RELIGIOUS TRADITION

Option 1. Visit a house of worship or other religious activity from a tradition other than your own. Submit an essay which answers the following questions:

1. What happens during the activity?
2. Is there a set order of events? If so, list those events in chronological order.
3. Who officiates at the activity?
4. What is expected of the participants?
5. Do men and women participate together?
6. Are children present?
7. Does music play a part? If so, describe.
8. Are religious images present? If so, describe.
9. Describe the architecture of the environment in which the religious service takes place. Do some spaces seem more “sacred” than others?
10. As a visitor, are you made to feel welcome? Describe.
11. How are visitors expected to behave?
12. Other observations you come up with on your own.

Option 2. Interview a person from another religious tradition than your own. Submit an essay which answers the following questions that you asked the person you interviewed:

1. What are the essential teachings of your faith?
2. What is your Sacred Scripture?
3. Who is considered your founder?
4. What takes place in worship (see above)?
5. Are visitors welcome?
6. How should visitors behave?
7. What are the significant rites of passage and other rituals/practices in your faith?
8. What are the roles of men, women, and children in your religion?
9. What attitude does your religion have towards other religions?
10. How many believers are there in the world, the United States, North Carolina?
11. What is the most important thing you want outsiders to understand about your faith?
12. Other relevant questions you come up with on your own.

To get a top score, your paper should:

1. Include an introduction in which you identify the activity, date, and place of worship or person interviewed.
2. Be organized clearly, guided by the assignment questions.
3. Include specific information that demonstrates insight into the important characteristics of the religion.
4. Include observations that show objectivity and appreciation towards the religion.
5. Include the full name, address, and contact information for religious organization that you visited.
6. Include a digital photo of you along with the person you interviewed and/or the place of worship you attended at the beginning or end of your paper.
7. 3 to 4 pages lenght.

YOU CAN MAKE UP SOMETHING, AS LONG AS YOU ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS ON EITHER OPTION.