1.

In what ways have you become more aware of your religious

landscape?
Prior to this class I didnt give much thought to the religious
landscape of my community. I was pleased to learn that just
because Utahs religious landscape is mostly Christian based
(Mormons included), there is a growing population of minority
religions rising within my community. . Ignorant was the best way
to describe myself when it came to types of religions in the
world, let alone in my own back yard. During the religious
landscape project I found a few religions like the Sikhs that I did
not know even existed. I never heard of Sikhs until this class and
was surprised to find a classmate who was one. During this class
I was able to visit a Hindu Temple ceremony and go see the Dalai
Lama. Going to experience the religion was the best way for me
to remove my fears and misunderstandings of minority religions.
2. Refer back to how you answered the question Do you believe
America is a Christian nation? Has your response changed?
Explain.
I answered the question with a firm belief that America was
heavily based in Christianity. With the knowledge gained from
this class, I absolutely need to change my response. Though our
nation is still Christian based, it has grown in diversity over the
centuries. Immigration brought hope of religious diversity to
America and with the immigration workers coming to America
from many continents, they also brought along their religions
with them. Once in America, the immigrant religions were free to
branch out, adapt, and customize their religion to what suited
them the best. America has come a long way and is quickly
become the most diverse continent to date.
3. As we face increasing diversity, how are our beliefs and identities
(American) changing to accommodate this diversity?
With the diversity changes, Americans are become divided
between understanding new religions and fear of change
because of the rapid growth of different religions in their
communities. By learning about the religious landscape in ones
community, it becomes easier to prepare oneself for the
inevitable changes that will happen. Over time, knowledge and
study of different religions will bring acceptance for those who
want to live in a general harmony with others. Changing diversity
has shown up in the military, politics, business and school
environments thanks to many efforts from minority religious

groups.
4. Do you believe the risks associated with diversity are worth it?
Why?
This is a difficult question for there are many pros and cons.
Some of the pros would be that religious diversity would enrich
our religious option, encourage religious freedoms, and respect
our civil rights. Some of the cons would require Americans to
make adjustments in their own personal actions and beliefs.
There is a potential for fragmentation and political struggles
and/or hostility. Americans may ask what could be at stake for
religious diversity. Examples could be democracy, fairness and
decency, and American values. America still has a long way to go
for we are still experiencing today a vast if not increasing amount
of hate crimes in our communities based on race, gender,
religion, disabilities, and sexual orientation or ethnicity. These
types of crime would have to cease before the risks associated
with diversity would become worth it in America.
5. What can you do to encourage a reflective pluralism in your
community?
The first and most important thing I could do to encourage a
reflective pluralism in my community is to educate myself then
others on the minority religions in the community. It is the fear of
the unknown religions that make it all to easy to label them as
weird, wrong, or different. What minority religions want are the
same thing all humans want, understanding and respect.
Becoming familiar with and increasing ones knowledge will be
the best way to be pluralistic with minority religions. It is by
knowing the differences, finding the similarities and respecting
the individuals choice of that religion that will make pluralism
successful in my community.