<p>I'm not religious and don't read any religious book, but I am really considering taking a religious studies class that emphasizes discussion, debate, and analysis of contemporary ethical issues, such as abortion and homosexuality.</p>
<p>Would you take said class? Yes? No? Why?</p>
<p>I would. I think it would be an interesting class to take and it will help you to form your own opinions on the subject as well. Religion is fascinating–even more so from a secular viewpoint of a classroom, because it allows you to look at religion in context of history.</p>
<p>Even if it solidifies your current opinions and you disagree with everyone else in the classroom, a class like that provides exposure to other opinions, which I think is important.</p>
<p>I agree with everything you’re bringing up except that religion is fascinating. </p>
<p>Thanks for the input! :)</p>
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<p>there’s no reason to be so nasty about it . . .</p>
<p>Why not just take an ethics class instead? Especially if you “don’t think religion is fascinating.”</p>
<p>Religious classes most likely won’t incorporate debates on abortion and homosexuality. Classes on religion are more focused on the historical aspects, for the most part.</p>
<p>Ehh. To each his own. Personally, I think that it’s interesting to study religion from different points of view, because religion as an entity seems to be a unifying principle of many different civilizations. But then, I’m a history nerd. :)</p>
<p>Edit: that was at the OP</p>
<p>no (10 char)</p>
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<p>Nasty? How did you arrive at that conclusion? You don’t have to be snotty about my disagreement with someone.</p>
<p>:)</p>
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<p>I caught a syllabus from last semester and it says that there are some debates in there. </p>
<p>I don’t think religion is fascinating but I am open to hearing religious viewpoints. Here I thought would be a valuable opportunity.</p>
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<p>Exactly. Fair enough. I see religion as a double edged sword.</p>
<p>i think silence_kit was referring to your name…</p>
<p>i disagree with you that religion is not fascinating, though.
i think it’s fascinating…ly silly :D</p>
<p>but i agree that if you’re interested about ethical issues you should just take an ethics course. religious ethical ‘debates’ are most probably much about how to interpret scripture/how much to rely on it/etc. and you’d probably just find that pointless.</p>
<p>I took a religions in the world class. It definitely is an eye opening experience. You don’t have to be religious to take it. I felt like the class is like a mix between philosophy and culture. It will helps u to understand better the world in general.</p>
<p>Absolutely recommend it ! But choose wisely your teacher ( an UNBIASED one ) ! :)</p>
<p>Unless there’s a prereq that states you must be religious…</p>
<p>Those classes tend to critically analyze religions and people’s experience with them.
There’s very little praying and bowing down involved.</p>
<p>I’m taking a World Religions class online right now and these have been the assignment questions so far (just to give you a taste). You don’t have to be religious to take this class and it’ll be a great class if your professor is unbiased (it’ll suck if your professor believes that his views are the only ones). Since a lot of conflicts in the world are over religion, it’s good to understand the basics of religion and a lot of world cultures put an emphasis on religion so it’s a good class to take if you want to be aware of what’s going on in the world.</p>
<p>Anyways, the questions:</p>
<p>Explain (using your own words) Nietzsche’s image of the Cosmic Dancer.
Would you consider yourself a “cosmic dancer”? Why or why not?</p>
<p>Explain the concepts of jivas, samsara, and karma.</p>
<p>Were you already familiar with the concept of karma? If so, how, if at all, did your previous understanding of “karma” differ from the textbook definition? </p>
<p>Would the Shiva described in Ramakrishna’s story (textbook pages 74-75) want to be worshipped because of his lingam (“The Superiority of Shiva” from the Chapter II recording)? Why or why not? </p>
<p>As stated in the textbook, the legend of The Four Passing Sights is one of the most celebrated calls to adventure in all world literature. What is your reaction to the legend? </p>
<p>Use an example to demonstrate the first three Noble Truths.</p>
<p>What (in your opinion) is the underlying message/lesson in “Kisagotami”?</p>
<p>Here’s my final exam essay questions: (already know them haha)</p>
<p>1.In your opinion, is religion a good word or a bad word? Please provide your own definition of “religion” (do not look to the dictionary for help) before attempting to answer this question.</p>
<p>2.Which religion were you least familiar with prior to taking this course (if you were not familiar with multiple religions, choose just one to discuss in this essay)? What was your impression of this religion? Which aspects of the religion did you find most interesting? What do you perceive to be the religion’s greatest strengths?</p>
<p>i would because i am interested in the psychological aspect of what religion gives and takes to people.
i probably would stress not going in with a closed mind tho, or u won’t take much from the class. just because you hold a certain stance doesn’t mean you should disregard other’s. especially because for me, that’s part of what i like about learning about all religions. i have hoards of books on at least 30 different religions and subreligions and beliefs. i’m kind of a geek about it.</p>
<p>If you genuinely want to take the class and think you’ll enjoy it and it fits into your schedule go for it. I’m not religious at all, but took a chance on a religion class my first semester and ended up absolutely loving the subject and majoring in it.</p>
<p>Is it a required course?
Do you have an interest in the course?</p>
<p>If you said yes to either question, I would say take the course.</p>