When I was in high school I had a one trimester World Religions course. It was rather similar to this one but not as in depth and unfortunately a lot of the information I learned was not retained. However, one thing I do remember, and think about often, is something a practicing Buddhist said while visiting my class. She was a women who had converted from Catholicism to Buddhism and was going through the steps to be a leader in the faith. When asked about her conversion, and the fact that her family is still Catholic (I think she even said her brother was a priest.) She said that she has found many similarities between the two religions. These similarities and the fact that she had such a strong base in simply believing in a religion are part of the reason she found it so easy to accept Buddhism. I always found this very interesting, especially during periods when I've considered if Catholicism is the right religion for me. I really feel like that observation by her captures a lot about 'different' religions. Now to tie that in with our field trips...
When we went to the Hindu temple we got to participate in a blessing with no concerns about what we believed. We went to the Buddhist Zen Center for the purpose of experiencing meditation which is one of the core things in Buddhism. Both places were more than willing to share with and welcome us. I personally found it very easy to participate at both places and I am a practicing Catholic. There are obviously differences between Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism and yet I feel as if they can all be tied together in one way or another. The women who spoke to my class about her conversion gave a very good example of how closely tied aspects of these religions can be.
Now, more on my experience at the Zen center...
Like all of our field trips I was really looking forward to this one. I have always thought meditation would be interesting to get into but have not previously had an opportunity to try it. I am very interested in the connection of meditation with the Buddhist faith. It was also nice that the community in Madison was so welcoming and eager for us to be there with them.
The actual meditation was not exactly what I thought it'd be like but I definitely learned a lot. It was also nice having read The Empty Mirror, it gave me something to compare my experience to. Although we only meditated for ten minutes I realized within the first minute how hard it is and how much 'practice' it would take to experience it more fully.
I really hope that I have the opportunity to learn more about meditation and other things connected with Buddhism. I really enjoyed this field trip!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Hindu Temple
Last Friday we went to a Hindu Temple in Aurora Illinois. I was Very excited and anxious for this trip! Like so many of the religions we have learned about I didn't know a lot about Hinduism and it has always seemed really interesting to me.
Apart from the three hour drive (and very cold weather) the day started of really well. Within the first few minutes of being at the temple our guide really impressed me. He was very welcoming and you could just tell that he was happy we were there. He was also very knowledgable and did a good job of bringing up points of interest that weren't repetitive of what we'd already learned but instead helped us gain a better understanding of the worship space and hinduism.
Being able to try food at the temple was a really cool experience. Hinduism has very strong ties with India so understanding India is a way of better understanding the long history of that country - tasting the food helped with this. The yogurt didn't agree with my taste buds but I really enjoyed the rice!
The main temple part (upstairs) was not exactly what I had expected, but in truth I really didn't know what to expect and in no way was it a disappointment. Everything that we learned was so new and interesting. The guide did such a good job with the amount of information he gave - it wasn't so much that you couldn't take in anymore but it was just enough so that you had an understanding of what was going on.
The whole time well at the temple I felt so welcome. The people there were so willing to share there religion - never have I been to such a welcoming place. My favorite part of any of our field trips was being able to participate in the blessing. I had already felt as if I wanted to participate in this religion that had no reservations for sharing its beliefs when one of the priests warmly invited my fellow classmates and I to be blessed. He explained what he was doing with every step which helped me feel even more open to the ritual.
The whole time we were upstairs with the gods I felt as if it just emanated a holy place. I loved the experience of being there! If I ever have the opportunity to do so again i definitely will!
Apart from the three hour drive (and very cold weather) the day started of really well. Within the first few minutes of being at the temple our guide really impressed me. He was very welcoming and you could just tell that he was happy we were there. He was also very knowledgable and did a good job of bringing up points of interest that weren't repetitive of what we'd already learned but instead helped us gain a better understanding of the worship space and hinduism.
