Diverse Christiantity

Diverse Christianity

Christianity is supposed to be the most diverse religion or faith, but there are times that I question this. Although there are many different 'sects' of Christianity, it is hard for me to accept that each sect is accepting of diversity. The Catholics are often against other religions.

I have nothing against the Catholic faith, Islam or any other sect of Christianity, but because there are so many sects it is hard to believe that they are really accepting of diversity, but there are so many different beliefs on the subject that they have no other choice of being diverse.

Luke vs. Matthew

Luke vs. Matthew

 

I really liked when we discussed the differences between Luke and Matthew in the bible. I have gone to Catholic school before and never realized the amount of differences between the two books. I think the most surprising difference that had been said was the different time period in which the books are thought to have been based around.

 

Luke:

 

The Generations between David and Jesus are 43

The concern with the fulfillment of prophecy is more of a focus in Matthew

There is an Angel that comes to Mary

An Angel comes to the Sheppherds

It is believed to be around 6-7 CE

Census was asked for amongst romans, Joseph needed to register in Bethlehem

Cercumcission of Jesus

Nazareth

Adam-father of the human race

 

 

Matthew:

The generations between David and Jesus are believed to be 28

The most greatest concern is the fulfillment of prophecy

Joseph has a dream

Magi (priest)

Joseph has another dream

Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Egypt

Herrod kills all children two years or younger

Reign of Herrod / death

Bethlehem

Emphasis on Jewish Law/ Scripture

4BCE

 



Karma

Karma

I have always believed that Karma was a bad thing. That saying that Karma would come back around to those who deserved it, I believe that people would get what they deserved. However, in a lot of Indian traditions it is believed that Karma is just the cycle of cause and effect that is created by an action.

I feel like some pictures can depict Karma rather than what I can explain it.

God on Trial

God on Trial by Frank Cottrell Boyce

The holocaust during WWII was a horrible thing to happen in Europe, the cost of lives being outrageous. During the movie, I could only think about how horrible it would be to live during that time and be apart of the holocaust...but to have to think about if I am being faithful to a religion or not seems even worse.

In a case like the Holocaust, I think I would definitely be praying to a "God" knowing that I and/or other people could be in danger of being a victim to the holocaust. However, being tested on my faith or even testing God would seem out of the question for me. I don't think I could be able to question things at a time like the Holocaust.

Confucianism Vs. Daoism

Confucianism vs. Daoism

From Van Voorst, page 156:

Confucianism: Scholars believe that all Chinese people are somehow related to Confucianism. Scholars don't necessarily see Confucianism as a religion or very "religious". 

Many Chinese see themselves as either Confucian or Daoist and many are Buddhists as well, this makes estimating the followers of these faiths difficult to count.

Confucianism is traceable with a historical founder whereas Daoism is not and grew out of various religious traditions in China. Confucianism, because it had a very different beginning then Daoism, it is a more coherent system to understand.

Confucianism is a Chinese tradition but the influence has spread widely while Daoism has been contained mostly within China and Taiwan.

Qi

Qi

Qi is known as the energy that flows through all things. From Qi, the martial art form of Taichi was formed which means internally soft. I actually had a professor at slippery rock show me and teach me a little bit of Taichi and it was simply away of protecting yourself from any physical harm. The professor who taught me was actually telling us that there was nothing offensive about Taichi, but that it was strictly defensive.

Ghosts

Ghosts

In the Chinese traditions often dealing with Confucianism or Daoism, the idea of a Ghost is an ancestor who has been neglected. The Confucius idea is that the older people in a person's life needs to be respected, so when there are ancestors who have been neglected then it is a huge problem that occurs within a society. Also, people who died mysteriously or because of suicide can also return as ghosts.

It is strongly advised that ghosts must be kept away, but they must also be kept happy.

There is a day called "Ghost day" in which families/citizens of a community would elaborate on the offerings to ancestors as well as hold performances and light lamps to help keep "ghosts" or ancestors happy.

Divination is also important, in which an oracle often comes in to play. The oracle is often there to help keep respect while a certain question is worked on.