REL 321 Religion in America, Spring 2022
What will I remember from this class?
I chose the image above because while I have learned a lot, I think that I still have a lot more to learn. This class has had a whole lot of information about different religions and I felt that I learned a lot about those religions and their places in America today because of this class. However, like most classes and things in life, I think that there is still a lot more information about these religions that I can learn about that this class has set up the basis for. Deep diving into more African-based religions or Native American religions to learn about the entire scope of all religions and how each religion fits in America or the world today. Overall, I have enjoyed this class and I have learned a lot and I am excited to learn more. Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fimgflip.com%2Ftag%2Flearning%3Fsort%3Dlatest%26after%3D2k8xzn&psig=AOvVaw3GfRJsBw6V-vRmm0T-Tw2v&ust=1651358627541000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCIC1jbqsuvcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
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What am I taking away from this class?
One thing I will take away from this course is the deeper understanding I now have of the Great Awakenings. As someone who loosely identifies as Christian, the material was very eye-opening in terms of learning more about the (sometimes difficult) history that Protestantism has in America. The Great Awakenings have spanned most of American history, and the changes that society have gone through in the midst of these Awakenings is drastic. I have always wanted to learn more about the many diverse religions in America and getting to understand the other points of view in a deeper way is something I’m very happy to be taking away from this class. So many people think that the major world religions are drastically different, but deep down, people all have similar moral and world views, just within different contexts. I’m still unsure if we’re currently in a Fourth Great Awakening, but knowing all that I do now about the past, it can help me to pick up on signs going forward in my life. Source: http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3q3viz
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How Can I Take Information From This Class into the Future (Had a little fun with the pictures)?
I searched up “college class memes” as well as pictures relating to this class and out of the two, these two really were the two I related too the most for some reason. I mean looking at the picture, you probably think that I didn’t like the class and the essays/discussions made me feel like how squid ward in this one does, which is a little true mostly because of the information load that I got as well as my work load from other classes but I had a lot of fun learning the information in this class.
As an architecture major, I’m mostly learning and focused on designing buildings and using my brain for creative, free projects but this class challenged that a little bit. I’ve taken classes on the Ancient Greek era just to learn about their architecture styles and I feel like I can also take away parts of this class into my major. Researching problems between church and state as well as the evolution of the US through religion allowed me too see pictures of how this country has changed not just physically but also the invisible aspect of it. Also going in depth of these religions gave me more respect towards other religions that co-exsist int the United States beside the dominant Christianity. I’ll continue to take knowledge and information that I’ve learned and will learn later, in relation to this class, into my future studies and grateful that I took this class.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/340866265523365847/
This next picture though I just thought was kinda funny since when I was writing my essays late at night, it kind of made me feel this way but that’s really how it is in every class though. Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/340866265523365847/
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Week:16 What will I takeaway from this class?
We learned a lot through this semester. What I will remember and takeaway most is the indigenous Native American religions. I found this unit to be very interesting because their story is incredible. Knowing how much their tribes have gone through and are still facing against government today is very inspiring because no matter what they are told they still stick to their roots. Also, it is good for me to know and understand because I live in a state where many of the last tribes live in. Something I will takeaway is how many sacred traditions and rituals they have. From the way they cook their rice to the ritual dances they perform, I have now gained much knowledge and insight on indigenous religions. I included this last picture because the overall takeaway I got from this class is that there many different cultures and religions and and we must respect each of them. By doing so, you will be able to open yourself up to many new possibilities and have a better view of the world. Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/American-Indian
https://image.shutterstock.com/image-vector/group-happy-friend-different-religion-260nw-1660914496.jpg
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How will I utilize the class skills learned in REL 321, in the future?
I have chosen the following image, because I believe it exemplifies one of the most important skills I obtained from this class. The most useful assignment in this course has been the Pack backs, despite my dislike for the computer algorithms that don’t understand my intentions. They really forced me to reflect on the best way to write, and how best to relate messages. I have always been used to writing long sentences that explain every little detail I wish to convey. However, the Pack backs helped me learn to simplify this writing style down to a couple of sentences. Overall, the Pack backs helped improve the quality of my writing.
