different traditions, as well. In the Roman Catholic tradition that was most authoritative early in the Middle Ages, the institution of marriage was described and put forth as the union between one man and one woman.
There are, however, some Christian groups that recognize and practice polygamy. Some practitioners of Mormon fundamentalism have more than one wife in the context of what is called plural marriage. This is associated with certain ethical and spiritual commitments of the faith. With this there is a wide range of interpretation and tolerance with respect to the Church of Latter-day Saints, as well as the legal and civic recognition of the practice.
Morality & Ethics
Depending on the religion, there are different authoritative structures, references, and figures to lend guidance and support regarding the guidelines for behavior and decision making about right and wrong.
In the monotheistic religions of the West—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—ideas of right and wrong are generally found in sacred texts. Sometimes these ideas are transmitted in the form of stories that teach morality, rules of conduct, and laws.
A code of behavior or conduct generally stemming in whole or in part from divinely inspired religious beliefs.
There are usually religious leaders who work to interpret material for the lay people. This supports the structure of the belief system. These leaders often work on interpreting the sacred text for a changing cultural context and a changing social climate. As an example, women in the priesthood might come to mind.
Your short essay should include four parts:
- Briefly introduce your topic and develop a clear and succinct response to the question: How do religions both unite and divide humanity?
- Support your response by analyzing the first area of religious influence that you have selected.
- Support your response by analyzing the second area of religious influence that you have selected.Use at least two specific examples.
- Briefly summarize and conclude your short essay.
Your examples should be specific, and should cite the lesson from which your information comes, using in-text citations. Citations should use this style: (National Religions, n.d.) or (Monotheism, n.d.).
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