Blog 2

Critical Thinking: To me, critical thinking is a way of deciding upon ones views or actions by use of analyzing and evaluation information that one has learned, or knows to be true. Critical thinking is also about studying information that others have gathered, examining evidence on each side of the argument, and examining one's own way of reasoning.

One critical thinking question that I struggled with was that of my religious views, or rather lack of religious denomination. I took a course on World Religions last semester, and have done quite a bit of research on religion myself. Religions have always fascinated me, but I have never been able to pick one for myself that properly suits who I am. I have visited a number of different ceremonies for a number of different religious holidays and events. I have also spoken to a number of people of different denominations about their chosen religion. Lastly, I have read a number of religious books, the Bible, the Ramayana, a bit of the Qu'ran . . . with so much pursuit to find a religion that suits me, I have found that in fact, by use of critical thinking, no religion fits me.



I have made many decisions without using critical thinking. One that comes to mind is an accident that I have at a ski resort when I was twelve. I was skiing down a hill, going pretty fast, and I hit a little bump in the hill and it shot me a little sideways - I almost fell down. After this, I was a little shaken up, but my little brother wanted to go on this ski run one last time. Without deciding against my brother's wishes, and using my prior experience, I went down the slope one last time. Again, I hit the bump in the hill, but this time I fell down the hill and broke my arm.



Intellectualism: To me, intellectualism is not an intimidating word, but it does suggest an expectation. Intellectualism does not have a negative connotation in my mind. It is a word that suggests use of the mind that requires reasoning and critical thought.

Logic: Positive connotation. Logic means using the mind, and learned behavior to formulate thoughts and course of action.

Reason: Positive connotation: Reason means using the mind to look at both sides of an argument to decide course of action in life situations.

Blog 1

This is my second semester at Sierra College. So far, college has been an awesome experience for me. I have met some cool people and my classes have been great. This last semester went very well for me. I was very excited to start college because I was looking forward to more challenges in my education.
High school for me wasn't great, and wasn't bad. I attended high school at Colfax High in Colfax, Ca. By the time I was a senior I had found a few clubs and had made quite a few friends, so my last year of high school was a breeze. Every year up to senior year, however, was just okay. High school for me were kind of fleeting years - only a few of my teachers from high school stand out to me good teachers and I have only kept in touch with a few of my high school friends. Most of my experiences from high school were not very beneficial to who I am today.

With so much money being spent on investments that do not educationally advance our society, why has no government funding been given to schools to help create a better learning experience for high school students?

Rationalism: The belief that reason is the correct basis for regulating conduct in one's own life.

Anti-Rationalism: The belief that rejecting reason is the correct basis for regulating conduct in one's own life.

Fundamentalism: The belief of following strict guidelines to conduct one's own life.

Henry David Thoreau

"The universe constantly and obediently answers to our conceptions; whether we travel fast or slow, the track is laid for us."
ahhhh
How simply Thoreau explains this concept. My mom always told me that "the universe always says 'yes'". This idea has stayed with me, because there is no denying the truth of this. The universe says yes to whatever I claim to be true, and in this, my path is laid out before me.

What we want, the universe manifests, even if what we want is not what we thought we would get in the end.

My path is put before me, by my thought and my actions...and my universe is ever-changing.
My perception of the universe changes every day. After watching "The Universe" on the History Channel, by entire view of the universe has been changed.
In a matter of four days, my eyes have been opened to a new view on the universe, the planet, and on religion. Although straying off topic from Henry David Thoreau's insight, I will continue.

I recently finished 'Angels and Demons' by Dan Brown, and book that had an incredible impact on my belief in religions with the idea of antimatter, the opposite of matter, that proves that The Big Bang Theory and Genesis are correct in each respective view point. This discovery of antimatter made clear to me, finally, that religion and science are meant to go hand in hand.

Since reading this book, I cannot stop thinking about the ideas that Brown presents... and everyday I am running into similar ideas, stories, readings, shows, you name it, that reflect back on this new view of the universe.

Thoreau explains his view of the universe in this chapter in a very fluid, interesting manner, that can relate to the idea of antimatter, and to the ideas of the universe, however 'far out' these ideas may seem.

