[. . .] According to the British Social Attitudes surveys, their numbers fell from 40 per cent of the population in 1983 to 29 per cent in 2004 and 17 per cent last year. While in America, which remains home to more Christians than any other country in the world, the percentage of adults who describe themselves as Christians “dropped by nearly eight percentage points in just seven years to about 71 percent” . . . at the same time, the share of those “who are not affiliated with a religion has jumped from 16 percent to about 23 percent” in the same time period according to a Pew Research Survey. Even as their numbers decline, American Christians - like the U.S. population as a whole - are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. The conclusions I’ve reached on the decline of religion isn’t because there are more unbelievers (although this is partially true) but because of; * Religiously unaffiliated Americans out number Catholics and Protestants * American congregations are aging, and the unaffiliated are comparatively young and becoming more secular * Religious intermarriage is on the rise * U.S. census doesn’t keep track of statistics on religion, so there are no official statistics on the religious makeup of the U.S. public Distribution of Christian population by region * Americas: 804 million * Europe: 566 million * Sub-Saharan Africa: 516 million * Asia-Pacific: 285 million * Middle East-North Africa: 13 million So the problem lies between the corporations secularizing Easter for profits and the drop in those who describe themselves as Christians. Will this ever change? As far as the corporations go towards secularizing Easter for financial gains, I doubt it. The drop in those claiming to be religious? I think that those who claim to be religious will always be the dominant more so than those who attend church So u r ce : T H E BL O G 03/28/2016 01:17 pm ET Updated Dec 06, 2017
Source: Church members enter Canada, aiming to picket bus victim's funeral Posted: Aug 08, 2008 9:12 AM CT Members of a fundamentalist American church group planning to stage a protest at the funeral for a Winnipeg man brutally killed on a Greyhound bus have managed to enter Canada, a spokeswoman told CBC News on Friday. Canadian border guards are under orders to prevent members of the Westboro Baptist Church, a controversial Kansas-based sect, from entering the country. The group intends to picket the funeral of 22-year-old Tim McLean to tell Canadians his slaying on July 30 was God's response to Canadian policies enabling abortion, homosexuality and divorce and remarriage. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church wave protest signs outside funeral services for a soldier in Iowa in 2006. ((Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press)) Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day's office sent an alert to border patrol to "look out" for people with signs and pamphlets consistent with the messages that the church promotes and to keep them out of the country. Shirley Phelps-Roper, daughter of church founder Fred Phelps, said a group of church members was turned away from a border crossing at Niagara Falls, but a small group did manage to get into Manitoba overnight. "They were looking for picket signs and they were looking for leaflets. Well, we don't do leaflets, and the picket signs, you know, Fed Ex ships them overnight," she said. However, Phelps-Roper said the reaction the group has raised from some police and public officials has her questioning whether the planned protest will go ahead. "The question to my mind [is] whether or not we ought to get them the heck out of that country, because that's some crazy stuff when you've got your officials talking like they are in a back-alley brawl and not government officials who took an oath to obey the law and so forth." Phelps-Roper said she would advise church members not to go ahead with the protest if there is a concern they might be arrested or harmed. Counter-protest planned A counter-protest against the church's picket plans was launched on the social networking site Facebook on Thursday. More than 700 people have since joined the group; postings indicate they plan to form a "human wall" around the family to shield
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN AUTHENTIC RELIGION AND CULTS, EXTREMISM AND FALSE PROPHETS Source: adapted from CHARACTERISTICS AUTHENTIC RELIGION CULTS/EXTREMINSM LEADER Most have a significant founder who introduced the development of the faith. Most religions have current religious leaders who are the authority of the faith and lead at religious events. They do not call attention to themselves. Examples: Pope Francis – Bishop of Rome Dalai Lama –Spiritual Leader of the People of Tibet Religious leaders do not control or dominate the religious adherents (followers of the faith). Most cults/extremists groups are focused on a living leader to whom members have an unquestioning commitment. Members believe the leader has some special mission to save humanity – FALSE PROPHET. The living leader is very charismatic (compelling charm) who is usually a single male who dominates the membership; demanding total obedience and discourages independent thinking from members. The leadership may tell members how to think, act, and feel. This may include who to marry, what types of clothes to wear, where to live, how to discipline children, and so forth. RULES OF CONDUCT Most religions have a code of conduct / ethics that guides the religious adherents and moral behaviour. Offer set of answers to most pressing life questions, such as the meaning of suffering, what happens after death etc… Cults are focused on a conduct that involves altering members’ behaviour. Mind-numbing techniques (are used to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s), and questioning is seen as disobedience. Members are usually sleep derived and not given a proper diet to eat. Members experience love bombing.
