http://www.albawaba.com/slideshow/islamic-state-isis-593675
This link is from the Arabic news website, al Bawaba English, and is titled "ISIS ISIS baby! 13 Facts About the Baddest Boys of Religious Fundamentalism." This article does a great job explaining how ISIS has gotten to where they are and how they continue to be a stronghold from Islamic extremism in the middle east. It gives you a historical background and information on how they became what they are today.
Because of the power they have, as we studied in our Sociology class, the fear that they are using to get people to follow them is continuing to work. Not only are there threats to those who do not follow the group, they also have created videos, statements, and have killed a lot of people in many villages and towns across Iraq and Syria. The group continues to spread, the violence continues to worsen, and the people become increasingly fearful of what ISIS is capable of. I have to say though, if you're looking to threaten, scare, and force a nation to follow you, they're doing a pretty good job of it. It may be short lived, I'm sure they won't be able to go on forever creating terror, but I can say that they have already done a lot of damage and I don't think they're stopping anytime soon (until the rest of the world steps in.)
This blog topic is all about religious fundamentalism and how it relates to sociology, including recent occurrences in the news, images, self reflections on the topic, etc. This will be an ongoing blog project for my Sociology 111 class.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Image Heavy 2: Religious Fundamentalism
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Friday, August 8, 2014
Reflection 2: Islamic Fundamentalism and Religious Studies
When I attended my first university, I started out as a religious studies major because it offset my mathematics major (which was easy, but boring). I love learning about all of the different religions, and as I progressed in the program, I was able to choose my higher level classes and direct my focus on the areas that most interested me. One of my first religious studies teachers was a huge mentor and I enjoyed all of his stories of travels, experiences, and wisdom, so I ended up choosing most of the classes that he taught. This particular teacher was focused on Islamic Fundamentalism, knew Arabic, and spent a lot of time teaching and studying in the Middle East when he wasn't at the university teaching us. My last year, I ended up taking a religious fundamentalism class, which covered fundamentalism across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
I was so intrigued by the differences in religions, but did not even think about the fact that each religion usually has a fundamentalist sect of some sort, if not many. Christianity was well known to us and we flew through those discussions and lessons, but Judaism and Islam was incredibly fascinating to study. We looked at what the most strict, religious, and/or extremist did on a daily basis in the name of their religion, and how that affected the people, the area surrounded that group, and the religion itself. I do not want to go into the actually class subject matter, but instead focus on how different it was to look at religion in that light. At a time of war and extremism, it was fascinating to see why each group acted and reacted to different situations, the reasoning to each action, and how they formed those thoughts. It gave incredible insight into the world of war and the middle east, terrorism, extremism, fundamentalism, and how each religion can be changed, adapted, and followed. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has the least bit of interest. I know it helped me a lot, and I think it would help most people, especially in the United States, to see things from a different perspective.
I was so intrigued by the differences in religions, but did not even think about the fact that each religion usually has a fundamentalist sect of some sort, if not many. Christianity was well known to us and we flew through those discussions and lessons, but Judaism and Islam was incredibly fascinating to study. We looked at what the most strict, religious, and/or extremist did on a daily basis in the name of their religion, and how that affected the people, the area surrounded that group, and the religion itself. I do not want to go into the actually class subject matter, but instead focus on how different it was to look at religion in that light. At a time of war and extremism, it was fascinating to see why each group acted and reacted to different situations, the reasoning to each action, and how they formed those thoughts. It gave incredible insight into the world of war and the middle east, terrorism, extremism, fundamentalism, and how each religion can be changed, adapted, and followed. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has the least bit of interest. I know it helped me a lot, and I think it would help most people, especially in the United States, to see things from a different perspective.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Reflection 1: Friends, Family, and Personal Experiences in Religious Fundamentalism
I have personally seen religious fundamentalism at work in my own life, particularly in friends, family, and my own personal experience with those people. The first time that I encountered fundamentalist Christianity always comes to mind when I think of where this can go in religious groups around the world. Now, I will not be touching on any terrorism or Islamic fundamentalism around the world in this reflection, but will in the next reflection. This one will strictly be for Christian fundamentalism.
