Background Information:
As we have journeyed throughout the semester we have focused our studies on identifying major themes and different teachings of the religions of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. We have either directly or indirectly focused on developing a deeper understanding of each religions’ theology, sacred scriptures, code of ethics, prayer and worship rituals, and a brief history of the religion. For the most part, we have looked at each of these religions independently, but now as we begin to wrap up our course we will revisit these religions and begin to examine them critically and ask the intriguing question: What similarities (and differences) do these religions share amongst each other regarding their teachings of a specific topic?
For your final written report, you will select a theme, from the list below, and recapitulate each religion’s teaching on that particular theme. You will then complete a comparative analysis on the significant similarities that each religion has with Catholicism specifically – not just Christianity in light of the topic as well as delineate their distinct differences. Once you have completed the comparative analysis, you will reflect on the following question:
1 How can (or how has) the knowledge gleaned in this report and in this course change(d) your perspective/outlook on dialogue with people of other faiths?
◦ You can share a personal experience that you have had with someone of a different faith background or how you think having a better understanding of these different teachings will help shape your future interactions with people of different faiths.
List of Selected Themes:
• Religion’s Understanding of God
◦ The Divine
◦ Metaphysical and Supernatural Beings
• Soteriology
◦ How is salvation achieved?
• Eschatology – End Times
◦ Death and the Afterlife
◦ Final Judgement
• Creation
◦ Of the Universe
◦ Humanity
• Pain and Suffering
• Freedom and Free Will
• Virtues
• Sin and Forgiveness
• Treatment of Women or the Marginalized in Society
• Prayer and Worship Practices
• Celebrations of Life Events
◦ Birth
◦ Adulthood
◦ Marriage
◦ Funerals
• Initiations into the Religion
Instructions: Adhere to the outline and page length requirements below.
1 Introduction of the Selected Theme (.25-.5 page)
A Identify the selected theme
B Describe the theme is in general – not related to a specific religion
C Explain why you selected the specific theme
I Ex. You find the theme intriguing and you wanted to learn more about it
2 Explanation of the Theme in Catholicism (.5 page)
3 Explanation of the Theme in Judaism (.5 page)
4 Explanation of the Theme in Islam (.5 page)
5 Explanation of the Theme in Hinduism (.5 page)
6 Explanation of the Theme in Buddhism (.5 page)
7 Similarities with Catholicism (1 page)
A Identify and describe at least one similarity that each religion (Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) has to Catholicism in the context of the selected theme.
I These similarities can be vague or extremely specific as long as it relates back to the selected theme.
8 Differences with Catholicism (1 page)
A Characterize at least one difference that each religion (Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) has to Catholicism in the context of the selected theme.
I These differences can be vague or extremely specific as long as it relates back to the selected theme
9 Concluding Reflection (.5 page)
A Answer the following question: How can (or how has) the knowledge gleaned in this report and in this course change(d) your perspective/outlook on dialogue with people of other faiths?
I No citations needed for this section
Submission Instructions:
• When completing this written report, the following guidelines must be followed. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted from your grade.
• This report must be typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman font & double-spaced.
• Each section of the report must include a section title on a separate line (ex: Islamic Symbols, Beliefs and Practices, etc.).
• Each section must incorporate at least 2 direct quotations with appropriate footnotes from the course text (World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions) or one of the databases/encyclopedias available through St. Thomas University Library. You may also find it beneficial to refer to the resources posted on Canvas.
• The paper should be formatted per current CMOS and adhere to the page length requirements outlined above.
• Your paper will be assessed through Turnitin.
theme is funerals attached supporting documents below : THEME WRITTEN BELOW
The theme I will be selecting to recapitulate each religious teaching is funerals.
In Christianity traditionally faith prefers burials over cremations since it interferes with resurrection and the afterlife. However, if cremated it is asked the ashes be buried not scattered. Organ donation is allowed. Christian funeral rites include A eulogy, Prayers, Bible readings, and The Rite of Committal. In Christianity, a funeral is to help the deceased’s soul enter Heaven while offering comfort and support to mourners.
In Judaism, a traditional funeral service incorporates many rituals and customs from the Torah. There are four different types of Judaism and funeral traditions can vary between them. Traditionally a Jewish funeral occurs within 24 hours of the death and the body is washed and prepared a certain way but not embalmed. There is also no public viewing of the body. Orthodox and Conservative Jews do not allow cremations as it is believed the body should be buried. In contrast, reform Jews accept cremation. Organ donation is allowed in all Jewish practices.
An Islamic funeral is known as a “Janazah”, this burial is to be taken as quickly as possible within 24 hours of passing. Immediately the body is washed a certain way and prepared. There is no viewing, wake, or visitation. Islamic funerals are considered a community event where group prayers are done to Allah to have mercy on the deceased. It is believed that the current life is a preparation for eternal life to come. Cremation is also prohibited due to the belief that on Judgment Day the body will resurrect.
A Hindu funeral consists of three main parts a wake/funeral, cremation ceremony (MukhAgni), and ceremony (Shraddha) to help the soul of the deceased enter the next world. In Hinduism, the body is disposed of traditionally through cremation as quickly as possible to liberate the soul from the body to move on to the next journey (reincarnation).
In Buddhism, a simple ceremony at the family home, temple, or funeral home is done. Traditionally an image of a Buddha is to be placed near the altar and an image of the deceased is placed in front of the open casket. Shortly after the body is cremated due to their belief in reincarnation and freeing of the soul (embalming is allowed). Organ donations are allowed and seen as a good deed. The ultimate goal of Buddhists is to liberate themselves from the cycle of life and death to reach nirvana.
Knowledge learned in this course and report allows for one to correct misunderstandings and misrepresentations of people with other faiths. It also allows one to connect, understand, and respect the beliefs of friends and those in our community with different beliefs. Having a better understanding of these different teachings will allow me to connect with friends and have a better understanding of their faith.
Sources
Name Dignity Funeral Directors
https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/arranging-a-funeral/types-of-funeral/religious-funerals/ muslim-funerals/#:~:text=A%20Muslim%20funeral%20is%20known,the%20eternal%20li fe%20to%20come.
Islamic
Callaghan Mortuary FD416 & Livermore Crematory CR38
https://www.callaghanmortuary.com/how-to-plan-a-funeral/hindu-traditions/#:~:text=Most %20Hindu%20funerals%20have%20three,deceased%20enter%20the%20next%20worl d
Hinduism
Funeral Partners
https://www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/arranging-a-funeral/types-of-funerals/buddhist-fun erals/
Buddhisms
Funeral Partnets
https://www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/arranging-a-funeral/types-of-funerals/jewish-funer al-customs/
Judaism
Funeral Partners
https://www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/arranging-a-funeral/types-of-funerals/christian-fun eral/#:~:text=Like%20most%20religious%20funerals%2C%20a,songs%20and%20famous%20f uneral%20poems).
Christianity
