Do You Have a Religion?

1. We have already talked about how there are many different religions that make up the world. Are you personally part of a religion? If you are part of a religion, why do you choose to follow that particular one?
[Go around the circle and have everyone take a turn answering the question]

• You may have grown up learning about your religion from your family and friends. This is how many people first get introduced to religion
• A lot of people experience different religions, and pick the one that feels the best to them
• Some people choose a religion that makes them feel like they are a part of a family
• There are some people who do not know about different religions
• Other people may choose to not follow a religion

2. We have already spoken about the fact that many people follow different religions. In certain parts of the world, this very thing is a source of war for some. Why do you think some people may fight about religion?
[Go around the circle and have everyone take a turn answering the question]

• Sometimes it can be hard for people to find common ground, when all they see are ideas that are different then theirs
• There are some people who do not understand and have never been taught about religions other their own. Sometimes the idea that their religion is not the only religion or path to the god of their understanding can cause fear
• Some people can find it hard to accept and respect people who do not believe the same things they do

3. Do you know people who practice a different religion? Is it okay for them to have different ideas than you do?
[Go around the circle and have everyone take a turn answering the question]

• Some people probably know of or have friends who practice a different religion, sometimes we can be friends with someone and not even know what their beliefs are
• Some people are trying to get closer to god/spirit/nature through their religion. This is one thing that most religions have in common
• A lot of people are searching for comfort through religion and a feeling of belonging to something bigger. We can be searching for the same safe feeling while believing different things

What I Believe in My Heart

Materials Needed:
Tree Branch, dowel, or stick
Markers
Scissors
String
Paper (use the scissors to cut the paper into little hearts.)

Directions:

The kids will use the materials provided to create what they believe in, in the form of a mobile.

One of the main focuses concerning the topic of religion, is the idea of believing in something. This concept is what most religions are based upon. Whether this belief is a belief in your god(s), a belief in taking care of the planet and one another, or a belief in love. Religion is based upon belief. So let's talk about what we believe in. Maybe you believe in friendship and family? Maybe you believe in yourself? Maybe you believe in kindness and compassion? Maybe you believe in science? There are no wrong answers to this question.

Take a moment to think about what you believe in and use the heart papers to write your beliefs down. Once you have written your beliefs, attach those papers to the string and tie them to your stick.
[Feel free to play one of our recommended songs while the kids work on their projects]

Once you have completed your heart mobile, take a moment to sit down together and talk about the words or phrases that you included on your project. What made you choose the words you did? Were you more certain about some words than others? How did it feel to write down your beliefs? Religion tends to be based on what different people believe. Some of us believe the same things and some of our beliefs are different, and sometimes our beliefs even change and that's okay. What is important, is that we respect and honor other people's truths and beliefs.

[Invite the group to find a relaxing position, take a mat or towel, if you are working on a hard floor. They may sit or lie down to be comfortable. Speak slightly slower in a soft, soothing tone throughout, pausing briefly between sentences. You may play soft, instrumental music in the background while reading the meditation script]

Welcome to our Meditation Time: The time where we relax and connect to the spirit in and around us. I invite you to sit or lie down and make yourself comfortable. Quietly do that now.  [Wait until the group is settled, then read the meditation script]  [Optional: Begin music.]

I am going to guide you through our meditation to help you relax.    Let's close our eyes, and let's start by putting our hands on our bellies, and taking a deep, long breath in.  Feel your belly rise as you breathe in to the count of 1, 2, 3.  Then feel your belly fall, as you slowly breathe out to the count of 1, 2, 3.  Now breathe in 1, 2, 3.  And slowly breathe out like a tire losing air 1, 2, 3.  Continue to breathe in and out slowly and steadily.  Relax your body into the floor beneath you.  Keep breathing.

As we explore religion, we recognize that not all people have a religion.  Each person chooses the path that helps them best understand and take part in the world around them … a path that is right for them.  Let's relax into knowing this truth.  [Pause.] And religion isn't just for those who attend a temple, church, mosque, or shrine.  A religion can be a way of thinking, being, and believing.  Sometimes a religion will shape how someone dresses, acts, or eats.  For some, their religion shapes every part of their lives.  Think about how you see religion working in the lives of your family or other families.  [Pause.]  Now think about how you connect to the energy of the universe.  [Long pause.]  It feels good to connect to that energy, doesn't it? [Pause.]

Now let's take one more deep breath, and slowly let it out.  Now slowly open your eyes and slowly roll to the side and sit up to end our time of meditation.

[Optional: Turn off music][Optional: Say: Please return your cushion to its starting place]

Choose One:

Closing Affirmation - Option 1:

Turn to the person to your right, look them in the eye and say "I am happy I could share this time with you and hear about your beliefs."

Closing Prayer - Option 2:

The light of god surrounds us
The love of god enfolds us
The power of god protects us
The presence of god watches over us
Wherever we are, god is and all is well!