Field Trips
As part of the course, we took three field trips to religious institutions in the Cincinnati area. Each trip was illuminating, and each held its own surprises for me. Prior to each field trip, we were required to post three questions, and following each field trip we were required to post a response of approximately ten sentences.
The Skirball Museum at Hebrew Union College
Pre-Visit Questions:
1. Does the museum focus largely on the Holocaust, anit-Semitism, and other negative aspects of Jewish history?
2. How does the museum continue to push the Jewish community into a more positive future despite past difficulties across generations?
3. Is the museum primarily a resource for members of the Jewish community, or is it largely open to working with other organizations to reach non-Jewish parts of the community?
Post-Visit Response:
I was very pleased with the visit to the Skirball Museum. The first question I had prior to the visit was if the institution served primarily as a Holocaust memorial-type institution. Despite this being a huge part of more recent Jewish history, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this was in fact not the focal point of the museum. Instead, the museum focused largely on more positive aspects of Jewish history and culture, which promotes an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect. As such, the museum is a way in which the Jewish community can connect to the community at large. While the prevalence of the reform movement at Hebrew Union College is likely partly responsible for this, the overall effect is to strip the mystique that seems to surround Judaism as perceived by outsiders. Anyone, of any ethnic, cultural, and religious background is welcome to view the displays in the museum and to review the written materials. The result of this is a much more inclusive and accepting atmosphere than I expected to find. While it is true that mostly Jewish individuals are associated with the college (especially with the presence of the rabbinic seminary and Jewish archives), there is a welcoming atmosphere not often found in similar religious institutions and universities. I feel that I left the Skirball museum with a greater understanding of Jewish traditions, culture, and beliefs than I have ever gained from any other institution.
1. Does the museum focus largely on the Holocaust, anit-Semitism, and other negative aspects of Jewish history?
2. How does the museum continue to push the Jewish community into a more positive future despite past difficulties across generations?
3. Is the museum primarily a resource for members of the Jewish community, or is it largely open to working with other organizations to reach non-Jewish parts of the community?
Post-Visit Response:
I was very pleased with the visit to the Skirball Museum. The first question I had prior to the visit was if the institution served primarily as a Holocaust memorial-type institution. Despite this being a huge part of more recent Jewish history, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this was in fact not the focal point of the museum. Instead, the museum focused largely on more positive aspects of Jewish history and culture, which promotes an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect. As such, the museum is a way in which the Jewish community can connect to the community at large. While the prevalence of the reform movement at Hebrew Union College is likely partly responsible for this, the overall effect is to strip the mystique that seems to surround Judaism as perceived by outsiders. Anyone, of any ethnic, cultural, and religious background is welcome to view the displays in the museum and to review the written materials. The result of this is a much more inclusive and accepting atmosphere than I expected to find. While it is true that mostly Jewish individuals are associated with the college (especially with the presence of the rabbinic seminary and Jewish archives), there is a welcoming atmosphere not often found in similar religious institutions and universities. I feel that I left the Skirball museum with a greater understanding of Jewish traditions, culture, and beliefs than I have ever gained from any other institution.
The Islamic Association of Cincinnati
Pre-Visit Questions:
1. Does the Clifton Mosque/Islamic Association of Cincinnati support a more traditional view of Islam, or does it, like the "9/11 Mosque," promote a certain degree of assimilation into American culture?
2. What kinds of events does the association hold to involve the greater community?
3. Has there been any resistance to community involvement of the association, or has the community been generally willing to embrace the association and learn about the Islamic culture?
Post-Visit Response:
From the moment that we stepped onto the property of the Clifton Mosque, stereotypes that I think many of us held regarding Islam were broken. The imam was very welcoming, open, and honest. There were several things that I was happy to see and learn, but that I also think shocked us, or at least myself, to a degree.
First, I was most excited about the interfaith work that the mosque has begun to implement. In my experience, one of the prevailing stereotpyes of Islam is that it harbors hatred toward all other religions. Not only is some of the interfaith and community work in contradistinction to this idea, but the imam was able to clear the air about Islamic views of other religions. In doing so, I think he took away some of the mystery of the religion that makes it so misunderstood. When these barriers are removed, and various aspects of a belief system can be explained, then the religion is both more understandable and more relatable.
