Rev. Linda Spicer
This course offered a variety of subjects to ponder and investigate regarding the most prevalent, population wise, religions of present human kind, providing modest social and historical evolution of these belief systems. I felt, from this course, that humans have a need for social structure no matter that said structure may dilute or destroy the very thing one is trying to organize and preserve i.e. the original message of the founder / model , through multi-layered “laws” and hierarchy . This need appears worldwide and spans culture and belief. Interestingly enough, this dilution seems to be accepted as part of the evolution of these religions. Questions to ponder, will future sects or schisms appear? What will future religious leader’s message be? Who will follow?
Secondly, as someone who should like to encourage others in their belief / non-belief, understanding, growth or search thereof, there was nothing in this course that created a disagreeable attitude on my part toward any of the mentioned religions. I wondered how I would react, would prejudice, bias, past experiences or personal ideals affect the way I approached the course? This course gave so many websites addresses and book titles to pursue, that I did not feel I was being exposed to biased instruction.
The Sacred Space and Architecture discourses (13 & 14) were my favorites. Was it because the subject matter included more Native American commentary, did I like the illustrations and photography more than the ceremonial or iconic pictures presented in other discourses? I must confess I enjoy when one explores the celestial, earthly, and chemical elements of our existence and humankinds’ efforts to understand, translate, emulate and create a harmonious existence with them.
Discourses 18 and 19 on Religious Titles were my least favorite. My impression was “ These leaders are creating positions for their friends and relatives and lets keep the power exclusive”. I was saddened, as I became more and more lost in the hierarchical structure of some religions, that the maps who these religions serve were diminished to lesser than status. Is it a wonder the majority of people can’t “find God”, look at the layers of church officials they have to wade through. Of course, most of these systems are inherited from a time when the spiritual leader was also the leader of the people on all levels.
What I found most interesting in this course was the lack of humor, is religion so serious that one forgets laughter and the joy of living? Are humans trying so hard to please God, find Nirvana, follow a spiritual leader, obey dogma, release physical attachment, help others and so on, that we lose our sense of humor? Or…are those searching for spiritual connection and enlightenment sick in the first place and don’t know the joy of life? Actually, in my own life, those who have a strong faith, enjoy peace with themselves and the world about them have the best sense of humor, laugh often and create an enjoyable atmosphere about them.
The only suggestion I have regarding improving this course is to double check web addresses. Some were no longer active, no longer included the information or had some very interesting , though not related, displays.
Rev. Linda Spicer
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