Being able to try food at the temple was a really cool experience. Hinduism has very strong ties with India so understanding India is a way of better understanding the long history of that country - tasting the food helped with this. The yogurt didn't agree with my taste buds but I really enjoyed the rice!
The main temple part (upstairs) was not exactly what I had expected, but in truth I really didn't know what to expect and in no way was it a disappointment. Everything that we learned was so new and interesting. The guide did such a good job with the amount of information he gave - it wasn't so much that you couldn't take in anymore but it was just enough so that you had an understanding of what was going on.
The whole time well at the temple I felt so welcome. The people there were so willing to share there religion - never have I been to such a welcoming place. My favorite part of any of our field trips was being able to participate in the blessing. I had already felt as if I wanted to participate in this religion that had no reservations for sharing its beliefs when one of the priests warmly invited my fellow classmates and I to be blessed. He explained what he was doing with every step which helped me feel even more open to the ritual.
The whole time we were upstairs with the gods I felt as if it just emanated a holy place. I loved the experience of being there! If I ever have the opportunity to do so again i definitely will!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
To say the least our visit to the Mosque today was not what I thought it would be like. I think that because apart from Christianity these religions are so foreign to me I am expecting there places of worship to be more shocking. (not the best of words but it'll have to do.) I have never been in a Mosque before and I really thought that there would be more to it. The whole time we were listening to our guide talk I was inpatient because I wanted to have time to see the worship space. The fact that the worship space was simply a large room with a really comfy carpet was very surprising to me. However, looking back I realize that this really shouldn't have been such a shocking thing - prayer and worship for Muslims seems to be a very simple thing. It kind of makes sense that something they have to do so often and occasionally not in the best of locations would be simple.
The other thing about the Mosque that surprised me, apart from the size and simplicity of it, was the community aspects apart from the prayer room. Learning about this religion is showing me how little I knew! Again why I didn't picture there being any type of community features, like a kitchen and a recreation/ social room I don't know, but they have them. The center also features classrooms and a library. Our guide mentioned that part of the building is newer so it is apparent that the size of the community is growing.
Although I have to admit that the Mosque was a little disappointing in terms of what I was expecting I am very glad we were able to go. I learned so much more about the religion as well as about my own preconceptions and misunderstandings that it was a very beneficial trip!
The other thing about the Mosque that surprised me, apart from the size and simplicity of it, was the community aspects apart from the prayer room. Learning about this religion is showing me how little I knew! Again why I didn't picture there being any type of community features, like a kitchen and a recreation/ social room I don't know, but they have them. The center also features classrooms and a library. Our guide mentioned that part of the building is newer so it is apparent that the size of the community is growing.
Although I have to admit that the Mosque was a little disappointing in terms of what I was expecting I am very glad we were able to go. I learned so much more about the religion as well as about my own preconceptions and misunderstandings that it was a very beneficial trip!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Madison - Synagogue
For our second trip we went to a synagogue in Madison. I was really looking forward to this experience because I had never been in a synagogue before. I didn't know what to expect but I can say that the actual synagogue wasn't anything I had pictured. It was a very interesting place though and I enjoyed the experience.
One of the features which I found most interesting about the synagogue was the symbols for the twelve tribes of Israel being on the curtains covering the arc. Their placement there made them very prominent in the synagogue. Of course being Catholic I know quite a lot about the twelve tribes but they are not as important to the Catholic tradition as they are to the Jewish. (The twelve disciples take the place of the twelve tribes.) Because they aren't as significant to the faith which I grew up learning I was intrigued to see such an emphasis put on them in the synagogue.
