Living Conditions in 1900's Chicago

In the early 1900's, Jane Addams established the Hull House in the inner city of Chicago. In the surrounding, impoverished neighborhoods, there were a mix of many nationalities, living expenses and living conditions: Some of the groups are correlated.

Overall, the geographical area was basically slums or ghettos in extreme poverty. Most of the living space was made up of immigrants of various nationalities, usually living all within a close area. Groups of the same race or nationality, would live close to one another, also with the same living conditions. 

In the Polk & Twelfth and Hausted & Jefferson block of Chicago, Italians lived in the most low-cost spaces ranging from less then five dollars and $5-$10 for rent. Other predominant groups, the middle of the lower-class, on the block were Bohemian or English-speaking people that lived in the "mainstream" conditions, $5-$10 and $10-$15, respectively. The more "upperclass" of the poor were either Russian or Polish. They lived in space that was the most expensive range, from $15-$20 for rental.

In another block of the city, also close to the Hull House, there was the same type of groupings of ethnicities. It was the same types and cost of living space for the same types of nationalities. Except on this side of town, on this block, much of the space owned by English-speaking people were used as brothels!

There is more evidence of the poverty and the hardship experienced in the inner city of Chicago in various photos taken during that time period. Much of these photos show the hardship, and almost this misfortune, of the living conditions. There are photos of polluted city streets with dirty garbage boxes that were hard to empty and to clean. Another photo shows the density of the neighborhoods surrounding the Hull House, displaying the lack of space and the difficulty to find a play area for children. The last photo was a found play area: a small, garbage-lined, disease-infested alleyway with children running about. This showed what kind of places were used for play areas and shows the lack of supervision of the kids. 

Overall, the conditions were obviously not the best, back in that era. The living conditions were poor and were cramped, and expensive for that time period.  Jane Addams did her part to make it better for the less-fortunate by establishing her settlement house.

A New Take on Religion

A funny view on Christianity and other religions from comedian Jim Gaffigan:

(could this be used for my post-10th week blog post?

i think this covers religion very well, 

and it would be oh-so-swell if i can get extra points for it. 

i'm not saying, i'm just saying...)

ENJOY!!

Motivations...

In the early 1900's, activist Jane Addams established a settlement house in the slums of inner-city Chicago.  This was originally an idea that was based in England, but Addams Americanized the settlement house idea and established it in an urban setting in a large metropolitan city. This was a place for the poor to go for refuge. This gave great opportunities to those who were less fortunate. "Twenty Years at the Hull House" is a story (almost autobiographical) that shows and demonstrates her philosophy (maybe motivated by religion?) and how it makes a great social change for the better.

From reading "Twenty Years", it was mentioned that she was a Quaker. These religious views could be the foundation for a giving personality and a good heart. These morals or values could have been instilled into her at a young age and then carried out and put into action later in her life as something non-religious. But if she did not have Quakerism in her younger years, she could have been someone else and done something completely different with her life. Her "religious-based philosophy" is the motivation for helping the less fortunate and establishing the Hull House

Her accomplishments could be characterized or categorized as "philosophical", but I feel that her "philosophical" actions have some roots or a foundation provided by Quaker religious views.

Racism in Rastafari

Rastafari is known for its Afrocentrism, being centered on or around the motherland of Africa (or more specifically for Rastas, Ethiopia). This is a social and political aspect in Rastafari religion. This can also be related with racism.

Rastafari "prophet" Marcus Garvey used Afrocentrism in his teachings and publishings. This encouraged black people take pride in their roots and their heritage. This inspired Rastas to embrace all things African. With this, naturally, comes a hatred towards the upperclass and the government (which in the prime of the Rastafarian movement, the upperclass and government were caucasians).

I once saw a caucasian wearing Rastafarian tattoos on his biceps. One was a portrait of Bob Marley (which wasn't the worst because a lot of people hold Marley in high regard as a musician). There was also a country of Jamaica with it's flag within the borders (he could have been from Jamaica and his tattoo could've been a symbol of nationalism). And finally, (this guy had big arms, hence the number of tattoos) he also had an "Irie" tattoo in the colors of Ethiopia (red, yellow and green) which, I'm pretty sure, is from from Rastafari religion itself.

I'm not sure why a caucasian, such as this example would be flaunting such tattoos of a religion that extremely dislikes white people. It's ironic and contradictory. Afrocentrism is natural and inherent in Rastafari. Too often, people go with what is popular instead of doing research and knowing the underlying and historical value of things, i.e. Rastafari.

Documental Rastafari

This documentary segment shows us a Rastafarian community in Saint Andrew/Nine Miles, Jamaica. From what we have watched, we see confirmation of what we learned and discussed in class.

Much of the 'System of Symbols' is present in the video. The colours on the houses/shacks are boldly painted in Ethiopia's colours (red, yellow and green). These houses are built in a small community on a mountain side (which could be symbolic of Ethiopia's colour green for the lush land). I didn't see to many heads with flowing dreadlocks, they were all wrapped up in red turbans. This is their version of a royal crown, this brings them closer to Ethiopia. The interviews show the language used by the Boboshanti Rastafarians. Still like other Jamaicans or other Rasta, their lingo is a broken English, still creating a separation from the rest of society. 

As was stated in class, a person can easily tell if a household is Rastafari by looking around and seeing the various symbols classified with Rasta. This community is all about religion, it dedicates itself to Rastafari. This Boboshanti community is almost like a monastery, constantly praying and going to church, more dedicated that some other communities. Many of the symbols seen in the video and mentioned here show what Rasta is all about. 

Bob Marley: Icon

After taking time to analyze a few of Mr. Marley's songs in class the other day, I realize that Bob Marley is not just a reggae music icon or a marijuana advocate, but a religious figure as well.

When talking about reggae music, it is very difficult to not mention Bob Marley's name. He was the pioneer for bringing reggae to America, and a worldwide audience also. He had a number of greatest hits during (and after) his lifetime. (Album "Legend" went platnum, after his death!)

Most Americans know about Marley's musical career and his marijuana use. For Rastafarians, the marijuana is sacred sacrament (like a Native American peace-pipe), it is a part of their religion. But a lot of people associate Marley with only a recreational usesage (non-spiritual). Many people feel that was all he did, but after class on Friday I realize that he is much more than that.

After going through some of his songs, we can tell there are religious roots in the songs, the album art and the clothes worn at performances. Bob Marley's lyrics tell about the struggle his people had with being oppressed and moving to Ethiopia (example from "Exodus"). He would also use biblical references for activism. Marley and his style of music was a big part of the Rastafarian movement.

Marley isn't just a pot-smoking reggae musician, but a Rastafarian as well. His religious views and motivation for activism show in his songs. His music and lyrics "moved" (emotionally and physically) the people that listened.

Solomon & Sheba (redux)

Mmmkay, I think I got it now...

In Kebra Nagast, the Queen of Sheba learns from a merchant named Tamrin, the wisdom of King Solomon. She travels to Jerusalem to meet him and to basically worship him. They end up meeting and Solomon tricks her into sleeping with him. He gives her a ring to give to the child, to represent the custody or the belonging to Solomon.

The Queen of Sheba is portrayed as a wise, good leader in this text. As stated in class, both characters in this excerpt of Kebra Nagast need to do something morally questionable (two notable people of that time sleeping with one-another), to give Ethiopia value and a status.

Their child, a son Menelik, is born and grows up. Visits his father and receives the Ark of the Covenant and goes home to the Queen after being offered Solomon's throne. This mystery of the location of the Ark also gives Ethiopia some value.

Solomon & Sheba

In a reading from Kebra Nagast, we look through texts about Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and the coming of the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is being positioned in a positive way, by the actions of Solomon & the Queen. Their behavior represents Ethiopia in a favorable fashion. Their actions can represent the goodness that could be represented by God. 

I think I might have missed the point on this week's question...

system o' symbols

Religious traditions gives us a system of symbols to observe, take this photo for example.