Source: Ellwood, Robert S., and Barbara A. Mcgraw. "Keeping Covenant with God in History." Many Peoples, Many Faiths Women and Men in the World Religions. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2002. FAMILY LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS GENDER ROLES IN JUDAISM Activity Use the information from the Gender Roles in Judaism handout to complete the T-Chart, comparing the role of women in traditional Judaism, and the role of women in Reformed Judaism today. Include at least 5 points in each column. Women in Judaism Traditional role of women in Judaism Role of women in Reformed Judaism today
Judaism Children’s Story Book Assignment Rubric Categories Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Knowledge/Understanding Knowledge of festival or milestone demonstrates limited knowledge demonstrates some knowledge demonstrates considerable knowledge demonstrates thorough knowledge Understanding of festival or milestone demonstrates limited understanding demonstrates some understanding demonstrates considerable understanding demonstrates thorough understanding Thinking Use of processing skills generating the story book uses processing skills with limited effectiveness uses processing skills with some effectiveness uses processing skills with considerable effectiveness uses processing skills with a high degree of effectiveness Use of creative thinking processes uses creative thinking processes with limited effectiveness uses creative thinking processes with some effectiveness uses creative thinking processes with considerable effectiveness uses creative thinking processes with a high degree of effectiveness Communication Communication for children’s audience and purposes visual, and written forms communicates for children’s audience and purposes with limited effectiveness communicates for children’s audience and purposes with some effectiveness communicates for children’s audience and purposes with considerable effectiveness communicates for children’s audience and purposes with a high degree of effectiveness Use of conventions, vocabulary, terminology and symbols visual, and written forms uses conventions, vocabulary, terminology, and symbols of the discipline with limited effectiveness uses conventions, vocabulary, terminology, and symbols of the discipline with some effectiveness uses conventions, vocabulary, terminology, and symbols of the discipline with considerable effectiveness uses conventions, vocabulary, terminology and symbols of the discipline with a high degree of effectiveness Application Transfer of knowledge of Jewish teachings and practices into story book transfers knowledge of Jewish teachings and practices with limited effectiveness transfers knowledge of Jewish teachings and practice with some effectiveness transfers knowledge of Jewish teachings and practices with considerable effectiveness transfers knowledge of Jewish teachings and practices with a high degree of effectiveness
Chapters 1, 2 and 5 Christianity Supplemental material Unit Topic A: Comparing Christian Scriptures Different English Versions of the Bible (Student/Teacher Resource) Let’s Examine the Different English Versions of the Bible (Student Task) Why does the Catholic Church not use the King James Version of the bible? (Teacher Resource) Are there any differences between the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible and the Catholic Bible today? (Teacher Resource) Expectations covered SC1. Core Teachings: Identify the sacred texts of the Abrahamic religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), First Nations, Metis and Inuit Spiritualties and any other locally appropriate religious tradition and explain the core teachings found in each one. [CCC nos. 81; 101-108] SC1.1 compare and contrast sacred writing and oral of various world religions [CCC nos. 120-130} Unit Placement Teacher/Student resources may be used to: • Examine the Bible and its different versions This could be taught after the section on the Bible, or during the differences between the various Christian denominations. Additional resources/ links: YouTube The Catholic Bible vs. The Protestant Bible Bible Gateway
TEACHER RESOURCE THE BEATITUDES AND THEIR MEANING Matthew 5: 1-12 BEATITUDE KINGDOM VALUES “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” • Humility • Dependence on God • Reliance on God’s Word “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” • Sensitivity to Personal Weakness • Concern for others • Desire to Forgive and be Forgiven “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” • Courtesy • Obedience to God • Willingness to Serve • Gentleness “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” • Desire to Grow • Moral Purity • Self-control “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” • Compassion • Generosity • Forgiveness “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.” • Moral Sensitivity • Separation from worldliness • Integrity “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” • Social Concern • Justice • Reconciliation “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” • Involved in Doing Good • Endurance • Loyalty
