Journal 2: Good Moral Systems
1) The key topic of this week section was moral systems outside of Christianity. Up until now we�ve rarely been exposed to other religions and cultures. This was a good opportunity to learn about differences in beliefs. The most significant finding to note is the many similarities between the moral systems throughout the world. While there are many differences in the systems, they all have the same teachings about many things as well, like treating others kindly, and being honest. These many similarities based from similar time periods in isolated cultures suggest something, as Huston Smith pointed out. It suggests that the truths these systems uncover must be found within all humans. They aren�t bound to cultures and societies, and seem to be a fundamental truth.
2) A) I hope that I can remember the Five Key Relationships from Confucius� teachings. They provide good basic guidelines for how I should treat others, and I hope to follow them to some degree. The next time my younger brother upsets me and I just want to pound him, I can think �Is this really showing him gentility (well-mannered),� and hopefully it will stop me from doing anything I will regret. It can also help me to be a better son if I�m more obedient to my father (when he�s kind). I know that I often don�t have humane consideration for my neighbors, and I should, we�re all in the same boat.
B) The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism are interesting as well. Dukkha (suffering) is part of everyone�s life, and that can be seen in the hardships everyone has to bear at sometime or another. Even those who appear to have it all together typically have some aspect of their life that causes them suffering. Suffering can also be linked to our attachment and desire for impermanent, earthly things (samudaya). We always get upset when we want things we can�t have. Nirodah (the end of suffering) can be achieved when we reach nirvana, a perfect state of being. I see a link here to my belief of heaven in Christianity. The final truth is magga, follow the Eight Fold Path to achieve nirvana. Most people believe there is a way of doing things right to get to heaven, and this can be seen here, in the Eight Fold Path.
C) Jihad is a
different concept that I think partially explains some of the conflict in the
3)
This image was combined from: http://www.testimony-magazine.org/jerusalem/controv.htm and http://www.buddhamuseum.com/happy-buddha/happy-buddha-mi-li_3994m.jpg.
This image reminds me of the similarities between Buddhism, Christianity, Juddaism, and Islam.
4) Which of the founders of these moral systems has found a truth that rings true the most in my life?
Confucius� teaching of the Chun tzu, because it gives us someone to follow the footsteps, to strive to be like, and who has done it before. Without knowing that such high goals have been reached before, it is hard to try to do it yourself, so it is good to have a predecessor. It is similar to the saints in our faith.
5) There are so
many things that hold true in other religions as well, these seem to be the
moral truth that everyone is able to find. These truths are something I should
aim for. I should be more considerate and kind to people, be more honest, try
to understand the reality we are all born into, and build strong relationships.
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