Comments on:

By: meggallagher

meggallagher — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:53:37 +0000

Dear Cyrus,

I have just finished reading your report on religions. You included quite a bit of information that was new to me. For example,I didn’t know l hat the swastika was a Hindu symbol rotated. It must be appalling for Indians to see the swastika used the way Hitler did.

It was wonderful that you were able to attend so many different services. I studied religion in college and for one course, we attended about eight or nine different services — but not in their countries of origin as you often did. I would love to do that. And, I think it sounds as if you really developed a lot of understanding of our differences and our similarities. Sometimes we speak of some people being “of wide tolerance”and I think you are are becoming one. We definitely need more, don’t you think?

Love,

Miss Gallagher

By: jimcole

jimcole — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:40:44 +0000

Hi Cyrus,
Did your see my comment #8?

Do you have any response to my questions?

Maybe you did respond and I don’t know where to look if you have responded to my questions. Please advise.

Love,
Grandpop Cole

By: Freverts

Freverts — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:33:19 +0000

What a GREAT report, Cy!! I loved reading it and can’t wait to read it to Uncle TJ, Indy and Aiden. They’ll love it.
You seem to have a great understanding of and respect for these individual religions, and religion in general…I wish everyone did.
Fresh from Thailand, I particularly enjoyed the parts about Buddhism and its monks (we counted over 50 in one day, didn’t we!?). I was kind of confused the day our cab driver bought flowers from the boy in the street and right then and there at the stop light folded his hands, mouthed a prayer and then adorned the shrine (which included a figurine of Ganesh) on his dashboard! Shortly thereafter your mom gave me a mini lesson in how closely Buddhism is related to Hinduism!
It’s amazing and beautiful how different the religions of the world are, yet how fundamentally similar!
Kudos to you, my boy! Great report.
I MISS YOU!!!!!
Aunt Mo

PS – It’s possible, pig.
(Just had to throw that in there)

By: jimcole

jimcole — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:04:29 +0000

Cyrus, This is a very informative description of the world’s religions. Nice work. You said Christianity is the largest religion; that was a surprise to me. I thought Islam was larger but apparently not. Do you have any thoughts about which of the religions are most compatible with modern science understanding of origin and evolution of the universe and the application of modern scientific methods? Love, Grandpop Cole

By: maaite

maaite — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:56:35 +0000

Wow Cyrus, what a report! I wish our world leaders would travel the globe and gain as much insight as you have.

I’d like to know- In what ways are the people you have encountered the most similar?

I can’t wait to see you when you get back home. I look forward to hearing about everything!

By: Aunt Jess

Aunt Jess — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:01:05 +0000

Wow, Cy. If even a small fraction of my college students could write that interestingly and that well, my job would be much more stimulating. Thanks for posting your report. I learned a lot from it. I had no idea, for instance, that the swastika was basically hijacked from Hindu symbolism. I wonder if the Nazi misapplication of the symbol has affected the Hindu esteem of it at all. What’s your take on that?

Another question about the following passage: “Even now, as I walk down the streets of Bangkok, which is Buddhist, I see statues of Ganesh with offerings like fountain drinks, money, and sweets placed around him. Even the Thais believe that Ganesh has the power to solve their problems and bring happiness to their lives.”

Do you mean these statues are on public streets, or do you mean inside some protected place. I’m struck by this because if the former is the case (i.e., if people really leave offerings and even money at the feet of public statues), that seems to be an indication that the general population of Thailand must have a great deal of respect and/or reverence for the practice of Hinduism. I mean, people in the States wouldn’t leave public offereing out of fear of having them stole, right?

Just a thought. Anyway, Cy, really great stuff here. Miss you much!

By: ethan

ethan — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:03:17 +0000

This is a very interesting and comprehensive list. I am impressed with the variety and clarity of ideas, as you have captured the essence and also some of the more mundane manifestations of these disparate religions. Your combination of factual representation and anecdotes from your journey (like the cab driver scowling at traffic jams) brings these religions and the experiences that you’ve had with them to life.

On another note, your description of St. Peters Basicala reminded me of ancient religions which at first appear to be gone, but on second glance are right in front of us every day. As you may know, much of St. Peter’s adornment was created using marble stripped from the Roman temples which historically surrounded it. Nevertheless, the whole world still “worships” the ancient Greek and Roman gods, as when we recite the days of the week and the months of the year.

By: Grandma Bertie

Grandma Bertie — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:27:30 +0000

Great report and so much information and detail.
I think you summed everything up very well.

No one will ever know for sure until we pass from this world. I have a feeling there is truth and error in all of our religions. The full truth comes from our Creator, which we will know at some point, the error is allowed by Him because we are not perfect people and He is so patient, loving and merciful to each of us, wherever we live and in whatever we do.

You have had first hand experience of how kind people everywhere should be. I’m happy that you are experiencing and learning so much.

I can’t wait to have you back in America though so I can see you more often. I love you. May all the Gods of the World Bless You!

By: Deb Seibel

Deb Seibel — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:43:49 +0000

Cyrus, the world religions have always been of interest to me. it is nice to read your first hand experience with people of many different religions. You are an excellent writer. Keep up the great work and enjoy the last few months of your awesome experience.

By: normacole

normacole — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:44:09 +0000

Cyrus, I wish everyone could read your report and reflect on the importance in understanding each other’s religions; why and how they were all started. Did you come across, in your research, the different wars that have been fought in the name of religion? I agree with you that if more people could meet and become friends with people of different backgrounds/religions there would be less violence. Not as easy to harm someone when you can identify with them.
I am very proud of you. And I love you like a cow loves her haystack.
XXOO, Grandma Cole