Introduction to Religion

Experiential Paper

The following assignment is not due until Learning Module 14. However, you may want
to keep it in mind and schedule your time accordingly.

The assignment: 1) attend a religious service other than your own; no Alcoholics
Anonymous or its equivalent, no “returning to the church of your childhood,” an
interview of a religious personage is insufficient, and no weddings or funerals 2)
summarize your experience and observations in a paper 2 – 3 pages in length (see details
below) 3) share your experience and observations with your colleagues by posting a
single summary paragraph in the discussion area.

The purpose of this assignment is to: 1) gain concrete exposure to the spiritual
expression of a tradition with which you are not familiar 2) apply or observe, in a
practical sense, some of the theory and concepts discussed in the textbook and throughout
the course 3) increase your appreciation for the sacred traditions of others and develop
sensitivity to spiritual life outside of your own experience.

Use a phenomenological approach, i.e. report as faithfully as possible the world as

experienced by the believers you are observing. Concentrate on a description and
analysis of the world as it is known in their experience. Without being judgmental
compare what you saw with your own tradition and religious encounters; how is it
similar, how is it different? What functional or substantive features of religion did you
observe? Were there hierophanies? Describe the form and purpose of ritual(s), symbols,
myths, sacred language, etc. Were ultimate concerns addressed, could you identify a
“path to salvation”? Identify and describe the elements and vehicles of faith and worship
– music, dance, incense, kneeling or other gestures, teaching/sermon, foods, and so forth.
Other observations and general comments?

The paper should be 2 – 3 pages in length with one inch margins on the right and left
hand sides, one and a half inch margins on the top and bottom, typed double-spaced in
average size print (about the size you are now reading), a title page is a good idea.

Evaluation will be based on: 1) content, the completeness and focus of the response to
the assignment 2) length, not too long, not too short 3) mechanics – spelling, sentence
and paragraph structure, general readability, etc. 4) a paragraph presentation posted in the
discussion area and 5) whether or not the paper is typed as specified in these instructions.

Content 30 40-37 = A 31 = C+ 24 = D-
Mechanics 5 36 = A- 30-29 = C 23-00 = F
Posted Sum- 5 35 = B+ 28 = C-
mary 40 total points possible 34-33 = B 27 = D+
32 = B- 26-25 = D
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Possibilities to consider include: Jewish synagogue, African-American Church, Mormon,

Jehovah’s Witness, Pentecostal Church, Church of Scientology, Catholic Church, Greek
or Russian Orthodox, Friends (Quakers), a Protestant church – liturgical or nonliturgical,
Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic congregations, a powwow or sweat lodge, and many other
possibilities. Check newspapers and Yellow Pages for ideas. Go with a friend if that
would be more comfortable for you.

Finally, five points (out of the 40 points possible, as noted above) involve writing a one
paragraph summary reflecting on your experience at a worship service. This amounts to
a summary of your Experience Paper. Your summary should be posted as part of a
threaded discussion for others to read. Please post this during Module 14.