Background Information:
When studying the different religions of the world we tend of focus on the distinctions between these religions and understanding what makes them unique, however it is important to note that although these religions are distinct and unique in their own way, there are common themes and structures that can be applied to them. Some of the common elements present in the different religions that we will be studying this semester are:

• Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Writings
  • Divinely inspired writings that contain origins of the religion, essential beliefs, and major teachings. Some religions also revere writings of prominent figures throughout their history who have contributed to expounding the theology of the religion (ex: writings of the Christian saints) 
• Beliefs and Practices
  • Tenets of the religion that unify its community of believers on a variety of topics ranging from their relationship with the divine, soteriology, creation, eschatology, anthropology, etc. 
• Prayer and Worship
  • Liturgical practices that believers of the faith participate in throughout their daily lives. Some liturgical practices and rituals of prayer are performed in conjunction with the celebration of religious festivals at particular times of the week (ex: Sabbath) or times of the year (ex: Christmas) 
• Morality – Code of Ethics
  • Guiding principles that adherents of the faith abide by throughout their lives informed by the theology of the religion 
• History
  • Understanding how the religion was established and the advances of the religion throughout human history that shape the global image of the religion today while also recognizing changes in theology that have occurred throughout history due to major historical events  

Instructions:

In your reading of Chapter 5 – Encouraging Buddhism: The Middle Path to Liberation you have gained a better understanding of what the religion of Buddhism is all about from the context of its history, beliefs and practices, code of ethics, etc. You will now use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon particular elements of Buddhism enumerated below: 

1. Buddhist Symbols and Names (.5 pages)
   1. Identify a common Buddhist symbol and explain its significance
      1. Consider the following:
         1. History/Origins of the symbol
         2. Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement with it
         3. How is the symbol utilized by Buddhists today?
            1. Is it used during prayer/worship?
            2. Is it worm as an outward sign of faith?
   2. Distinguish between the terms ‘Buddhism’ and ‘The Buddha’ as it relates to the religion itself.
2. Life of the Siddhartha Gautama (.5-1 pages)
   1. Discuss who Siddhartha Gautama was and the impact that he had on Buddhism.
   2. Describe 3 key events from Siddhartha Gautama’s life.
   3. Address how these events are commemorated by Buddhists today.
3. Beliefs and Practices (2 – 3 pages)
   Throughout his life, Siddhartha Gautama did not record any of his teachings, but he is known for his influential sermons and the discussions that he had with his fellow monks. These sermons were transmitted orally for centuries before they were finally committed to writing by several different Buddhist groups. One of the most famous of The Buddha’s discourses is his first discourse titled Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma and in this discourse he outlines two ideas that would become the foundation of all Buddhist thought: The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path. 
   1. Interpret the meaning of each of the Four Noble Truths (1-1.5 pages)
      1. All life is suffering.
      2. The Cause of Suffering is desire.
      3. To end desire is to end suffering.
      4. to end desire, one must follow the Noble Eightfold Path.
   2. Articulate the significance of each of the aspects of The Noble Eightfold Path listed below and demonstrate how Buddhists believe that following these practical techniques will help them to achieve nirvana (1-1.5 pages)
      1. Right Understanding
      2. Right Thought (Intention)
      3. Right Speech
      4. Right Conduct
      5. Right Livelihood
      6. Right Effort
      7. Right Mindfulness
      8. Right Concentration (Contemplation)

Submission Instructions:

• When completing this written report, the following guidelines must be followed. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted from your grade.
• This report must be typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman font & double-spaced.
• Each section of the report must include a section title on a separate line (ex: Buddhists Symbols, Beliefs and Practices, etc.)
• Each section must incorporate at least 2 direct quotations from wither the course text (World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions) or one of the databases/encyclopedias available through St. Thomas University Library with an appropriate citation.
• The paper should be formatted per current CMOS and adhere to the page length requirements outlined above.
• Your paper will be assessed through Turnitin.

#1

In this course wrap-up discussion, please reflect on your experience in the course and address the following items:  

• Identify one of your major takeaways from this course.  
• What aspects of the course helped you achieve this?  
• Choose one of the course student learning outcomes (CSLO). Please explain how you could apply your chosen learning outcome to your practice and/or have achieved this outcome having participated in this class. 
• How will you apply this knowledge to your practice and career? 

This course has been a truly enriching experience, and as I reflect on it, several key aspects stand out. For the course student learning outcome, “Develop your role as a nurse advocate that can impact legislative development (CSLO 4)”, I feel this course has significantly empowered me. While directly impacting legislative development might seem like a distant goal early in one’s career, this course has provided me with the foundational understanding and the impetus to actively engage in advocacy. I now recognize that nurses have a powerful voice and a crucial role to play in shaping healthcare policy. I can apply this learning outcome in several ways. On a smaller scale, I can advocate for my patients within the healthcare system by understanding their rights, ensuring their voices are heard, and navigating complex bureaucratic processes. Furthermore, I can engage in professional organizations and participate in initiatives aimed at influencing local and state-level policies related to patient care, working conditions, and public health. This course has instilled in me the importance of staying informed about legislative issues affecting healthcare and the various avenues through which nurses can make their voices heard, whether it’s through contacting legislators, participating in grassroots efforts, or contributing to policy briefs. Looking ahead, I believe the knowledge gained in this course will be invaluable in my practice and career. The development of my advocacy skills will empower me to be a more effective voice for my patients and the nursing profession. As I grow in my career, I envision myself becoming increasingly involved in advocacy efforts, contributing to the development of policies that promote patient well-being and advance the practice of nursing. This course has laid a strong foundation for me to become a more knowledgeable and impactful nurse.

What is the most difficult concept to learn in statistics, and why? 

 *** initial post should be at least 200 words, APA style.

***Turnitin report***

This assignment will focus on introducing you to the question of human dignity and, in particular, the Christian perspective of the intrinsic worth and value of each person. You will have the opportunity to integrate this insight with scientific and philosophical approaches that inform judgements made in health care and contrast it with secular approaches to human value and worth. The logic of human rights will be made explicit as you engage with different concepts of “moral status.”

Based on your reading of the “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” (attached) and topic Resources, complete the “Moral Status: Case Analysis” (attached) document, in which you will analyze the case study in relation to the following:

• Christian view of the nature of human persons, theory of moral status, intrinsic human value, and dignity
• Theory or theories used by individuals in the case to determine the moral status
• How each theory used determines or influences recommendations for action
• Moral status theory personal response
• Integration of knowledge in health care (theories, multiple ways of knowing, evidence) and knowledge from other disciplines inform and support current or future professional health care practices and judgements

Support your response using only Chapter 2 from the textbook Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision-Making in Health Care and the Topic 2 Resource “The Image of God, Bioethics, and Persons With Profound Intellectual Disabilities.”

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.