Maximus of Tyre

I love this passage. It is so beautiful. Maximus of Tyre speaks very profoundly. "Let men know what is divine." I like this sentence, because it opens the door to understanding. People should know what is true and divine and beautiful. These things are meant for everyone to share and enjoy. Maximus says that he should not "further examine and pass judgment about images." Meaning that he should not judge what people consider to be images of god. That is my interpretation. Why pass judgment on those who worship the beauty of nature? Nature is beautiful, and can often be attributed to no one other than god, or whomever a person worships. I like this passage, because to me it says; accept everyone, because everyone is entitled to their own opinion and belief of religion. If this wisdom was universally attainable, the world would be so much more peaceful.

Heraclitus

"Opposition brings together, and from discord comes perfect harmony"
This passage is really wonderful. I enjoy all of the short little quotes. This one I like the best, because it is true, and easy to interpret. I think so anyway...
This message is so relevant for all religions, although I think that many have not yet moved on from opposition.
Opposition does bring together, there's no question of that. For example, Bush opposes Iraq and terrorism, and as a result, American soldiers are in Iraq and could be close to terrorism as well. I don't know if harmony will be the result by the time the war on Iraq is over, but I hope that it is. A more ancient topic is the war that the Palestinians and Israelis have been fighting for thousands of years over the holy land. This war, if resolved, although I have no idea how one would go about resolving such deep-rooted anger, could also result in perfect harmony, if gone about in a harmonious manner.

"It is in change that things find rest."
I like this quote because it is perfect for the current state of politics and the presidential race. Change, is a word that both John McCain and Barack Obama have emphasized in their campaigns. And I know that we have strayed here from World Religion, but I think that finding something to connect with is the easiest way to understanding.
Barack Obama presents change in the way that the government functions. He wants to give tax breaks to the middle class, and raise taxes on the rich. Textbook democrat, right? Obama also plans to invest into alternative energy, invest energy into pursing tough, presidential diplomacy with Iran, and wishes to withdraw from Iraq by 2010.
John McCain offers immediate financial help to struggling American citizens, plans to end dependence on foreign oil (eventually), and wishes to establish a strong government of democracy in Iraq.
All of these issues are very irrelevant in some ways to religion, but do present an excellent example of finding rest in change. Change can provide new opportunities, and can eliminate old ideas. In these changes, we can find rest in knowing that our issues have been resolved.
In regards to religion, change provides a new consciousness to focus on. Whether the religion be Judaism or Hinduism, religion offers a new outlook on the world, and on our purpose. Change can provide rest to many difficulties some face in finding a religion that speaks to them, and in that, rest is found.

Muhammad

Yes! Muhammad has it right.
This reading and Muhammad's words are no different than any of the other teachers and other messages that all passages in this book seem to have. This common theme throughout all religious practices shows how connected we all are. All religions are connected because they all have a similar theme. A similar message. A similar idea. A similar law. WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR US TO GET ALONG?! We all have similar, if not the same goals in our religious beliefs! We all seek to find a relationship with our own God. Muhammad said "True religion is surrender." This is absolutely true! And radical religious people should take his words to heart.
Surrender to your God.
Surrender to change.
Surrender to your path.
And surrender to all who upset you because of their religious beliefs!
Its not worth fighting for! I would be soo happy if just once people fought over something important, like food! Why can't we just fight about who gets the most food in the world, INSTEAD of fighting about who is right and wrong in regards to religion.

John the Evangelist

I like John the Evangelist.
I enjoy "Love comes from God, and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God; those who don't love, don't know God; for God is love."
This sentence is so straightforward. It seems that all of these deemed 'Christian' teachers have such an easy outlook to follow. Its as if Christianity was created for Americans. A step by step process.
God is love. This is a truth that cannot be denied. However a person sees God, their God reflects love. How can God not be love? It isn't possible. God is like a father to so many, who loves unconditionally.
In the movie 'V for Vendetta', one of the main characters says 'God is in the rain'. I like that she says this, because who else could be responsible for something so wonderful as the rain?
I also like the idea that God is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. This concept is cool, because it shows that God is a part of everything. Everything that happens to anyone is a part of God, or whomever a person might believe in. God is the spark of all flames.
God may be in the rain, but I understand God the most on a day like today. It is so windy! If God controlls the eco-system than he must be having a crazy day! This wind is such a change from the dry heat that we have had all summer. It is like the wind is blowing life into everything again. The trees haven't quite started to turn brown, and they look SO green today.
If a God exists, he must be responsible for this wind. Nothing earthly could create such a powerful force of life!