THE MATERIAL DIMENSION OF MYTH, Religion and myth assignment help

choose ONE of the following questions, and give a substantive response of 250 -300 words. use the links below, include in-text citation and references.

1. THE MATERIAL DIMENSION OF MYTH

Pick one of the five major world religions. You might want to consider a religion other than your own to offer the class something new. Find a myth from that religion that you can directly connect to something in the religion’s material dimension. A myth is a story from that religion, NOT a misunderstanding of the religion in general culture. See Learning Resources for examples of myths.

Provide a link to a version of the myth and give us a very short (3-5 sentences) description of the myth.

Provide a link to the element of the material dimension that links to the myth and give us a paragraph that analyzes how the two are connected. For example: Is this an object that is part of a ritual? Is it used by believers to accomplish something? Does it teach believers something? Does it help a community express their beliefs? Is it something (like a work of visual art) that critiques the values/beliefs/practices etc. expressed by the myth, or offers a new perspective on the religion?

Offer your personal reaction to what you have found and discuss why you think it is particularly interesting.

2. THE ACADEMIC STUDY OF RELIGION

To address the following questions, consider the four approaches to religion described in the introduction to this module: exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism and empathetic interest in other people.

Which of these four approaches do you take in your everyday life, and why?

Describe a friend, acquaintance, or relative whose approach to religion is different than yours. What approach do they take? Given your different approaches, how would you communicate with them about religion?

If you were to take a college class on religious traditions, do you think the academic study of religion might require you to adjust your approach? Explain your answer.

http://rel.as.ua.edu/pdf/rel100introhandout.pdf

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/whatson/exhibitions/ramayana/guide.html

http://www.bl.uk/turning-the-pages/?id=a394c2a0-ee97-11dc-95ff-0800200c9a66&type=book

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/

http://www.usashaolintemple.org/chanbuddhism-history/

http://buddhism.about.com/od/chanandzenbuddhism/a/chado.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/holydays/passover_1.shtml

http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/504495/jewish/Why-Is-Elijah-the-Prophet-Invited-to-the-Seder.htm

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/miriams-cup/

http://thejewishmuseum.org/collection/5355-seder-plate-untitled