There are so many religions out there that its nearly impossiblt to explore them all. As of now with the reading I have done my feelings are back and forth. One momment I was thinking that religions are evil and a way to categorze individuals and set us apart. There are so many things that go on and happen thats so negative that its makes you not even want to be apart of any type of religious group. Now im thinking that I need to just be patient because as my readings went on I have read of alot of good in certain religions. I feel that religions are each persons choice of what they want to believe in. I feel that it really doesnt matter how you serve God as long as you serve Him. Its all about your relationship with Him. God knows your heart and thats all that matters. Religions are just different practices and rules of how you should serve a higher power. I dont feel negatively towards religion but I do feel negatively  with some of the beliefs of certain religions.

Ive come to the conclusion that it doesnt really matter to me what religion I choose if any. I feel that religion is each owns individual way of communicating with God that makes them feel good and closer to Him. So as of right now I will continue to serve Him and attend church services of my chioce. Maybe one day I will find one that I feel I can be apart of  that doesnt have all the stipulations and judgement of some others. If not then I will continue serving and praying to God in my own way that makes me feel good and closer to Him.

China has over 100 million followers of various faiths. This article talks about the different religions and faiths in China.

China has a constitution that states that the citizens enjoe the freedom of religious belief. No person, organization, or religion can discriminate against citizens who believe or do not believe in any religion.

China has incorporated laws stipulating that freedom of religious belief be protected. The policy consist of respecting and protecting freedom of religious belief. No one can interfere with any type of religious function or gathering, these are protected as well. “Who ever infringes upon the interests of a site for religious activities shall bear legal responsibility.” {Asianinfo.org}

All citizens are considered equal and are entitled to equal rights. In China all religions are concideredequal and no religion occupies a privileged position.

Response: i feel this is how it should be world wide. Its really amazing that China has the freedom and right to choose religion. No one is loooked upon in a negative way. Its also good that individuals are protected so they can practice and worship with out fear and feel safe.

The Indian Christian Council stands in solidarity with each other and fellow Indian citizens. People of many nations were effected by the terrorist attacks.

The  Secretary General Dr. John Dayal is saddened by the atacks and he and colleages are praying for peace to the families of the dead and injured. This tragedy has brought families and faiths closer together in a shared pain. Among the victims were Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Christians and many more.

Because of repeated bombing in India an unprepared nation has been exposed. Although terrorism cannot be prevented there are equipped military forces that can help minimize the deth toll.

The president of the India Christian Council feels that these terrorist groups are targeting innocent religious minorities.

“The aftermath of the Mumbai terror attack offers a rare opportunity to express our common human identity and heritage-of peace and love.” (ICC) The Christian Council Commits itself toward working and healing the wounds of this nation.

Response: I feel that no group or nation regardless of what religion shoulg have to undergo such evil. It should be understood that everyone is different  and have different cultures and rule that are followed. Everyone is different and under any circumstance should someone have to undergo attack because of difference.

Farrakhan and W.D. Muhammad were in conflict over the ideaology and the direction of the Nation of Islam. This caused seperation between Muslims. W.D. Muhammads father was the Honorable Elijah Muhammad  whom he disagreed with as well. Farrakhan only wanted resources for blacks. His nation used racial slurrs calling caucasians  “blue eyed devils”.

 W. D. Muhammad wanted everyone to come together and unite as one regardless of race. W.D. Muhammad believed that the racial conflict could be resolved if the images of God and prophets had no color or race. He felt that the present system of placing racial identity on images of God adds to the racial conflict and restricts eforts toward integration.

Response: Im happy I chose to read this article. I had no idea that The nation of Islam was so racist. This is really helping me with my questions with religion and making me see things in a new perspective. I do like some of the things that they practice such as self awareness and healing but I could never be apart of a group or organization that claims to do good and bring good then turn around and talk negatively about the next race. It really makes me sad that there’s unfortunately still alot of racism, individuals should not hold others accountable for things that happened in the past that they had no control over.

Religion is a word derived from Middle English. In order to define religion there must be a realization of one’s own methodological assumptions and pre-commitments.

Every since I was a little girl I was always told that God is the creator of all things and that you should always serve him and go to church. “Every Sunday” Even though I didnt want to go to church all the time, I had to go. I remember feeling like I just didnt want to be there. Most Sundays I would just end up goin to sleep in church.  I really couldnt understant why this was nessecary.

I remember visiting my aunts church and almost getting smacked in the face by a member of the church that had the Holy Ghost. That was a very scary and uncomfortable situation to even try to understand as a child. All I knew was that I didnt wasnt to go back to aunties church.

As a youngster I was very timid and shy. I didnt ask the many questions that I wanted to about religion or ask my aunt why they wore head garments to church and could only wear skirts, no pants.

My moms church I could kind of relate more so than my aunts. It seemed like every one were happy and rejoicing. Even through all the clapping and shouting and rejoicing I still wanted to go home. I just felt like I wasnt apart of the crowd, I was just there.

I had another experience at an bible study. My moms neighbor used to get all of the neighborhood children together to learn about the bible. Her name was Ms. Barbara. One night Ms. Barbara was reading scriptures from the bible and all of a sudden the lights just started blinking on and off. We were wondering what was going on. It wasnt lightening or a storm or anything. Everyone was so scared. So from that point on I knew there was something. I felt that there was a God and the devil was just trying to interfere with what she was trying to teach.