216342260_d4b816f8c1.jpg

Besides the obvious example of Jesus Christ being a religious symbol or religious figure, there are many other examples of religious symbols that could also be thought of in this photo. The color scheme of the photo (black, white and shades of grey), can represent the various interpretations on not just Christianity but religion as a whole: It is not usually "black and white" on different issues within religion, there is always shades of grey representing other interpretations, views and morals. The cracks, crevices and dirt on the statue could represent the "wear and tear" that religion has gone through (dynamics, if you will). Religion has lasted a long time, and the minor deterioration or abrasion on the statue represents the age of religion. Like an old sacred heirloom, being passed down and continued on, it takes on weathering and aging. 

Carmina Burana

Tonight was a performance of Carmina Burana in the Lawrence Chapel, featuring the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra, the Lawrence Choirs and other guest choirs and singers. This was a concert of epic proportions, if you will. (Suggested listening: "O Fortuna")

Carmina Burana is a series of ancient manuscripts found in a Bavarian Monastery (228 total), mostly written in Latin, some German and a little bit of Medieval French. The manuscripts are poems split in to six different sections: Songs on religious themes, moral/satirical songs, love songs, drinking songs, religious plays and different versions of earlier songs with textual variations. German composer Carl Orff used 24 of these poems to be put to music. This is what was performed tonight. 

Throughout the night, reading through some of the translation packet handed out, I kept thinking about the accuracy of the translation itself. Augustine would have probably questioned these translations, he would have wanted to analyze the text without sacrificing the clarity of expression.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmina_Burana

P.S. Today was my younger brother's confirmation ceremony at our church, I was his sponsor. Could this be an extra-credit opportunity?

BOOK II - Christian Teaching

When analyzing or interpreting ancient and sacred texts, it is very important to take many aspects into consideration. Many of the previously read psalms have details that can effect the overall message of the psalm.

The place, time and reason are important to think about when interpreting a psalm. Where was this psalm written? When was it written? Was there a reason the author wrote this psalm? Many outside factors (such as monarchy rule, various wars, etc.,) come into play when analyzing.

In Augustine's text, "On Christian Teachings", he carefully advises to take many aspects into consideration when interpreting religious texts. Augustine recommends the cross-examination of translations (i.e.: Greek and Latin versions of manuscripts), so the clarity of the expression of the text shows through. This is helpful and important for interpretation. 

"Know these books, not necessarily understand them but to read them so as to commit them to memory or at least make them not totally unfamiliar".

earth day

Today was the Earth Day celebration at Lawrence University. I took part in celebrating by consuming less, conserving more, being aware of carbon footprints and playing in various musical ensembles throughout the day. All this began to make me wonder... 

Why don't religions take an active role in helping the environment?

Then, that got me thinking of possible religions that DO worship/help the environment, and the only thing that I could think of was Wicca or witchcraft. I know that followers take special care and worship of the environment, treating everything in nature as sacred and treating nature almost as gods. Why isn't Wicca  more popular now that Global Warming is such a threat? Why is it frowned upon? I'm not saying that I'd take part in a witchcraft cult or worship, but if it helps the environment I might think about it. 

Could we maybe discuss some of this in class? I'd like to learn more about different religions such as this.

Ethical Stance

In many of the pslams read, there are various views of ethics to be taken in when interpreting each psalm.

Much of these have a "fire and brimstone" tone to them (as mentioned before). For example, in Psalm 18 we analyzed in class, there were a few themes that could represent various ethic issues.

The first involved a spiritual aspect, not really controversial to any ethics, but a good place to start for a psalm. Many people live by spiritual/religious ethics, it's not uncommon.

Then later we move to God's intense action, where there is intense language describing all of that is God's wrath, power and vengeance. This is where it gets to be a problem with a livable ethic. People or followers read this psalm and quiver in fear. This wouldn't be so much an ethic to live by, because this causes discomfort in followers and forces them to do the "right thing". 

Then finally, we talk about God's moral oversight or qualifications. This is from a second party viewpoint (using words such as "my", "me" and "I" in this context), showing the brighter side of God, "saving me from my daunting enemies" and other good things. 

The author of this psalm could have been bi-polar, talking first about dark, scary things that can happen if you disobey the Lord, and then moving to great things that can occur if you follow the Lord. Ethics to live by? Well, maybe. That was kind of an extreme comparison I just listed for a livable ethic or moral. But many religions like Christianity and Judaism use "tactics" like these listed in the psalms to get followers to do the right thing. 