Beth taught us that Judaism doesn't believe in having much in terms of idols, which was why the synagogue was very simply decorated (very unlike the Dyersville Basilica.) However, kind of like the Monastery, light can be used as a way to bring character to a building. Beth said that all synagogues needed to have natural light as well as a light that never goes out. There were also many little features that included lights (little ones). Because of how much light was a feature of the two Catholic Churches we saw I found that the ways in which light was present in the synagogue to be very interesting. The main explanation for the light of the synagogue was that Jews believe it to be representative of Gods constant presence. As I already noted, light is a main feature to Catholic Churches, stain glass windows and numerous candles being a good example. But I have never heard this explanation for lighting until being at the synagogue. I thought that it was very interesting.
Going to a Catholic Church my whole life means that to me a normal worship space consists of wooden benches and kneelers. The padded chairs of the synagogue definitely did not fit in any of the pictures I imagined prior to going to the synagogue. They were comfy, and if you had to sit there for a while they would be nice to have. However, because what I am used to are Benches and kneelers I was not really a fan of the synagogues chairs. I felt to much as if I was at a movie theatre or a play. Chairs are such a material aspect to consider though.
I have always thought that I had a decent impression of the Judaism. However, after the reading so much about it, visiting an actual synagogue and speaking with practicing Jews I have realized that my understanding of Jews/ Judaism was completely based off of the New Testament which is rather biased. I now think that I have a much better understanding of what the life of a practicing Jew looks like and I am grateful for the chance to visit a synagogue for an even better understanding.
One of the features which I found most interesting about the synagogue was the symbols for the twelve tribes of Israel being on the curtains covering the arc. Their placement there made them very prominent in the synagogue. Of course being Catholic I know quite a lot about the twelve tribes but they are not as important to the Catholic tradition as they are to the Jewish. (The twelve disciples take the place of the twelve tribes.) Because they aren't as significant to the faith which I grew up learning I was intrigued to see such an emphasis put on them in the synagogue.
Beth taught us that Judaism doesn't believe in having much in terms of idols, which was why the synagogue was very simply decorated (very unlike the Dyersville Basilica.) However, kind of like the Monastery, light can be used as a way to bring character to a building. Beth said that all synagogues needed to have natural light as well as a light that never goes out. There were also many little features that included lights (little ones). Because of how much light was a feature of the two Catholic Churches we saw I found that the ways in which light was present in the synagogue to be very interesting. The main explanation for the light of the synagogue was that Jews believe it to be representative of Gods constant presence. As I already noted, light is a main feature to Catholic Churches, stain glass windows and numerous candles being a good example. But I have never heard this explanation for lighting until being at the synagogue. I thought that it was very interesting.
Going to a Catholic Church my whole life means that to me a normal worship space consists of wooden benches and kneelers. The padded chairs of the synagogue definitely did not fit in any of the pictures I imagined prior to going to the synagogue. They were comfy, and if you had to sit there for a while they would be nice to have. However, because what I am used to are Benches and kneelers I was not really a fan of the synagogues chairs. I felt to much as if I was at a movie theatre or a play. Chairs are such a material aspect to consider though.
I have always thought that I had a decent impression of the Judaism. However, after the reading so much about it, visiting an actual synagogue and speaking with practicing Jews I have realized that my understanding of Jews/ Judaism was completely based off of the New Testament which is rather biased. I now think that I have a much better understanding of what the life of a practicing Jew looks like and I am grateful for the chance to visit a synagogue for an even better understanding.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Dyersville Basilica and New Melleray Abbey
Contrasting the two sacred spaces that we visited today is very easy on a quick glance of both. Comparing them takes a little more observance so I'll start with that. The comparisons that can be made are the basic features of Catholic Churches, ones that can also be found in Christ the King at Loras. Both places have a raised alter. They also both have tabernacles behind the alter (although very different tabernacles.) We learned that the Dyersville Basilica has gone through lots of renovations and changes over the years and the New Melleray Abbey has also undergone some major changes.
Now to the easier part - contrasting. The best explanation that I thought was offered for why the Basilica was designed and decorated the way that is was is because it is a period piece. It is an example of a style and culture that the church, and Dyersville, went through. The Abbey is the way that it is because it is the worship space for cloistered monks - they believe in simplicity and the Abbey is just that, very simple.
