WORLD RELIGIONS
FINAL EXAMANATION FOR PHILOSOPHY 8
PROFESSORS : DR. ACKERMAN AND DR. KEALEY
1. History is an expression of God’s purpose, which is acceptance of monotheism by the Jewish people. God grants purpose and meaning to history.
2. God granted a special covenant to the Jewish people through Abraham and Moses. They were expected to follow the Law that was given to Moses in the Ten Commandments.
3. God punishes the Jewish people when they become corrupt and transgress against God. Two ancient examples are from ancient history: Babylonian conquest and exile. Diaspora was the second. The Jewish people were dispersed throughout the world after destruction of the second temple in 70 C.E.
4. Some
Jewish people stand for social action to bring about constructive change and
develop heights of culture and civilization. In the
5. Jews have a mission to prevent another holocaust. They suffered greatly under Hitler, when 6 million Jews were murdered.
6. In the modern world majority of Jews are pro –
Zionist. They struggle to promote the survival of
Two:
Explain Jewish approach to suffering, morality, and justice.
These ideas depend on a rabbinical view of dualistic human nature. Humans are endowed with two inclinations: yetzer hara and yetzer hatov. This dichotomy is asummed the foundation of all human behavior,.
Yetzer hara
is the evil orientation . Humans are born with this
impulse, and it remains with humans all their life. Some of the actions include
transgressing the will of Yahweh, excessive pride, greed, sexual immorality,
debauchery, jealousy, and hatred. It involves the desire to cause senseless
harm and selfish desires without regard to consequences to self and others
Yetzer hatov is the inclination to do good. Its
characteristics include love and respect for Yehovah
and the expression of virtues such as joy, peace of mind, kindness, and self –
control. The person desires the good from the divine perspective. The impulse
manifests after age of 13 and is experienced in the moral consciousness.
The basic assumption is that humans have free will. Humans can
choose which impulse to follow and are responsible for their choices.
This is my understanding of what Jews believe:
Morality is a tool of God to encourage the good impulse and
discourage the evil impulse. God gives mankind the Torah with its 613
commandments and the 10 Commandment given to Moses. These commandments are
moral injunctions to regulate human conduct.
Yehovah is a
what psychologist call a behaviorists; God uses negative reinforcers. He resorts
to suffering and punishment to change undesirable behavior. God sent Jews into
exile such as
Justice is a “virtue” of people’s conscience. People under the governance of the yetzer hatov express this virtue as an act of love for God. The Prophets of Israel obey God’s commandments to counter corruption and evil acts of political kings.
Three: Explain the Five Pillars of Islam.
These principles regulate the private life of Muslims in their relationship to God.
First pillar is the creed: (1) Allah is the one and only God; (2) Muhammad is the last prophet of Allah
Second pillar is prayer. Muslims pray five times a
day: upon rising, at
Third pillar is charity. Its core belief is that Muslims with much money should help the poor. The wealthy should also give to benefit the community. A small tax of 2 ½% is required.
Fourth pillar is observing Ramadan which lasts for
a month and usually is in December. This event involves prayer, fasting, and
worship. The reasons are Mohamed received
his commission as a prophet and ten years later; he made his pilgrimage from
Fifth pillar is pilgrimage. At least once in a
lifetime Muslims are expected to journey to
FOUR: Discuss
Jewish, Islamic, and Christian views of Jesus.
The Jewish view is made up of various views. These are
four examples: (1) The Jewish mainstream view believes Jesus was a failure,
because he did not restore the
Islamic view: (1) Jesus was real and lived in first century IsraelJesus was a great prophet of the one God; (2) Jesus was born of a virgin; (3) They accept his miraculous birth by a virgin; (4) Jesus did not die on the cross; (5) Jesus ascended to heaven.
Conservative literal Christian view: (1) Jesus was real and lived in the first century; (2) Jesus was born of a virgin; (3) Crucifixion actually occurred; (4) Biblical account of Jesus life is true, because the Bible is free from error and was divinely revealed: (5) Jesus was Son of God: (6) Jesus overcame Original Sin; (7) Jesus by the crucifixion repents for all the sins of human beings; (8) People are saved by belief in Jesus and God’s grace.
Liberal Christian view: (1) Jesus was a great prophet; (2) Jesus actually existed; (3) Jesus was an innovative teacher; (3) They doubt the virgin birth and death on the cross: (4) Some liberal Christian scholars seek to prove stories of the Bible are myths and not real.
Five:
What is the “Good News” of the New Testament Gospels?