On a side note, if my image is unable to be seen for any reason, please click on the link of my source, it’s the meme about Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove. Source: https://www.liveabout.com/funny-college-memes-4583881
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What will you remember of religion from the class?
I gained a lot of knowledge and information on Native American religions. The interesting aspect about the religions was the cultural practices and beliefs. Religious practices and beliefs had a significant role in connecting the people with their spiritual beings (Kosmin, 2021). These practices were particularly valued and treasured by the people and continue to be treasured. The great awakenings and its influence in social, political and economic well-being of American society is equally an area of concern and interest that was well covered. If it were to reminisce about the class, then these would be the most coveted areas and aspects that were covered in the course. • The media item (picture above) shows a set of people doing rituals while listening to one who might be an elder or a priest. The dress code reveals the secrecy of the event and shows how important the process is. Another major visible aspect is the regalia that those in the picture have on. The traditional cloth depicts the customs and ways of life of those involved in what can be assumed to be a ritual. Ideally, the media resource helps keep customs and ways of life for future generations to see and equally practice the same as a way of passing culture and customs to other generations. • Now, I will say it is the last discussion we have so good luck with another class guys. Also, it was nice to read your articles. Thank you! Source: Kosmin, B. (2021). One nation under god: Religion in contemporary American society. Crown.
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What will I remember from this class?
Hello everyone, this semester for me was arguably one of the most difficult but at least we are almost there. There were a lot of interesting topics that were discussed throughout the duration of this semester, indigenous religion, Christianity, Catholic, Jewish, Asian, African, and so many more. I think that the one thing I will take away from this class is the fact that so many of my favorite comic book characters had Jewish affiliations. I remember talking to my dad about it since he was the one that introduced me to the world of comic book heroes and villains, and I was very happy that I got to teach him something new about that as well. Thank you all for the great semester! Source: my thoughts
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What will I remember from this class?
Native American religion is one of the first things we began to learn in this class and it has stuck with me. One of the social issues I could see myself campaigning for are those related to Native wellbeing. I found this picture of a Pow Wow and while it may be a loose connection, it does remind me of the complexity and diversity of Native religions and ways of life. I think its generally understood that most Native peoples revere the land below them more than many other cultures. I had a general understanding of this before the course, but taking a deep dive into it gave me new perspective and meaning. In the future when someone may be confused as to why there is such a deep connection between the land and many Native groups, I can begin to help them understand. Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsometimeshome.com%2Fpow-wow-wendake%2F&psig=AOvVaw3MpAqFUyIUNvE0qimPE-52&ust=1651528494434000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA4Q3YkBahcKEwiYvNTZpr_3AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAw
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What will you take away from this class?
This class greatly expanded on what I learned about religion last semester, especially regarding how religions were introduced and developed in America. Both this semester and last, I had some interest in the history of religion but for the most part, was taking the classes for the credits. Learning about the cultural and social influences that every religion had, both back and forth, on America was eye-opening to me
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Does it have to be the end?
This semester led me to define religion in a new light. One thing that I have learnt from this class is the fact that religion is one of the foundation of the American culture. It was quite challenging trying to understand the readings of the class and applying what I have learned in assignments. At one point I almost gave up this class but I chose to take one step at a time and here I am at the end of the race. This class has however challenged me to become better as my analysis skills have improved. I did not know that America has gone through so many changes in the name of “Great Awakening ” as a means to work on issues that affect the American society. Source: https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fm.quickmeme.com%2Fimg%2Fd4%2Fd48f6c6ec5d4040c129400b5951ce7e1b53ad42ac9cfa8fbfe784fde1b2cc74a.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quickmeme.com%2Fmeme%2F3ou1yq&tbnid=DATUxW5sj9Q4eM&vet=1&docid=eO4ygsmURZ7HZM&w=604&h=453&hl=en-GB&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim
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What have I learned from this class?
