DivinityQuest
An inquiry-based activity about religion and its basic premises.
Jim Schoepski
Social Studies
Belvidere High School
Belvidere IL
[email protected]


Scenario

  
 
  The dictionary defines the word religion as:

1) (a) belief in a superhuman power or powers to be obeyed and worshipped as the creator(s) and ruler(s) of this universe
(b) expression of this belief in conduct and ritual

2)any specific form of belief, worship etc., often involving a system of ethics [e.g., the Christian religion]

Since religion was the first form of philosophical thought, all other fields of human endeavor; the sciences, arts, ethics, were linked to religion intimately. Science was the first and the last one to break the chains of religion completely. Our arts and ethics are still with religion. The idea of religion predates civilization itself. It is theorized that the Neanderthals practiced some sort of primitive religion even before the emergence of modern man.

What is a "religion"? Why is it central to Man's existence? How does Man organize his society according to the tenets and dogma of faith?

This lesson is meant to explore these questions by assembling a "Frankenstein's monster" of religions. After researching the nature of religion and the basic tenets of each of the world's major religions each student must create their own religion.

Task

  
 
 
Definitions
Define deity.
Define the concept of religion.
 
 
  Encarta World English Dictionary
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/Dictionary/DictionaryHome.aspx
MSN reference guide
What are norms and values?
 
 
  Glossary Review
http://www.aquinas.edu/homepages/cushiw/SY210/glossary.htm
Terms, or concepts, that are commonly used in sociology
Religions
Identify the five major world religions.
 
 
  Major religions
http://www.grc.k12.nf.ca/worldreligions/
A web page of links the major world religions
Describe the five major religions. Scan down the page provided until you get to the sections entitled: "World religion comparison. Seek the truth for thy self."
 
 
  Guidance for the Truth Seeker
http://unite.virtualave.net/middle.html
A Ba'hai website which provides links to various religions
Religions Compared
What are the texts used as the basis for each religion?
Describe the hereafter in each of the religions
Who was the founder of each of the major world religions?
What are fundamentals of each religion?
Do all of the major religions have a deity or deities? If so, list their names. If not, describe their link to divinity.

USE THE SITE BELOW TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
 
 
  Comparative Religions Chart
http://courses.ncssm.edu/shlensky/Main/Religious%20Matrix.htm
A chart comparing all of the world's major religions.

Product

  
  From the existing five major religions you must assemble your own religion. Each religion must have a deity or deities (or an explanation of what replaces the divine figure), which sacred text you are using, basic moral code (for example the Eightfold Path), the hereafter, and the basic fundamentals of your religion. Each "new" religion must incorporate elements from three existing religions.

The paper should be approximately two pages in length and include an explanation why you chose these elements.


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