NBC News Published a story on Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum a lesbian Rabbi in New York City who is the main preacher at the Congregation Beit Simchat Torah. This congregation in New York City is unique compared to other Synagogues in that it’s considered to be a “LGBTQ Synagogue”. It caters to the diverse community of New York by welcoming “[those] who [were] estranged from their families or aren’t welcome to worship at other synagogues”. The synagogue made headlines as it collaborated with the Islamic Society of NYU to take a stand against the hate crimes that have come about from the presidential election. This article captured my attention as it is a counter example of the section on religion breaking apart societies in McGuire’s book. On page 209 in the quote “Conflict between religious groups within modern nations tends to be subtler but when religious boundaries are coextensive with other boundaries open conflict can erupt” I’ve always been under the impression that there was conflict between the Islam and Judaism that originated from the origins of the two religions. It gives me hope that although the country seems like we don’t know how to coexist at least some centers of faith are taking a step in the right direction.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/outfront-lesbian-rabbi-fights-intolerance-love-n701151

Growing up Catholic I did not know much about belonging to a Sectarian church. As we watched the film Born Again I was able to have an inside view of the way religion shapes the members of a Born Again Church. What stood out to me the most was the way the Christian school day differed so much from the elementary and middle school I attended. I attended a Catholic elementary school and thought that because they were both schools that integrated religion and academia that they would be similar when in fact there are many differences. From the start of the school day the children pledged allegiance to the bible and to the Christian faith using a Christian flag as a symbol of their faith. I thought this was was both fascinating and scary. The fact that the children pledged to the Christian faith before the US was something that I have never seen. It also got me wondering do children that young really the understand what they are pledging? How many of the churches with a strict mindset have members who grow up and question their faith? Although I saw a great passion in the members of the Born Again community, I feel as though they were not as welcoming to other ideas that they might not believe in such as divorce. This notion that the Born Again way is the only way really got me to question why people give other’s the power to speak on “God’s” behalf.

The boom of technology has changed the majority of the people’s way of life. As many benefits as technology has given to our society, it is interesting to view its role in different aspects of life. Perhaps one of the most interesting adaptations to the technology movement is the recent use of certain technological advancements in faith worship discussed in Chaves book and the article “Metro Churches use new tech to reach beyond their pews”(Nicquel Terry). According to Chaves email use in churches has increased by 38% overhead projections by 15% and website use by 27% (60). For many of the younger generations these increase reveal a newer and more relatable way to connect to their faith. The article discusses how not all religions and churches are fully invested in the technological world. Some of the more traditionalistic churches like that of the Catholic faith are more reluctant to the change even though there is a push in the positons of power to use technology (Terry). Immersing the era of technology requires a balance of traditions and technology in order to strengthen and not loose the sense of community that comes about attending and belonging to a church.

Article: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2016/10/21/metro-churches-new-technoly-followers/92551590/

Before the class and reading chapter four of McGuire’s book I never knew that a distinction between what was considered official religion and non official religion existed. My prior association with acts of unofficial religion was that if it was inspired by an official clergy of some kind that it was too considered to be official. According to McGuire non official religion is “is a set of religious and quasireligionus beliefs and practice…[not] controlled by official religious groups” (McGuire 113). In class, the lecture was about the different aspects of each and how they compare. Perhaps the easiest example to compare the two are through the location in which religions are practice. Official religions are practiced in an official and universally accepted house of worship. Unofficial religion can be practiced anywhere there is one person with a strong belief. Acts of non official religion are more susceptible to be accepted by multiple religious’ beliefs. They can be a similar acts amongst many religions because of the grey boundaries that go into defining a non official religious act. One example of this is the visitation and creation of an alter where loved ones have passed. It is common among many cultures and religious background to honor those who have passed with theses acts of remembrances. Although many people may have tolerance for other’s religions, they may not believe in the exact disciplines like the would in universally accepted acts of non official religions. This brings even the least alike religions together.

Religious locations of practice often called churches are places in which a community is able to gather and share a common set of beliefs. It is the “hub” of spiritual practices for many religions including Christians (churches), Islam (Mosques), Judaism (Synagogues) and Buddhism (Temples). The investment in maintaining and establishing a facility in which to practice and preach is worth it. With words to describe theses places such as “the house of god” seen in the bible it is hard for people not to create elaborate and decorative worship centers. In the article “Restoring Old Churches Inspires a New Philanthropy” written by Allison Smale in the New York Times, the article discuses how a small community in Russia gathered together with the help of Elina Longinova to bring the life back to a local church. The sense of community used to restore and take part in the creation of the church was very similar to the church in San Antonio that was talked about in lecture Monday. Both of these churches have been built through many efforts made through the community. They have both recreated the way of worship so that instead of focusing on individual improvement the focus shifted to that of community improvement.

Before reading chapter four of McGuire’s “Religion The Social Context” I was never aware of the segregation influenced on our society because of religion. McGuire discusses several instances of religious inequality between men and woman. Growing Catholic I never understood why it was that woman could not hold any position of power. Now as I think about all the injustices the one question that comes to mind is, how can men decide and speak on behalf of a god who we are told treats everyone equally? Throughout the chapter McGuire goes on explaining that it’s just not the Catholic church that holds different standards but many other religions including Buddhism and Islam. On page 134 she then gives her opinion as to whether or not things will change in the quote “Groups that emphasize orthodoxy to literally interpreted religious traditions are resistant to any kind of change”. If a religion interprets everything in a literal sense than the changes in context between when the text was written and now, is lost and old ways of thinking are going to be implemented on a forward thinking society.
In the documentary we saw both character’s showed some aspect of gender roles established by religion. Susie was forced to be a stay-home mom like many of her church friends and Glenn was a male bible studies teacher. From the outside they both seemed content with their gender roles receiving their communities respect. Susie behind doors heavily questioned her lifestyle and faith.