This class is one of the most important and profound that I have studied so far, and I am speaking very seriously. Being a Muslim girl from Saudi Arabia who took class about different religions in the United States was essential and sensitive for me. I learned a lot, my understanding expanded more, and my awareness increased by a very large percentage. This class taught me how religions began and how their principles evolved and differed over the ages. Islam, Christ, and Judaism are all other religions; even if their differences were, they helped humanity understand life and understand ourselves more. The difference does not spoil the cause of friendliness, and we as human beings on one planet have our cause alone and we never differ in the principles of humanity. I learned a lot and had fun studying the content of this class. Source: my thoughts
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What did you learn from this class?
Religion in America will present you to a few major religions within the regions of the United States. Organized chronologically, this course will cover religions that pre-date European colonization, the impacts of colonization on religion in America, and how major developments inside the overwhelming religio-culture of Protestant Christianity undulated impacts into other Christian and non-Christian religions. At whatever point conceivable, we’ll see recordings to assist us see how this past history is still display nowadays. In this way, REL 321 Religion in America is multi-disciplinary including devout ponders, history, and anthropology. even financial matters will play a major portion within the religio-history of America. Source: https://gracechristianchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2018_01_WorldReligions.jpg
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What did you takeaway from this class?
My Takeaway This picture symbolizes all the information I have now after taking this class. I have learned a lot about religion and different people in general. Before taking this class I only had a grasp on Christianity because it was how I was raised, now I have a better understanding of many religions and the people that follow them. Not only do I understand more about religion and people in general, but I know more about the country I live in. It was interesting to see all the religious influences that shaped America. Learning about the great awakenings especially made me think about how those values are still represented in our lives today. Whenever I have conversations about religion or other ethnicities I will definitely use things I have learned from this class. Source: Thoughts
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What did this class bring to me?
When I first started taking this course, it was recommended by a friend, and I wasn’t really interested in religion. This class made me understand more about religion and know a lot of interesting knowledge. This class gave me headaches at times because so many topics were so deep that I really didn’t know how to discuss them. There are also many niche religions that I have never heard of before and I really don’t know how to discuss them. I chose this picture of a person reaching the top of the mountain. I successfully completed this course I feel like I reached the top like the person in this picture and I accomplished my goal. The journey to the top of the mountain was arduous, but successfully completing the course gave me a beautiful view. This class has increased my knowledge of religious beliefs and I have learned about the importance of religion to people and their history. We’ll have more topics when I chat with friends in the future. I also learned a lot of what religions did to colonial people through this class. I thought I knew something about religion, but then I realized that I know too little about religion. This class opened my eyes and increased my knowledge.
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How do we get attached to the most odd things ever?
This meme was funny because in our class most of our topics were controversial and serious and at this point PackBack is used to share knowledge and do researches. My class experience was truly great and fun, I personally never forgot the story our professor told on the first day. The story was about how her reading her school books and stories helped her with her writing, I read books on the daily but in Arabic and when I heard her story I got more interested and let me tell you it worked and it was really fun. I read mostly stories that are not real but when I started reading our class book I understood more I felt connected with the people who lived these old days and times. The image I added connects to me on the fact that I came into this class thinking that everything is serious, and nomanych things would be fun. Source: https://www.weareteachers.com/memes-in-the-classroom/
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How vast do these topics get?
When I first enrolled in this course, I only had a minor interest in it and was primarily hoping to complete my degree requirements. As the semester progressed, I was surprised by the methods and how broad the material went. With that, I didn’t expect to go see deep into each topic/religion discussed. My understanding of religion previously was very limited. I was often surprised by the depth and history of all the religions we discussed, but everything came together towards the end. I saw how religion has affected the structures of societies. How it affected modern morals and ethics, and various other implications in our society that I wouldn’t have even considered being related to religion. The photo I uploaded is to represent the vastness of what to learn. It shows how I went from such a limited view of religion, thinking its impact was minimal on our current society, to see the vastness and significance of all religions.