Sarah (name changed for this story) was one of my best friends throughout my childhood and teenage years. Both of our parents required us to go to church every weekend, and our families attended two different churches, so we would hang out around that schedule and abide by the rules of our households. Every now and then, when there was a sleepover, we'd attend one another's service if our parents allowed it, but usually it was her attending my Catholic service and me attending her children's ministries or teenager ministry programs while her mother attended regular service. One weekend, and I do not recall why, both Sarah and I attended church service with her mother instead of the separate program.
Now, her family was Christian, but they attended the non-denominational church in the town, which means that they can make it pretty much however they want to. I was used to Catholic churches remaining fairly the same across the board, but with her church, there was something incredibly different. As the service started with a live band and sing-a-long words on the screen, I looked around uncomfortable at all of the people raising their hands, closing their eyes, and singing the words to Christian songs that they have obviously sung a hundred times before. Nothing was familiar, nothing was like my Catholic church with hymns and sitting there quietly, and there was so much interaction that I had no idea what to do.
Sarah seemed to be comfortable, though she kept her hands to her sides and did not sing, so I continued to follow her lead. As the pastor ran up to the stage and started his sermon, we sat down and listened quietly. Again, it was uncomfortable and new, but I just kept quiet and treated it like a normal service that I was used to. As the pastor's sermon came to a close, I thought the service was over and we were almost out of there, but he instead called up the prayer warriors and anyone in need of prayer. This is where we get into the fundamentalist part of it. Sick, worried, frustrated, broken people slowly stood up from their seats around us in the crowd and walked to the front. As they came to end of the rows, prayer warriors were there to lead them across the front of the stage, down below, and starting surrounding each person.
The prayers started out quiet and slow, almost inaudible over the music. I looked at Sarah, who looked disinterested, then looked at her mother, who had her eyes closed, her hands raised, and seemed to be either singing to herself or mumbling prayers. As the people kneeled down, one after another, and the prayer warriors continued to pray over them, voices started to rise and get much louder. "Yes Lord", "heal him Lord", "lead her Jesus", and "Amen" began to fill the open room, the music seemed to be getting louder, and the people began to shake. One woman, who was in front of us with an older man who appeared to be suffering from a physical ailment, started screaming and shouting, her eyes closed and hands up, then she would kneel down and put her hands on this man's shoulder. I quickly looked around to see if anyone else felt alarmed or wanted to run out of there, but everyone seemed to be praying, watching, or acting like it's just another day of usual church. I sat there incredibly scared, incredibly lost, and the only thing I wanted to do was run, run, RUN.
The voices slowly got quieter, the people began to return to quieter prayers and small movements, and each person that needed extra prayers either stayed kneeling at the front or quietly returned to their seats with looks of relief and healing on their faces. Everyone remained quiet, watched, and as the pastor closed the service, each family popped up and started conversing with those around them, catching up, and talking life. I was in shock, I didn't say a word, and I just remember waiting until I could go home to tell my parents that I never want to go to their church again. I don't think I've ever been so grateful for the Catholic church. This was absolutely normal to those that attended this church, but from an outside perspective, it was terrifying and puzzling. I am incredibly grateful to have had an experience like this, to experience this kind of new thing and be able to feel like an outsider, but it still gives me a bit of fear and a drop to my stomach. To this day, I still wouldn't go back there and witness that again. One time was enough for me, but I hold nothing against Sarah for continuing to call that her home church.
Sarah (name changed for this story) was one of my best friends throughout my childhood and teenage years. Both of our parents required us to go to church every weekend, and our families attended two different churches, so we would hang out around that schedule and abide by the rules of our households. Every now and then, when there was a sleepover, we'd attend one another's service if our parents allowed it, but usually it was her attending my Catholic service and me attending her children's ministries or teenager ministry programs while her mother attended regular service. One weekend, and I do not recall why, both Sarah and I attended church service with her mother instead of the separate program.
