The most important thing the public needs to learn
about the study of religion is that religion is not a subject to be shunned and
should be about exploring options in a way that helps people define their
lives. Religion should not force a person to confirm to certain beliefs but
allow all people to figure out their own interpretation of what religion means
to them. Many people have the idea that
religion is this strict way to live life, but religion should not be based on
what others think it is but what that person truly believes it is. Don’t let
someone else opinions of religion effect your own beliefs and values. Religion is not just about beliefs, but also
about actions and how those actions, in turn, lead people to observe and
analyze religion in a way that can be beneficial to their lives, their world,
and their purpose.
The idea of religion is hard to define, and some
people try to stray away from such topics, but the public needs to know it’s ok
to unsure, but it’s also ok to look and think about the bigger picture. The
public should, and need to look at their actions, and behaviors and determine
how does religion fit into that category. Our actions shape our identity, and our
identity is defined by our beliefs, but those beliefs can be in anything such
as superheroes, idols, sports, and through spirituality healing. For example,
some people believe that religion is an institution that sets up a foundation
for others to follow, but in my opinion, religion is more than a practice.
Religion is an opportunity to justify our actions, and beliefs by following the
word, but there is no proof that says religion proves accuracy in our everyday
lives. Some people use the bible to justify their actions and blessings, but
really, it’s the belief of something that demands people to pay attention, or
to recognize similarity that is in the bible versus what is going on out in the
world.
I think the public should also learn that there are
tons of Media influence when it comes to religion and pop culture, and how they
are, in some ways, similar. Everyone loves watching tv, films, going to the
movies, or reading their favorite book, but to slow down and analyze what they
are seeing, and hearing is not what people do often. I think our Rel-con would
make people slow down from their busy lives, and think about what religion
means, and the message that we get from films, tv shows, etc. Taking this course, it was a huge surprise to
find so many similarities among religion and superheroes, especially in the
film Superman. These films, TV
shows, and more can show the public the
underlying message and representation that we often fail to notice
It would be helpful for the public to learn and
acknowledge other people’s views as well. Everyone in this class has different perspectives
on religion and how it helps shape our lives, so I think hearing from others
can also be enlightening to learn about, especially when it comes to the supernatural
world. Before taking this class, I had
very little knowledge on superheroes, and limited views on the bible, but hearing
from other students really opened my eyes. If the information such as the 7 dimensions,
myths, and fables has help me gain a better understanding of religion, then I think
it would also be beneficial to the public.
Thank you, Tiffany! Religions DO frequently tell people what to think and what to do, but we all now know that there's more to it than that. People find all sorts of ways to make their lives meaningful, and people engage with religious ideas and practices for all different kinds of reasons, and in their own ways. You convey a lot here, but I think the core for us to make sure we address is that "religion is more complicated -- and interesting -- than people might think."
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