I think the only thing missing may be the "piece of mind" or comfort one would receive from religion.

Lyres and such

There was a point brought up in class, that in one of the Psalms talks of David playing a Lyre to soothe a follower of his. Someone made the connection of the Lyre on the cover of our "Book of Psalms" that the psalms themselves can be used in the same way as the lyre was, to soothe followers. I thought this was a great point made. A good use of an allegory to make that connection. 

What if David played the drums? I'm not sure if that would be as soothing as a lyre, but it is still a musical instrument. 

Music is a pretty common associate in religion or worship. Many religions have different instrumentation for certain songs used for certain times of the year. And lyres, for example could be a good case of an musical instrument for religious purposes.

PSALM II

This version of Psalm II from the Bay Psalm Book has certain differences and similarities with the version we are reading in class. 

The Bay Psalm Book starts off with "Why rage the Heathen furiously?". Already, that gives me the impression of a "Fire & Brimstone" sermon. The use of strong, aggressive words are found throughout the Bay Psalm. This version is considerably darker than the Robert Alter translation of Psalm II. Still, there is some "fire & brimstone" in our version as well. Controlling followers through fear is the way it was back in the 1640's. Ministers, Preachers and other religious leaders would scare followers in trying to do good. Followers or people in general, back then would probably be afraid of the consequences of doing wrong, they would be scared into doing good and following rules. This version of Psalm II would be a great example of controlling followers. 

There are still the same representation of the vain things people do, a master's "wrath", Zion depicted as a holy mountain or hill, the use of a rod to crush pottery (Why does God hate pottery so much?). Many of these elements are "found in translation", because they can provide visuals. 

Palms/Salms/Pslams

The psalms we read could be applied to events of today. Allow me to translate.

Psalm #2:

Why are the nations aroused,

and the peoples murmur vain things?

Kings of the earth take their stand,

and princes conspire together

against the LORD and against His anointed.

"Let us tear off their fetters,

let us fling away their bonds!"

He Who dwells in the heavens will laugh,

and Master derides them.

Then will He speak to them in His wrath,

in His burning anger dismay them:

-

"And I - I appointed My king

on Zion, My holy mountain."

Let me tell as is due of the LORD.

He said to me: "You are My son.

I Myself today did beget you.

Ask of me, and I shall give nations as your estate,

and your holdings, the ends of the earth.

You will smash them with a rod of iron,

like a potter's jar you will smash them"

And now, O you kings, pay mind,

be chastened, you rulers of earth. 

-

Worship the LORD in fear,

and exult in trembling.

With purity be armed,

lest He rage and you be lost on the way.

For His wrath in a moment flares up.

Happy, all who shelter in Him.

(from The Book of Psalms by Robert Alter)

The line "Why are the nations aroused" says in the footnotes that this is in response to a specific historical situation. This could be applied to the current War in Iraq. Wars don't affect just the countries involved, but the rest of the world as well.

"Kings of the earth" could be pictured as a George W. Bush caricature wearing a king get-up with crown, scepter and throne on top of the world. He's the king of the earth that's causing nations to be aroused. 

"His anointed" could be considered the few good, religious persons left in this world, ready to save the day, or save the world. 

In the second part of the psalm, God talks about breaking pottery with an iron rod (perhaps a king's sceptor?). This is a pretty killer visual, this shows the destructive side or wrath of God though people's actions: taking down nations/estates, if you will. 

The "Fire & Brimstone" continues in the third part of Psalm #2, with "worshipping the lord in fear". Religion shouldn't be about controlling people/followers through fear. It's meant to give people comfort and peace of mind. 

"With purity be armed" sounds like a forming of God's army, as said before, ready to save the day or save the world. A call to end the War in Iraq maybe?

In closing, "Happy, all who shelter in Him" shows the brighter side of the psalm. The peace of mind and comfort that religion offers. 

Many old texts or scriptures can be applied to todays times or events. It just takes an open mind. I'm looking forward to reading more in the Book of Psalms. 

animal crackers in my soup...

