Religions of the World

I attended a Christian college in my first two years as a student, so I had to take a class on the survey of world religions. I was surprised at the time, that it was really a well-done class that seemed to show equality to each religion studied and wasn't overly biassed to Christianity. I never realized it until recently, but Paganism wasn't even in the book. Now that I consider myself to be Pagan, I find this rather interesting. It is funny the things you don't really notice until they actually apply to your life. As my final project for the class I wrote a poem summarizing (very briefly) each religion studied, and the poem was a big hit so I thought I would include it here to prove my point that Paganism is still being avoided in society..

Journey With Me
~~~~~~~~~
Journey with me through our world religions,
Where different cultures produce different visions.
The spirits speak to us in many ways unknown,
From later Christianity to the age of stone.

In Japan what started as the philosophy of Shinto,
Focused in on nature, with deities to pray to.
With the Sun and the Moon and other Kami,
The birth of Japan began with Izanagi and Izanami.

Due to the introduction of Buddhism by the Chinese,
Religious influences were added by other ideas like these.
With the turning point of the Meiji Restoration,
The religion of Shinto was adopted by the Nation.

In India the religion of Hindu paved the way,
Trained by a guru, disciples are taught how to pray.
Devotion is sought through yoga and meditation,
A way of life dedicated to this Indian nation.

The Bhagavad Gita talks of not many gods,
But just one who helped Arhuna beat the odds.
Krishna the chariot driver got Arhuna to see
Why he must fight, because it was his duty.

The religion of Buddha is seen in more than one land,
From Asia to the West he has touched many a hand.
Though more forms of Buddhism initially arose,
Only three major groups survived out of those.

In Theravada the way of the elders remained,
Mahayana say enlightenment by all can be attained.
Vajrayana suggests strength clarity wisdom and light,
But each type of Buddhism is special in its own right.

Judaism goes back two thousand years or more,
The problem began with an act by the Romans of war.
Destruction of the Second Temple had a major part to play,
And earlier Judaism was forced to develop in a new way.

The Hebrew bible comprises Ketuvim Nevi’im and Torah,
With holidays like Hanukkah and lighting of the Menorah..
The preparation of many foods require certain restrictions,
For meat must be kosher, meeting with religious convictions.

In Islam themes of other faith such as Judaism are found,
Stories of Abraham Moses Mary and Jesus abound..
The Qur’ an is the sacred bible which includes the hadiths,
It explains Muhammad’s revelations of truth not of myths.

The five pillars of Islam include no less and no more,
Accepted in faith are creed prayer and help for the poor.
Fasting brings forth sympathy and an unpleasant sensation,
While pilgrimage to Mecca is an aspect of veneration..

Christianity grew from Judaism but is now a separate thought,
With Jesus as the son of God this is a difference sought.
In organic form he suffered so that humanity was free,
And the gates of heaven opened up because he used the key.

The idea of God’s three entities make up the trinity,
With father son and spirit all are one divinity.
Angelic forces seek to help those in conflict and distress,
Prayer faith love for God humanity does express..

And so concludes this journey of many faiths unknown,
For each culture couldn’t thrive with simply one belief alone.
Religion makes us who we are and how we choose to live,
Acceptance of our difference shows strength with which to give.