Assignment: Understanding Religion Essay
Choose only one (1) of the following two options:
Option 1: Eight Characteristics of Religion
In an essay, address the following:
Identify and briefly describe the eight key characteristics of religion developed in your reading.
Choose 2 for further explanation and include an example for each of your chosen characteristics as demonstrated in a given religion. (You may use different religions for each characteristic or stay with one throughout.)
Why did you choose these 2 reasons? How do they relate to your own religious worldview or your clinical practice?
Option 2: Etic and Emic Views
In an essay, address the following:
Explain how the etic and emic perspectives describe your own religion or a religion with which you are familiar.
In etic, explain how an objective researcher would describe the religion including specific elements. In emic, explain how a practicing member would see the same reality.
Quote an “authoritative religious leader” from this religion as part of your emic paragraph, in addition to your scholarly source. (E.g., Buddhism-Dali Lama; Catholicism-Pope)
How does understanding this add to your understanding of your chosen religion?
What does it add to your approach to patient care?
