Big+Ideas+and+Understandings


 * Brainstorm the big ideas and deep understandings?**

From Ryan... From Christine...
 * That human beings make sense of their experiences through religious paradigms
 * That religious traditions reveal and mediate the great/absolute other through the lens of their particular self/ritual/faith expression
 *  There is truth and holiness in all major religions.
 *  Religion is a force for peace in the world. (There are examples of how religion has been used to perpetuate division across cultures)
 *  In striving for a mutual understanding and appreciation of different religions we help to create a more just and peaceful world.
 *  Reflection on the key aspects of other religions can help to deepen our spiritual character and commitment to our own faith tradition.
 *  All human beings carry within them a sense of the transcendent and the desire to connect with this presence.
 *  Religion is a way of coming into relationship with that transcendent being, and with each other.

From Ryan - Sunday 31st May
 * After our conversation on Friday afternoon, and with a desire to acknowledge that this unit is about World Religions, I have reflected a little more and want to add these comments
 * **That religious traditions (World Religions) offer the human person a framework through which they can search for meaning (in all its facets)**
 * **That religious traditions (World Religions) offer a safe place where difference (people/culture/etc) can dialogue deeply**
 * **That religious traditions (World Religions) reveal and mediate the divine/God/creator-energy/absolute-other**
 * Given that we are in a Catholic School...
 * **That the Christian tradition holds Jesus Christ up as the exemplar of humanity, the source of authentic dialogue and the way to God**


 * What are some essential questions?**

From Ryan...
 * Who am I?
 * Whose am I: With whom am I in relationship?
 * Who and how is God/the divine or absolute other?
 * Why do people believe?
 * How do people make meaning in their lives
 * What does religion reveal about God/the great absolute other?

From Christine:
 * Why study other religions?
 * Will I "lose my religion" when I explore other religions?

Questioning: our religion

Questioning: my personal spirituality
 * What do I know?
 * What do I believe?
 * What do we have in common?
 * What spiritual path do I follow?
 * What do I receive by committing to a spiritual path?
 * How might I deepen my ‘spiritual character’?