, Research Paper
Often people turn to a particular religion in response to the most confusing question of where we came from and who put us here. Some form of religion can be found in every culture throughout the world. Because the question of our origin is a universal uncertainty, its no wonder that throughout the countless number of religions, there are always some common bonds. Many times religions from different cultures will share beliefs and rituals that are very similar. Often people will judge a different culture or religion without fully understanding it only to find that their beliefs are very similar to that of the people whom they so harshly judged.
For example, traditional Africans have such strong family bonds that they continue communication with those who have recently passed away. Reverend William Kingsley Opoku says “Our ancestors are our saints. Christian missionaries who came here wanted us to pray to their saints, their dead people. But what about our saints?” (pg.53) This shows how Christians tried to change the Africans beliefs to accommodate their own without even thinking of how closely related they were. This is quite similar to the Christian practice or habit of visiting the graves of passed loved ones. African cultures take it to the extent of setting a place at the table and food and drink. Likewise some Christians have their loved ones cremated and the ashes are placed in their home. Also many times people visit the graves of those who have passed away. Personally, I often visit the grave of my grandmother. She and I were very close, we even shared the same name. Whenever I really miss her I visit her grave. Sometimes I’ll talk to her, or sometimes it just helps to sit there and think. It is a way of keeping her memory alive and helping me to cope with her being gone.
Another case of similarity is how many indigenous cultures undergo a “vision quest.” During these quests “they undergo ritual purification, and are then sent alone to a sacred spot to cry to the spirits to reveal something of this purpose in life and help them in their journey.” ( pg. 71) This particular ritual is very similar to the Catholic practice of confession. During confession a person speaks confidentially with a priest and confesses any sins that he or she may have committed. After listening to these confessions, the priest will then tell the person to go alone and say certain prayers such as: a Hail Mary or Our Father. This is supposed to help relieve the person of his or her guilt and also cleanse the soul.
Another example of common beliefs is the way that people “look to the divine for strength in dealing with personal problems.” (pg. 20) Those who are suffering from physical illness, grief, stress, or any life problem often say a prayer or simply turn to their “god” in thought. Often a student who is preparing to take an important test will sit in their desk and say “Please God help me.” Sometimes they do not even realize they are doing it. Likewise, a person who is going through some hard times or illness will say “Please God why me?” While in other cultures a person suffering the loss of a loved one will light a candle or incense rather than only say a prayer. Either way the person decides to go to the divine, it will only bring them closer to knowing what they believe as their divine. Agnes Collard, a Christian woman near death from four painful years of cancer said “I don’t know what or who he is but I am almost sure that he is there. I feel his presence, feel that he is close to me during the awful moments. And I feel love.” (pg. 20) Furthermore, Mahatma Gandhi was as extremely shy, fearful, self-conscious child when he turned to the great Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad-Gita. While meditating to this scripture he transformed into one of the greatest political figures of our time. These examples show that these two people, who are from extremely different cultures and backgrounds, both went to their divine and found strength to deal with and make the most of their situations.
In conclusion, although we may not understand or even want to understand different cultures or religion, we are all tied together. I have learned many new ideas and concepts while studying these native cultures. Along with the fact that many of the traditions and beliefs which I uphold may have come from these indigenous people. Therefore, everyone should learn to have a better understanding of these cultures because we are all bound together in the search for who we are.
Другие работы по теме:
Everyday Use Essay Research Paper Everyday UseIn
Everyday Use Essay, Research Paper Everyday Use In ?Everyday Use? the Mother and Maggie are presented as how heritage is passed on from one generation to another through learning and experience. Dee represents a misconception of heritage as material. During her visit, Dee misplaces the value of heritage in her desire for racial heritage.
550 Mhz Of Power Versus A 486
Loser Essay, Research Paper “550 MHz of Power VS A 486 Loser” Having a Pentium III 550 computer is very convenient for your everyday life. Compared to a 486 computer that has about 100 MHz of power, the most, a Pentium III
The Catholic Mass How I Understood It
In My Faith Journey. Essay, Research Paper THE MASS: How I experienced and understood the Mass in my faith journey. I have been going to church every Sunday since I could remember. Every Mass that I attend throughout my life I have felt that I have been getting closer to God. I sometimes look forward to attend Mass and sometimes I do not.
