Comparative Religions

[marieann-d.livejournal.com]

Rogue stands in the front of the classroom looking exceedingly nervous. "Professor Gandalf is not here, er, today, so I'm leading the discussion." She coughs. "Um, we will be discussing Hinduism during this class. Um, there will be more complete notes online after class. Also, we'll be discussing it again next class, so you can ask Gandalf any questions.

"Hinduism is practiced by, um, a very large percentage of the world's population. So, it is worth being studied. While it is techincally a polytheistic religion, it is also considered by some to be monotheistic." Everyone looks bored, she thinks.

She turns around and looks through Gandalf's desk. She finds a recording of Hindu chants and plays it. "Everyone, please tell the class your thoughts on this recording."

[[OOC: I'm going to be taking off, like now. Play it all out wonderfully, like I know you will.]]

Comments

[m-samuelle.livejournal.com]

I wanted to turn in my homework before commenting.

We can continue to read and learn - to better ourselves. We can learn more about and be more respectful of the spiritual practices of others. In learning about our differences we may also learn more about how all people are the same and then remind ourselves to reach and strive for higher realities. Acts of kindness and caring also help connect us to one another and remind us of our higher purpose. We might take out the garbage for an elderly person or help them with their shopping. We might show mercy to one who might otherwise be considered collateral damage.

Homework Assignment #2
How can you decide what is right?

I find this a particularly difficult question. I have a friend who is very sure she knows what is right and what is wrong. She says she 'just knows' and expects that I should too. However, many times we have different feelings about things. Where I am from I follow the orders I am given or I die. The person in charge decides what is right, not me. I try to minimize non-necessary damage as much as possible and listen to that small voice inside me when I can. But when 'right' involves killing a large number of people to prevent them from killing an even larger number, when evil people are kept alive because their knowledge makes them useful in preventing a tragedy… The lines of right and wrong become quite blurred.