Now, her family was Christian, but they attended the non-denominational church in the town, which means that they can make it pretty much however they want to. I was used to Catholic churches remaining fairly the same across the board, but with her church, there was something incredibly different. As the service started with a live band and sing-a-long words on the screen, I looked around uncomfortable at all of the people raising their hands, closing their eyes, and singing the words to Christian songs that they have obviously sung a hundred times before. Nothing was familiar, nothing was like my Catholic church with hymns and sitting there quietly, and there was so much interaction that I had no idea what to do.
Sarah seemed to be comfortable, though she kept her hands to her sides and did not sing, so I continued to follow her lead. As the pastor ran up to the stage and started his sermon, we sat down and listened quietly. Again, it was uncomfortable and new, but I just kept quiet and treated it like a normal service that I was used to. As the pastor's sermon came to a close, I thought the service was over and we were almost out of there, but he instead called up the prayer warriors and anyone in need of prayer. This is where we get into the fundamentalist part of it. Sick, worried, frustrated, broken people slowly stood up from their seats around us in the crowd and walked to the front. As they came to end of the rows, prayer warriors were there to lead them across the front of the stage, down below, and starting surrounding each person.
The prayers started out quiet and slow, almost inaudible over the music. I looked at Sarah, who looked disinterested, then looked at her mother, who had her eyes closed, her hands raised, and seemed to be either singing to herself or mumbling prayers. As the people kneeled down, one after another, and the prayer warriors continued to pray over them, voices started to rise and get much louder. "Yes Lord", "heal him Lord", "lead her Jesus", and "Amen" began to fill the open room, the music seemed to be getting louder, and the people began to shake. One woman, who was in front of us with an older man who appeared to be suffering from a physical ailment, started screaming and shouting, her eyes closed and hands up, then she would kneel down and put her hands on this man's shoulder. I quickly looked around to see if anyone else felt alarmed or wanted to run out of there, but everyone seemed to be praying, watching, or acting like it's just another day of usual church. I sat there incredibly scared, incredibly lost, and the only thing I wanted to do was run, run, RUN.
The voices slowly got quieter, the people began to return to quieter prayers and small movements, and each person that needed extra prayers either stayed kneeling at the front or quietly returned to their seats with looks of relief and healing on their faces. Everyone remained quiet, watched, and as the pastor closed the service, each family popped up and started conversing with those around them, catching up, and talking life. I was in shock, I didn't say a word, and I just remember waiting until I could go home to tell my parents that I never want to go to their church again. I don't think I've ever been so grateful for the Catholic church. This was absolutely normal to those that attended this church, but from an outside perspective, it was terrifying and puzzling. I am incredibly grateful to have had an experience like this, to experience this kind of new thing and be able to feel like an outsider, but it still gives me a bit of fear and a drop to my stomach. To this day, I still wouldn't go back there and witness that again. One time was enough for me, but I hold nothing against Sarah for continuing to call that her home church.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Reblog 2: "Religious Fundamentalism"
"Relgious Fundamentalism"
http://tmkersen.wordpress.com/sociology-of-religion/october-11-2010/
This blog is great to look at an overview of different fundamentalist religions as well as what can be classified as fundamentalism. This person blogged for a class, just like I am doing, and did a great job at giving an overview of the subject. Also, there is an attached video clip about the Scopes Trial in addition to many pictures and great sources linked to the blog. I like the George Orwell quotes that the write incorporates, and how that ties in with the sociological parts of religious fundamentalism. Just as the writer states, controlling the past and future times often had to do with religion and I can see how being able to control people can help things develop as well.
