Explain how the etic and emic perspectives describe your own religion or a religion with which you are familiar. In etic, explain how an objective researcher would describe the religion including specific elements. In emic, explain how a practicing member would see the same reality.

Week 1 Assignment: Understanding Religion Essay

Choose only one (1) of the following two options:

Option 1: Eight Characteristics of Religion
In an essay, address the following:

Identify and briefly describe the eight key characteristics of religion developed in your reading.
Choose 2 for further explanation and include an example for each of your chosen characteristics as demonstrated in a given religion. (You may use different religions for each characteristic or stay with one throughout.)
Why did you choose these 2 reasons? How do they relate to your own religious worldview or your clinical practice?
Option 2: Etic and Emic Views
In an essay, address the following:

Explain how the etic and emic perspectives describe your own religion or a religion with which you are familiar.
In etic, explain how an objective researcher would describe the religion including specific elements. In emic, explain how a practicing member would see the same reality.
Quote an “authoritative religious leader” from this religion as part of your emic paragraph, in addition to your scholarly source. (E.g., Buddhism-Dali Lama; Catholicism-Pope)

How does understanding this add to your understanding of your chosen religion?
What does it add to your approach to patient care?
Click on the following link to view an example for Option 2 (Shinto):

Link: Shinto Example

Hopefully you can see the difference between the etic approach using facts and objective information devoid of emotion or attachment whereas the believer (emic) approach showed devotion, faith, appealed to the senses and emotion. The quotes showed personal faith. Your emic view does not have to use quotes, except for the religious leader requirement, but it needs to show a personal view.