Rick Rogers Religion Analysis

The text written by Rick Rogers is a brief introduction to give students an idea of what to expect in the course. This text also builds a foundation needed for future endeavors within the course.
As stated previously, the assigned text written by Rick Rogers is written with a purpose of creating the foundation needed to venture into the enigma of religion. The foundation consists of defining key terms, understanding origins, how to categorize religions, and understanding the methodologies of approaching religion (historical and scientific). With these set as the foundation, the central purpose of this text is to promote critical thinking, religious pluralism, and interfaith dialogue. In the very beginning of the text religion is defined. In …show more content…
Rogers provides example of each of these terms. While the examples are generally clear cut, there still is a bit of ambiguity surrounding both terms. History is considered history because it is confirmed. While a myth is a cherished story, confirmed or not, with special symbolic meaning. One may ask can a myth be history if it is confirmed or is it strictly noted as a myth. While myths can be fabrications, they often teach of important values and morals. However, with the modern value of science, the devaluing of myths has become very common. This devaluing, to many historians, is alarming because it takes away from the many lessons, moral, and values that it could teach. The devaluing of myths has led religious people of various faiths to make their myths scientific history which then blurs the line between myth and history. Rogers, then points out that science can be mistreated as a religion, as evidence and facts become the ultimate realities and concerns. When religion can be looked at in a non-prejudice way, practices and behaviors can be studied. While doing this, more information of events in recorded history can be found. Thus, creating a better picture of what really happened throughout …show more content…
When discussing religious pluralism, automatically one should understand it’s relevance to this course. This is because from a social science stand point having it allows one to learn from a faith and ultimately teach one about humanity and our development throughout time. When religious pluralism is present, the cooperative discussion of beliefs and traditions can happen which is known as interfaith dialogue. With these two things combined, critical thinking can occur which allows for a better understanding of the various ultimate concerns and realities that people