Why Study world religions? (MIDTERM REVIEW)

What is “Holy Envy”?

• Admiring how others worship

• implementing that in your own faith

During our first class, I discussed four reasons why I have spent decades studying world religions. What were the four reasons I gave?

1. he’s a convert

2. has lived mostly outside of Utah (avoid faux pas)

3. building bridges with people different from him

4. his mission (D&C 88:78-80) be prepared in all things

5. misunderstood faith

Role of Non-LDS religions in God’s plan

God works through and inspires other religions and their leaders. They received a portion of God’s truth and light.

According to our in-class discussion, which of the Articles of Faith did we say is most applicable to the Saints’ ability to learn from other faiths?

13 (anything virtuous lovely or of good report, praiseworthy, we seek after these things)

According to our in-class discussion, what are the implications of 2 Nephi 29:10-12 on the Latter-day Saint search for truth?

The Bible doesn’t contain all of God’s words. God speaks to all nations and they write his words, so we should expect truth in other scriptures and peoples.

I listed a handful of “cautions” for when we are interacting with (or learning about) those of

another faith tradition. What were those cautions and why did I say that they are important for us to heed?

• Why? can be a loaded question

• avoid media sensationalism

• don’t stare at others who are different

• avoid terms like “cult” or “normal”

• be realistic about cultural appropriation

• don’t step on already bruised toes

• know your own beliefs before you study others

• Why they matter: they keep you from offending people or misunderstanding them.

I shared a handful of things Latter-day Saints should do in order to show respect for other

religions. What were the things I shared?

• treat their religious articles and practices with respect

• observe their customs when possible and appropriate

• never ridicule

• avoid arguing

• be kind to representatives

• remember they are all children of God like us.

According to our in-class discussion, if a man enters a Roman Catholic cathedral (in Latin

America) what should he remove? If a woman enters that same cathedral, what should she don?

A man removes his hat; a woman covers her head (veil or scarf)

I offered a couple of “Keys” for comprehending the doctrines of other faith traditions. What were those “Keys” I offered during our in-class discussion?

(1) Ask what question the doctrine is trying to answer.

(2) Most religions aren’t doctrinal, there dogmatic (JWs and LDS are unusual); don’t expect one orthodoxy.

(3) Keep an open mind and set your own lenses on the shelf.