REL C 351 - Response Paper #1 with Dr. Andrew Reed PDF

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First response paper based on personal analysis using assigned readings....

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Ondine Morgan-Garner

REL C 351 - Response Paper #1

3. The initial and well minded intention of students from universities throughout, BYU included, is to have their minds opened to the limitless possibilities of their personal potential. With the majority of them young and inexperienced, questions arise in relation to their identity, their talents, and what role allows them to gain recognition in the current society. On the other hand, educators are viewed as supposedly knowing their place as those who have earned their answers and are continuing on a steady, self established path. Although centering goals around what one wishes to accomplish for themselves is not an unbecoming pursuit, President Worthen directs us to the idea that if anything sets BYU apart from the rest of the world’s educational institutions it is that the ultimate goal of a student and educator alike is to find one’s self through the act of uplifting others in similar inquiry. In his given address, President Worthen states “...as a fundamental part of our mission...faculty members excel not only in the classroom but also in the research arena.” The passions of BYU professors not only reach to quench the curiosities of their students’ minds but also the curiosities of their own minds. This is achieved through the involvement of both educator and student in the process of research. Once a student participates in the educator’s process of discovery, through in class activity and study abroads, he or she learns along the way and eventually passes that same knowledge on to others seeking that same, definitive direction. This well balanced strategy involving an educator’s ability to direct and discover results in a cyclical system, both intellectual and spiritual in nature. Like that of Christ and his apostles, out of one holding truth and loving willingness to show the way comes an infinite amount of self pursuers, ready to submit their own wills to that of a greater picture. Ultimately, students and educators who engage in this harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship will achieve their passions and fulfill BYU’s eternal outcome. 4. One of the main ideas recently discussed in World Religions is that in order to develop a clear and unbiased thesis on religion, one must take on an etic method. In other words, a true scholar observes the practices from an outside approach, viewing the forms of worship as temporal rather than holy. This concept does not only apply to religion but to all fields of study. The big question for many theologists and religious historians alike is how to formulate conclusions that are not hindered by personal belief or involvement. An issue that may arise for students and teachers at BYU is an incapability to immerse themselves fully into their research without neglecting their beliefs or letting those beliefs overtake their exploration. As latter day saint students and educators at a research based University a time may arise where facts, happened upon by the encouragement of the religious institution over the university, conflict with personal belief. Is there a way for both to be reconciled? First and foremost, latter day saints believe that God is the founding artist of all existence. If one finds their research in opposition to doctrine, a mechanical approach might be to trust that we may not have all the information. Without God, all truth is partial truth. Aaron Hughs states, “...we should be careful of assuming that insiders are somehow rendered incompetent to function as scholars of their own tradition.”

Ondine Morgan-Garner

REL C 351 - Response Paper #1

Although BYU’s academic process may result in contradictive discovery, the core of our Latter-day Saint belief is that we learn line upon line and precept upon precept. To make conclusions solely based on an unaffiliated standpoint or perhaps an overafflicated one warps the purpose of BYU’s motto. By using both an etic and emic approach to our studies we combat the issues of testimonial neglect as well as the ignorant and stubborn denial of evidential truth....