RELIGION /NAME OF SACRED TEXT HISTORICAL BACKGROUND/ AUTHORSHIP /KEY FIGURES FORMAT HOW IT IS SHOWN RESPECT SIGNIFICANT NARRATIVES EXAMPLE(S) OF ROLE OF SCRIPTURE IN SHAPING BELIEFS, PRACTICES, AND/OR RITUALS MORAL/ETHICAL PRINCIPLES ADDRESSED (E.G. SOCIAL JUSTICE, EQUALITY, PEACE) JUDAISM Sacred Text is the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible It was given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai The Torah also referred to as The Law and The First Five Books. There are about 54 units in the Torah and one unit is read during the Sabbath morning service, a tradition believed to be started by Moses. The Torah is removed from the Ark in the synagogue during the Sabbath service. The Torah is written in parchment and wrapped in an elaborate cloth mantle and decorated in semi- precious stones and adorned with a silver crown. During service the Torah is held up and adherents will stand, face it and kiss its mantle. Out of respect, the parchment is never touched or seen by most people. In order to not use their bare hands in touching The Torah, it is customary to use a yad (reading pointer). Torah (Ten Command- ments) The Torah contains the 613 laws which are the basic moral guidelines that every Jewish person must live by. The Torah contains stories, poetry, holidays, music, art, rituals, prayers and that shape the faith of the adherents. The Torah addresses principles surrounding: social justice, gender roles, family life peace, equity etc. Exodus 20:12 Deut. 15:7-11 Proverbs 3:17 Proverbs 14:31 Proverbs 22:6 Jeremiah 22:3 Isaiah 57:19 Psalm 127:3-5 CHRISTIANITY Sacred Text is The Bible. The Bible is divided into the Old Testament, revealed to the Israelites, and the New Testament that records the life and Divided into the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Scriptures The Bible is treated with high respect and honour by Christians because its words are believed to be living and active. Some Sermon on the Mount – The Beatitudes in the Christian Scriptures The Bible focuses on the life of Jesus and his teaching ministry which provides the basic moral guidelines that all The Bible addresses principles surrounding social justice, gender roles, family life, peace, equity etc. Luke 10:30-37
teachings of Jesus as told by his followers. Catholics follow the custom of burning or burying worn bibles, if they have been blessed. Some Bibles and Gospel books that Christians have traditionally used for proclaiming the Biblical text are beautifully bound and decorated. Christians are called to follow. Matthew 7:12 Matthew 19:21 John 14:27 John 20:21 1 Timothy 5:8 Colossians 3:13 Ephesians 6:4 ISLAM Sacred Text is the Qur’an Revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by God The Qur’an is divided into 114 Surahs (chapters){class ified either as Meccan or Medinan) and ayah/ayat (verses). The surahs are not arranged in chronological order. A Muslim must take part in ritual cleansing known as wudu (formal ablutions and ritual bathing) before touching the Qur’an. It must be handled with deepest respect – it can never be place on the floor, must be closed and stored in a proper place, nothing can be placed on top of it etc. The Qur’an stand (Rihal) is used to rest the holy book during recitation. Each surah begins with the declaration "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful" The Qur’an provides the laws/rules a Muslim must follow in life. The Qur’an addresses the principles surrounding social justice, gender roles family life, peace and equity. Qur’an 2:187 Qur’an 4:21 Qur’an 4:36 Qur’an 6:38 Qur’an 6:151 Qur’an 17:28 Qur’an 46:15 Qur’an 49:13 Sahih Bukhari 3:513 OTHER TRADITION
CENTRAL BELIEFS JUDAISM CHRISTIANITY ISLAM OTHER Belief in divine providence and free will. wrong. Belief in divine providence and free will. Some Christian denominations believe in predestination. Belief in divine providence and free will. Life after death Believe in the resurrection of the dead and Judgement Day, but unclear if this will take place during or following the messianic era. Notion of heaven and hell is considered to be uncertain. Believe in the resurrection of the dead and Last Judgement. Believe in the notion of heaven and hell. “Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead.” (Apostles Creed) Believe in the resurrection of the dead and a Day of Judgement where souls were be divided between paradise and hell. “God created the heavens and the earth for a true purpose: to reward each soul according to its deeds. They will not be wronged” (Qur’an 45:22).
COMPARING THE RITES OF PASSAGE IN THE ABRAHAMIC RELIGION BIRTH TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD MARRIAGE/RELIG- IOUS CALLING DEATH/FUNERAL JUDAISM Infant boys are circumcised on the 8th day after birth. This is when they receive their Hebrew name. Baby boys are circumcised eight days after their birth, to symbolize their commitment to Israel. The circumcision is administered by a trained rabbi known as a mohel in a ceremony called B'rit Milah. Only men are allowed in the room while the circumcision takes place. It is a time of great rejoicing and celebration. Abraham, the great ancestral father of the Jews, who lived some 4000 years ago, was the first to accept the sign or covenant of circumcision as a mark of his covenant with G- d. Female children are named in special naming ceremonies at the synagogue the first Saturday after their birth. Boys receive their Bar mitzvah(son of the commandment) at the age of 13. Boys are required to wear the kipa, tallith and and tephillin In the Conservative and Reform Tradition, girls receive a Bat mitzvah (daughter of the commandment). In each rite passage, the individual takes on his responsibility for the religious obligations. . At the ceremony, the individual is required to read from the Torah in front of the congregation Ceremony takes place under a canopy called a chuppah. A Jewish wedding ceremony involves reciting blessings over two goblets of wine , which represent the change in marital status of the man and the woman. A marriage contract outlining marital responsibilities is written and signed by witnesses, who state that the couple has been married in the Jewish tradition. Divorce is allowed, but frowned upon. After years of study, men can become rabbis. Women can become rabbis in the Reform tradition. When a Jewish person dies, the family shows their grief by tearing a piece of their clothing. Burial should take place within 24 hours or as soon as the family can gather. The body may not be cremated. During the period of bereavement, the immediate family observes seven days of mourning (Sitting Shiva). During this time, the family receives visitors and gifts of food. This is followed by 30 days of social withdrawal and one official year of mourning.