I was also interested in his views on some of the extremist activity that the media reports on consistently. The key thing that he pointed out was differing interpretations of the religious text, the Qu'ran, and how this can lead to violent and extreme activities. I think, if you look back throughout history, both the Jews and Christians have experienced the same kind of trouble. An individual or a group of individuals creates their own interpretation, usually unique from the mainstream interpretations, and becomes a self-appointed representative of the religion as a whole.
In every religion, the most radical members seem to be the most outspoken, and this links back to a discussion we had in class regarding perceptions: we cannot base our perception and understanding of an entire religious system on the ideas of a few individuals of the religion. I think this is especially true in Islam, and I was very pleased to have an explanation of the different schools of thought within the system. We don't see this in media. In Christian contexts, we would call these denominations; the principle is fairly well-known, though I don't think anyone could definitively say they are familiar with all denominations of the Christian system. However, I can honestly say that I was only aware of two types of Islam before this visit: Sunni and Shi'i. Imagine my surprise to learn that there are FOUR schools of Sunni Islam! I think this is at the heart of the issues all over the world, both with Islam and the multitude of other religions. There are simply too many aspects that are hidden and/or unknown. Largely, this fault lies not with people in the religion, but people outside of the religion not seeking factual information. I am very happy to have had this opportunity to have the mystery peeled away, and I hope that the Islamic Association of Cincinnati continues to reach out, grow its interfaith relationships and work, and educate the community.
1. Does the Clifton Mosque/Islamic Association of Cincinnati support a more traditional view of Islam, or does it, like the "9/11 Mosque," promote a certain degree of assimilation into American culture?
2. What kinds of events does the association hold to involve the greater community?
3. Has there been any resistance to community involvement of the association, or has the community been generally willing to embrace the association and learn about the Islamic culture?
Post-Visit Response:
From the moment that we stepped onto the property of the Clifton Mosque, stereotypes that I think many of us held regarding Islam were broken. The imam was very welcoming, open, and honest. There were several things that I was happy to see and learn, but that I also think shocked us, or at least myself, to a degree.
First, I was most excited about the interfaith work that the mosque has begun to implement. In my experience, one of the prevailing stereotpyes of Islam is that it harbors hatred toward all other religions. Not only is some of the interfaith and community work in contradistinction to this idea, but the imam was able to clear the air about Islamic views of other religions. In doing so, I think he took away some of the mystery of the religion that makes it so misunderstood. When these barriers are removed, and various aspects of a belief system can be explained, then the religion is both more understandable and more relatable.
I was also interested in his views on some of the extremist activity that the media reports on consistently. The key thing that he pointed out was differing interpretations of the religious text, the Qu'ran, and how this can lead to violent and extreme activities. I think, if you look back throughout history, both the Jews and Christians have experienced the same kind of trouble. An individual or a group of individuals creates their own interpretation, usually unique from the mainstream interpretations, and becomes a self-appointed representative of the religion as a whole.
In every religion, the most radical members seem to be the most outspoken, and this links back to a discussion we had in class regarding perceptions: we cannot base our perception and understanding of an entire religious system on the ideas of a few individuals of the religion. I think this is especially true in Islam, and I was very pleased to have an explanation of the different schools of thought within the system. We don't see this in media. In Christian contexts, we would call these denominations; the principle is fairly well-known, though I don't think anyone could definitively say they are familiar with all denominations of the Christian system. However, I can honestly say that I was only aware of two types of Islam before this visit: Sunni and Shi'i. Imagine my surprise to learn that there are FOUR schools of Sunni Islam! I think this is at the heart of the issues all over the world, both with Islam and the multitude of other religions. There are simply too many aspects that are hidden and/or unknown. Largely, this fault lies not with people in the religion, but people outside of the religion not seeking factual information. I am very happy to have had this opportunity to have the mystery peeled away, and I hope that the Islamic Association of Cincinnati continues to reach out, grow its interfaith relationships and work, and educate the community.
