Reference no: EM133763344

Homework: Religion

For this homework, you will write a short reflection essay (750-900 words) in which you critically reflect on an example of religious adaptation involving an indigenous religion. Choose and respond to one of the three prompt options below. In this essay, I expect you to approach these cases of religious adaptation from a Religious Studies perspective, that is, your job is to think like a Religious Studies scholar in approaching these topics as McCutcheon states in his article. You will compare in a non-evaluative manner and reflect on these cases of adaptation.

It must refer to details from class readings, with page number citations provided, or if you cite a video, use the time stamp. You should not use any sources for this homework besides our course materials (readings, slides, videos, and class discussions). You do not need to research for things outside of what is already provided. All Citations should be provided in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example:

Lincoln argues that religious discourse claims transcendent authority.

Do not use ai-generated software or applications to write this paper. If you do, you get an automatic F.

The Development of Santeria Critically reflect on how Yoruba enslaved persons used religion to adapt and respond to the realities of European imperialism. Be sure your essay discusses (i) what happened, (ii) how and/or why these events took place, and (iii) what we might learn about religion and/or the study of religion from this example. Your essay should cite the reading by Paxtyn Merten and you can also use the video "Where Cultures Collide: Santeria." You should use at least one of the key concepts of religious studies (such as adaptation, authority, identity, tradition, religious discourse, religious practices, religious community, or religious institution).

Make sure to address the following two questions:

How and why did the Yoruba community change and adapt their religious discourse, practices, community, and/or institutions in response to European imperialism?

To answer this question, think about questions like the following. You do not need to try to answer every single one of these questions. There are here to help you think about the topic.

1. How did these changes reflect and respond to the specific influence of European acts and/or European culture?

2. What contextual circumstances (historical, political, cultural, etc.) help to explain why these events took place?

3. How do we see different claims to authority at work in this example? Who were the traditional authorities in these religious communities, and was the traditional view of transcendent authority either altered and/or strengthened by the events that took place?

4. What was the outcome of these events? Was the outcome positive or negative for the yoruba community and their religious tradition?

1. What does this example teach us about religion and/or the study of religion?

To answer this question, think about questions like the following. You do not need to answer every single one of these questions, but they are here to help you think critically about this topic.

1. What does this example teach us about how we can do our best work in religious studies?

2. What does learning about the history of Santeria teach us about how we should study indigenous religions or other religions in the present day?