The Earth as the Beloved Creation and Possession of the Divine Humanity as Steward Commanded to Care for the Earth Environmental Justice, Environmental Racism Protecting All Living Things and the Web of Creation Uncertainty, Precaution and Consumption Judaism Christianity Islam Other: ________ The GreenFaith Pledge: "I pledge to make my life a blessing for the Earth."
COMPARING ISSUES OF RELIGIOUS NORMS AND HUMAN SEXUALITY GENDER ROLES SEXUAL NORMS MARRIAGE DIVORCE SANCTITY OF LIFE /ABORTION REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES JUDAISM Both men and women in Judaism are acknowledged as equal, but separate. There have been inroads that women have made in all three major Jewish divisions. Although Orthodox Judaism has traditionally separated the spiritual lives of men and women, Modern Orthodoxy does have women who have become Torah scholars, and have formed women-only prayer groups. Some Conservative Jewish groups are identifying that men and women have the same spiritual obligations of prayer that were once reserved for men only. Reform Judaism recognizes gender neutrality, and ordains female rabbis. Traditional followers of Judaism hold the belief that sex is a union for a husband and wife, and premarital sex is not approved. Contraception is seen as problematic because it interferes with procreation. In the traditional sects of Judaism, marital sex is prohibited during and for seven days following a woman’s menstruation. Adultery is prohibited, as noted in The Ten Commandments. Homosexual acts are also forbidden. Marriage is highly valued in the Jewish tradition. It is a contractual bond with God and a married couple is expected to be procreative. Same sex marriage counters the view of the Torah, and this viewpoint is upheld by Orthodox Jews, but same sex marriages are supported by Reconstructionist, Reform and Conservative Judaism. Jewish law permits divorce. The divorce document is called a get. The get is presented by the husband to the wife or wife’s agent because their marriage contract has been violated. The Orthodox and Conservative tradition does not recognize civil divorce overriding Jewish divorce. They would consider the couple as still married until they have ended their marriage according to rabbinical laws. In the Reform tradition, a civil Judaism has a strong belief in the sanctity of life. Jewish law does not permit abortion on demand, but there are acceptable circumstances that permit abortion. The fetus is not considered a person until it is born. Jewish law permits abortion, especially if the mother’s life is at risk, if the pregnancy is causing distress to the mother, and there has been rape or incest. Judaism approves forms of biotechnologies used in the assistance for reproduction as long as the intent is to produce a child.
denominations. Roman Catholics disapprove of any form of artificial contraception, given that one of the purposes of marital sex is be opened to procreation. Adultery is prohibited, as noted in The Ten Commandments. Homosexual acts are also forbidden. marriages and their stance on same-sex marriages are closely related to their religious views of homosexuality. Same-sex marriages are accepted in the United Church. The Anglican Church does not. marriages, and can declare the nullity of the marriage when proof is presented that the conditions for making the marriage contract valid were absent. procreative elements). ISLAM The Qur’an explicitly states that all men and women are equal. “Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female - you are equal to one another” (Qur’an 3:195). However, this interpretation has varied among cultures as Islam has spread among the world. This is most predominantly seen in veiling or head covering rules from country to country. Islam holds the belief that all sexual activity are appropriate only in the context of marriage. Permissible sexual activity within marriage is also prescribed in the Qur’an. For example, it is forbidden to have intercourse while a woman is menstruating or bleeding after childbirth (al-Baqarah 2:222). Contraception is permitted for birth control. Adultery is also strongly prohibited. Homosexual acts are also forbidden. Marriage is highly valued in Islam. However, same-sex marriages are not accepted. Many members of the LGBTQ have experienced extreme problems, both socially and legally, in many Islamic countries where male homosexual acts are punishable by death. Islam permits divorce as a last option for irreconcilable marriages. When a divorce is initiated by the husband it is called a talaq, and this can be made in a verbal or written statement. In this case, the wife has the rights to keep the dowry. If the divorce is initiated by the wife, she may forgo the dowry Muslims believe life begins at conception. Muslims regard abortion as haram, but many accept that it may be permitted in certain circumstances. This would include if the mother’s life is at risk or if the fetus is less than 120 days old. Seeking assistance for reproduction through biotechnologies is encouraged in Islam, with the exception of surrogacy.