I was surprised that only two people answered.
I thought that introducing the metaphysical would attract more attention (it certainly did with other classes -- they would not stop talking and blogging about it.)
But, every class has its own personality.
It could be that the way I introduced it was not conducive to good discussion.
COMMENT
How would you start a conversation about the role of beliefs in the supernatural and the difference between superstitions (practices that OTHER religions follow) and virtuous acts of faith (the practices WE follow in our religion)?
I think the topic of superstitions and the supernatural and beliefs is very intriguing and interesting. I love to learn about other religions beliefs, their superstitions and how they approach the supernatural more so the superstitions and the supernatural because they are usually more interesting and sometimes very out of this world. I think the topic of superstition and the supernatural is very easy to talk about and bring up because it is used in movies, tv shows and literature in our society all the time. I would begin the conversation with a recent movie or article or anything surrounding this topic and just let the conversation flow. I believe everyone loves to share their superstitions and what they think about the supernatural and if you share your beliefs and dis beliefs first people would just follow.
ReplyDeleteI am not a superstitious person so I don't think I would be the one starting such a conversation. I guess I would simply ask if the person is superstitious or believes in the supernatural. I'm a very blunt person. Based off of their answers, I would then ask why they think that their religion or non-religious beliefs are better or more accurate then others.
ReplyDeleteI think the conversation about superstitions is moved forward when individuals are first comfortable enough with each other to speak at the personal and spiritual levels. This is often done through relationships. I think this discussion would be best reserved for in-person courses in which students become acquainted and comfortable with one another.
ReplyDeleteStill, the best way to start a conversation on superstition, in my opinion, is by first starting the conversation on just religion. Often times, those with strong beliefs are very vocal about their religious beliefs (that is not to say that those who aren't local are not strong believers). Once this conversation is started, it would be an easier transition into superstitions.
I would ask the class to share a short story about their experience with superstitions - weather it was personal, or something they heard from a friend or family member. Simple and easy.
ReplyDeleteI personally didn't respond to the last blog post about superstitions because I frankly don't believe in them. I think my ancestors were superstitious because they couldn't answer all life's questions. Today we have google and science, I have all the answers I need. I don't need to believe in the evil eye to justify unfortunate situations.
I think people tend to not want to open up about their superstitions/religions because they are afraid of someone making fun or trying to convince them why they are wrong, and they tend to get very defensive.This makes it challenging for someone to open a conversation about these types of beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I think a good way to start would be to just show simple curiosity without demanding justifications or "proof", like saying "what are you doing, and why is that important to you" as opposed to "what makes you think you have it right?" At the end of the day, people just want to be respected and have their beliefs/values respected, and I find that people do enjoy explaining their customs/beliefs when they aren't being questioned in a condescending way.
I think it would be hard to naturally start a conversation about the role of beliefs in the supernatural outside of an academic or religious setting. Nowadays people are more secular than D'Angelo's time. They aren't compelled to discuss things they don't believe in. On the other hand, people that are religious aren't open to analysis or criticism of their faith.
ReplyDeleteSuperstitions are beliefs that attempt to explain phenomena in the natural world. If someone struggles to find a reasonable explanation for why certain events happen, they rely on religion to explain it for them. Virtuous acts are noble actions that enrich the lives of the believers and gain favor with God.