Indigenous People
’s Rights Essay, Research Paper In recent years, increasing awareness of exploitation of indigenous culture and intellectual property has led to recognition of the need for more effective protection of indigenous rights in Australia. Aborigines, the indigenous people of Australia, are severely disadvantaged in terms of poverty, poor health, over-representation in the prisons, employment opportunity, and housing.
Belief Systems Essay Research Paper There are
Belief Systems Essay, Research Paper There are many different belief systems throughout the world today. Many of these include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. All of these religions have both similarities and differences but the bottom line is that many people believe in each of these religions.
My Poetical Side Essay Research Paper I
My Poetical Side Essay, Research Paper I just thought I?d unleash My poetical side. ?Cause in everyday life I live to hide. Need something of freedom From time-to-time.
Unifying Themes Through World Religions Essay Research
Paper Not a single person likes to feel alone or lonely, making companionship key for a ?healthy? life. Whether through relationships with others, animals, or objects, most people are able to find the essential comfort. Millions of people have turned to one religion or another because there was some desirable idiosyncrasy inside that doctrine.
The Jokes At The Expense Of Minorites
Essay, Research Paper The jokes at the expense of minorities. The handicapped, mentally slow, and any minority have long been the punch line in jokes. This is wrong in all respects. It desecrates the value of a human life and
Judge Whom Essay Research Paper Judge WhomAll
Judge Whom Essay, Research Paper Judge Whom? All religions must deal with the idea of life after death. Whether their belief is that there isn?t life after death or they simply believe that everyone continues life somewhere. Two of the major religions in the world believe that there is life after death and that you must believe in God to receive everlasting life.
Underage Drinking Essay Research Paper Who is
Underage Drinking Essay, Research Paper Who is to judge whether or not someone underage is mature enough to handle the responsibility of consuming alcohol? The government has set twenty-one years of age as the legal drinking age. This is found to be a little odd by most teenagers. At the age of eighteen, young adults can sign their life away to the government and give their life for the country.
Flowers Essay Research Paper Flowers On January
Flowers Essay, Research Paper Flowers On January 1st I observe some flowers that my neighbor had planted, almost everyday I would go and see how they grew and they looked like if everyday you would put water they would
Similarities Between The Islam Christian And Jewish
Religion Essay, Research Paper Have you ever wondered what the difference was between Christianity, Judaism and Islam? Christianity, Judaism and Islam are all major religions. They all have a holy book, and strong beliefs about their God. All of these religions were formed long ago. There are many similarities between all of them.
Religious Risks Essay Research Paper Religion has
Religious Risks Essay, Research Paper Religion has always caused conflict and other problems among citizens in a country or an empire where more than one religion exists. Either the government and its leader or the people themselves persecute the members of the other religions they want banned from their community.
Is Buddhism A Religion Essay Research Paper
Is Buddhism a Religion? To begin, let us ask once again the huge question that is all burning in our minds: is Buddhism a religion? There are many criteria by which this can be compared to and/or answered by. For example, many religions have the following aspects within them: beginning, ritual, followers/believers, morality, purpose, and goals.
Buddism Essay Research Paper BuddhismReligion is one
Buddism Essay, Research Paper Buddhism Religion is one of the most controversial topics in the world today. Buddhism is one the most interesting. In today?s society, Buddhism has grown to be one of the word?s largest. Although Hinduism and Native American religions are found to be interesting, nevertheless Buddhism in my eyes is the most interesting of the three, because of the strong evidence of creed, cultus, and the uncanny.
Religion Mencius Essay Research Paper The Eastern
Religion: Mencius Essay, Research Paper The Eastern religions often focus on the human nature and condition. And such was the case for Mencius. Mencius devoted himself to expanding and elaborating Confucius? previous notion of human nature. Since the Eastern religions did not focus on a Wholly Other, and rather the here-and-now, such spiritual matters had to be related in a more tangible means.
My Sweet Love 44 Essay Research Paper
you are my husband you are my best friend with you in my life i can do any thing you pick me up when im down you bring me higher everyday dont worry about a thing my love
Religions 2 Essay Research Paper Global History
Religions 2 Essay, Research Paper Global History 9 March 23rd 1999 In the world today there are three major religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Each having the same background but having different views of this religion. These religions all have originated from the same area, the Middle East, and each having branched out from there.