When you first walk into the Basilica there is something from all different directions trying to grab your attention. The main alter is one of the first things that you have to focus on because of the complexity of it. This is very different from the Abbey which has a slightly raised alter and a simple wooden chair for the presider and minimal Christmas decorations (a couple trees and poinsettas.) The Tabernacle at the Abbey is in a 'house' behind the alter whereas at the Basilica it is surrounded by an almost castle style lodging of dark wood and leaf gold. The Basilica is also adorned with an over abundant amount of Christmas decorations, lets just say i have never seen so much garland with red bows.
The Basilica has some amazing pieces of art above the high alter as well as on the ceiling throughout the church. The Abbey however, only has one painting of Mary and Jesus throughout the whole church. In contrast to the Basilica's painted high ceilings the Abbey has a very pretty wood ceiling with not much to it. Both buildings also have gorgeous windows that provide the appropriate lighting for the inside spaces. The Basilica's stain glass windows are beautiful (especially the Blue one in the back). The Abbey's windows are are very plain but very fitting for the style of the church.
If I were to give a tour of both spaces to a non christian I think that the Abbey would be the easier one to explain. Those who worship there are dedicated to prayer and believe that the simplicity of the church allows them to focus on their prayers. The Basilica however would be a lot harder to explain. (Because I don't completely understand it.)
Personally I was a lot fonder of the Abbey because of its simplicity. I didn't feel as if the overwhelming aspects of the Basilica were cohesive. There were many aspects I liked and I thought were beautiful in the Basilica I just didn't like them all together in one church. I did however fall in love with the Abbey as soon as we set foot in it. The Abbey matches my taste and preferences in terms of a worship space and I think that even if I wasn't Catholic I would be comfortable spending time in there.
Now to the easier part - contrasting. The best explanation that I thought was offered for why the Basilica was designed and decorated the way that is was is because it is a period piece. It is an example of a style and culture that the church, and Dyersville, went through. The Abbey is the way that it is because it is the worship space for cloistered monks - they believe in simplicity and the Abbey is just that, very simple.
When you first walk into the Basilica there is something from all different directions trying to grab your attention. The main alter is one of the first things that you have to focus on because of the complexity of it. This is very different from the Abbey which has a slightly raised alter and a simple wooden chair for the presider and minimal Christmas decorations (a couple trees and poinsettas.) The Tabernacle at the Abbey is in a 'house' behind the alter whereas at the Basilica it is surrounded by an almost castle style lodging of dark wood and leaf gold. The Basilica is also adorned with an over abundant amount of Christmas decorations, lets just say i have never seen so much garland with red bows.
The Basilica has some amazing pieces of art above the high alter as well as on the ceiling throughout the church. The Abbey however, only has one painting of Mary and Jesus throughout the whole church. In contrast to the Basilica's painted high ceilings the Abbey has a very pretty wood ceiling with not much to it. Both buildings also have gorgeous windows that provide the appropriate lighting for the inside spaces. The Basilica's stain glass windows are beautiful (especially the Blue one in the back). The Abbey's windows are are very plain but very fitting for the style of the church.
If I were to give a tour of both spaces to a non christian I think that the Abbey would be the easier one to explain. Those who worship there are dedicated to prayer and believe that the simplicity of the church allows them to focus on their prayers. The Basilica however would be a lot harder to explain. (Because I don't completely understand it.)
Personally I was a lot fonder of the Abbey because of its simplicity. I didn't feel as if the overwhelming aspects of the Basilica were cohesive. There were many aspects I liked and I thought were beautiful in the Basilica I just didn't like them all together in one church. I did however fall in love with the Abbey as soon as we set foot in it. The Abbey matches my taste and preferences in terms of a worship space and I think that even if I wasn't Catholic I would be comfortable spending time in there.
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