1. Intro to Religious Studies

2. Questions What do people seek in religion? How do religions offer experiences “beyond” the ordinary? What do people seek in religion? How do religions offer experiences “beyond” the ordinary? How does religion shape human life, especially regarding justice, peace, and violence? How does religion shape human life, especially regarding justice, peace, and violence? How can we better understand the meaning of religious practices? How can we better understand the meaning of religious practices?

3. Exercise Think of one example of how religious people either work for peace or commit violence. Think of one example of how religious people either work for peace or commit violence. What motivates them? What motivates them? What do they seek from their religion? What do they seek from their religion? How you question their actions? Explain. How you question their actions? Explain.

4. For Wednesday Read Thich Nhat Hanh and Malcolm X readings (4 short readings, total) Read Thich Nhat Hanh and Malcolm X readings (4 short readings, total) Understand what motivates each man to take his position on peace and violence Understand what motivates each man to take his position on peace and violence Come prepared to debate: which position do you think is stronger? Come prepared to debate: which position do you think is stronger?