Reflection #9: The Incarnation of God

The First Noel

The first noel, the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the the East, beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

This star drew night to the northwest
Over Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

     In the Christmas carol, The First Noel, Jesus is depicted as the King of Israel. In the movie, The Nativity Story, Jesus was shown as son of God.. The carol shows what happened around Jesus while at birth and after his birth. It showed how shephered received Angel's message, how the light shown from the sky to where Jesus was born, how three astrologers followed the star, and how three astrologers presented the three gifts to Jesus.

     The last verse shows when three astrologers, depicted as three wise men, present three things to Jesus when he was just born. The three things were gold, myrrh, and frankincense. Those three things have meanings behind them. The gold represents kingship, frankincense represents priestship, and myrrh represents sacrifice. The three astrologers, who traveled from afar, kneeled as they presented the gift to Jesus. In addition, Noel means birth; therefore, this song was about Jesus’s first noel.

     Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and Persian astrologers took different parts in the story. Mary was obviously important because she gave birth to Jesus while being pure. She was the birth mother of Jesus. Even though Joseph wasn’t Jesus’s birth father, Joseph was important because he looked for a place for Mary to give birth and received Jesus when he was born. He also took care of Mary while she was pregnant with Jesus. Furthermore, shepherds were important because one of them lends space for Mary and James and because they received Angel’s message and they were lead to witness the birth of son of god or King of Israel. The three astrologers were important because they traveled all the way by following the stars from Persia to Bethlehem to witness the king of Israel’s birth. They also presented Jesus three things: gold, myrrh, and frankincense.

     Jesus is Son of God, a messiah, and prophet. He was described as self sacrificing, wise, and compassionate. His mother, a virgin, was believed to receive a baby in her womb by God. If the story was true, I believe God chose this method to send his son through human form to show God’s love and compassion toward human beings. Furthermore, it gave connection to God and humanity as Jesus was son of God in human form.

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #8 Islam: Two Perspectives: "Find where Islamic religious beliefs intersect with current events. Research a Western news source on the story and summarize the article fr..."

Article from CNN: Family waits to see if mother, accused of blasphemy, will be hanged
Asia Bibi, 45 years old Christian woman, was sentenced to death because she broke strict Pakistan blasphemy law. Asia insulted Islamic belief and the prophet, Muhammad. When Asia dipped her cup in the bucket of drinking water, her co-workers, who are Muslims, insulted Asia by saying that she contaminated the water because she was non-Muslim. Asia in response, said that Muhammad was no real prophet. There apparently were witnesses; therefore, she was sentenced for 15 months in prison and finally to death. There were no teachings that a person should executed for blasphemy in Koran and in Hadith. Such rule was added by Islamic jurors and thinkers. The government was unable to take back its decision because they fear the consequences they will get from Muslims. Asia’s daughter misses her mother and thinks that the whole thing is just wrong.
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-18/world/pakistan.blasphemy_1_islamic-law-death-sentence-blasphemy?_s=PM:WORLD

Article from the view of Muslims: CNN whitewashes Islam's death penalty for blasphemy
The Muslim states that people who insults the Islamic view and its prophet, the people should be sentenced to death. They used Koran and Hadith to prove these facts. They say that in Koran it says: "The hypocrites fear lest a Soorah (chapter of the Koran) should be revealed about them, showing them what is in their hearts. Say: '(Go ahead and) mock! But certainly Allah will bring to light all that you fear.” The Muslims believed that those who offend the prophet will become Kaafir and should be executed.
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2010/11/cnn-whitewashes-islams-death-penalty-for-blasphemy.html
The two are different and written in a different perspective. The CNN article emphasize on human right and show how it is not right to judge based on beliefs. On the other hand, article written in the view of Muslims show the importance of following one’s faith. The CNN article claims that in the Koran and Hadith, there is nothing about killing blasphemers. However, the Muslims clearly states that the teaching definitely exists. The CNN puts Islam in a bad position by pitying the family of the victim and by possibly manipulating the fact. The article written by the Muslim shows the weight of blasphemy as a crime.

Modern Religious Experience: Personal Commemoration- Reflection #7

Modern Religious Experience: Personal Commemoration- Reflection #7: "Think of an event in your life- past, present or future. You are going to create a commemorative ritual for this event. First, describe the ..."
I believe that twentieth birthday should have a commemorative ritual. Age twenty is an age for a teenager to turn in to a full grown, independent adult. Twenty years old people are now responsible for their decisions and choices and time they start getting ready to create their own living. The commemoration should last for a week and during the week; the main character of the ritual should able to enjoy teenage life for one last time by making memorable memories such as going to an amusement park.

One should also recite the following vow during the ritual: “I, a fledgling, am now a full grown adult. I am now responsible for my own future paths. I will not blame others for my mistakes nor ask others to take responsibilities for my choices, as I am now responsible for constructing my road to my future.”

The host of the ritual should bow to their parents since they are the one who brought him or her for twenty years until he or she can finally manage on their own. The host should also wear a traditional clothe from their birthplace to remember their place of birth and to thank for their health till the day. The host should provide their favorite food to offer to the table since the ritual is about him or her.

The Morality of Greek Myths- Reflection #6

King Iobates ordered Bellerophone to kill Chimaera, a monster that had been causing some trouble in the country of Lycia. Bellerophone was not supposed to come back alive; however, with the help from goddess of wisdom, Bellerophone succeeded in defeating the monster. After Bellerphone’s victory, King Iobates ignored the order from the King Proetus because he believed that the goddess will not help those who deserve death.