Disciples of Jesus are instructed to spread the “Good News” of the gospel around the world. The original disciples are the models and preached the “Good News.”
Ideas of the “Good News”:
1. Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of mankind. If people believe this, the reward is eternal life.
2. God lifts sins from the heart of all Christians. By accepting Christ Christians experience exalted joy and inner peace. Christians intoxicated by the Holy Spirit feel glory and bliss.
3. These burdens are lifted from Christians. The first is fear of death, because Christians will live with God in heaven. Second is guilt, because of Jesus crucifixion people are forgiven for their sins.
4. Because Jesus was the Son of God, people’s life will foster love of God and humanity. Jesus’ love embraces all mankind including sinners and outcasts.
5. These gifts are God’s grace. Humans are no longer subject to the horrors of sin: spiritual and eternal death and separation from God. Their lives are filled with abundance and love. By grace Jesus takes away all sins. In heaven, people are in intimate relation to Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.
Many Christians follow this formula: Confess their sins, repent and believe the “Good News”. They believe Jesus is their savior and commit their lives to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Six:
Explain the reasons for the Reformation and briefly explain the principles of Protestianism.
The reformation brought great changes to Christianity between 14th and 16th century and resulted in a split between Roman Catholicism and Protestianism Reasons for the Reformation: (1) Luther challenged the Papal claim to divine authority and infallibility; (2) Opposition to the Roman Catholic selling indulgences; (3) Luther claimed salvation came from God’s gift of grace; (4) Protestants gave primacy to the New Testament over Catholic tradition.
Principles of Protestianism:
1. Authority of the Bible. There are many interpretations from fundamentalist which is literalist to liberal which allows free interpretation
2. Christians are saved by grace and faith in Jesus as the Son. By grace Christian are forgiven of sins and granted life eternal.
3. Belief in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
4. They focus on two sacraments: Baptism and the Last Supper. There are wide variations in regard to these sacraments.
Seven: Explain some of the main
aspects of the Magical worldview of the primal religions, with particular
emphasis on the role of nature.
Primal religions are concerned with magic that is an art
that evokes supernatural powers. The means used are charms, herbs, spells, and
rituals. The magic is based on the belief that the cosmos is populated by
unseen forces and spirits that permeate all things.
Practioners of primal magic seek to use two different types of spirits: First are the friendly and helpful spirits and they use prayers, gratitude, and offerings. They recognize troublesome and evil spirits and seek to placate them.
People use mediums and shamans to contact spirits and loved ones in the realms. Spirits are contacted for help in war, illness, and hunting.
The primal religions believe all beings in the environment are spiritual beings and include plants, trees, animals, and lakes. Each physical being has its own spirit.
The primal people live in the Eternal Now. They believe spiritual beings can be contacted by dreams, trances, and travel to other realms.
“Shamanism
is classified by anthropologists as an archaic magico
– religious phenomena which the shaman is the great master of ecsatay.” (Soc.religion,shamanism FAQ). Shamanism is practiced by people of
far
What Shamans do:
1. They focus on the ecstatic state and ascend to the heavens and descend to the underworld.
2. They develop techniques for lucid dreaming and out of body experiences.
3. They help people in transition on their journey to the other side.
4. They achieve sacred altered states of consciousness through repetition of sounds, hypnosis, psychotropic drugs, specific postures, and lucid dreaming.
5. The Shaman employs spirit helpers to assist him to carry out shaman practices.
6. An important practice of shaman is ecstasy. It is evoked by ascension to heavens and descension to underworld. The Shaman is seized by the god or a spirit. Magical transformation takes place. The Shaman experiences bliss, clarity and exaltation.
7. He works with dreams and vision quests.
1. They are healers who heal physical wounds, cure diseases, and purify health.
2. They are priests who leads rites and initiations of the tribe.
3. They are magicians who uses spiritual guides to perform miraculous feats.
4. Thet are teachers of meditation, shamanistic knowledge, and ecstasy techniques.
5. They act as community leaders who help keep unity in the tribe.
6. They are mediums who contact spiritual realms for people.
7. The shamans are story tellers and fortune tellers
Nine: Discuss channeling as it pertains to New Age.
Channeling involves a medium contacting a spiritual entity that lives in the transcendental realms. Some of the entities previously lived on earth as human beings. Others claim to be extraterrestrials. Some entities are archangels such as Michael and Gabriel.
There are two prominent channelers
in
There are two well – known national channelers – Jane Roberts and J.C. Knight: Jane Roberts channeled a being called Seth. He took over her vocal cords and used Jane to send messages. The entity discussed beliefs about creating reality and deeper levels of consciousness. He told the audience that they forgot their origins. J.C. Knight channeled Rumtha who lived as a warrior and 35,000 years ago.