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How has this class changed me?
The picture I found is pretty close to the word I searched, which is “content” or “satisfied.” I would say that this class has taught me useful information when it comes to the awakenings, as they have always been summarized in previous classes in a couple of sentences, despite always being told how important they were for US history. I also found the idea behind the stages of awakenings to be very insightful, especially when seeing current trends and news events. This class also gives me a better understanding the interaction between religion and culture. I thought that the books we used in this class gave great information about religion and how it coincides with the world as a whole. Source: https://img.freepik.com/free-photo/pleased-satisfied-young-female-model-makes-zero-gesture-wears-transparent-glasses-has-long-dark-hair_273609-17999.jpg?size=626&ext=jpg&ga=GA1.2.1591051831.1636934400
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what have you taken away from this class?
I have learned a lot in this class, I thoroughly enjoyed the history of the immigration patterns that we discussed through class. I also liked how different religions were taught in the class and that we touched on my religious faith sikhism. My faith is kind of an unknown and am glad that some group of students now know what and who a sikh person is. I will use the knowledge I learned about other religions and cultures to be more educated and aware about other people and they’re experiences. I think this course should be required to be taken by all college students so we can educate more people and try to get rid of prejudice and ignorance. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did American colonies benefit from the great awakening and Enlightenment?
For this discussion, I used an image and a YouTube video. Americans believed in the power of their kings who exercised their will. They thought that going against the will of their kings was against God’s wish. What they did not understand was that their rulers were using the narrative to belittle them and benefit while they continued to languish in poverty. Americans were enlightened and started to question their rulers. At first, the colonies were only interested I worshiping God to fulfill the will of their rulers. The division between different religious groups made Americans to lack behind because they were fighting one another instead of uniting to fight their real enemies. From the media Item I have learned that people had to change their way of thinking in order to overcome their immediate challenges. I have learned the importance of equality and how the aspect of individual should be emphasized more than the rule of religious leaders. At no point should people let their freedom to be deprived from them by invaders and the constitution should be used as the guiding principle to ensure people’s rights and freedoms are respected. I have learned my relationship with God and no one should threaten me about the wrath of God in order to push me to be submissive to their wishes. Lastly, I will always be on the front line in questioning government officials who fail to deliver what is expected from them. Source: https://youtu.be/p1mLLQBsOT8
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What will you take away from this class?
This picture of the famous rapper 21 Savage reflects my experience of this class. He is smiling in the photo meaning he is happy and content, which was how I felt during this class. Every Monday and Wednesday I would walk into this class with an open mind ready to learn something new. When I first enrolled in this course, I thought we were just going to go over every religion in depth, but I was pleasantly surprised that there was more to the course than that. We learned about personal experiences with different religions and the hardships faced in each. Also there were some religions that I was not even aware of! I had previously never taken a course like this before but I am glad I did 😉
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What will you remember from this class?
I get to a point of satisfaction as demonstrated in the meme. While it has been a challenge to understand and join the dots in the course, I reach a point where I believe that I have acquired a lot of knowledge and information about religions in the United States. At the beginning of the course, I found it relatively hard to picture the direction of the key aspects and objectives that were to be covered. The first few weeks were particularly challenging since I could not understand many aspects. However, as the weeks unfolded, the role of religion in American society clearly came out. The great awakenings in particular, and based on what we covered, has shaped American society and politics to what exists today (Great, 2020). As a student of the course, I can confidently connect the past and present day American society, the robust religion and cultures that we have covered in the course. Ideally, societies are a product of the changes and evolving nature of religions and how they affect people. • Another interesting and captivating aspect in the class were the discussions that we covered. They played a crucial role in opening up different topics and bringing about the sense of deep understanding. Different students had different ideas that cumulatively encapsulated into meaningful knowledge and information. The information covered is important and might be of help as we pursue further studies and our careers. Did anyone else find something unique from the class readings, discussions, and assignments? Thank you! Source: Grear, A. (2020). The Great Awakening: New modes of life amidst capitalist ruins. Puncture Books.
