Rory Faust

2/24/06

1.) One paragraph summary of the key idea summarizing the major idea of the section.

    This past week in theology class, we have been studying different moral systems, especially those practiced on a large scale level in the world today. We looked at Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, and Judaism and observed their unique moral systems. Three other moral systems that were presented were Moral Relativism, Nihilism, and Anarchism. We have learned new things about the specifics of such moral systems like the Eightfold Path, Five Key Relationships, and the Five Pillars from Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam respectively. More importantly, we have been able to observe how the moral systems compare to each other and our own Catholic morality. We then can study morality more deeply and try to find what we think is the best or most accurate moral system.

2.) List and explain three of the most important ideas you want to remember from this week.

1. First of all, I want to remember Confucianism and its main moral message, the Golden Rule, developed by Confucius. The Golden Rule has been a common moral idea in the world for a long time and can be very effective in making the world a better plave if followed. The Golden Rule is summarized by the word "Jen" which means the highest virtue and includes all of what Confucius was trying to teach. Confucius wanted his followers to develop good moral character, participate in the correct performance of ritual, demonstrate loyalty, and have proper etiquette with others. While not a religion, Confucianism is more of a social movement still continued today. It is a strong moral system which is adopted by many who make the world a better place.

2. Secondly, I want to remember the moral system presented in Buddhism. At the heart of the moral system of Buddhism is the Eightfold Path which is a guide to ethical and mental development and thus, Nirvana, which is very simmilar to the Christian idea of heaven. This moral system and religion was founded by Buddha but it has grown to share some great ethical ideas on such issues as honesty, homosexual acts, alcohol and drugs, and war. Buddhist ethics are strongly against all of these things. We can see the similarities of the moral systems of Buddhism and our own religion if we look close enough.

3. Lastly, I want to remember the morality of Islam. Islam morality is based on the Five Pillars Islam has descended through the years from Muhammad, the "last prophet from God." Muslims have an ethical code that they are called to follow that somewhat states that Muslims' faith should be true and sincere, Muslims' should be prepared to show acts of charity to their fellow men, Muslims'must be good citizens, and lastly, a Muslims' soul must be firm and unshaken. Islam demands a lot of its followers, but in turn, the followers develop a great moral system. The moral system of Islam rejects homosexuality and euthanasia, and war very much like the many other moral systems and Islam integrity and support of the environment just as other moral systems do. At first glance, worldy moral systems may seem weird or crazy, but when observed closely, they are very similar to most moral systems practiced today.
   

   3.) Images that remind you of key ideas.

   
   This photograph was taken in Lisbon, on September 26, 2000. It was at an annual International Meeting of Peoples and Religions during the March of Peace. This is a modern example how religions and their moral systems have similarities and can get along well.
   Image from "Community of Sant'Egidio"

   4.) One good question you should keep with you to ponder.

   What moral system is "mine"? Do I tend to follow my religion's moral system, another religion's, or my own?

   I believe that I do not follow my Catholic moral sytem as close as I should, but it definitely is a striving goal of mine to do so. I agree with most every ethical idea Catholicism presents, yet it is hard to make myself follow these ideals all of the time in my life.

   5.) What should you try to do to make you a better person, a more faithful person, from this study?

        In order to be a more faithful person, I will try to come to a fuller realization that a good moral system in my life will make me a better person and will help those around me. If ethics were not important in life, then how come so many moral systems have developed in our world with most of them presenting the same ideas? The answer is that morals are important and can make your life a better and more full life.
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