Some channelers present dire predictions such as earth changes, floods, and earthquakes. Others present visions of a wonderful New Age of joy, abundance, and peace with justice.
Ten: Discuss New Age Religion of
millennialism and how it applies to their belief system. How does integralism interpret this expectation.
I call the belief optimistic millennialism. My reasons:.
1. Some New Agers believe the evil old order will disappear and a wonderful utopian new world order will emerge.
2. There is a struggle between the Forces of Light and the Forces of Darkness. The Forces of Light will be victorious.
3. The New Age followers believe that humans are receiving help in the transition from positive extraterrestrial, angels, Masters of Wisdom, and great avatars such as Sai Baba.
4. People are learning to identify with the Divine and live the Oness/Unity principle in all aspects of life.
5. A minority of New Agers believe World Teacher is now in the world. His name is Lord Maitreya. He shall teach men the new spiritual ways and lead humanity into the Age of Aquarius.
6. The earth human is moving away from guilt and sin. New Agersworks on mastering the SELF and being God Realized. They believe humans in the New Age will be constructing heaven on earth.
7. The New Agers believe in a holistic approach to health and medicine.
8. They advocate a convergence of religion and science.
9. New Agers believe that humans will aim for purification, nirvana, and enlightenment.
10. They believe that a majestic new world will emerge. Suffering and sickness will end. Peace with justice will govern the economic and political order. Abundance and prosperity will flourish in the environment.
Integralism interpretation of this phenomena:
Source: “FAQ About Integral Spirituality and Integral Worldview” Integral Spirituality
http;//www.ikosmos.com/faqintegral.com.htm.
NEW AGE CULT CONTROVERSY
New
Age explodes with controversy about the nature of cults. J. Gordon Melton, a
leading authority of the New Age, believes there are over 2,300 religious
groups in the
The
origin of the word cult is the Latin word, “cultus.”
According to The Compact Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary
“cultus” referred to “worship; reverential homage rendered to a divine being or
beings… a particular form or system of religious worship; especially in
relation its external rites and ceremonies… devotion or homage to a particular
person or thing.”
Timothy
Miller explains the nature of diversity of American religious diversity: (1)
“First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees that no religion will have
government endorsement and that all Americans are free to practice the religion
of their choice”; (2) Large increase in immigration at last 1/3 of the 20th
century increased different religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism
(Miller 1).
A list
of types of cults:
Eastern Mystical Religions related to
Buddhism, Hinduism, and other pantheistic eastern tradition such as Hare
Krishna and Self Realization Fellowship.
Christian Derivatives which claim to
be based on the Bible with own beliefs and practices.
Spiritual Growth/Self –Improvement
present lectures and seminars. They promise self – transformation. An
illustration is Transcendental Meditation.
“Psychic/Occult/Astral”
groups reveal secret knowledge and wisdom. Two examples are UFO spiritual
organizations and Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment.
“Established Cults” are based on
Christian Bible, large movements, and are considered mainstream. Illustrations:
Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Christian Science. (FAQ
ON Religious Cults 4 -5).
The
great controversy on cults involves disputes and debates between those with
opposing opinions. There are strong disagreements.
Positive Perspective call cults – “New Religious
Movements,” “Alternative Religious Movements” or “Minority Religions.” The
proponents defend these organizations under the principles of religious freedom
and pluralism. They believe people join alternative religions for desirable
motives: The members see the established religions as ineffective to bring about
change and fail to answer the most important questions of life. They see the
new religions filled with idealism and worthwhile values. The members believe
in the principles of the group and have the courage to adhere to these ideas.
Above all, the devotees believe that the alternative religions are agents for
freedom, enlightenment, and Indian Mokshe
(liberation). (FAQ On Religious Cults 6).
Neutral
Perspective seeks value free
description of the organization without expressing emotions and denotations.
Some neutral features: (1) “A small religious group that exists in tension with
the predominant religion.” (2) The religion is innovative and fervent in belief
and not a member of established and conventional religions; (3) A charismatic
leader heads the group. (Definition of terms: cults, sects, and denominations
2).
Negative
Perspective:
First
is counter – cult movement, fundamentalist Christians, and Evangelical
Christianity which see cults as in opposition to Bible and truth of
Christianity. They believe cults beliefs are false and hearsay. Some opponents
believe the cults are instruments of Satan and the anti – Christ.
Second
is mental health organizations and anti – cult movement. These opponents are
therapists and psychologists, and former members of cults. Their purposes are
to expose cults as dangerous, authoritarian, use mind control, and seek
doomsday events. They seek to make the public aware of deceptive methods of
cults.
Third
is the public and media see cults as evil, under the leadership of diabolic
charismatic, engage in brainwashing, prepare for war on society, and seek to
bring an end to the world. They perceive cults as doomsday messengers (3).
Questions for the audience reflection:
1. What is your perception of cults: positive, neutral, or
negative? Why?
2. Have you had experiences with cults? Where the
experiences beneficial or harmful?
3. Would you join a cult? What are your reasons?
Bibliography
“Definitions
FAQ on Religious Cults, Sects, Alternative Religious Movements, Anti-cult, and Countercult Groups” APOLOGECICS INDEX
“Definitions of terms: Cults, Sects, and
Denominations” Religious Tolerance.
Org
Miller,
Timothy, “Religious Movements in the
Hinduism
These ideas of Hinduism are
important to my quest for wisdom:
Oneness and unity principle:
1. Truth is one. Sages call it by many names, (Rig Veda
1.164.46)
2. All mankind is one family.
3. Unity of all existence: All things and beings are the
manifestation of the ONE SUPREME REALITY.
4. Harmony of all religions: All religions lead to the
same goal. It means reverence for all great religious teachers and prophets.
The great religious sages live the same eternal truths and adapt them to
different times, places, and cultures.
Hindu concept of God
1. Ultimate Reality is One.
Sages call it by different names. The Supreme Reality is perceived differently.
2. Supreme Reality in Hinduism is called Brahman. Brahman has two aspects: first
is transcendental/impersonal which is without
attributes and the immanent personal aspect in which Brahman is the Creator,
Preserver, and Destroyer of the universe. Personal Brahman is worshipped in
male and female forms. Hindu deities represent various expressions and
perceptions of Brahman. The gods and goddesses are different ways to understand
ultimate reality. Brahman is the eternal
origin and cause of all existence.
3. Trinity are the three
principal gods of Hinduism. First is Brahma who is continuing to create new
realities. Second is Vishnu who is the
Preserver. Vihnu creates dharma to preserve the world
and incarnates on earth when dharma is threatened. Important incarnations include Rama and
4. Shatku/ mother goddesses include Lakshmi,
Dorga, and Kali.
Atman is the essence of all
things and beings. Atman is infinite, eternal, and unchanging. Atman is the
true SELF and nature of the individual and is ONE with the Ultimate
Reality/Brahman.
Karma is composed of three
debts: First is God Which can repaid by service and devotion to a deity,
reverence for a guru., practice of universality and
truthfulness, and protection of earth. Second is debt to sages and saints.
Repayment includes reverence and service to gurus and saints and serving the
poor and society without expectation of rewards. Third is debt to ancestors. It
is repaid by treating one family by ethical principles of dharma.
AUM – Sacred Symbol of Hinduism
1. AUM is the sacred symbol Hindu dharma and sound of
infinite. AUM symbolizes the Brahman (Supreme Reality) and the cosmos. It is
also the essence of all mantras and the essence of the Vedas. Aum also represents the heaven (swarga),
earth (martya), and underworld (patala).
2. Each letter of AUM represents the trinity – A stands
for Creation, U for Preservation, and M for Destruction/dissolution.
ROLE OF
KARMA/REINCARNATION IN SALVATION
1. Universe is perceived as a giant wheel. Creatures are subject to repeated
birth, death, and rebirth as long as they believe they are separate from
Brahman.
2. Doctrine of karma: The Reincarnated atman t is subject
to the concept that whatever a person sows, he shall reap. It means every
action has results, which are weighed on scales of eternal justice. Good karma
brings about favorable body and conditions in the next life, while bad karma
creates unfavorable body and conditions in the next life.
3. People can escape from the rounds of karma by living
the various yogas which include bahkti
yoya, jnana yoga, karma yoga. or raja yoga.
4. Final goal of Hinduism is moksha.
Atman is no longer to the great will and the bondage of karma. He achieve union of atman (individual soul) with Brahman
(ultimate reality). This condition is known as liberation.
Buddhism
Reverend Daishin
On
Rev. Daishin
impressed me, because he manifests these values: humility, simplicity, and
compassion. He works diligently at meditation – up to seven hours a day. He
also glows happiness,
joy, and enlightenment.