Native Americans represented various animals (deer, elk, alligators, birds, otters, snakes and even gigantic men) in effigy mounds. They often used these mounds for burying their departed. This form of representing animals makes them sacred, in a way, by associating the shapes of the mounds with the dead. A sensitive subject, if you will.

While in the Lascaux cave, these animal representations could be of religious significance, but not necessarily. These could be drawings/paintings of an example like Mickey Mouse: they could be just pictures, no real significance. Maybe a decoration of living space. (Christopher Lowell should check this out).

Although today, animals are still represented in a variety of ways, in sports teams, business mascots/logos or even maybe animal crackers. Still being represented, they should not be held "sacred" because they represent other things (sports teams/business). Not so much a sensitive subject as loved ones passing away. 

These representation of animals (in regards to the mounds), has religious significance because it involves the burial of sacred relics and lost-loved ones passing to an "afterlife". These animals are important religious symbols because with an association with burial, they become sacred symbols. Opposite, Mickey Mouse or animal crackers couldn't be (or at least shouldn't be) considered as sacred because these examples aren't associated with sacred relics, passed loved ones or an afterlife. 

Although animal crackers would be sacred in my view of an afterlife...

kidding.

Religious Radiohead!?

Many bands have a great following and an established fan base. Would it be possible to take it as far as worship? Or making a religion? In class, still defining religion, we found some elements or characteristics of religion that is common with following a rock band. I found that the UK alternative/electronic band Radiohead would be a good example.

Elements of religion:

Worship of deity: (a bad one to start out with, I assume that most Radiohead fans would be Atheist, so this would be ironic for this to happen. "God loves his children, yeah")

Faith/Belief without hard evidence: (fans belief of Radiohead existing, seeing them on television, the internet, etc., without really meeting them in person.)

A group of people with a common belief: (The fan base, obviously. All of their fans, singing along to their songs, being "packt like sardines in a crushd tin box" to see Radiohead at a venue.)

Set of moral values: (I'm sure some die-hard somewhere wrote some "commandments" for other fans to follow. That could be good morals, you never know.)

Social/Spiritual hierarchy: (A Radiohead hierarchy would be more social than spiritual, at the top would be the band, under that would be associated artists, then management, then close friends to Radiohead and then the foundation for it all: the fans, of course.)

Different traditions/rituals: (Once again, I think the die-hards might have a pre-concert ritual they have, maybe involving a Radiohead shrine, I dunno.)

Emotion/Devotion//personal/spiritual: (Music is a powerful weapon, it can stir up emotions and can soothe the savage beast. Fans listen to and like their music, they can relate to the subject matter and through that, relating towards the band.)

View of afterlife/meaning: (Everybody take a listen to "Motion Picture Soundtrack" (a song describing an ascension to heaven, listen for the harps), that best explains a view of an afterlife, not necessarily a good one, but still a view.)

Texts/Symbols/Stories: (The most important part of a religion dedicated to Radiohead. The songs, music, art, stories are the essence of what people use to grasp the band. This creates the following/fanbase.)

Just a few elements of religion that can be applied to following Radiohead, I'm not saying that I follow these aspects, I'm just saying that if someone were to begin to worship Radiohead, this maybe a way to go about it. 

Clifford Geertz v. Intro to Religious Studies

In class, we talked about definition of religion. One example was from Clifford Geertz, his definition stirred up a little controversy in the Intro to Religious Studies class at Lawrence University. Our class felt many different ways about his definition. 

Some people thought that Geertz's biased definition was too mathematical or too concise for defining religion. Along the same lines, it puts religion "in a box", making it something easy for a simple mind to grab a hold of. Some people thought his definition condescends or belittles religion. 

On the other hand, Geertz's definition does highlight some examples of faith, he uses "moods and motivations" and an "aura of factuality" as examples of faith. These give religion a sort of level of mystery. 

Although, both ways of interpreting this definition can be correct, I feel that I "sharply" disagree with Geertz's definition. He takes something so powerful, and waters it down to a very vague and biased definition. He's taking something intangible and trying to make it tangible. Geertz is putting religion "in a box", if you will.