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Does your religion shape what you see? Or did you choose a religion that fits what you see? Which do you think is more correct?
To me, this video best describes what this class has been to me. Please have a look at the video first. I thought the results reflect what I noticed over the course. [selective attention test with basketball & white t-shirts ] When we started learning about the effects of the Doctrine of Discovery, I thought that people can use religion to justify a lot of horrible things. All the things done to the Native Americans and the slaves, and justified in the name of Manifest Destiny, and religion. Then, we started learning about the Great Awakenings, and how they shaped the cultural core of America. I was so focused on looking at the positive effects they had on America, that I completely forgot, ignored, or missed out on the negative effects. For example, I read that the original American Dream was based on owning a plantation and getting rich off the back of slaves. But I completely forgot about it until I started thinking about what ELSE I found. I think that’s the main thing that I got from this course. Of course, now I know a bit more about other religions than before. But I realize that when we look at religion, we are seeing it in ways that we think it should be. We’re basically counting how many times the white team passes the ball. Do you think this is true for all religions? Are we all just seeing what we were taught to see? Finding what we expect to find? If this were the case, then how would people from different religions be able to come to any agreement with people from other religions? Source: Video link at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo
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What was your biggest takeaway from this class?
Over the course of this class, I’ve learned how the concept of cosmology has played a role in each of the different cultures overtime. It has been interest to understand how each religion shaped and molded the surrounding society. The picture I chose represents the spiritual aspects behind cosmology for each of the concepts we learned over the semester. My favorite being the cosmological understanding within the Native American tribes and how it molded their cultural beliefs. It was fascinating to find similar concepts of cosmology in various religions that we covered this semester. For example similarities between Native American and African religious beliefs of a higher power/deity, offerings and sacrifices, and divine or sacred practices/locations. My biggest takeaway was learning about my cultural sacred religious practices and beliefs since my lineage descents from East Africa. My family’s religious beliefs have been primarily focused on Christianity since the days of missionaries teaching my grandfather the ways of Christianity. So it was awesome learning about some of my original cultural heritage. The information I’ve gained from this class has provided a better understanding of religion, culture, and politics. How they influence each other and how they can shift based on different settings and time periods. Source: https://news.gsu.edu/2017/11/19/astronomers-reveal-nearby-stars-among-oldest-galaxy/
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What did you guys take from this class?
Overall, I feel that the image below effectively describes the way that I feel after taking this class.
Big Brain I learned a lot regarding the United States history regarding religion. I was always curious on why the United States has so much religion in its politics. Many politicians run on being good Christians rather than being the best person for the job, and I felt that this was confusing since many parts of Europe did not have this issue. After going through this class, I was provided the contextualization to realize on the religious importance within the United States. Furthermore, something that I was baffled about was the creation of conservative Christians. This idea of conservative Christians seemed so paradoxical since Christianity at its core is very progressive on many stances (i.e., feed all people, provide help and aid to the sick, accept all kinds of people), and yet the notion of a Christian rejecting some of these values for the sake of preserving their Conservative values was so confusing. However, after taking this class I can now see how and why conservative Christians exist, and many other issues/contextualization that I needed to better understand the United States today. This now brings me to my question. What did you guys take away from this class? I feel that this class was beneficial to help understand the political environment of the United States. What did you think? Source: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/yeah-this-is-big-brain-time
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After taking this course, what do you think about the role of religion in today’s society?