I learned that the abbey’s method
of meditation brings forth these superb consequences: the monks do not grasp or
push away; they are mindful, see things the way they are, and are serene and at
peace. The meditation is rooted in gratitude.
He
gave these insights into karma: actions have results and people are
responsible for outcomes; Buddhism teaches us to see the results of our
actions; people are accountable for suffering and harm to self and others; each person task is bring benefit into the
world. Each person should learn restraint and change harmful habits.
I learned samsara means the world is filled with suffering. Objects and people of the world are
impermanent. We must not cling and let go to things of this world. Our target
is nirvana: release from all suffering, and cleansing. Buddhist are searching for enlightenment.
Two great goals of Buddhism are compassion and wisdom.
Wisdom means generosity,
responsibility for results of action, and careful speech.
Compassion involves sympathy for mutual suffering, acting from kindness and
generosity, not judging others, seeing things in their proper place and acting from
love of the heart.
THE PARABLE OF THE
CROSSING
I
regard this parable a universal idea applicable to all spiritual paths.
First,
we live on the near shore of everyday life. Our lives are filled with suffering and samsara. Smith describes this condition as “nonenlightenment, spiritual ignorance, desire, and death.”
Some event happen
to encourage us to find a better world: tired of the pursuit of pleasure, rat
race for money and power disgusts us, or a sage tells us of a better way of
life.
We
hear about a world on the far off shore. The Buddhist describe
a world of Nirvana, liberation, and enlightenment. For the Christians this
world is where the Christ Spirit dwells. For Hindu the pure Brahman is the
destination.
Each
person travels
the journey on a ship. The ship is a spiritual path: living as a Buddha, loving a guru, devotion
to a god such as
FOUR
NOBLE TRUTHS
After
achieving enlightenment the Buddha preached his first sermon at
First Noble Truth: Life is dukkha. It means suffering, but also insecurity, fear, and
continuous desire. Some of the important sources of dukkha
include trauma of birth, sickness, morbidity of old age, fear of death, things
we abhor, and separation from loved ones. We also suffer from attachment. The
things of attachment are impermanent and include marriage, popularity, wealth,
power, desires, prestige, and sensuality.
Second noble truth is tanha. Our
mind is attached to transitory things, desires, passions, other persons,
sensuous pleasures, and the pursuit of worldly success such as wealth,
prestige, and power. We grasp and crave for these objects. We seek to escape
aversions such as harmful people and ugly experiences. Many suffer from
addictions such as alcohol, drugs, and gambling.
Third noble truth is that dukkha – good news suffering can be overcome. We move from
the small self of separation to big SELF of unity and oneness. We live the
principles of unity and oneness. We achieve niradoh –
unmask clinging, cravings, attachments, aversions, and addictions.
Fourth noble truth is the
path to end suffering. This path brings about self – improvement, growth, and
maturity. We follow the Buddhist middle way, which is the method of virtue. We
move away from the harmful paths of extreme hedonism, overindulge and sensual
pleasure and self – denial. We move toward the conditions of nirvana and
enlightenment.
The eight – fold path of Buddhism: the method to end dukkha
TABLE OF EIGHT – FOLD PATH
|
NUMBER |
SUBJECT |
CULTIVATE |
|
One |
Right understanding |
Wisdom |
|
Two |
Right intention |
Wisdom |
|
Three |
Right speech |
Moral conduct |
|
Four |
Right action |
Moral conduct |
|
Five |
Right livelihood |
Moral conduct |
|
Six |
Right effort |
Mental development |
|
Seven |
Right mindfulness |
Mental development |
|
Eight |
Right concentration |
Mental development |
Each of the paths are
explained::
First: Right
Understanding – This skill involves the cognitive or thinking component of
wisdom. The purpose is to see the truth and the way things are. We seek to
overcome misrepresentation – the way we believe things are,
which may be either true or false. We develop an accurate map for living. We
grasp the impermanence of worldly things and universal law of karma. Above all,
we realize the truth of the Four Noble Truths. We meditate without judgment and
clinging. We learn to let go of our
thoughts and concentrate on the emptiness.
Two: Right
intention – This skill involves the volitional aspect of wisdom
, a method that uses energy to control our actions. We commit ourselves
to ethical living and self – improvement. Buddha identified three intentions:
(1) renunciation which involves the resistance to harmful desires, (2) good
will which means showing compassion, kindness, and doing beneficial actions for
others, and (3) harmlessness which involves not committing cruelty, crime,
violence, and aggression toward others.
