This week we look at two world religions, Sikhism and Jainism.
I. Jainism
Like Buddhism, Jainism arose in the context of Hinduism. Although it is hard to confirm, Jainism probably arose before Buddhism. However, the life of the founder of Jainism, Mahavira, is similar in many important details to the life of the Buddha. So, it is reasonable to believe that these stories influenced one another. Like the Buddha, Mahavira lived a very ascetic life, that is, a life of very harsh renunciation of worldly comfort and pleasure.
Like Hindus and Buddhists, Jainism claims that life is a cycle of death and rebirth, or reincarnation. One’s karma determines one’s future life. Jainism teaches that the way to avoid bad karma is to avoid doing as much as possible.
Jainism also teaches a view that reality is dual in nature: there is spirit and there is matter. (Such dualism is common to many other religions, and is a staple of western philosophical thinking.) The ultimate goal of Jainism is to release the soul from the matter in which it is trapped.
Finally, for the Jain, salvation is an individual journey. Only you can save yourself. Even though many Jains believe in gods, and might even pray to them, they do not believe the gods can save you.

II. Sikhism
Sikhism arose somewhat later in history than the other religions we have studied so far. Sikhism was founded by Nanak, and the religion is thought to be an original development by their teacher. However, scholars claim that the religion arose as the outcome of a religious conversation between Hindus and Muslims.
Nanak taught that God, whom Sikhs call “The True Name,” created the universe, with human beings the pinnacle of that creation. Sikhs share with Hindus a belief in karma and reincarnation. However, Sikhs believe that The True name can save you and release you from the endless karmic cycle of death and rebirth.
Today, Sikhism remains a minority religion in India, but despite its relatively small size it has divided into three sects. However, despite differences, various forms of Sikhism retain their simplicity.

III. Paper
The paper this week asks you to imagine that you are a Jain nun or monk. Besides assessing your writing skills, the assignment has the purpose of trying to get you to put yourself into the shoes of someone from a different religion. The paper should be written from your personal perspective as this person. Below I have reproduced some ideas from the syllabus about writing papers, modified for this particular assignment.

In this class, we will use APA.
This paper will contain a maximum of 10% quotations.
Understand the ways in which elements of both Hinduism and Islam contributed to the development of Sikhism.
Understand the major divisions within Sikhism and how they developed.
Be familiar with the basic teachings and ritual practices of Sikhism.
Understand the major beliefs and practices of Jainism.
Understand the position of Jainism in contemporary India.

PAPERWK4: Write a paper based on the following:
Make a rather detailed list of your activities from the time you rise in the morning through lunch. Once the list is finished, review it from the perspective of a devout Jain nun or monk. What activities would have to be altered or abandoned during this time period?
Papers should be about 750-1000 words.

This week we look at two religions that originated in China: Confucianism and Taoism.
I. Chinese Religion
It is useful to study Confucianism and Taoism together, because they both partake essentially of the Chinese way of thought about spiritual and ethical matters.
The chapter clearly spells out the basic Chinese religious concepts. There is the central idea that many gods and spirits inhabit and affect the universe. These beings are both global and local. Another key concept is that of yin and yang, two opposing yet complementary forces which serve as major factors in the operations of the universe.
Later in Chinese thought, there arose a belief in Shang Ti, the ultimate god that controls the universe. This god punishes the evil and rewards the good.

II. Taoism
According to tradition, Taoism begins with the thought of the Chinese mystic Lao-tzu, who lived in the 6th century BC. However, the ideas behind Taoism are most likely much older. Lao-tzu himself remains a mysterious figure. Perhaps this is fitting, given the mysteriousness of Taoism itself.
Taoism is a difficult religion to define and hence to understand. One might begin by reading Lao-tzu’s Tao Te Ching and reflecting upon its cryptic sayings.
1. A mysterious force – the Tao – guides the universe.
2. Life is the most valuable thing.
3. The simple life is best.
4. Fame and fortune (“pomp and glory”) are not the way to happiness.

III. Confucianism
The man who founded Confucianism was named Kung. Much is known about his life. Ironically, this founder of one of the world’s great religions might not have been religious himself. One might understand Confucianism as a system of practical advice, not a religion. That is a matter of much debate.

Our text notes five basic relationships in life that Confucianism affirms (Hopfe p. 196):
1. Father to son.
2. Elder brother to younger brother.
3. Husband to wife.
4. Elder to junior.
5. Ruler to subject.

We stress that there is nothing particularly “metaphysical” about the teachings of Master Kung. He taught that a well ordered society is one founded on mutual respect and returning favors.

Recognize the similarities and differences between the major religious belief systems
Evaluate and compare various religious beliefs and traditions.
Recognize what distinguishes a religion from other forms of belief.
WRITING:
DQ1WK5: The doctrine of the “separation of church and state” has been very significant for American political thought. How do politics and government influence religion? How does religion influence politics and government? In your opinion, what should the relationships among them be?
DQ2WK5: Are Taoism and Confucianism truly religions? Argue both sides.
DQ3WK5: Many in the West are familiar with the samurai and his warrior code. Westerners have been especially fascinated with his willingness to commit suicide before facing dishonor. Why does this notion seem so foreign to Westerners? What religious ideals are embodied by the samurai?

This week we look at two world religions, Sikhism and Jainism. I....