Over a semester, I gained a deeper understanding of religion. However, from the beginning, I was at a loss when faced with various concepts of religion, the combination of religion and cosmology, the native religion of the Indians, and so on. Nevertheless, through study and much reading, I became interested in religion, and I was willing to explore the historical background, development process, and religious traditions of faith. We all know that the emergence of religion was due to the low productivity in ancient times and the perennial wars, which made people’s livelihood difficult. People could not be liberated physically, but could only get support in spirit, so religion came into being. It makes people yearn for things, gives them spiritual sustenance, and makes them find the meaning of life. As shown in the picture, people get nourishment from the soul. However, in the last period of study for the Great Awakening in the United States, I saw that religion impacts people’s spirits and souls and impacts religion, society, and culture. For example, religious changes have promoted the abolition and prohibition movements in the United States and are closely related to the American Civil War and Revolutionary War. Therefore, the existence of religion has a considerable role in promoting social and cultural progress. With the continuous development of society, the role of religion begins to decrease, and the number of people who believe in faith is also reducing year by year. So, in today’s society, what is the role and influence of religion on society? Does religion still need to exist? Source: https://arthive.net/res/media/img/oy1800/work/bac/198923@2x.webp
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What have I taken away?
It was hard for me to think of something that represent what I have learned through this class. We learned so many things about so many different religions. One thing that I was able to take away after all that was the connection between religion and culture. Learning about the great awakening we see there is a direct link between these two things. We saw this much mainly with American culture and religions practice in the U.S in this class. With the awakening we saw that changes in society and culture caused there to be a fall out with religion. Religions then adapted to better meet the needs of people. Religions have restrictions that put direct impacts on culture. Source: Myself and google images
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Is European Secularism the perpetual counterpart to American Evangelism?
I feel that this picture perfectly emulates the trends of the Great Awakenings. The first Awakening is provoked by Europe’s Enlightenment thinking coming into conflict with devout American Protestantism. I see the second image as the times of crisis when the mazeways are breaking down (symbolized by Columbia’s, aka the American people’s, clear displeasure with the situation), but the institutions continue to tout the old status quo and even go to efforts to mend the breaking system (symbolized by the Pope’s open-handed gesture towards the flag that is being mended at the behest of the institutional figures). And I view the first image as the times of restructuring when the institutions can be reined in by large people’s movements which either gave the general flock move power within the church structures or helped to distinguish the jurisdictions of the state from those of religious institutions (Obviously symbolized by the Pope being restrained, as Columbia, with the support of the people, designates how that separation should look by ripping the flag). This cycle and how it repeats, yet still does seem to slowly progress is definitely one of my largest takeaways from this fantastic class! Source: http://www.asjournal.org/53-2009/evangelical-religion-and-evangelical-democracy/
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How can we, as a society, be more openminded about others and what they believe in?
This class has taught me about all the religions that there are in America, what they believe in, how they practice religion, and where and how it originated. It was very interesting to explore all the religions that I was not very familiar with as well as ones that I have never even heard of. The biggest and most significant thing that I will take with me from this class is to always keep an open mind because a person’s religion is a very integral part of who they are. It is important not to make any quick judgments or stereotype them before getting to know them. It is important to keep this open mind with those that do not identify with a religion as well. Many, even those that are religious, are quick to judge those that are spiritual but not religious or atheists. A person’s religion can speak volumes about what types of morals they have. It is important to remember that those that do not identify with a religion does not mean that they are immoral or do not have any morals!
Source: https://medium.com/@peaceitimi/the-popular-perception-of-open-mindedness-is-flawed-8ef71af5aa5e
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How has this class made you have an open mind?
I searched “open mind” in google images and I think that explains how this class has impacted my mind. This class has opened my mind up too many religions I had no knowledge on. I also learned about religions that I thought I knew but actually had some misunderstanding around it. I have already had meaningful conversations since I started this class with friends of mine that identify with different religions from myself. I have always had an interest in learning more about religions. This class has also helped me find what I identify with within the religious, religiosity space. Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hopetocope.com%2Fblog%2Fa-good-rule-for-the-road-of-life%2F&psig=AOvVaw3e3ylhUzL14GmpuvLRto3z&ust=1651177407659000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCKCVnauJtfcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAs