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For Tuesday, May 7

We'll discuss the materials from last Thursday's syllabus. Which I've repeated below.   As the video showed, and as the readings confirm, the United States has been a fertile breeding ground for new religious experiments.  I hope we realize that innovations have happened and continue to happen within "mainstream" religious expressions, as well. I apologize for being out ill last Thursday.  One doesn't plan for those things, but they happen anyway. 
                                                             
    Read, in Corbett,

        Chapter 7Christianities That Began in the United States, pp. 141 - 163


    On the Internet:  Visit the websites of

                    also known as Community of Christ,
         Christian Science  
         Seventh-Day Adventists
         Jehovah's Witnesses 

         At each of these websites, try to locate a section which discusses the beliefs and practices of the church, and think about what they emphasize as central and unique about themselves.  Focus on the four C's we've used before: 
Creeds, Code, Cultus
, and Community.
Michael R. H. Swanson, Ph.  D.
Office:  Feinstein CAS 110
Or by Appointment
Phone:  (401) 254-3230
AMST 310
Varieties of Religious Experience
Roger Williams University
CAS 122
11:00 - 12:25  T, Th          
Spring, 2002

Michael R. H. Swanson, Ph.  D.
Office:  Feinstein CAS 110
Or by Appointment
Phone:  (401) 254-3230
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For Tuesday, May 7

We'll discuss the materials from last Thursday's syllabus. Which I've repeated below.   As the video showed, and as the readings confirm, the United States has been a fertile breeding ground for new religious experiments.  I hope we realize that innovations have happened and continue to happen within "mainstream" religious expressions, as well. I apologize for being out ill last Thursday.  One doesn't plan for those things, but they happen anyway. 
                                                             
    Read, in Corbett,

        Chapter 7Christianities That Began in the United States, pp. 141 - 163


    On the Internet:  Visit the websites of

                    also known as Community of Christ,
         Christian Science  
         Seventh-Day Adventists
         Jehovah's Witnesses 

         At each of these websites, try to locate a section which discusses the beliefs and practices of the church, and think about what they emphasize as central and unique about themselves.  Focus on the four C's we've used before: 
Creeds, Code, Cultus
, and Community.
For Thursday, May 9                                                 America as Religion

Read, in Albanese,

    From Chapter 12:  Public Protestantism:  Historical Dominance
                    and the One Religion of the United States,  the
                    In Overview section, pp. 429-30
    From Chapter 13:  Civil Religion, Millennial Politics and History,
                    the In Overview section, pp. 460-461
    Chapter 14:   Cultural Religion:  Millennial Explorations of
                    Dominance and Innocence, pp. 463-500
In Traditional societies such as Native American tribal cultures, in Utopian communities such as the Shakers, and in religious communities of faith which emphasize withdrawal from the world, such as Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses, the concept of religion, the concept of society, and the concept of culture are nearly inseparable from each other.  In this final class of the semester, we'll explore the idea that there are some striking similarities to this in a complex modern culture such as our own,  and that many Americans celebrate a kind of "religion" of America which includes the same elements of creed, cultus, code and community as "other religions" include.  Many devout people would see no contradiction in practicing their individual faiths simultaneously with this "American" faith.  For other, more secular Americans, this may be the only faith they do practice, though they may not see it as such.  In today's readings, pay special attention to the sections on the sections on the "ritual calendar" and  "sacred stories."  Note, too, how Albanese incorporates technology and psychology in her suggestions about the American "Creed".  You'll also meet "Saint Elvis" and "Saint Jerry Garcia" in the pages of this most interesting chapter.
Heaven Crowns George Washingon
Apotheosis of George Washington

First in War, first in Peace, first in the hearts of Americans, first in the Eyes of the Worlds he is embalmed by the tears of  AMERICA, entombed in the hearts of his Countrymen, admired by the enlightened of all Lands, immortalized by his own great actions and the regrets of Mankind.
Martyred Abraham Lincoln Carried to Heaven by Angels
Angels watch over Lincoln's Deathbed
Short Project III.  

    Due:  Friday, May 17, by 5:00, in my Office.

    Do any of the following:

         1.  Using materials from Albanese, Corbett, Allitt, the Internet, and the video "Say Amen, Somebody," as inspiration, write a short (5 pp. or so, double spaced) analysis of the role of Religion in the Black Community.

         2.  Using materials from Albanese, Corbett, Allitt, the Internet, and the video "Say Amen, Somebody," as inspiration, write a short (5 pp. or so, double spaced) analysis of the ways Religion as practiced in the Black Community has enriched white American Culture.

         3.  Using materials from Albanese, Corbett, the Internet, and the video "Hands to Work, Hearts, to God " (if appropriate) as inspiration, write a short (5 pp. or so, double spaced) reaction to any one of the "home grown" American communities of faith.  What particular attractions does it offer the faithful?   What are its unique qualities?  If you attempt this one, be careful to respect what you may disagree with theologically.  Remember what academic study of religion is designed to achieve. 

         4.  Using materials from Albanese,  and your own experiences, write a short (5 pp. or so, double spaced) description of American Cultural Religion.  Try to add your own nominations of  "saints" "festivals" "creedal statements" and  "sacred stories" to those suggested in your text. Is cultural religion compatible with religion as expressed through communities of faith?  Why, or why not, in your judgment?

             5.   If none of these appeals to you, you can consider a topic of your own.  Consult with me for final approval.
I will collect your notebooks and journals on Thursday, May 9, and have them ready for you to pick up on the Monday Reading Day.

In General, your grade will be based on your journals (reviewed twice), and the three short projects. 

There will be an Optional final exam for anyone who would like to boost his or her grade or who would find responding to the question stimulating.  It will NOT lower grades.  This exam will take place during the regularly scheduled exam period for this class, in our normal room.  There will be one essay question,  blue books will be provided.  The question is:
In what way or ways has the American Experience, and especially American Pluralism, modified the communities of faith brought to this country by immigrants from elsewhere?    (Remember that all, save Native Americans, were immigrants at one time or another.

You may bring an outline with you, if you wish.  The outline should be turned in with the examination.
click for projects and optional final