http://tmkersen.wordpress.com/sociology-of-religion/october-11-2010/
This blog is great to look at an overview of different fundamentalist religions as well as what can be classified as fundamentalism. This person blogged for a class, just like I am doing, and did a great job at giving an overview of the subject. Also, there is an attached video clip about the Scopes Trial in addition to many pictures and great sources linked to the blog. I like the George Orwell quotes that the write incorporates, and how that ties in with the sociological parts of religious fundamentalism. Just as the writer states, controlling the past and future times often had to do with religion and I can see how being able to control people can help things develop as well.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Wildcard 1: Equality, Stereotypes, and Jonestown
Below are two articles from the website, http://jonestown.sdsu.edu, which have a different perspective on what came out of a religious fundamentalist group, the People's Temple, and mass suicide in Jonestown. These articles show the side of Jonestown that attracted people, and gives insight into the sociological aspect of escaping stereotypes and providing equality through the group.
Sex, Gender and Female Empowerment: Recovering a Positive Perspective on Jonestown: http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=34238
In this thesis from a Williams College student, Jonestown is seen from the perspective of women's equality rather than the negative aspect of being a fundamentalist religious group. The student points out that although the media and researchers focus on the cult and ultimately suicidal outcome of the People's Temple, the initial ideas and workings of the group was focused on equality of the people. The student has very interesting takes on Jonestown and pulls from reliable sources. This is only the beginning of the thesis, so it would be very interesting to read the rest as well.
Looking Past Stereotypes: http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=30774
Again, this article written by an anonymous former member of the People's Temple takes a more positive spin on the religious group. He points out that growing up in an area surrounded by stereotyping, racism, and hate, Jonestown offered acceptance and an escape. They did not know where Jonestown or the People's Temple would ultimately end up, but he does point out that the ideas of the People's Temple had no question as to why people would want to join. Especially looking at people that were suppressed, hated, and treated badly otherwise.
Sex, Gender and Female Empowerment: Recovering a Positive Perspective on Jonestown: http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=34238
In this thesis from a Williams College student, Jonestown is seen from the perspective of women's equality rather than the negative aspect of being a fundamentalist religious group. The student points out that although the media and researchers focus on the cult and ultimately suicidal outcome of the People's Temple, the initial ideas and workings of the group was focused on equality of the people. The student has very interesting takes on Jonestown and pulls from reliable sources. This is only the beginning of the thesis, so it would be very interesting to read the rest as well.
Looking Past Stereotypes: http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=30774
Again, this article written by an anonymous former member of the People's Temple takes a more positive spin on the religious group. He points out that growing up in an area surrounded by stereotyping, racism, and hate, Jonestown offered acceptance and an escape. They did not know where Jonestown or the People's Temple would ultimately end up, but he does point out that the ideas of the People's Temple had no question as to why people would want to join. Especially looking at people that were suppressed, hated, and treated badly otherwise.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Reblog 1: "Was I Spiritually Abused?"
"Was I Spiritually Abused?", Heather, January 30, 2013
http://becomingworldly.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/was-i-spiritually-abused/
Heather's blog describes what she went through as a child in what appears to be a fundamentalism Christian family. She describes her brother getting "cured" from the flu by the laying of hands, threats of getting away from her religion and it resulting in hell, specific clothing and makeup rules, being homeschooled and removed from the outside world, and her struggle and fear of the way she was to live. It is incredibly interesting to see a personal account of someone who experienced fundamentalist thoughts and actions imposed on her in the name of religion, and where she is now.
In the subject of sociology, Heather describes how this fundamentalist Christianity shaped and formed her thoughts, and also how it affected how she viewed and interacted with those outside of her group. She describes seeing certain people as wrong in their beliefs, and she was dismissive to those who did not agree with what she was taught to believe.
http://becomingworldly.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/was-i-spiritually-abused/
Heather's blog describes what she went through as a child in what appears to be a fundamentalism Christian family. She describes her brother getting "cured" from the flu by the laying of hands, threats of getting away from her religion and it resulting in hell, specific clothing and makeup rules, being homeschooled and removed from the outside world, and her struggle and fear of the way she was to live. It is incredibly interesting to see a personal account of someone who experienced fundamentalist thoughts and actions imposed on her in the name of religion, and where she is now.
