Assignment 4: Religious Service Experience

DIRECTIONS: For this assignment you are to observe a religious service (broadly defined) of a religious organization that you have never attended before. This is an opportunity to experience a unique religious service. You may not attend a service within the same major world religion that you have attended in the past (e.g., Catholic and Protestant versions of Christianity both count as Christian). In Ames there are Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Unitarian services. If you have transportation, Des Moines offers an even broader array of options. Although this may be somewhat intimidating, I strongly urge you to attend a service that is foreign to you. Most local groups will be very welcoming to visitors.

After you attend, you will write about your experience. Reflect on your thoughts and experiences. What was it like for you? What insights did attending give you (about that particular religion, about religious devotion, about yourself, etc)? Pay particular attention to the psychological elements of the service. What material from the class can you apply to the experience that you had?

                                   Typed and stapled papers are required.

                                   Creative, thoughtful responses are encouraged.

                                   1-2 pages (double-spaced)

                                   Worth 40 points