Three: Right
speech – Words make or break laws and make friends or enemies. Buddha
presents four abstaining of speech: (1) false speech, telling lies, and
deception, (2) slander and malicious speech, (3) use of harsh words that that
offend and hurt others, and (4) idle chatter without purpose. In positive
speech the speaker tells the truth, is friendly and warm, and talks only when
necessary.
Four: Right
action – The focus is actions of the body. Abstinences include not harming
sentiment beings, do not take what does not belong to you (stealing, robbery,
deception, and dishonesty), abstaining from substances of drugs, alcohol, and
tobacco and sexual misconduct such as rape and underage sex. Positive actions
include acts of kindness and compassion, respect for other people’s belongings,
and being honest. People are instructed to take care of the body and promote
health.
Five: Right
livelihood – We work at an occupation that is moral, does not harm others,
and produces a beneficial good or service. Wealth is earned legally and not for
greed. Harmful occupations include sale of intoxicants, prostitution, and
manufacturing weapons.
Six: Right
effort – Focus is a strong will and exerting oneself with potency and
having worthy goals. Requirements include discipline, benevolence, kindness,
and honesty.
Seven: Right
mindfulness – Its primary belief is people are the results of their
thoughts. We seek to perfect
cognition and clarity. The
four things we seek clear perceptions and images: body, feelings, state of
minds, and phenomena. We pay close
attention to details.
Eight: Right
concentration – We seek one pointed mind. All mental faculties are directed
at one particular object. We seek elevated states of consciousness through
meditation. We also quest for pure emptiness of no thoughts, opinions, and
emotions.
CHINESE
PHILOSOPHIES
PURPOSES AND PRINCIPLES OF CONFUSCIANISM
Confucius was a great
philosopher and sage of ancient
Purposes of Confucianism:
1. Confucianism taught people how to create a second
nature, which involves an image of what he is, goals to live for, and what he
should become. People learn how to rule over his primitive nature.
2. He sought to cultivate scholars who manifested virtue
and nobility. He sought excellent scholars to work as civil servants and
ministers in government who were excellent and loyal to the Emperor and
political system.
3. Confucius system was man – centered and was concerned
with good relationships. He believed people can attain excellent character
through education, self – effort, and use of reason and intelligence. His
morality taught people how to live a good moral life. Men manifest magnificent character of the
noble gentleman. The Confucian world would be ruled by justice and harmony.
4. Confucius sought a government that could effectively
govern
PRINCIPLES
JEN is the
supreme virtue. It is translated as human heartedness. You actualize humanity
in relationships and self – respect. Jen separates humans from beasts and makes
him an excellent human being. You
manifest these exalted virtues: benevolence, charity, magnanimous, sincerity,
respect, altruism, and kindness.
CHUN – TZU is
translated as man – at – his – best or superior man. He is the opposite of the
petty and mean man. He is the excellent gentleman: poised, competent, and tactful. The gentleman
lives these virtues: respect, generosity, sincerity, kindness and benevolence.
He seeks to create wonderful relations between people. He is a model for a
civilized society. What it seeks in relations: the loyal son, just and kind
father, righteous, just husband, and faithful, trusted friend.
LI has
two parts. First is propriety – the way things should be done. These are
precedents in social life that create beauty and goodness in human relations.
Examples are the five relationships, mean, and how to treat the aged. The
second are ritual such as a minister toward the Emperor, son toward his father,
friend toward friend.
TE is the power by which men are ruled - the power of
moral example. Goodness is embodied in society by the excellence of its
leaders.
MANDATE OF HEAVEN is based on a hierarchal view of society. At the apex of Chinese
society is the emperor. He is to demonstrate wisdom as a ruler and receive his
mandate from heaven. If the ruler loses his mandate, it is grounds for the
people to revolt.
MEAN is a
concept involving the ideal between the vices of excess and deficiency and
seeks the virtue of the mean. It is similar to the doctrine of Aristotle. Some
of the results are harmony with the one and heaven, attaining enlightenment,
and living as the superior man. It means do nothing in extreme such as eating
or fasting and working or resting and no extravagance in speech and conduct.
Filial piety involves
love and respect for parents and contributing to their happiness and welfare
and veneration for elders and ancestors.
WEN refers
to the arts of peace such as music, art, and poetry. It seeks to develop the
exalted esthetic culture of the finest arts noble philosophy, and excellent
moral character.
SINCERITY is
a cardinal virtue of Confucianism. The heavenly and earthly realms come
together. It brings human nature into its heavenly nature. You live in the
Presence and complete the self.. Some of its
characteristics: truthful in speech, faithful to people and positions,
discharge one’s responsibilities, and show beneficence by concern for the
welfare of others, helping those in need, and being a loving heart in thought
and actions.
