Philosophy

The definition of philosophy that was used, "the love of wisdom," really opened my eyes to what is in store for me (and every other student) in the next three months in this class. I am eager to learn about all aspects, both positive and negative, of Western religions all while maintaining perspective. Religion is not a subject I have ever studied in great depth but am now looking forward to learning the differences as well as the similarities the religions we will study share with one another. I think I am at a point in my life where I have the experiences of my childhood attending church with my family, my early adulthood experiences of questioning why I believed what I did (was it out of habit or true beliefs) and my experiences later in life of accepting fully my spiritual beliefs to be able to open my mind to religions other than my own.

Paul Tillich's definition of religion as "ultimate concern" fascinated me. I never viewed religion in this way, as a "concern", but when I thought about it a bit more it really makes a lot of sense to me. Concern can mean many things to each individual and how they personally relate it to their own religion or beliefs or even just their outlook on life and the future. The "ultimate concern" for the future as an example of "external religion" and the "ultimate concern" for their internal individual spirit as an example of "internal religion."

I enjoy seeing how different people interpret things in a way that reflects their own personal experiences and beliefs. Religion is such a vast subject and I am really looking forward to hearing (reading) others views on subjects.