So Many Religions

1. During our last Soul Talk we spoke about how many religions make up the world. If the world is filled with so many different religions, this leads us to believe that there are many varying beliefs about god. What are some different ideas that religions may have about the god of their understanding?
[Go around the circle and have everyone take a turn answering the question]

• There are some religions that believe there is one god/ creator, this is called monotheism. Mono equals one; theism equals god
• Some religions believe there are many gods, this is called polytheism. Poly equals many; theism equals god
• There are some religions that do not believe in a creator/ god(s), this is called atheism. A equals none; theism equals god

• Some people believe god is the universe, within everything and felt everywhere. They believe all is god. This includes human beings, nature, animals and emotions. This is called pantheism. Pan equals all; theism equals god

2. Since there are so many different religions, it may be difficult to know which one or ones to believe in.  If you chose to believe in a religion, what are some things you might look for it to have?
[Go around the circle and have everyone take a turn answering the question]

• You may look for a religion that has a kind, loving, and forgiving god/ creator
• If you are looking to share your religion with others, you may look for a religion that a number of people already practice
• You may try multiple religions, until you find the one that feels right for you
• You may look for a religion that helps you to feel safe, strong and powerful, a religion that does not teach fear

3. Do you think it is possible to believe in more than one religion?
[Go around the circle and have everyone take a turn answering the question]

• Sometimes families can practice more than one religion. For example, if one parent is Buddhist and another is Muslim
• Some people find different details of different religions that appeal to them
• For a lot of people, their religious journey is ever changing and growing. These people are students of truth and are always looking for practices and beliefs that help them grow

Food!

Materials Needed:
Your Preferred Recipe

[Please be aware of any food allergies your group may have]

[When planning ahead, adults could make this activity a sort of potluck. Or you could pick one or two different recipes to fix with the kids while on the playdate. Enjoy!]

Directions:

Since we are focusing on learning about various cultures and beliefs during this series of Soul Talks, why not eat some fabulous foods that people serve while celebrating different religious Holidays (or "Holy Days"). Here are some fun and yummy examples:

• Christianity:
  Pretzels - Monks in Southern France baked thin strips of dough into the shape of a child's arms folded in prayer
• Judaism:
  Matzo - A type of bread eaten at the Passover Seder, that symbolizes the Jewish people leaving Egypt so quickly that their bread was unable to rise in the oven
• Islam:
  Dates - Dates are eaten during the Iftar meal to break the fast of Ramadan, this symbolizes how Muhammad broke his fast by eating three dates. When people feed the dates to one another, this represents the act of giving. (Tip: When you taste the date, try feeding it to the person next to you.)

[Here is a link to a great cookbook. If you do not have access to a library or do not wish to buy the book; many of the recipes are available online.]

[Feel free to play one of our recommended songs while the kids work on their projects]

Did you try anything new? How did everything taste? Did anything surprise you?

[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 into 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.

The Buddha symbolizes the state of peace and happiness called Nirvana.  Let go of any worries you might have, and breathe into being right here, right now.  You are perfect peace.  [Pause.]

Jesus Christ taught that we should love one another.  Focus your attention on your heart, and feel the warmth of love radiate out from your heart to your whole body.  Know that you are loved. [Pause.]

Hindus see the many parts of life in many gods and goddesses.  By honoring their gods, and doing good, they make up for past mistakes and feel free.  Forgive yourself for any mistake you may have made, and make a silent promise to do better next time.  [Pause.]

In Islam, Muslims take time to pray five times a day, no matter what they are doing.  Take time now to be still and silently say thank you to the god of your being for the wonderful things in your life.  [Pause.]

Judaism sees us all as creations of god who can do good in the world.  See yourself as an amazing creation of god, and appreciate how special you are. [Pause.]

Religions express Spirit in many different ways, and it is important to respect and honor these many paths.  Let's honor them now by taking one more deep breath in 1, 2, 3.  And one more deep breath out 1, 2, 3.  And we end our meditation by putting our hands together, slightly bowing our heads and saying "Namaste"  Together: "Namaste"

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!