Dying Well Essay Research Paper
“Dying Well” Death is one of the main pillars to Life because it proves that nothing is living forever, and everything in life even life itself will end. Death is part of the life every creature in this earth. Everybody is written to die someday by God either a good death or a bad death. Although some people cause death by killing others and on the other hand some people die of natural causes.
Taoism Versus Buddhism Essay Research Paper Eddie
Taoism Versus Buddhism Essay, Research Paper Eddie Bohn 103A History Thursday 7, 2000 Taoism versus Buddhism There are hundreds of religions in the world that are practiced. But only a few really stand out in the world and are widely known. I will focus on two particular religions and compare and contrast them.
Religion In American Life Essay Research Paper
Religion In American Life Dave Ross SOCI 250/2 2/18/97 Computer Assignment #1 Religion used to be a very important component in an American’s life. Protestantism was as American as Mom and apple pie. Families would don their
Wildlife Protection Essay Research Paper There are
Wildlife Protection Essay, Research Paper There are many ways to protect wildlife in our community, the country, and the world. First of all, there are many parks and reserves available for indigenous life to find sanctuary from human expansion. The ecological concerns of water, forest, and wetlands have been achieved through Congress.
Antigone Essay Research Paper In our society
Antigone Essay, Research Paper In our society today, movies and television shows are being broadcast all over the world to many genders, races, and ages. Some of these shows involve many violent topics and situations. For example, the news qualifies as a violent shows because three fourths of every broadcast involves a violent situation.
Islam Spread Essay Research Paper Islam is
Islam Spread Essay, Research Paper Islam is known as one of the fastest-expanding religions in history. Only contained in Arabia in 632, its conquests led to its expansion to Persia and
Suicide 2 Essay Research Paper Suicide SolutionI
Suicide 2 Essay, Research Paper Suicide Solution I’m about to take up a position which is going to be deamed by some, if not all, as a terrible stand to take. As a matter of fact, if anyone were
Islam Affects Our World Essay Research Paper
The Islamic religion, founded by Muhammad, has affected this world with a variety of ways. In 732, the religion was in full effect with people from the Middle East to North Africa learning about Islam and the Koran. The Islamic people, Muslims, had different attitudes toward life and what life was about compared to other religions across the globe.
Hinduism Essay Research Paper HinduismHinduism was developed
Hinduism Essay, Research Paper Hinduism Hinduism was developed in India and is one of the largest religions in the world. Over centuries Hinduism has spread to Africa, Southeast Asia and England. Around six hundred and fifty million people practice Hinduism. Not only does it have a gigantic number of believers, it has greatly influenced many other religions.
Religion Or Run Essay Research Paper Religion
Religion Or Run? Essay, Research Paper Religion or Run? Religion has been around for thousands of years. Throughout history, religion has made an impact on the decisions people make everyday. People have even gone as far as sacrificing their lives for their religion. There have been countries formed over religion, so too have there been wars started.
The Self Essay Research Paper The SelfIn
The Self Essay, Research Paper The Self In a recent exercise in my small group class, my TA asked us to remain silent for a minute and a half and find and search for what makes us, us. I did my best to drown out my classmates, and the noise, and probed deep into my thoughts. I came up with a discouraging answer as to what makes me, me.
Everyday Use Essay Research Paper Tradition
Everyday Use Essay, Research Paper Tradition: “Everyday Use” and “The Lottery” Essay written by Pia Adams Tradition is an important part of everyone’s life. Some people follow traditions so deeply rooted in their everyday life that they don’t even recognize them as such. Why do you cook rice a certain way? Well, that’s the way Grandma always did it.
Different Views Essay Research Paper Different Views
Different Views Essay, Research Paper Different Views in Everyday Use In the story of ?Everyday Use? by Alice Walker the narrator told the story in a wonderful way. She was simple and I feel she gave a fair and just description of each character in the story. Her words put picture perfect description of the character in the reader?s head.
Everyday Use 2 Essay Research Paper Everyday
Everyday Use 2 Essay, Research Paper Everyday Use Dee stands out from her family in views of their heritage In Alice Walker’s short story, “Everyday Use” she discuss the life of an African American family of a mother and her two daughters. The mother has a tremendous amount of love for both of her daughters, but the two are different individuals in terms of their personality.
Floyd Essay Research Paper Floydremember when you
Floyd Essay, Research Paper Floyd remember when you were young . . ..you shone like the sun. Everyday is a new beginning and Pink Floyd can help you get through the stressful points in everyday life. You could become comfortably numb.