In the subject of sociology, Heather describes how this fundamentalist Christianity shaped and formed her thoughts, and also how it affected how she viewed and interacted with those outside of her group. She describes seeing certain people as wrong in their beliefs, and she was dismissive to those who did not agree with what she was taught to believe.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Image-heavy 1: Religious Fundamentalism in Pictures
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Protesters are very clear about their Islamic fundamentalism ideals and what they believe is right. |
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Monday, July 28, 2014
In the News 2: Warren Jeffs Continues to Delay the Child-Bride Lawsuit
It's no secret that Warren Jeffs, the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has faced a considerable amount of attention since his compound was raided by the FBI in 2008. In this article, http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/58138338-78/jeffs-trial-wall-case.html.csp, The Salt Lake Tribune gives updates on Jeffs' trial, due to take place in January 2015, and how he somehow continues to delay the lawsuit placed upon him by a former member of the church. This member was only 14 years old when Jeffs married her off against her will to her cousin, but the United States Supreme Court continues to hear the attorneys involved in the lawsuit and is in the process of deciding whether the polygamist trust can be held liable for this. Additionally, Warren Jeffs is accused of rape, accomplice to rape, incest, and sexually assault, which all landed him a life prison sentence in 2011.
To look more into Jeffs' mindset and what the people following him were subjected to, this second website talks about the leader's ramblings sent to Utah State Legislature members: http://fox13now.com/2014/07/20/warren-jeffs-to-utah-state-legislature-god-is-coming/. As recently as June 30th, 2014, Warren Jeffs sent the members a "Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, given to President Warren S. Jeffs." In these letters, Warren writes as if he is writing another biblical book, and believes that God is speaking to him.
This could very well be looked at in a psychological way, but it also has everything to do with sociological ideas. The scariest part that comes to mind is people actually followed this man. They supported his ideas, went along with his thoughts and actions, and even after he was arrested and removed from the compound, the women and men seemed to be so brainwashed that they did not even realize what they had been participating in over the course of years. Their dress, traditions, actions, and every day living was its' own culture and religion, in addition to being completely removed from outside society. Instead, they were their own society with new ideals, values, morals, thoughts, and set of rules. Some of the children who were inside the compound did not even know anything that was outside of the compound, which completely changed how they were raised and taught societal rules. It just goes to show how dangerous one person could be and how easily they can change the way society is within a particular area. This isn't new, this isn't something that will never happen again. We had Jonestown years back, and it was very similar to Warren Jeffs power over people. Just goes to show how fragile society is.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
In the News 1: Catholicism meets Islamic Fundamentalism
"Religious fundamentalism seeks to take power for political ends, at times using violence, over the individual conscience and over religion," [Pope Benedict XVI] said. "All religious leaders in the Middle East [should] endeavour, by their example and their teaching, to do everything possible to uproot this threat, which indiscriminately and fatally affects believers."
A couple years ago, the Pope visited Lebanon to meet with various religious leaders to speak about the conflict in Syria. The above quote as well as this visit is in the following article on the BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-19594442. During the Pope's 3-day visit, he called Christians, Jews, and Muslims all to stop fundamentalist ideals and to instead, live together in religious harmony. More specifically, there is a large population, 40% to be exact, of Christians located in Lebanon, and there is a constant conflict in that region between the quarreling religions. Additionally, right before the Pope's visit, a film mocking Islam was released, which caused many violent protests to erupt in Tripoli and across Syria. This was only fuel to the Sunni-Shiite conflict that has been consistently burning across the middle each.
In the field of sociology, studies and research have shown that religion gives communities stability, a set of values and morals, and social order, as well as answers to life's big questions. Historically, religion has had a large impact on various cultures, regions, and has also led to great conflicts, divisions, and wars. The pope's visit to Lebanon ties together many conflicts, new and old, and is a step in the right direction of bringing each of these groups together. The problem lies in that each of these groups, fundamentalist or not, believe their religion is the correct choice of beliefs, values, morals, rules, and want that religion to govern that community, offer stability, and create social order within the confines of their own system.
