You are about to take notes over Ch. 1 of the EROW Book…are you ready? Do you have your Binder? Have you correctly labeled the NOTES area and is there paper on which to take notes? Do you have a writing instrument? Let’s Do This! 

FIRST At the top of the first page on which you will be taking notes write TODAY’S DATE Underneath that write: EROW Ch. 1: Beginning the Journey Underneath that write: PPL#1 When I grade binders I will be looking for this! The TITLE of each PPL should be as demonstrated above!!!

You are allowed to use your e-Reader with a copy of the textbook during class. You are allowed to have a hardcopy of the textbook during class. You must have one or the other during class (every class)! You will be allowed to access the NAB off of the USCCB website during class when needed!

Exploring the Religions of Our World Nancy Clemmons, SNJM (Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary) Avemariapress.com

Chapter 1: Beginning the Journey

Into the “Notes” area of your binder answer the following 2 questions.

How would you define religion?

What religious diversity have you observed in the Juarez/El Paso area?

So, what is Religion? Religion is … (among other things) The idea that religion is just a piece of one’s life is a fairly recent concept in human history. For most of history religion was not a separate part of someone’s life but vital to life itself. Religion is … (among other things) Binding oneself to something that is worthy of reverence and respect. Also, religious expression is boundless. How are some ways people express their religious beliefs? Any religion!

“On the other hand, there are some patterns or elements that could be included in a systematic study of religion.” (Clemmons, pg. 9)

Why study the World’s Religion? 1. To gain a clearer understanding of one’s own faith, which in turn enables a person to be more committed to and thus grow in his or her own religious tradition. 2. To assist a person in being more open and accepting of people who, on the surface, seem very different.

3. To dispel fears and misunderstandings relating to 3. To dispel fears and misunderstandings relating to persons of other religious traditions. 4. To gain a better insight into human beings by understanding their religious activities. 5. To gain a better understanding of the history of humankind’s various civilizations, since religion is almost always an important factor. 6. To gain a better understanding of the various cultures around the globe today. 7. To learn from some of the world’s great sources of wisdom. (Clemmons 10)

A Different Religion Class A religion class calls upon learning in both the head and the heart. “More than any other class, religion classes call upon one to deal with facts and experiences.” (Clemmons 10)

“What is unique about studying the world’s religions as compared to studying one’s own religion is that each religious tradition addresses and interprets these, (LIFE, DEATH, GOOD, EVIL, JOY, SORROW) and other experiences, differently.” (Clemmons, pg. 10)

Studying with a New Attitude Do our best to not be judgmental of other religions and cultures. “The Catholic Church rejects nothing which is true and holy in these religions. She looks with sincere respect upon those ways of conduct and of life, those rules and teaching which, though differing in many particulars from what she holds and sets forth, nevertheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all”. (Nostra Aetate, 2) [a document that came out of Vatican II] (Clemmons 11) Other religious traditions have something to teach us!

Setting the Context of Catholics in Dialogue Pope John XXIII key player in improving relationships between Catholics and other Christians as well as Catholics and Jews. During Vatican II the rejection of Jews was denounced by the RCC October 1962 [The Second Vatican Council begins] 2,200 Bishops from across the world Observers from other religions The 1960’s and Vatican II were a time of great change in the RCC and they way other religions were discussed and treated. Pope John XXIII wanted the Church to engage with the world not to set it self against the world. Pope John XXIII died after the 1st Session of Vatican II Paul VI took over and continued his work

Benefits of the Council 3 Important Documents from Vatican II The Declaration on Human Freedom (Dignitatis Humanae) The Decree on Ecumenism (Unitates Redintegratio) Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions (Nostra Aetate). “The words of these documents are extremely important in setting Catholics on a path to respect and dialogue with persons not of their religious persuasion.” (Clemmons 14)

The Legacy of St. Pope John Paul II The most traveled pope (so far) In 1986 & 2002 – invited religious leaders from all over the world to Assisi, Italy for a World Day of Prayer for Peace Since St. Peter the first pope to visit a synagogue First pope to visit a mosque (Damascus, Syria) Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (in conjunction with the Lutheran Church)