Role of li in Confuscian
vision of the ideal society
1. People cultivate a second nature through socialization
and education
2. People learn and live sincerity, which means
being true to nature, being in harmony with the One and heaven, practicing
humility, empathizing
with others, and being in right and harmonious relations with other people.
3. People seek to develop character by being chun –tzu – being
man –at – his best or superior man. This person of chun – tzu is a gentlman who is poised, confident, and competent.
4. Focus is the use of appropriate names for roles in
society. People demonstrate respect for persons and their positions by speaking
appropriate name..
5. People practice doctrine of means. People seek to be
constantly in the middle between the extremes. It is equivalent to the Golden
mean of Aristotle.
6. Social life is based on the five relations: father and son, senior brother and junior brother,
husband and wife, elder friend and junior friend, and ruler and subject.
Illustrations: father should be loving, while a son
shows reverence and ruler should be benevolent, while the subject is loyal.
7. Filial piety involves children showing respect for
parents, people venerating ancestors, and people showing respect for the
elderly.
8. Great focus is placed on rites. All positions have
rites related to it.
9. Mandate from heaven means the people respect for the
Emperor, because he is an example of virtue and benevolence and keeps the gods
of heaven satisfied. If the Emperor loses the mandate of heaven, the people
have the right to revolt.
The concepts of yin and
yang.
1. These are the basic concepts of Chinese ancient
philosophy.
2. These principles are the polarities of opposition such
as female – male, cold –warm, dark – light, and winter – summer.
3. These principles may be in tension or harmony, when
they compliment and balance each other.
4. All things contain yin and yang. Each thing is mostly
one and part of the other.
5. Yin/yang describes functions and qualities in relation
to each other. Everything in the universe contains the two opposite
characteristics of yin and yang.
6. Illustrations:
|
Yin |
Yang |
|
Female |
Male |
|
Moon |
Sun |
|
Resting |
Moving |
|
Dark |
Bright |
|
Cold |
Hot |
|
Decreasing |
Increasing |
|
Descending |
Ascending |
FOUR PROPERTIES OF YIN AND YANG
#1 The opposition of yin and yang
a. Yin and yang are opposites.
b. Nothing is totally yin or yang. A thing contains more
of one and some of the other.
c. Two constantly change balance.
d. One can predominant and overact. This condition leads
to overbalance and disease
#2 Interdependence of yin and yang
a. Yin and yang
cannot exist independently. They define each other and exist in relation to
each other.
b. You cannot
know dark without light and light without dark.
#3 Mutual supporting and discord nature
of yin and yang
a. Yin and yang may be in balance, deficiency, or
deficient.
b. Deficient – too little of yin and yang; (vice)
Excessive – too much of yin and yang (vice); Correct balance (virtue)
#4 Transformation of yin and yang
a.
Yin and yang can
change into the other.
b.
Summer changes
into winter and night into day.
Taoism Concepts
Three meanings of Tao
1. Ultimate Reality -- Tao cannot be perceived, because
it is beyond the senses, is ineffable, and is the ground of all existence. It
can only be known through mystical insight. Tao is the transcendent of ultimate
reality and ground of all being.
2. Way of the universe --Tao is the here and now and
eternal Presence. Tao is also the norm and rhythm of nature. Everything and all
phenomena are made of the Tao. Tao is also the mysterious force behind all
creation. Tao is the eternal law by the WAY, by which the universe operates.
3. Way to order one’s life – Life is in perfect order,
get in step with the Tao and flow with the Tao.
Wu wein
– It is the way to be and do. People obtain supreme action and excellence, when
they allow the Toa to flow through them. Our egos yield to the power of the
Tao. Smith describes wu wein as creative quietude which combines supreme
activity and supreme relaxation. A
person lets go and lets the creativity of Tao flow through him.
Non – resistance – Let what
happens just happen and accept what happens without resistance. You are not aggressive or competitive. You
learn to flow with everything of life. All things happen without effort and
self - assertion. You take a passive attitude toward war.
ISLAM JIHAD
Jihad means “struggle” Two types of struggle:
First is the major struggle
which is an inner struggle waged against egotism and evil desires. People must
learn to conquer these desires. It seeks a pure character, intent, and spirit.
Its followers are to live Godliness.