The Creation Museum
Pre-Visit Questions:
1. In researching the information that formed the theories presented by the exhibits in the museum, what was determined as sufficient evidence to refute mainstream science's ideas of evolution and geological time?
2. Is the museum an "activist" institution (by this, I mean one that actively spreads discourse on their theories/beliefs) or a "passive" institution (one that will discuss and debate its beliefs, but does not push conversion or actively campaigning against other ideas)?
3. What is the relationship of the Creation Museum with the greater population of Christians across the globe?
Post-Visit Response:
I was pretty excited to be visiting the Creation Museum. Aside from my being a Christian, I believe that questioning always leads to further discovery in science and reveals further evidence and broadens theories. I will say, however, that the museum did not quite live up to the reputation I had perceived of it. I felt that it was a bit narrow-minded and “in your face,” but part of this probably comes from having grown up in a society that has shied away from the beliefs the museum upholds. That certainly alters the perception I entered with. It certainly has some very impressive exhibits, and it is obvious that a lot of thought and planning went into each portion of the facility.
The biggest issue I had with the piece we read in class by Montgomery was that it was, in my opinion, overly strict and critical. However, I encountered the same issue at the Creation Museum. While I concede that the debate between these factions has, largely, died down, enough of a debate still exists that I feel it causes a certain amount of strife. Both sides refuse to listen intently to the arguments and ideas of the other. No middle ground can be reached, and so arguing continues. In my opinion, this shows a level of pig-headedness that is simply astounding.
However, I have to admit a certain level of admiration for the Creation Museum. They are, without a doubt, in the minority regarding their scientific beliefs. Despite the opposition they face, they continue to proclaim their beliefs and remain undaunted. I think many different types of organizations could benefit from their example. They do not hide from judgment and are not chagrined. All too often people are afraid to speak out because of the potential opposition they will face or the judgment that they are dealt. This limits the birth and debate of new ideas, and ultimately slows the progress of both society and science. As I said earlier, questioning leads to further discovery in science. However, I can extend that statement to embrace the idea that questioning also furthers society toward a more diverse and inclusive state.
1. In researching the information that formed the theories presented by the exhibits in the museum, what was determined as sufficient evidence to refute mainstream science's ideas of evolution and geological time?
2. Is the museum an "activist" institution (by this, I mean one that actively spreads discourse on their theories/beliefs) or a "passive" institution (one that will discuss and debate its beliefs, but does not push conversion or actively campaigning against other ideas)?
3. What is the relationship of the Creation Museum with the greater population of Christians across the globe?
Post-Visit Response:
I was pretty excited to be visiting the Creation Museum. Aside from my being a Christian, I believe that questioning always leads to further discovery in science and reveals further evidence and broadens theories. I will say, however, that the museum did not quite live up to the reputation I had perceived of it. I felt that it was a bit narrow-minded and “in your face,” but part of this probably comes from having grown up in a society that has shied away from the beliefs the museum upholds. That certainly alters the perception I entered with. It certainly has some very impressive exhibits, and it is obvious that a lot of thought and planning went into each portion of the facility.
The biggest issue I had with the piece we read in class by Montgomery was that it was, in my opinion, overly strict and critical. However, I encountered the same issue at the Creation Museum. While I concede that the debate between these factions has, largely, died down, enough of a debate still exists that I feel it causes a certain amount of strife. Both sides refuse to listen intently to the arguments and ideas of the other. No middle ground can be reached, and so arguing continues. In my opinion, this shows a level of pig-headedness that is simply astounding.
However, I have to admit a certain level of admiration for the Creation Museum. They are, without a doubt, in the minority regarding their scientific beliefs. Despite the opposition they face, they continue to proclaim their beliefs and remain undaunted. I think many different types of organizations could benefit from their example. They do not hide from judgment and are not chagrined. All too often people are afraid to speak out because of the potential opposition they will face or the judgment that they are dealt. This limits the birth and debate of new ideas, and ultimately slows the progress of both society and science. As I said earlier, questioning leads to further discovery in science. However, I can extend that statement to embrace the idea that questioning also furthers society toward a more diverse and inclusive state.