Categorizing Hinduism

We started the quiz today after I gave students a little bit of time to study.  Well, I gave them a little time to study, and then I gave them a mini-review lesson on Hinduism.  This question appears on the quiz: "How would you define Hinduism, polytheistic, monotheistic, or pantheistic?"  I realize that leaves the door open to students saying, "well I wouldn't define it in the first place..." or some such answer - but I let them know that it's a trick question and that they should give reasons why Hinduism sort of fits all three categories.

I put the following on the board:

I mentioned that it's easy for people from our culture to think of Brahma as the "good" god and Shiva as the "bad" god - since Brahma creates, and Shiva destroys - but that Indians don't think of it like that.  Because their culture believes in reincarnation, the universe is also following a path of birth, life, death, and rebirth.  Shiva destroys in order to allow Brahma to start creating again.

So, we discussed how Hinduism could be viewed as polytheistic - because they obviously worship many gods.  Then I posted these pictures:

I mentioned that the three gods (and really all the Hindu gods) made up Brahman - the eternal spirit/essence/god of everything.  If those gods are actually a part of God - then that would make Hinduism monotheistic right?  Because Hindu worshipers are actually worshiping Brahman - singular.

Then I posted this picture:

I made the point that during creation Brahman becomes part of everything, and everything is part of Brahman.  As such, that would make Hinduism pantheistic - since Brahman is inserted into creation...


I think the point I was getting at was - so often we answer quickly without giving much thought, when oftentimes more thought is necessary.

What is it: polytheistic, monotheistic, or pantheistic?  It's complicated.

If you want the extra credit for reading today's blog entry, discuss the blog with an adult.  When you're finished, write your name, and the two things you discussed on a piece of paper.  Have the adult you discussed it with sign the paper.  Turn it in in the extra credit tray.

Trying to Save You Time

If you want the extra credit, study for the pop quiz that will be happening tomorrow...  (It would have been a pop quiz if I had given it today like I'd had planned... but plans sometimes change, so the kids know about it.)

I would study the chart, Venn diagram, and any other religion papers you think would be useful.

This will be a visual quiz, with questions that look like this:

Image credit:http://israeltravelproviders.com/BarBatMitzvah.html

 

What religion are these people?
How do you know?
What do you think they are reading?

After you have studied for 5-10 minutes, write me a note telling me who you studied with.  Have them sign the note, and turn it in for extra credit.

Nontheism and Geography

Today we discussed the difference between nontheism and atheism using Guatama Buddha's Parable of the Poisoned Arrow.  To get the extra credit today, relay the parable to an adult and tell them what it represents, and why Guatama Buddha taught it.

When you are finished discussing the blog, write your name on a scrap piece of paper.  Then write the phrase, "Who was it that shot me?"

Finally, have the adult you discussed the blog with sign the paper proving that you read and discussed the blog with them.

Geography Games

Tomorrow we'll be playing the geography games.

In order to get the extra credit today, play Asia or Africa 5 times.  I know it might take longer than it usually does, but after all - it's extra credit.  Make sure you play the middle "countries" column.

When you're finished, print off or write out the scores and have a parent sign it.

Four Noble Truths

1. Everyone suffers
2. We suffer due to desire/wanting
3. There is an end to suffering
4. The eight-fold path is the way to end suffering

Today we discussed the first of the Four Noble Truths at length - do we agree with it or not?  General consensus was yes, it is true.  Suffering is a part of life.

I asked a few questions and most classes had some good discussion before finishing the review guide.  We talked about whether we only believe it's true because we've never met someone who hasn't suffered.

I also asked how many students suffered because there was something they wanted to do, and they weren't allowed.  Many raised their hands and talked about video games, and staying up late.  I brought up Joseph Kony and child soldiers and asked if a kid that went through that would have the right to be offended.  Would he be justified in saying, "Not being allowed to play a video game?  That's not suffering.  You have no idea of what real suffering is."

To get the extra credit, read and discuss the blog with an adult.  Have the adult sign a scrap of paper and write the following on it: "I am trying."