Module #7

Shinto & Daoism Video

1. I learned that this religion has a lot to do with the ideas of confucius.  Although confucius is not considered or classified as a religion, many say it goes beyond that because it is a way of life.  Confucius was China's great philosopher and teacher.  He was born in 551 B.C.E. and died at 73 years old.  His teachings live on today and play a major role in China and Chinese history.  The idea is that you should not do to others what you would not want done to you.  These religions are huge on family loyalty, respect for their elders, and kindness to their children.  The way of Confucius is deeply routed in the mind, body, and soul of Chinese people.  This way of life is very important and can be worshiped at temples throughout the country.  Daoism is performed at Mount Tai where more than 6 million people tour every year.  This mountain takes 4 to 5 hours to climb and is filled with dozens of temples and shrines.  This is a place where worshipers can make offerings.

2. The video on Shinto and Daoism correlated with the reading, Neo- Confucianism and Fran Kuan's Travelers by Streams and Mountains.  This is because the reading discussed the Confucian ethics.  It also talked about how the philosophers found it useful to think in complementary opposites.  These so called opposites such as feminine and masculine and bright and dark are responsible for the processes that generate natural order throughout each religion.  Both the reading and the video also talked about the importance of nature and how majority of the rituals and worshiping was done in temples outside or mountain side.

3.  My opinion of this film is that it had a lot of information.  For someone like myself, who does not have any knowledge on Shinto or Daoism religion it was a lot to take in, especially because these religions branch off into different ideas.  There are also many places and rituals that go along with these religions.  In my opinion, I love what these religions have to offer.  The idea of a life full of harmony sounds exceptional and intriguing.

4. I chose to watch this film because it is something we do not regularly practice or learn about in the United States.  I thought it would be new and interesting, considering they practice something unlike any other religion.

Judaism Video

1. I learned that a synagogue is a house of prayer for people to practice and celebrate Judaism.  The synagogue's have great detail and hold remarkable stories of mostly tragedy and loss.  For this religion, independence was a must.  Long ago, the jewish community fought to the very end because they believed that God would not let them lose.  Once they were invaded, the members took it upon themselves to kill their families and themselves because there was no longer a reason to live if Judaism would not be passed on.  I learned that the western wall was a very popular place in Jerusalem for prayer and many Jewish people would gather there.  I also learned that Judaism settled in England where a new synagogue was established and worship has continued for over 300 years.  Lastly, I learned that Judaism is very similar to Islamic faith.  They both follow the five books of Moases and they come from the same father, known as Abraham.

2. There wasn't a lot of information from the readings that correlated with the video on Judaism.  One reading that I made a connection with was the reading about church architecture.  Judaism is practiced in a synagogue which has amazing architecture that they are very proud of.  Some of the synagogues even have original benches and furniture originated from Quakers.

3. My opinion of this film is that it had a lot of information.  It was broken up into sections which made it easier to follow.  Judaism is hard to understand because it is closely related to other religions and deciphering the differences can be challenging to those who are not familiar.  In my opinion, Judaism is the most strict religion, considering what the people believe they should do for their God.  Long ago they believed that they had nothing else to live for except for the teachings of this religion. 

4. I chose this video because I am not familiar with Judaism religion and there are many people who practice this in our society.  Although I feel that it is important to understand religion and other cultures, I am far behind in that aspect of life.  My family is mostly Catholic but after the third grade I chose to stop practicing my religion and never really educated myself on it again.