Now that im older I have pretty much grown out of that shy  timid state. Even though I feel there is a God, im confused about the correct way I should serve Him. There are so many religions out there  and if theres only one God then why isnt there just one way that He is supposed to be served.

I feel what I need to do is learn about different religions and ways of worship. I will do that by visiting different churches and doing some research on different religions.

This article really grabs readers attention by using graphic information, such as a janitor following a bloody trail to discover a body in a trash bin. Pinker goes on and elaborates with different scenerios and trys to explain why neonaticide occurs. He uses different reasons and examples such as culture, age, genetics, marital status, economical status and mental status. Pinker says that its hard to accept neonaticide as an illness because in some cultures they practice and accept it. In some societies they even assist the mothers through the birthing process and even help them decide whether or not the infant should live. Pinker uses statistical studies and says that mothers who kill their older children are suicidal or psychotic and neonate killers are not. He begins to express an value of opinion saying that neonaticide is immoral and mental illness is not an excuse. Psychologists try to come up with an logical explanation of neonaticide by compairing humans to mammals. Pinker says that there needs to be a clear boundary to confer personhood on a human being. He asks what makes a living being a person with a right not to be killed? He uses opinions from supposidly moral philosophers that beleive that neonaticide should not be classified as murder because neonates do not posses certain traits. Based on my reading there is no ONE concrete reason as to why neonaticide occurs. Regardless of what the reason is I feel there is no right reason to take someones life. Even though newborns do not posses certain traits they are still humans with beating hearts like you and me. I feel there is no difference between a neworns personhood and an adults personhood the only advantage is that the adult has knowledge and wisdom. The newborn has yet to learn so why take away that opportunity thats rightfully theirs andJust a reminder, it wasnt taken away from you. In the end if we were both stuck with a needle we would feel the same pain and these are feelings you have from the womb.

Modest Proposal : Chapman

Chapman starts out by stating ways of corruption and how its used to change individuals ways of thinking. he suggests that the newest effort is to weaken civilizations feelings against infanticide.  He states that Pinker effects our behavior by endowing us with emotions that pushes us towards adaptive choices. chapman obviously does not agree with Pinker, he says everything in contrast to what Pinker saysand does it with sarcasm.

Part 1

1.      I wonder about what my life would have been like if I would have gone to college before having children.

2.      I’m puzzled by the fact that men chose not to be honest even given plenty of opportunities to do so.

3.      I doubt that the prices of gas will ever be less than $2.00 again.

4.      I’m bothered by the fact that there are so many religions that claim to be “The One”.

5.      I’m sad that there isn’t a law of castration for pedophiles.

6.      I’m angry that judges always take the officers word when issued a speeding ticket, its bad enough you have to pay the fine, then court cost and higher insurance.  

7.      I’ve always thought that when you do the right thing by others, they will do right by you but not always necessarily true.

8.      I’m surprised that OBAMA may actually be the next president.

9.      I’m interested in making more money.

10.  I wish I could finish school sooner rather than later.

11.  I worry about my children ad their future in this crazy world we live in.

12.  I’m afraid that the world won’t get any better, just worst.

Part 2

I’m bothered by the fact there are so many religions that claim to be “The One”.

Since I can remember, as a child all I knew of was either you were a Christian or either you were a Baptist. I always thought they were the same thing as a child. Everyone just prayed to God. I never really heard about anything else at that time other than the fact that you should just do it. Pray and go to church, every Sunday.

Now that I’m older and I interact with many different people, most of them have different religions and ways of life. They all claim their way is the correct way. How could I be sure? I really don’t know. I do believe there’s a God, but I’m just confused on the correct way to serve Him.

Part 3

This topic is very important to me. When my time comes I want to go to heaven.  I hear a lot of people talk about the end of times and I really hate to talk about it. When certain things happen some people say “Well you know the bible speaks of it.”  How am I supposed to know if the bible is the book that I’m supposed to be reading? Why not the Holy Quran? I feel that through this research I may find the religion that I’m the most comfortable with however if I chose something that’s not in relation to what my parents believe in then I feel my judgment may be questioned. That’s an issue I’m willing to face so with that being said, I hope to discover the religion that best suits me.

I believe that people shouldn’t be so judgmental.

I believe that society as a whole are too quick to judge individuals are less fortunate than they are.

I believe that the government is a mess right now.

I believe that justice is an essential part of society.

I believe that knowledge is power.

I believe that science is a complex subject.

I believe that reality is something people should face more.

I believe that life is wonderful and should be more appreciated.

I believe that happiness is when a person is overall satisfied.

I believe that goodness with in a person is terrific.

I believe that death is something no one wants to face but all will.

I believe that GOD is almighty and is the creator of all things.

Part 2

I feel that life is wonderful and individuals should make the best of it. Many people have the attitude that they are invincible and nothing can happen to them. I have seem things happen to individuals from promiscuity to drug using. Some feel as if they can have unprotected sex and not contract an STD or use drugs and not become an addict. Some individuals may not think so but every decision that we make effects our lives. From my observation I chose another path because I did not want to end up like a lot of other individuals in my age group.

Part 3

1. People believe that its their life and the are going to live it to the fullest no matter what the consequences are.

2. They seem to share the same experiences such as their life being ruined by the use of drugs or having an terminal illness by choosing promiscuity.

3.The experiences differ because of the choices we made.

4. No set of shared experiences.

6. You can always change , and to get different results and to get something you never had you have to do something’s you never done.