Ideally, religion would offer such stability and positivity, and it does in fact contribute great things to various communities, but it can also be incredibly dangerous and lead to great conflict within regions and across the world, as seen in Syria. Pope Benedict XVI understands this and seeks to find harmony within the religions by "uprooting" religious fundamentalism across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. So two years later, after the Pope's visit and continuing conflict between the Shiites and Sunnis in Syria, what have we seen? Togetherness? Acceptance? Harmony? Well, no. We've seen continued conflict, continued loss of life and freedom, and the dangerous, fundamentalist side of religion continuing to destroy a region. Is there any hope in putting out the hundreds of years of fundamentalist religious conflict? I would like to think so, but if the Pope has not made a difference in the continuing issue, I do not know who could.
A couple years ago, the Pope visited Lebanon to meet with various religious leaders to speak about the conflict in Syria. The above quote as well as this visit is in the following article on the BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-19594442. During the Pope's 3-day visit, he called Christians, Jews, and Muslims all to stop fundamentalist ideals and to instead, live together in religious harmony. More specifically, there is a large population, 40% to be exact, of Christians located in Lebanon, and there is a constant conflict in that region between the quarreling religions. Additionally, right before the Pope's visit, a film mocking Islam was released, which caused many violent protests to erupt in Tripoli and across Syria. This was only fuel to the Sunni-Shiite conflict that has been consistently burning across the middle each.
In the field of sociology, studies and research have shown that religion gives communities stability, a set of values and morals, and social order, as well as answers to life's big questions. Historically, religion has had a large impact on various cultures, regions, and has also led to great conflicts, divisions, and wars. The pope's visit to Lebanon ties together many conflicts, new and old, and is a step in the right direction of bringing each of these groups together. The problem lies in that each of these groups, fundamentalist or not, believe their religion is the correct choice of beliefs, values, morals, rules, and want that religion to govern that community, offer stability, and create social order within the confines of their own system.
Ideally, religion would offer such stability and positivity, and it does in fact contribute great things to various communities, but it can also be incredibly dangerous and lead to great conflict within regions and across the world, as seen in Syria. Pope Benedict XVI understands this and seeks to find harmony within the religions by "uprooting" religious fundamentalism across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. So two years later, after the Pope's visit and continuing conflict between the Shiites and Sunnis in Syria, what have we seen? Togetherness? Acceptance? Harmony? Well, no. We've seen continued conflict, continued loss of life and freedom, and the dangerous, fundamentalist side of religion continuing to destroy a region. Is there any hope in putting out the hundreds of years of fundamentalist religious conflict? I would like to think so, but if the Pope has not made a difference in the continuing issue, I do not know who could.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
First Post
Hi--My name is Jenna Jordan and I am taking Sociology 111 this summer to knock out some prerequisites for my master's degree. In my undergrad studies, I took a religious fundamentalism class for my Religious Studies major and absolutely loved learning about the various fundamentalist sides to each religion. Christianity, Judaism, Islam as the most well known, along with many others.
When we were assigned to create a blog project on a topic of choice that relates to sociology, I immediately remembered that fundamentalism class and how much sociology was incorporated within those topics without really noticing it at the time. Therefore, this is the introductory post to my blog project on religious fundamentalism in today's world. I will be posting recent news, pictures, personal reflections, and other ideas and writings about this topic.
I hope you enjoy this post and find the topic to be as interesting as I do.
Sociology111
Professor Erica Yeager
Summer 2014
When we were assigned to create a blog project on a topic of choice that relates to sociology, I immediately remembered that fundamentalism class and how much sociology was incorporated within those topics without really noticing it at the time. Therefore, this is the introductory post to my blog project on religious fundamentalism in today's world. I will be posting recent news, pictures, personal reflections, and other ideas and writings about this topic.
I hope you enjoy this post and find the topic to be as interesting as I do.
Sociology111
Professor Erica Yeager
Summer 2014
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