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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 September 2014
Is it possible to write contemporary scripture? This discussion highlights the pedagogical value not only of teaching with primary resource materials, but also of having students creatively rewrite sacred texts. First, I discuss the purpose of a religious studies journal, and then provide some practical guidelines for journal-keeping along with suggestions for grading them. Secondly, I focus upon one type of creative journal exercise—rewriting sacred texts. In response to Ira Progoff s statements that we can create the Bibles of the world anew by recording images drawn up from our depth consciousness, I encourage students to write scripture-styled passages which deepen their appreciation for and understanding of sacred texts. To conclude, I provide six sample creative journal exercises, one from each of the sacred texts read in my Eastern Religions classes, along with several student responses.
1 Interestingly, I find that when I explain the difference, students overwhelmingly prefer primary to secondary sources, especially since the religious east stresses the study of one's own direct experience of truth, not the study of words about the truth.
2 Progoff, Ira, The Practice of Process Meditation (New York: Dialogue House Library, 1980), p. 10.Google Scholar In At a Journal Workshop (New York: Dialogue House, 1975)Google Scholar, Ira Progoff describes the structure of the Intensive Journal. While I have learned a great deal from this text, from attending Progoff's workshops, and especially from The Practice of Process Meditation, my use of the journal is thematic, is functionally limited to the study of religious stories and sacred texts, and encourages imaginative writings. The creative exercises are neither objective rehearsals of data nor subjective confessions, but an integral dialogue with the texts.
3 Ibid., pp. 13, 14.
4 A complete set of exercises is found in my forthcoming book Sacred Stories of the East, which is an introduction to eastern faiths (Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist and Zen) through a study of their sacred texts (Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Analects, Tao Te Ching, Diamond Sutra and Platform Sutra).
5 In order, these are responses of: Karen Voss, “Herstory”; Marilyn Reeves, Q: Origin?”; Gail Palmer, “#82”; and John Morrison, “The Tao.”