Second is the secondary
struggle. It is war and uses weapons and force. Followers of jihad believe
their cause is just and are willing to risk their lives for the defense of
Islam. The radical followers of Islam see the world filled infidels and cruel
Satanists. The enemies include Zionist Israel, Christian crusaders, and Bush
Administration. The Bush Administration
is perceived as imperialists for corporations and forcing their will on Middle
East Nations through regime change.
BIBLICAL COVENANT: OLD
AND NEW
What is the biblical
covenant?
Biblical covenant:
·
An agreement with
God and man
·
Revealed in the
Bible
·
God makes certain
promises and requires certain behaviors
·
Two parties
pledge loyalty to each other.
Requirement is mutual loyalty.
What is the Old Testament
covenant?
Old Covenant is an agreement
between Yahweh (God of the Jews) and the ancient Israeli people. God promised
specific goods in exchange for obedience and love. God, the king, out of His
generosity, gives the ancient Hebrews a covenant. God promises blessings, as
long as they keep the covenant and punishes the Hebrew people when they break
the covenant.
Two important contributors to
the covenant: Abraham and Moses
Abraham contribution:
·
Abraham was the
patriarch of the Hebrew people. He came from ancient
·
Nature of Abraham
covenant: (1) God promised to make Abraham’s people a great people and the
homeland of Canaan (2) God established
the Hebrew people as the chosen people (3) Numerous posterity (4) Abraham’s
name would be great (5) All nations would be blessed by a messiah in the future
(6) Abraham and his people were expected to keep the covenant
Moses contribution
·
Moses was the
Hebrew leader who guided his people out of slavery in
·
Moses at
·
Jews were to
worship no other God (Yahweh is the supreme God over history and humans lives)
and to be faithful and loyal to Yahweh.
·
God promises
blessings for obeying His Covenant and punishment for disobeying.
New Testament Covenant
·
Jesus was the
Messiah hoped for by the ancient Jews. Jesus received his power and authority
from the Father. Today, Jesus reigns at the right hand of God. In the future
Jesus will return in a body to judge all mankind. All who are faithful to Jesus
will live forever in an intimate relationship with Jesus.
·
Trinity which is
the one in three: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
·
Jesus mission:
Jesus was crucified to save mankind from the Original Sin of Adam in the Garden
of Eden. Moses ate fruit from the tree of knowledge. Consequence was toil and
human propensity to Sin.
·
Grace is a favor
received from God. God performs grace as an act of mercy; God redeems man from
sin in exchange for faith, belief, and trust in God and Jesus as savior.
THREE EYES OF SAINT
BONAVENTURE
Saint Bonaventure was a
bishop of the Medieval Roman Catholic Church who proposed the doctrine of three
eyes. Each eye perceives different realities and acquires different knowledge.
First eye is the eye of flesh,
These eyes perceives through the physical senses of
sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Its concerns are knowledge from the
senses, practical skills of living, and know – how.
Second is the eye of
intellect and reason. Its concerns are knowledge of things of the world and
human moral actions. Its tools are reason and logic and the application of
physical sciences and mathematics.
Third is eye of
contemplation. This eye seeks knowledge of God, angel, humans living in
transition in the spiritual realms, soul, eternity.
Its methods include mysticism, meditation, communing with God directly,
visualizing pure GOOD and BEAUTIFUL, and out-of-body experiences. It
experiences mystical union with God, spiritual bliss, light of God, and the
sound of God.
EVOLUTION OF
CONSCIOUSNESS
John Gebser,
a Swiss cultural philosopher, explained the four eras of the evolution of
consciousness.
FIRST is archaic stage.
Primal human of undifferentiated awarenes was
followed by magical consciousness. Period of time is 250,000 to 10,000 B.C.
Humans at first were proto – humans, and their reality was undifferented.
Primary mode of consciousness was dreamlike. There was no distinction between
physical and spiritual worlds. Magic was believed to control life. Tribes were matriarchal.
The nature of consciousness was emotional and instinctual.
SECOND is mythical period.
Its time period is 10,000 to 500 B.C. Important features include belief in the
fall of man, patriarchal hero warrior. Priests of the sacred used herbs and
mushrooms for mystical experiences. They communed with heavenly and hellish
beings. Imagination is emphasized.
THIRD is mental – rational
period. Length is 500 B.C. to the 20th century. Its important
events are Ancient Greeks, Enlightenment, and materialistic sciences. Its
methods are reason and rationality, There is great emphasis on separation and
dualism.
FOURTH is integral period.
It is now the emerging period. It brings into synthesis the other three modes
of consciousness. It teaches unity/ones principle through synthesis of the
opposites. Its focus is mystical union with God, flourishing life of leisure. and finding your own spiritual path,