Blog 2

Lately, the past three classes have made me think about the distinction between culture and religion.  I kind of talked about this is in my first point, but I think this is a good time to expand on this idea.  From what we've talked about in class, it seems religion is defined by ideas, morals, values, and beliefs, but how is that different from culture?  For example, I was raised Jewish, however I have always defined Judaism as a culture.  Why, I do this, I don't know, and understanding this could probably shed light on a distinction between culture and religion.  In my family, though my parents believe in God, I was never raised being forced to feel this way.  I participated in certain religious ceremonies, such as going to temple on the high holidays, and celebrating Jewish holidays.  I was never Bat Mitzvahed, yet I still consider myself Jewish.  The belief in God aside, I've noticed a lot of similarities and moral beliefs and values among my family and other Jewish people.  I think this is what makes me classify Judaism as a culture.  So I guess, it seems what is making me classify a religion as a religion, is the presence of God, and the presence of a set of beliefs that guide one's life.  Maybe this has nothing to do with Judaism, and more with how my family raised me, but I never felt pressure to act and think a certain way.  

So far, it seems to me that I am using the presence of God to define religion.  As I learn more about various religions, I will  be interested to see if my answer changes.  I am pretty certain it will.  This is a question I will return to frequently.