In what ways is storytelling an effective approach to understanding the world’s religions?

In what ways is storytelling an effective approach to understanding the world’s religions? How do stories affect beliefs and practices? And how do beliefs and practices affect stories?

How does “bracketing” help students and scholars in the academic study of religion? What might be the downsides to this approach?

1. What are the benefits and pitfalls of comparing religious traditions? What can comparison help us see? What might it obscure?
2. Which definition of religion makes the most sense to you, and why? What does your favorite definition reveal about the world’s religions? What does it miss?
3. In your response, you must reflect on course content from one of the traditions covered in this course: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Navajo Religion, or Atheism (4 points).

You are further asked to submit a suggestion or insight on this course. This may be anything from suggesting a film, to a discussion board prompt suggestion, a different textbook, or suggestions for future religious traditions for inclusion. Try to be realistic in your suggestions please (1 point).