AVOID ALL THE MISTAKE AND READ THE INSTRUCTION. ALL FOLLOW THE GRADING RUBIC TO DO THE WORK. NOTE: THE LAST TWO ASSIGNMNET THAT I SUBMITTED TO YOU, I FAILED, I SCORE 25/50 IN ONE AND I SCORE 55/120 IN...

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RELIGION
Discussion 1: “State Shinto.” Please respond to the following:
It has been said that a person is Shinto in the same way that he is Japanese. Discuss at least
two (2) things which would explain the close relationship between Shintoism and Japanese
nationalism.
Shintoism cannot be separated from the Japanese nationalism as both of these are
inseparable entities. Firstly, the fact that “in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries
Shinto became an established state religion” (“Shinto and nationalism”, n.d.), indicates to the
truth that Shintoism plays a crucial role in elevating the feeling of nationalism among the
Japanese populace and hence, separating the domain of Japanese socio-political and cultural life
from Shintoism would be like taking a fish out of water and forcing it to die pathetically.
Secondly, the fact that “Shinto is the one religion that has been a part of Japanese culture since
ecorded history” (“Japanese Religions: Shinto”, n.d.), confirms that the entire culture of the
Japanese society is infused with the principles and philosophies of Shintoism to a great extent.
And due to all such facts it is never easy to deny the close relationship between Shintoism and
Japanese nationalism.
(154 words)
References:
URL: http:
www.
c.co.uk
eligion
eligions/shinto/history/nationalism_1.shtml
URL: http:
histclo.com/country/jap/act
el/jr-shin.html
http:
www.
c.co.uk
eligion
eligions/shinto/history/nationalism_1.shtml
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Briefly explain the relationship between kamis and shrines in Shintoism.
Kamis are “sacred spirits which take the form of things and concepts important to life,
such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers and fertility” (“Shinto”, n.d.). In Shintoism there is an
important relationship between kamis and shrines. According to Shintoism one cannot see or
heard kami but it can only be felt and as “Shinto is emotionally experienced – the Kami are
experienced through rather that as the sensual (physical) world” (“Shrine Shinto”, n.d.). The
elationship between Shinto shrines and the kamis lies in the fact that shrines are established for
inviting the kami to dwell within it and thereby enter the heart of the worshipper (“Shrine
Shinto”, n.d.). So, it can be said that to link to the kami, according to Shintoism, shrines have to
e established so that the kami can be invited into it and so that it can stay within it to help the
soul of the worshippers.
(151 words)
References:
URL: http:
www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman
el231/lectures/shinto/shrine.htm
URL: http:
www.japan-guide.com/e/e2056.html
Discussion 2: “Gathas–The Hymns of Zarathustra.” Please respond to the following:
Explain how Zoroastrianism acts like a
idge between Eastern and Western religions.
Discuss possible contributions or influences Zoroastrianism may have had on any other
eligions with which you are familiar.
http:
www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman
el231/lectures/shinto/shrine.htm
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Provide a rationale which you think explains why there is a renewed interest in
Zoroastrianism today.
Zoroastrianism should be...