1. Welcome! Date:12/03/09 Warm Up: Create your own definition of religion ◦ what is it? ◦ How would you describe what it is to someone who had never heard the word “religion” before? Write at least 5 lines total Homework/announce ments: Talent show Today. Take homework out to be graded Topic/Goals 1) Create definition of religion 2) How do religions start? Today’s Agenda Discuss Warm up – definition of religion Common parts of religion Influence of religion Wrap up

2. What is a definition of religion? Your definition of religion? (warm-up) ◦ What is it? ◦ How would you describe it to someone who didn’t know what it is?

3. What is a definition of religion? Your definition of religion? (warm-up) ◦ What is it? ◦ How would you describe it to someone who didn’t know what it is? Religion: literally means “tie/bind back” or “to bind together”. Think of a “ligament”; it binds bones together

4. Discussion Question: How do people bind together over religion? How is religion created?

5. Religion Quote 57:4 “He is the One who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then assumed all authority. He knows everything that enters into the earth, and everything that comes out of it, and everything that comes down from the sky, and everything that climbs into it. He is with you wherever you may be. GOD is Seer of everything you do.” What is this quote describing? How does this quote help people come together?

6. Myths and Stories Religion binds us together using stories and myths to explain the unknown (how the world was created) Religions are created to explain the unknown. ◦ Creation stories

7. Religion Quote Anne FrankAnne Frank: “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.” What is this quote saying about why we create/need religion?

8. The Vertical Relationship Relationship with Ultimate Reality/"God" - source and origin, something bigger than yourself. Binds us (everyone) to something bigger than ourselves, to our origins, the ultimate reality behind our existence (ex: God) Helps us understand powers we might not fully grasp at the moment

9. Horizontal Relationship Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Religion is to do right. It is to love, it is to serve, it is to think, it is to be humble.” According to this quote, how can religion tell us how to act?

10. The Horizontal Relationship Relationship with other people (moral and social aspects of religion) ◦ Shows us how we treat others and how we want to be treated ◦ A relationship with aspects of nature (ex: Native American earth traditions) Binds people together in a community with other people and shows us how to act when we aren’t sure.

11. Discussion Question What are three things you believe are true despite not having much evidence or proof. Why do you believe they are true? Make a list in your notes.

12. “Everyone’s got an agenda and a personal perspective that will influence how they think about religion” What do you think this statement means? WRITE YOUR THOUGTHS DOWN ON PAPER. 5-7 lines

13. Final thoughts: Wrap up/exit slip:Homework: What are three things you believe are true despite not having much evidence or proof. Why do you believe they are true?