Extra Blog to Substitute Lowest Grade

I noticed a pattern in the readings in class. I found it interesting that it is difficult to study religion or walks of life in isolation from the social/cultural context even though the focus is on the religion itself. Through its followers, religion can have an impact on the society or culture in which it exists. It may even incorporate some of its ideas or values into its own culture. The Rastas developed their own religion in response to the oppressive colonial society in which they lived. In response to oppression, their religion encouraged rebellion against that system. Likewise, Jane Addams beliefs were partially influenced by the dreadful conditions she witnessed in a part of London. Seeing the poverty, which was one of her motives, motivated her to ease unfortunate people's lives by establishing Hull House. Her belief in applying education in the real world also compelled her to start a settlement house. Hull House had social outcomes, which came from her set of beliefs (religion). These examples illustrate the idea that it is hard to explore religions without considering how society influenced or was influenced by religion.

Even Augustine recognized that society had to be taken into account when reading scripture. He provided a frame from which to view religion. For example, passages that seem irrational should be interpreted metaphorically instead because things that seem unusual now may have been considered proper then. Seeing scriptures from this perspective would clarify passages in the Psalms that seem harsh nowadays. Society changes and the interpretation of religions need to adapt to those modifications. This prevents society from clashing with religion. In the distant future, Augustine's ideas about interpretation may be useful in interpreting the religions in the present.

Hull House Neighborhood

The neighborhood around Hull House was different from how I imagined it. The maps of nationalities really shocked me. The neighborhood was not only tightly packed, but also extremely diverse. Ethnic groups were scattered everywhere; however, there were a few areas where a particular nationalities appeared to dominate. After seeing this I assumed that there probably were clashes between the ethnic groups as each has their own beliefs and customs. And in fact there were. One of the articles stated that Jews and Italians rarely inhabited the same tenement house because they look down upon one another. Living closely together with different people produced some conflicts.

Even though there were some cultural clashes, they still asserted there identity. The article talked about the Italian celebrating the Feast of Assumption and the characteristics of their religious rites. There are also several business owned by particular ethnic groups such as the Greeks and their restaurants, saloons, and groceries. People did indeed express their identity in their own ways.

People also had opportunities for social interaction. One of the images showed children playing in an alley even though it was a filthy and hazardous to their health. There were also five-cent theaters where people could watch dramas. The article also mentioned saloons. The additions to Hull House such as the gymnasium, women's club, and coffee house provided more opportunities for social interaction everyone, especially for the children. They these opportunities provided a learning environment where people could interact. I think that the social opportunities in Hull House may have motivated people to respect their differences and to assert their nationalities.