The Creation Cycle: Indigenous Myths of the Americas
I have a huge and growing interest in Native Mexican Indian Tribes. Why? Well, my mother’s ethnic heritage is equal parts Native Mexican Indian (my grandfather) and Chamorro (my grandmother). My father is, for those of you wondering, Italian and German. I am still mystified as to what exactly my ethnicity should be called; should you come up with a proper name be sure to let me know. I will, until then, be forced to check that “other” box on applications and such. Read More »
Random Class Notes Dump 04242007
Bhakti Maarga (path) or Bhakti Yoga in Hinduism
Bhakti Maarga or Bhakti Yoga is a spiritual path of Sanatana Dharma wherein an intense devotion is offered to a personal god. Bhakti (share) is a thoroughly relational approach to one’s god. It is emotionally experiential, and built upon an active shared relationship with one’s deity. Bhakti is the most popular Sanatana Dharma path in India. Bhakti can be summarized by two words: Overwhelming love! This love is directed toward one’s personal god. It is lived out through discipleship to the god who is a personal friend. Read More »
Introductory Queries, Apropos World Religion
1. What is Hinduism? How would you explain Hinduism to someone who knows nothing about it?
Hinduism is the third largest of our world’s religions, behind Christianity and Islam. The majority of adherents are in India, the original birthplace of Hinduism, circa 8000 BC. Hinduism does not claim a single founder or leader. In fact, there is not a single tradition or expression inherent to the label “Hinduism.” The label Hinduism was actually attributed to a varied and complex compilation of traditions native to the Indian subcontinent. The application of this label to this complex conglomeration was performed by foreigners (Colonial British Rule). The term preferred today is “Sanatana Dharma,” which translates “eternal religion” or “ageless.” Read More »
Judaism, Rabbinic Wisdom, and Dachau
I just completed a required research paper for my Judaism class. I mentioned it in an earlier post, but the point is so worth repeating: I am thrilled to be enrolled in a semester long seminary course re: Judaism that is actually facilitated by a Rabbi, and not a Christian. Trust me, the Rabbi and I both know and acknowledge where we each stand regarding Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah, but that is not the point. The point is Judaism. I want to learn as much as I can about Judaism, and that can only occur if an actual adherent of the faith is teaching it to me. Period. I am less and less a fan of religious courses taught by individuals who have little or zero personal investment in the religion being taught. Seriously. I do not want a Christian teaching me Judaism, any more than I want an atheist teaching me Christianity. Read More »
On Resurrection and Judgment in Zoroastrianism
Note: The following material is a compilation of random notes scribbled in preparation for a class presentation in a seminary course re: world religions. The presentation topic assigned concerns death, resurrection and judgment in Zoroastrianism. Basically, the subject is Zoroastrian eschatology. No, I am not a Zoroastrian sympathizer (one never knows these days). I am no aficionado of relativistic religious pluralism either. There are beyond strange groups out there who already have that one covered. I am, however, a student, and as such I normally find it interesting to take a critical peek at other religions. If not for intellectual reasons, then for purely missional ones. Read More »
Evangelical Voices for Immigration Reform
Katie Barge, Director of Communications for Faith in Public Life (Faith in Public Life is a communications and organizing resource center for faith leaders sharing a call to pursue justice and the common good), forwarded the following very, very important information: Read More »