Ecumenical Dialogue is a duty of All Catholics! “In dialogue, Catholics are evangelizing by witnessing to their faith without the need of trying to get people to change their religious allegiance.” (Clemmons 15) “When Christians engage in interreligious dialogue, they bring with them their faith in Jesus Christ, the only Savior of the world. This same faith teaches them to recognize the authentic religious experiences of others and to listen to them in a spirit of humility, in order to discover and appreciate every ray of truth from wherever it comes.” (Clemmons 15)

“Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience—those too may achieve eternal salvation.” (CCC, 847)

Some common elements or patterns of religions. Sacred Stories & Sacred Scripture Sacred Time Sacred Places & Sacred Spaces

Sacred Stories & Sacred Scripture Myths “They are not false stories but truth stories—they are intended to convey sacred truths”. (Clemmons 17) “Whether sacred stories are codified into sacred scripture or not, they help bring together and unite, preserve, and perpetuate a community of people who have similar beliefs and values. One of the major ways sacred stories are passed on is through ritual”. (Clemmons 18)

“Often individuals or groups communicate their beliefs through how they act or how they explain their actions when faced with such issues rather than through formal doctrinal statements. The beliefs of the faithful of the various religious traditions are acted out in the vertical and the horizontal. The vertical is how adherents relate to the divine, while the horizontal is how adherents relate to both believers and non-believers.” (Clemmons 19)

“Practices are part of every religious tradition.” (Clemmons 19) “The more formal the ritual, the more likely the practice is based on at least one sacred story.”(Clemmons 19) “Observing a person’s behavior is a way of detecting his or her beliefs.” (Clemmons 19) “Each religious tradition has some sort of moral code— written or unwritten—that guides adherents in the conduct expected.” (Clemmons 20)

Some religious traditions place a stronger emphasis on behavior than belief Some religious traditions place a stronger emphasis on belief than behavior

Sacred Time “In a sense, participating in a sacred ritual seems to transport an individual or community from ordinary time to sacred time. “ (Clemmons 20) “In another sense, participating in a sacred ritual reminds the participants that all time is sacred.” (Clemmons 20) It can even be said that sacred time is timeless

Sacred Places and Sacred Spaces Places where the religious founder lived, was born, died or traveled to are often considered sacred What places and/or spaces are sacred to you? What makes these places/spaces sacred? How does it feel to move from ordinary places/spaces to sacred places/spaces? Why do we require Irish Standard for Mass?

Other Elements or Patterns Sacred symbols Sacred objects Make sure to take notes over these two ideas!

What you pray is what you believe. Yes No Why

What times do you (or your family/friends) consider sacred?

Pop Quiz A Short answers – don’t copy the question Who is the most traveled pope (so far)? Myths are intended to convey what? A religion class calls upon us to learn using both our heads and our _____________? True or False – Catholics are taught to only look for truth in Catholic doctrine and dogma. Nostra Aetate is a document that came out of what Church event? EC:

Pop Quiz – B Short answers – don’t copy the question Is it possible to evangelize (witness to our faith) without wanting to change another person’s allegiance to their own religion? (yes or no) Fill in the blanks: Binding oneself to something that is worthy of _________ and __________. Name the city and country where Pope John Paul II visited a mosque. What is the name of this document in English -- Unitates Redintegratio? EC

Pop Quiz – C Short answers – don’t copy the question Name the city and country where Pope John Paul II visited a mosque. What is the name of this document in English -- Unitates Redintegratio? Is it possible to evangelize (witness to our faith) without wanting to change another person’s allegiance to their own religion? (yes or no) Fill in the blanks: Binding oneself to something that is worthy of _________ and __________. EC:

Pop Quiz D Short Answers (don’t copy question) A religion class calls upon us to learn using both our heads and our _____________? True or False – Catholics are taught to only look for truth in Catholic doctrine and dogma. Myths are intended to convey what? Nostra Aetate is a document that came out of what Church event? Who is the most traveled pope (so far)? EC: