Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. They serve as critical checkpoints to assess your understanding before moving forward in the course. You can work on a Touchstone anytime, but you can’t submit it until you have completed the unit’s Milestones. Once you’ve submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted toward your final course score. This structured approach ensures that you engage deeply with the material before evaluation.
Assignment 1 – Touchstone 1: Reflecting on Major Approaches to Studying Religions
ASSIGNMENT: In this unit, you learned some of the reasons for studying religion. Exploring these reasons helps contextualize the diverse ways religion influences societies and individuals. You also learned that religion is universally recognizable, yet difficult to define. This paradox makes it a compelling subject for academic inquiry. A narrow definition of religion that ties it to a belief in and worship of a higher, supernatural power, can exclude religions like Buddhism. On the other hand, definitions of religion that eliminate mention of the otherworldly or divine by equating it simply with “faith” or “belief” yield an understanding that is overly-broad. Thus, scholars must navigate between overly restrictive and excessively broad definitions.
Due to the challenges of studying religion, various methodologies have arisen including: phenomenology, theology, historical approaches, comparison, philosophy, and sociology. Each of these methods offers unique insights but also comes with limitations. This Touchstone gives you an opportunity to reflect on these major approaches to studying religion. Your reflection should demonstrate critical thinking about the complexities of religious studies.
In a 400-600 word short essay, you will explain the difficulties involved in defining religion. Then you will select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking, and explain its strengths and weaknesses. Your analysis should engage with scholarly perspectives while presenting your own viewpoint.
A. Assignment Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define. Consider how cultural variations and personal interpretations complicate a universal definition. Review the lessons in Unit 1 as you consider your response. Then, select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking and explain what you believe to be its strengths and weaknesses. Your choice should reflect both academic value and personal interest.
Your short essay should include four parts:
Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define.
Select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking and summarize the approach in your own words.
Explain a strength of this approach to studying religion.
Explain a weakness of this approach to studying religion.
The methods for studying religion discussed in Unit 1 include:
Phenomenology
Theology
Historical Approaches
Comparative Religion
Philosophy of Religion
Sociology of Religion
As you develop your reflection, be sure to engage with the course material from Unit 1. Incorporating course concepts will strengthen your argument and demonstrate comprehension. You will use information from the Sophia tutorials to support your response. When citing material from a tutorial, please include the name of the tutorial and use the following format (using Sophia’s Primal Religions tutorial as an example):
In-text citation: (Primal Religions, n.d.)
Reference: (n.d.). Primal Religions [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions–2/unit1/study-guide/7845/primal-religions-2
Refer to the completion checklist below throughout the writing process. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure a well-structured and polished submission. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
❒ Have you explained two reasons why religion is difficult to define, in your own words?
❒ Have you selected a method for studying religion from Unit 1 and summarized the approach?
❒ Have you explained a strength and a weakness of this approach to studying religion?
❒ Does your short essay demonstrate engagement with the course material from Unit 1?
❒ Is your short essay between 400-600 words, double-spaced, and formatted in 12-point font?
❒ Have you cited examples with in-text citations?
❒ Have you proofread your short essay for mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization?
Citations for study and reading materials
Nongbri, B. (2021). Before Religion: A History of a Modern Concept. Yale University Press.
Taves, A. (2018). Revelatory Events: Three Case Studies of the Emergence of New Spiritual Paths. Princeton University Press.
Cotter, C. R., & Robertson, D. G. (Eds.). (2016). After World Religions: Reconstructing Religious Studies. Routledge.
Sample Answer: Reflection on the Major Approaches to Studying Religions
Religion is one of those topics that grabs your attention and refuses to let go. It’s everywhere—woven into cultures, histories, and personal lives—yet trying to define it feels like chasing a shadow. It’s tough to pin down, and the ways we study it only add to its complexity, each method shining a different light on what religion means. Below, I’ll dive into why defining religion is so tricky and take a closer look at the phenomenological approach, a method that’s both fascinating and imperfect.
Why Defining Religion Is Difficult
First off, religion’s sheer variety makes it hard to box in. Take Buddhism, for example. It doesn’t revolve around worshipping a god, unlike many faiths tied to a divine figure. Instead, it’s about seeking enlightenment and living ethically. This raises questions: does Buddhism even fit the mold of “religion” as we often think of it? If we cling to definitions centered on a higher power, we risk sidelining traditions that millions hold dear, showing how limiting rigid categories can be.
On the flip side, if we go too broad—say, calling any deep belief or passion a religion—things get messy. Someone might live and breathe for their favorite sports team or political cause, but does that make it a religion? Probably not. Without some boundaries, the word “religion” loses its unique meaning, blending into every corner of life. Finding that sweet spot between being inclusive and specific is a puzzle scholars wrestle with constantly (Approaches to Studying Religions, n.d.).
The Phenomenological Approach to Studying Religion
Of all the ways to study religion, phenomenology catches my eye. It’s about stepping into the shoes of believers, focusing on what their faith feels like from the inside. Instead of judging beliefs or debating their truth, this approach zooms in on the lived experiences—think rituals, symbols, or personal stories—that reveal how people connect with the sacred. It’s like listening to someone share what makes their spiritual life meaningful, giving us a glimpse into the heart of their religion (Phenomenology of Religion, n.d.).
A Strength of Phenomenology
What I love about phenomenology is how it brings empathy to the table. It’s not just about analyzing texts or doctrines; it’s about understanding the human side of faith. Picture joining a Hindu festival like Diwali, with its glowing lamps and shared meals. You’d see more than just religious ideas—you’d feel the joy, the togetherness, the vibrancy of it all. That kind of insight helps us see religion as something alive, not just a set of rules or beliefs (Smart, 2020).
A Weakness of Phenomenology
But here’s the catch: phenomenology can feel a bit like chasing personal stories without a map. Since it leans so heavily on individual experiences, it’s tough to piece together a bigger picture. Two people from the same faith might describe their spiritual lives in totally different ways, leaving you with puzzle pieces that don’t quite fit. Plus, it sometimes skips over the historical or social forces shaping those experiences, which can make the analysis feel a little incomplete (Chryssides and Geaves, 2019).
Defining religion is like trying to catch smoke—it’s diverse, slippery, and resists tidy boundaries. The phenomenological approach offers a beautiful way to explore this complexity, putting lived experiences and empathy front and center. Still, its focus on the personal can leave gaps in understanding the broader forces at play. Together, these ideas remind me how intricate religion is and why studying it with care and curiosity matters so much.
References
(n.d.). Approaches to Studying Religions [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions–2/unit1/study-guide/7845/approaches-to-studying-religions-2
(n.d.). Phenomenology of Religion [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions–2/unit1/study-guide/7845/phenomenology-of-religion-2
Chryssides, G. D., & Geaves, R. (2019). The Study of Religion: An Introduction to Key Ideas and Methods. Bloomsbury Academic.
Smart, N. (2020). Dimensions of the Sacred: An Anatomy of the World’s Beliefs. University of California Press.
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Assignment 2 – TOUCHSTONE 2 Comparing and Contrasting the Common Elements of Religions
Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can
work on a Touchstone anytime, but you can’t submit it until you have completed the unit’s Milestones. Once you’ve submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded
and counted toward your final course score.
Touchstone 2: Comparing and Contrasting the Common Elements of Religions
ASSIGNMENT: For this Touchstone, you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of religions so far by comparing and contrasting two of the
world’s religions.
In a 400-600 word short essay, you will compare and contrast one “eastern” religion and one “western” religion discussed so far in this course. Using
specific examples from the lessons in Unit 1 and Unit 2 to support your conclusions, you will analyze some of the ways in which these religions are both
similar and different.
A. Assignment Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Select one “eastern” religion and one “western” religion discussed so far in this course. Review the lessons in Unit 1 and Unit 2 as you consider
how these religions are both similar and different.
Your short essay should include four parts:
• Briefly introduce the two religions you have selected to compare and contrast.
• Identify and explain at least two commonalities between these two religions, using specific examples from the lessons.
• Identify and explain at least two differences between these two religions, using specific examples from the lessons.
• Briefly summarize & conclude your short essay. In your conclusion, explain what we can learn about religions in general by noticing both their similarities
and differences.
As you develop your response, you should compare or contrast at least one example from each of the following elements of religion:
• Historical & geographic origins
• Core beliefs & doctrines
• Core rituals & practices
Not SubmittedSubmittedScored
You can work on a Touchstone whenever you want, but you must complete
the previous assessments in the Unit before you can submit it.SUBMIT TOUCHSTONE
Currently, the average time for a Touchstone to be graded is 2-3 days from submission.
UNIT 2 — TOUCHSTONE 2: Comparing and Contrasting the Common Elements of
Religions
SCORE -/25
• Important texts & narratives
You will use information from the Sophia tutorials to support your response. When citing material from a tutorial, please include the name of the tutorial and
use the following format (using Sophia’s Primal Religions tutorial as an example):
• In-text citation: (Primal Religions, n.d.)
• Reference: (n.d.). Primal Religions [MOOC]. In
Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-
religions–2/unit1/study-guide/7845/primal-religions-2
Refer to the completion checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
❒ Have you selected one “eastern” religion and one “western religion” discussed so far in this course?
❒ Have you briefly introduced the two religions you selected?
❒ Have you identified and explained at least two commonalities between these religions?
❒ Have you identified and explained at least two differences between these religions?
❒ Have you included at least one example from each of the given elements of religion: historical & geographic origins; core beliefs & doctrines; core
rituals & practices; and important texts & narratives?
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❒ Is your short essay between 400-600 words, double-spaced, and formatted in 12-point font?
❒ Have you cited examples with in-text citations?
❒ Have you proofread your short essay for mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization?
B. Rubric
Advanced (100%) Proficient (80%) Needs Improvement.
Sample Research Topics Guide:
- Analyze the commonalities and differences between an eastern and a western religion, exploring their historical origins, core beliefs, rituals, and texts to understand shared and unique elements.
- Discuss the similarities and distinctions between Hinduism and Christianity, using specific examples to highlight their shared values and unique practices in a concise academic essay.
- Research the connections and contrasts between Buddhism and Judaism, examining their doctrines, rituals, and narratives to reveal insights into global religious traditions.
- Write a comparative essay on Confucianism and Islam, identifying key similarities and differences in their origins, beliefs, and practices to deepen understanding of religious diversity.
Written essay example for you:
Touchstone 2: Comparing and Contrasting the Common Elements of Religions
Religions offer profound insights into human values and histories. This essay examines Hinduism, an eastern tradition, alongside Christianity, a western faith, to highlight their shared and unique features. Each shapes the lives of millions, yet they arise from distinct cultural roots. Exploring these connections and contrasts reveals universal spiritual themes and diverse expressions. Specific examples from their origins, beliefs, practices, and texts ground this comparison.
Shared Foundations: Commonalities Between Hinduism and Christianity
At their core, Hinduism and Christianity share a profound belief in a supreme divine presence that shapes the universe and our place in it. For Hindus, this is Brahman, the eternal essence that flows through all things, connecting every aspect of existence (Hinduism, n.d.). Christians, on the other hand, worship God, the loving creator who watches over and guides humanity (Monotheism, n.d.). Whether it’s Brahman’s infinite presence or God’s divine care, both faiths point to a higher power that gives life meaning and purpose.
Beyond this, both traditions emphasize living a good and ethical life as a way to grow spiritually. In Hinduism, dharma encourages people to act with righteousness, making choices that align with truth and harmony. Similarly, Christianity calls its followers to love and serve others, reflecting compassion in everyday actions. These shared values—dharma and love, righteousness and service—reveal a universal human longing to connect with something greater than ourselves, to live with purpose, and to make a positive difference in the world.
Distinct Expressions: Differences Between Hinduism and Christianity
Hinduism and Christianity diverge in their historical beginnings and worship practices. Originating in India over 4,000 years ago, Hinduism evolved without a single founder, blending diverse traditions (Hinduism, n.d.). Christianity, however, emerged in the 1st century CE, built on Jesus Christ’s life and teachings in Judea (Monotheism, n.d.). Their rituals also differ markedly. Hindus perform puja, offering prayers and gifts to various deities in homes or temples, reflecting a flexible, inclusive approach. Christians gather in churches for services like the Eucharist, emphasizing a unified devotion to one God. Such contrasts show how culture shapes spiritual expression.
Lessons from Comparison
Studying Hinduism and Christianity uncovers patterns that span religions. Their shared focus on divinity and morality points to universal human concerns. Yet, their unique histories and practices highlight the role of context in shaping beliefs. Recognizing similarities fosters empathy across cultures. Acknowledging differences encourages appreciation for diverse ways of understanding the sacred.
Conclusion
Hinduism and Christianity share core values while maintaining distinct identities. Their belief in a higher power and commitment to ethical living connect them across continents. At the same time, their origins and rituals reflect separate journeys. This comparison teaches that religions address common questions about purpose and existence, even through varied lenses. Exploring these faiths deepens respect for humanity’s rich spiritual tapestry.
References
Hinduism. (n.d.). [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions–2/unit1/study-guide/7847/hinduism-2
Monotheism. (n.d.). [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions–2/unit2/study-guide/8161/monotheism-2
Esposito, J. L., Fasching, D. J., & Lewis, T. (2021). World Religions Today (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Flood, G. (2019). The Oxford History of Hinduism: Hindu Practice. Oxford University Press.
Johnson, P. (2018). A History of Christianity. Routledge.
Prothero, S. (2020). Religion Matters: What Everyone Needs to Know. Oxford University Press.
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Assignment 3 – Touchstone 3: Evaluating the Impact of Religion on Individuals, Society, and the World
Instructions Brief – paper writing guide,
The instructions likely require a 400-600 word essay responding to the question, “How do religions both unite and divide humanity?” Students must choose two areas of religious influence from Unit 3 (such as Religion & the Individual, Religions & Society, Morality & Ethics, Ritual & Material Culture, Religion in Government, or Religion in Global Affairs) and provide at least two specific examples from any unit lessons. The essay should include an introduction, analysis of each area, and a conclusion, with citations from Sophia tutorials.
Touchstone 3: Evaluating the Impact of Religion on Individuals, Society, and the World
ASSIGNMENT: In each of the three units in this course, you have learned about the role of religions in our world.
Touchstone 3: Evaluating the Impact of Religion on Individuals, Society, and the WorldASSIGNMENT: In each of the three units in this course, you have learned about the role of religions in our world. You have already reflected on some of the major approaches to studying religions, and compared and contrasted two religions. In Unit 3, you have investigated the impact of religion on individuals and society, including learning about religion’s role in shaping morality and ethics, as well as ritual and material culture. Finally, you also thought about religion’s influence on government and global affairs. For your final Touchstone, you will evaluate the impact of religion on individuals, society, and the world. In a 400-600 word short essay, you will evaluate some of the ways in which religions both unite and divide, using specific examples from the lessons in Units 1, 2, and 3 to support your conclusions, by responding to this question: How do religions both unite and divide humanity?
A. Assignment Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Write a short essay of 400-600 words that responds to this question: How do religions both unite and divide humanity?
As you develop your response, you should choose two of the following areas of religious influence from Unit 3 to analyze:
- Religion & the Individual
- Religions & Society
- Morality & Ethics
- Ritual & Material Culture
- Religion in Government
- Religion in Global Affairs
Your short essay should include four parts:
- Briefly introduce your topic and develop a clear and succinct response to the question: How do religions both unite and divide humanity?
- Support your response by analyzing the first area of religious influence that you have selected from Unit 3. Use at least two specific examples from the lessons in any unit in your analysis.
- Support your response by analyzing the second area of religious influence that you have selected from Unit 3. Use at least two specific examples from the lessons in any unit in your analysis.
- Briefly summarize and conclude your short essay.
You will use information from the Sophia tutorials to support your response. When citing material from a tutorial, please include the name of the tutorial and use the following format (using Sophia’s Primal Religions tutorial as an example):
- In-text citation: (Primal Religions, n.d.)
- Reference: (n.d.). Primal Religions [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org/spcc/approaches-to-studying-religions–2/unit1/study-guide/7845/primal-religions-2
Refer to the completion checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
❒ Have you chosen two areas of religious influence from Unit 3 to analyze? ❒ Drawing on these areas of influence, have you written a clear and succinct response to the question: How do religions both unite and divide humanity? ❒ Have you supported your response by using at least two specific examples from the lessons in any unit, related to the first area of religious influence that you selected?❒ Have you supported your response by using at least two specific examples from the lessons in any unit, related to the second area of religious influence that you selected?❒ Have you ensured that your evidence supports your initial response? If not, now is a good time to go back and revise your response. ❒ Is your short essay between 400-600 words, double-spaced, and formatted in 12-point font?❒ Have you cited examples with in-text citations?❒ Have you proofread your short essay for mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization?
Study Bay Guides:
- Analyze how religious ethics foster communal bonds while doctrinal differences exacerbate global tensions.
- Discuss religion’s capacity to unify through shared rituals and divide through political instrumentalization.
- Explore the interplay of religion in shaping moral frameworks and perpetuating international conflicts.
- Investigate how material culture and governance strategies reflect religion’s unifying and divisive potentials.
Sample Essay: How Religions Unite and Divide Humanity
Religion has long served as a dual force in human societies, fostering communal bonds through shared values while simultaneously deepening divisions through conflicting doctrines. This essay evaluates how religions unify and fragment humanity by analyzing their impact on morality and ethics and religion in global affairs. Through these lenses, it becomes evident that religious teachings inspire collective compassion yet also fuel ideological polarization.
Morality and Ethics: Unity Through Compassion, Division Through Dogma
Religious teachings often weave universal ethical threads that bring people together, no matter where they’re from. For a case study, one can take the Christian call to charity or the Islamic tradition of zakat—both are about reaching out to help those on the margins, creating a sense of shared purpose across diverse communities (Religion & Ethics, n.d.). It’s the kind of compassion that sparks solidarity, reminding us we’re all in this together. Then there’s Buddhism’s focus on non-violence, which has fueled global pushes for justice—like the Dalai Lama’s heartfelt campaign for Tibetan autonomy (Ritual & Material Culture, n.d.). These moral foundations show how shared values can cut through cultural differences, building bridges where dogma might burn them down.
However, rigid interpretations of ethics often exacerbate societal fractures. Conservative religious groups may oppose progressive policies like LGBTQ+ rights, citing doctrinal prohibitions, while secular or liberal factions advocate for inclusivity. In India, debates over caste-based discrimination highlight how Hindu dharma (moral duty) is weaponized to justify social hierarchies, sparking protests and legislative clashes (Morality & Ethics, n.d.). Such conflicts reveal how moral absolutism entrenches divisions, even within the same faith tradition.
Religion in Global Affairs: Diplomacy Versus Discord
It is widely evidenced know that religion can be a powerful force on the world stage, sometimes bringing nations together and other times stirring the pot. Interfaith efforts, like the Parliament of the World’s Religions, show how faith can spark meaningful dialogue, helping people find common ground across borders. Take the 2015 United Nations climate agreement—faith-based groups, like those behind the Islamic Climate Declaration, rallied around shared spiritual values to push for collective action on a global scale (Religion in Global Affairs, n.d.). It’s proof that when religion leans into diplomacy, it can inspire collaboration where discord might otherwise take hold.
Conversely, religious identity frequently fuels conflict. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rooted in competing claims to sacred land, exemplifies how theological narratives deepen territorial disputes. Similarly, the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, where Buddhist nationalism justified the persecution of Muslim minorities, illustrates religion’s weaponization for political ends (Religion in Government, n.d.). These cases underscore how doctrinal differences, when politicized, destabilize global peace.
Conclusion
Religions possess an inherent duality: they unite humanity through universal ethics and collaborative diplomacy yet divide through ideological rigidity and political exploitation. By promoting compassion, religions build bridges across cultures, but absolutist interpretations of morality and identity often fracture societies. Recognizing this paradox is essential for fostering interfaith tolerance and mitigating conflict in an increasingly interconnected world.
References
- (n.d.). Religion & Ethics [MOOC]. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org
- (n.d.). Ritual & Material Culture [MOOC]. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org
- (n.d.). Religion in Global Affairs [MOOC]. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org
- (n.d.). Religion in Government [MOOC]. Sophia Learning. https://app.sophia.org