Choose one of the following categories to focus on for this Eastern religions assignment. For your topic, you must demonstrate knowledge of the terms and concepts of Chapter 1 and incorporate them into your paper.

Week 5 Assignment - Eastern Religions Introduction Choose one of the following categories to focus on for this Eastern religions assignment. For your topic, you must demonstrate knowledge of the terms and concepts of Chapter 1 and incorporate them into your paper. (Listed below) Instructions Choose one of the following topics and write a 2–3 page paper incorporating the key focus areas of the topic. Make sure to use categories and terms from Chapter 1 in your paper. Topic 1 Write a paper in which you compare and contrast two major Eastern religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, or Shinto). Begin your project with a clear and focused thesis statement. Address the origins, region, main leaders, the particular teachings or philosophies, rituals, scriptures, holy days, and impact of the religions. Use the categories and terms from Chapter 1 in your descriptions of the religions. Topic 2 Write a paper in which you feature a dialogue between Confucius and the Buddha. Begin your project with a clear and focused thesis statement. Address these aspects of each figure: birth or origin; ethical system and its source; and reaction to the introduction of their concepts. Compare and contrast their teachings and philosophies. Use the terms and concepts from Chapter 1 to illuminate your dialogue. Topic 3 Write a paper presenting a visual report on two Eastern religious sites nearby (an alternative for those in rural places would be to do an Internet search of two religious locations). Begin your project with a clear and focused thesis statement. Look at architecture, interior space, etc. Include visuals to illustrate your points. How do these reflect the definitions and terms of Chapter 1 and what we have learned about these religions? Topic 4 Conduct an extensive interview with a person who practices an Eastern religion and write a paper presenting the results of this interview. Begin your project with a clear and focused thesis statement. Use these questions in your interview: How did you become associated with this religion? What is it about this religion that intrigues you? Is it difficult to practice your faith? What readings or scriptures do you use? What are some rituals you perform? What holy days do you keep? What would you like others to know about your faith? Use the definitions and categories of religion from Chapter 1 to guide the interview. Topic 5 Write a paper that explores indigenous religions. After an introduction with a clear and focused thesis statement, set up a three-column chart: one column for the basic elements of religion; one for indigenous religions, and one for the Eastern religion of your choice (there are at least three that have indigenous aspects or roots). Identify five or more of the basic aspects of a religion, then determine if they can be found in indigenous or Eastern religions. Summarize your results in a concluding paragraph and address these questions: Based on the terms and definitions of Chapter 1 are indigenous religions really religions? Using the information from Chapter 2, did you find any indigenous religious elements in Eastern religions? Topic 6 Write a paper that explores religion in the news. Find an extensive news story on one Eastern religion or indigenous religion. Begin your project with a clear, focused thesis statement. Using five terms and concepts from Chapter 1 and pertinent chapters from Fisher, interpret that story for people at a family gathering by explaining how it relates to the basic tenets of that faith tradition. Use three sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library or review library guides Key terms absolutist Believing in one’s received traditions as completely and exclusively true. agnosticism Belief that if there is anything beyond this life it is impossible for humans to know it. allegory Narrative using symbols to convey abstract ideas. atheism Belief that there is no deity. awakening Full awareness of invisible Reality. charisma Magnetic attraction, a quality often ascribed to spiritual leaders. comparative religion A discipline that attempts to compare and understand patterns found in different religious traditions. Creationism Belief that all life was created by God. dogma Doctrines proclaimed as absolutely true by religious institutions. enlightenment Wisdom that is thought to come from direct experience of Ultimate Reality. exclusivism Belief that one’s own tradition is the only true religion and that others are invalid. fundamentalism Insistence on what is perceived as the historical form of one’s religion. gnosis Intuitive knowledge of spiritual realities. humanism An approach to life focusing on humans’ responsibility to lead ethical lives without belief in the supernatural. immanent Present in the visible world. incarnation Physical embodiment of the divine. intelligent design Theory that scientific discoveries prove the existence of an all-encompassing Designer, since they reveal complexities that seem to be beyond chance or evolutionary process. liberal Taking a flexible, nondogmatic approach. metaphysics Philosophy based on theories of subtle realities that transcend the physical world. monotheism Belief that there is only one deity. mysticism The intuitive perception of spiritual truths beyond the limits of reason. myth A symbolic story expressing ideas about reality or spiritual history. orthodox Strictly standing by received traditions. polytheism Belief that there are many deities. profane Worldly, secular, as opposed to sacred. realization Personal awareness of the existence of Unseen Reality. redaction Editing and organization of a religion’s scriptures. religion A particular response to dimensions of life considered sacred, as shaped by institutionalized traditions. ritual Repeated, patterned religious act. sacred The realm of the extraordinary, beyond everyday perceptions, the supernatural, holy. scientific materialism Belief that only the material world exists and that the supernatural is only imagined by humans. secularism Personal disregard of religion; government policy of not favoring one religion. spirituality Any personal response to dimensions of life that are considered sacred. symbol Visible representation of an invisible reality or concept. theism Belief in a deity or deities. transcendent Spiritual reality that exists apart from the material universe. universalism Acceptance that truth may be found in all religions..