Meg Iafrate

R. Masters
December 13, 2014

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Portfolio Reflection
Module 15

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What can I, as an historian of the ancient world, learn and apply from the history
of my ancient ancestors to my own role in contributing to and acting responsibly for the
betterment of society? As a historian I learned to understand and learn about all the
different religions through out the semester. Understanding and learning about the
different religions I can now understand what others in the ancient world have gone
through and all the trial and tribulations to become successful and in developing a religion
and developing a following. We have learned a lot about Hinduism, Buddhism,
Christianity, and Zoroastrianism.
I do not believe in one specific religion now that I am an adult. So I would consider
myself someone who is an Omnist. Omnist is someone who believes in Omnism and has
recognition and respect of all religions. I was raised in private schools and with Catholic
beliefs, but as I grew older I started to recognize all types of religions and beliefs. I don't
really believe in one religion or belief system, I just believe in a higher power.
I have always felt that believing in something can help you get through the toughest
times. I like to take things I have learned growing up in consideration and apply them in

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my every day life. I don't feel like we can tell the whole world one belief is the correct
belief and every single person on this earth should follow these beliefs or guidelines.
Obviously, I believe some are more realistic and I can understand certain beliefs vs. others
because some are extreme, but I still don't think we can tell people what or who they
should believe in. And has humans I feel we should give everyone support in what they
believe in even if you do not agree, that does not mean you are right and they are wrong
and you are living a better life and they are living a life of sin or dishonor.
As we studied religions over the course of the semester I took a liking to the Greeks
belief system because I felt a greater understanding of polytheistic beliefs. I loved the
origin of myths, traditions, and festivals. I am a huge believer in signs and that is one of
their biggest beliefs and they followed. They asked or looked for signs from their Gods
and in those signs they looked to see what was going to happen in the future.
I felt this is a great example about how having a belief in a higher power can make
you live and push forward to the next day or even have faith when we are at war like the
people of Ancient Rome. They looked to their Gods when they fought some of the
toughest battles in history. I believe that, because they had faith and believed what they
were dong had a purpose this helped them succeeded.
On the other hand not many years later Christianity which became part of the
Romans beliefs and this was a lot different and they only had ONE GOD now. And you
would repent for your sins and there were no myths that were passed down from
generation to generation, but believed good would from come from the goodness you did

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through out your life and with the good things you did, you would be rewarded and go to
heaven.
If we can take away anything from all the different religions out there, we just need
to take in the belief to be a better person and to help the others around you and try not to
judge. I think that is what religion is all about, being a better version of yourself. I believe
in karma. I have been on the receiving end and the giving end. I have done not so nice
things and have done nice things and I believe I have been punished at times for the
things I have done to hurt people and I believe I have been rewarded for have had
someone give back for the things I have done to help others.
With that being said which is always easier said then done, if we just give back to
others and try to be positive influences we can maybe change the actions of what that
person does next or simply just help make that individuals day a little better. And if you
can do these acts selflessly and not expect anything back in return I believe that is the best
thing you can do to be a better person. Your actions may never be recognized or passed
down as myths from generation to generation, but you will always know you made a
difference for that person and hope they pay it forward.

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