This field assignment is an opportunity to reflect on how different events,traditions, or experiences can—or cannot—“count” as religions, in light of the theories we have engaged in the classroom. The experience you select can be from a different religion or a different denomination .
Paper purchaser: I am Christian, and I need you to write a paper as if I went to a Buddhism gathering in my area and learned about their religion.
The event can also be a gathering that you think could count as a religion, according to the theories discussed in class, but which is not traditionally included in lists of “world religions.” If you have questions or brainstorms, feel free to raise those for discussion in class, in office hours, or over email.In all cases, your task will be to engage your personal experience and observations of this event, to consider how it aligns with or differs from theories of what constitutes a “religion” according to the theories we have covered in class, and to use those resources to explore noteworthy features that have left an impression on you.Guidelines for Conduct. You are only required to attend one event of the type that you choose,though if you would like to attend more, that is fine. When you attend, above all be respectful.Remember that you are a guest.Please do your due diligence about the tradition before you go. You will need to research: forms of dress; whether there are behaviors or elements of the tradition that differ for men and for women;when and where the meetings are; and anything else that seems important.Please strive to be an active, respectful participant. If you are asked about your reasons for being present, feel free to explain the assignment, and use the opportunity to ask questions that may have occurred to you during the experience. Please avoid taking detailed notes during the service. If you must write down a few key impressions in the moment, make them brief. It is best to take 30 minutes afterwards to write down everything you noticed, how you felt, connections with the reading that spring to mind, and so forth.The following questions may be helpful in directing your observations and focusing your thoughts in advance of attending the event, as well as afterwards. You do not need to address all of these questions in your paper.
(1) Space: How is the worship/mediation/gathering space laid out? Is there a focal point?Does it create a certain mood ?What does this suggest about the presence of the Divine? Is there art in this space? What is it like? What does the art communicate about the sacred?
(2) Ritual: What happens? prayer? silence? movement? preaching? music? Is it very ritualistic or more free-flowing? Who are the main actors? What is the attitude of the participants? serious? upbeat? inattentive? Does this suggest a sense of the sacred?
(3) Words: What is said? How is God or the Divine described, if at all? Do the texts of hymns, prayers, or meditations suggest a particular way of viewing the world, human beings, or some form of divinity? What is the “ultimate concern” addressed in the liturgy of the day?
(4) People: Who is there? How are people arranged? Is there a visible authority, and if so,what is her/his role? Is gender significant in this gathering, and how can you tell? How are people responding to the rituals?
