What you gained from this Comparative Religion course:
I gained a much better understanding of the complex, yet interconnectedness of the Religions of the world. Though quite diverse in implementation, there appears to be a common thread of etiology. Religion is truly for man and woman. It is created to fill voids of lack of understanding with comfort, commonality and a sense of purpose, direction and accountability. You may not agree with a particular belief system, yet you need to respect one's choice regardless. Hence the need for interfaith pastors. I believe that Religions are clearly based on cultural environment, i.e. the God's and Goddesses that correlate to the sentiment and culture of the subjects with whom the are working with.
A people sees God/Goddess in the image of what they know- their culture. Native Americans did not see Spider Woman as Danu for example. The image of Jesus throughout history has changed so many times, yet never really reflecting what he probably actually looked like-Jewish!
Once you get passed your own world, perhaps through meditation, you can make contact with deity different than what you have grown up believing it to be.... which also opens the way towards cultural understanding. They are inexplicably tied together.
I also gained a more detailed understanding of how religions have shaped political agenda since the dawn of time. Some moreso than others of course. Our political landscape in America today is shaped more by religious etiology than not. (My personal opinion- not what the forefathers had in mind!) Not just in this country, but the world over. It has been used and unfortunately misused to bring about control and demonization of people, races, cultures and women for thousands of years. It is quoted and interpreted, misquoted and misinterpreted, re-written to the point of almost creating new text that forward agenda. That saddens me but it is a reality and so very human. There again, with an eye towards an accurate accounting of history, you able to decipher more truths.
What you liked best in this course:
I liked the ability to complete it as I could within the confines of my schedule. I additionally very much enjoyed learning the history of the world through a spiritually based set of glasses. It is a new and eye opening experience. If only people could understand the historical basis of Religion(s), I believe it would open the minds and hearts towards more tolerance. There is way too much of the "I'm right, this is the only way attitude" which precludes individuals from questioning and growing. I believe it comes from a place of fear - fear of being different, fear of change, fear of not being accepted or being condemned. History provides an opening of the door of reality and understanding.
What you liked least about this course.
I thought the information about Wicca could have been more expansive and complete. There were, what I believe to be, some inaccuracies stated. Nothing major, just little things that a Wiccan would notice.
How you think these discourses could be improved.
I would simply include more correct and more information generally about Wicca/ Paganism. Perhaps provide the ability of students to chat online about the course as they study. I did email Rev., Ann once, but not hear anything in return.
A people sees God/Goddess in the image of what they know- their culture. Native Americans did not see Spider Woman as Danu for example. The image of Jesus throughout history has changed so many times, yet never really reflecting what he probably actually looked like-Jewish!
Once you get passed your own world, perhaps through meditation, you can make contact with deity different than what you have grown up believing it to be.... which also opens the way towards cultural understanding. They are inexplicably tied together.
I also gained a more detailed understanding of how religions have shaped political agenda since the dawn of time. Some moreso than others of course. Our political landscape in America today is shaped more by religious etiology than not. (My personal opinion- not what the forefathers had in mind!) Not just in this country, but the world over. It has been used and unfortunately misused to bring about control and demonization of people, races, cultures and women for thousands of years. It is quoted and interpreted, misquoted and misinterpreted, re-written to the point of almost creating new text that forward agenda. That saddens me but it is a reality and so very human. There again, with an eye towards an accurate accounting of history, you able to decipher more truths.
What you liked best in this course:
I liked the ability to complete it as I could within the confines of my schedule. I additionally very much enjoyed learning the history of the world through a spiritually based set of glasses. It is a new and eye opening experience. If only people could understand the historical basis of Religion(s), I believe it would open the minds and hearts towards more tolerance. There is way too much of the "I'm right, this is the only way attitude" which precludes individuals from questioning and growing. I believe it comes from a place of fear - fear of being different, fear of change, fear of not being accepted or being condemned. History provides an opening of the door of reality and understanding.
What you liked least about this course.
I thought the information about Wicca could have been more expansive and complete. There were, what I believe to be, some inaccuracies stated. Nothing major, just little things that a Wiccan would notice.
How you think these discourses could be improved.
I would simply include more correct and more information generally about Wicca/ Paganism. Perhaps provide the ability of students to chat online about the course as they study. I did email Rev., Ann once, but not hear anything in return.
Additionally, the format. Though being an artist, I do very much enjoy the color and photos/pictures, I would love to see that included but perhaps in a more consistent, simpler fashion. When you print out the pages the fonts change from very small and hard to read to large. Just a bit more simply constructed format for ease of printing without having to save it-and then alter it to print in a readable fashion.
Any other comments.
None.
Would you be interested in taking other courses from Rev. Kythera Ann?
Yes.
Rev., jan RavenSpirit Franz
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