The moral of the story is to believe on your decision more sincerely. King Iobates knew at first that Bellerophone was a fine and honest man; however, he did not believe his decision strong enough to let the order to kill Bellerophone pass. In the end, Bellerophone was able to show his innocence by proving himself with the help from the goddess. This story shows a person's decision and judgment on others. One of the important Greek virtues shown here is to not frame people who are not guilty and that the innocent person will be able to prove themselves out of the crime somehow in the end. We should learn not to frame the innocent, learn not to make hasty judgments on others, and learn to believe in our decision.  

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #5: Bongwonsa Temple and Nature Walk: "After visiting the Zen Buddhist Temple, Bongwonsa and attempting to see nature as a Taoist, answer this question: What is it about creation,..."

Humans are naturally curious creatures. Therefore, they cannot help but wonder about death, creation, nature, way of life. Having no science and technology, only answer they can get was through religions. Religions explained everything that was unexplainable. People would spend their lives seeking out religious truth, and nurture faith to receive answer they want about life and for peaceful afterlife and future. Furthermore, people also seek religious truth for enlightenment and knowledge that may help find oneself and help those near them. People bow down to the statue of Buddha as I was told by a monk, who studied Buddhism since he was a kid, for their wish, peace, and enlightenment. People suffer from unknown and their uncontrollable emotions and thoughts. However, eastern religions such as Buddhism helps you control your inner-self and help you reach to an understanding. The practices such as yoga from Hinduism, acupuncture from Taoism, meditation from Buddhism and Hinduism, are practices that help your inner-health. In Bongwonsa temple, I was able to understand the reason why People search truth from religion and why they were so faithful to them. I believe that believing in religion is same as believing in hope, decision, and yourself. For example, people bow to Buddha statue for their wishes and hopes. Religion also affects your life such as marriage and decision. Lastly, you can learn yourself through religion. Meditation is used for achieving peace and enlightenment. People such as Buddhas were able to control themselves achieving what many people couldn’t and didn’t.

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #4: Buddhist Meditation

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #4: Buddhist Meditation: "Spend 20 mintues in a silent meditation; a place you won't be disturbed, your own 'fig tree' as was Buddha's inspiration. In those 20 mintue..."

By spending 20 minutes in a silent meditation, which was difficult yet enjoyable, I was able to experience a moment of peace and calm. It was difficult to empty my mind since there were many things to think about such as my concerns and things to do. However, after about 10 minutes, I was able to achieve a state of calm and half succeeded on emptying my mind. Nevertheless, distractions such as noise still bothered me and made me curious on what was going on outside. Through meditation I was able to achieve some understanding of life such that when your mind is clear that you can view things in more of a wider angle. I also came to understanding that extravagant life is just a luxury and normal days and life is a blessing. In addition, I was inspired to try best to control my thoughts and temper because I realized they were hinder to my peace until I was able to control them. I found that meditating helps you control your emotion and thoughts and that helps you achieve peace and calm.

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection #3- Gandhi: Hindu and Activist: "In class, your small groups went over movie questions about the content in Gandhi. You should know who each of the main characters are and t..."

Gandhi believed in the Hindu idea of self-sacrifice and non violence, also known as Ahimsa. Gandhi fought for independence from British with non violence. He protested without giving up even though the British used violence against them. Gandhi started the protest by burning the pass and then stepped up to bigger protest such as the protest to salt factory, which is run by the British. In addition, he also believed the benefit of self-sacrifice. He believed that when one sacrifices oneself with a good will, it will benefit the neighbors. Gandhi sacrificed his time and high status in order to achieve the benefit of his people. Gandhi became one of the untouchable, the Dalits, from wealthy status and sacrificed many hard times in jail. Gandhi was a strong advocate of Hinduism, however, he treated others religions with equality and tolerance.

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall – think of it, ALWAYS,” is one of Gandhi’s quotes. I feel that this is one of his most powerful quotes. His protest for independence was possible from Gandhi’s belief that truth and love always beats tyrants and violence in the end. His strong faith allowed him to be persistent on winning over the independence. Furthermore, his belief passed on to the others, and gave them strength and unity, resulting in succession of winning back power from the British.

Modern Religious Experience: Assignment #3- Sacred Poetry

Modern Religious Experience: Assignment #3- Sacred Poetry: "Assignment #3- Sacred Poetry • Add a picture of an ancient religious symbol to your Online Portfolio (it can be one of those from the notes..."

Bhavacakra

In the hand of Yama, the god of death,

is the Bhavacakra,

the wheel of life,

the wheel of existance

Bhavacakra that devides in to six realms

the world of Devas, Asuras

the world of humans, animals,

the world of Pretas, Hell

Center of the wheel,

is Buddha

who shows the way,

the way to Nirvana

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1

Modern Religious Experience: Reflection Question #1: "According to Mircea Eliade religion has 'not vanished without a trace; [it] has contributed toward making us what we are today and so, after..."

Religion was essential for survival for those who lived long ago. The mystery of life needed explanations; therefore, people used religions to explain them. Nowadays where people are busy living their life and have science to explain things, religions seem to fade out from their lives. However, religions already rooted themselves in people’s principles of life. Even those who do not believe in any religions are affected by them. Our moral as human came from nowhere else but from religions.

My grandparents are zealous Buddhist. Nonetheless, I do not believe in any religions. However, my life is greatly affected by Buddhism. I grew up listening to the Buddhist believes. For example, I believe that people reincarnate when they die. Those who are good and charitable become human again in the next life and animals for those who are bad and selfish. Hence, my judgment, decision, and thoughts are unconsciously based on the Buddhist morals. Religions are already part of our lives and history and always will be.