CNS World Studies Hybrid 2014-15

11/14
1. Using the PEW Research Religion & Public Life Project, write a news article
from the perspective of a world news journalist attempting to describe the
religious patterns in the world.
Religious Patterns of the World

As the world its self becomes more globalized with increases in

technology and infrastructure religion has followed suit. Where there used to
be hundreds of major religions today More than 2/3 of the entire human
population is accounted for within three religions. Christianity and its many
branches has become the dominant religion of todays world. Over 2 billion
people classify themselves as Christians which is right about 30% of the
worlds population. The other major religions, Muslim and Hindu, incorporate
another 35% of the globe. As the world becomes more closely knit and ideas
spread faster than ever before this is a trend we can expect to continue.
Well-developed religions will flourish as they spread their ideas where small
independent religions may become over run. The location and isolation of
people no longer completely protect them from outside idea like they used
to. We see this as we see major religions spread to the most remote parts of
the globe and to the poorest underdeveloped countries. With the world being
dominated by these major religions the risk is run that we may lose certain
cultures and religions in our global pursuit of progress. It seems those that
dont jump on this train will be left behind and momentum continues to grow.
It is now time to assess what you believe and not simply go with the flow and
run the risk of being washed away in the current. Speak out with your own
voice and follow your own heart before its too late.

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The size of the major religion groups including the

unaffiliated portion represents the globalization of ideas
in this new age of technology. With certain religions
dominating the global and continuing outreach to spread
their ideals this trend seems to be continuing. This
means that the world could lose much of its culture and
diversity.

The spread of religions across the world can tell a lot about them. The more global
they are the more diverse they can be. With religions that all reside in close
quarters and high population density usually do not. Also with a large majority of
the human population in the Asian pacific area this is the region that most religions
have their strongest foothold. With religions living in close concentration it also
allows the spreading of ideas.

CNS World Studies Hybrid 2014-15

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This map shows the spread of religions around the world in a visual layout. You can
see how religions dont overlap very much and this is because people usually tend
to live in areas they feel most comfortable and at home. People like to be with
people that are similar to them in thinking and this includes religion. It also shows
the spread of these religions as they have grown over the years. A religions ability
to move between continents shows its strength.

The younger the age group of the religion provides knowledge into the momentum
of the future. It also depends on the religion and how many children they are having
as that can tilt the scale. When people get involved in religion at a younger age
they help spread it to their social groups which can strengthen and grow the
religion.

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This map shows the spread of Christianity throughout the world. Christianity is the
biggest religion in the world and one of the only to spread across oceans and
continents. It proves the strength of the religion and also its diversity. It also shows
where the religion is not and why it is not. Many middle eastern religions despise of
Christianity for one reason or another and as shown above Christians stay out of
that part of the world.

Another growing ideology in this world is unaffiliated which includes atheist and
agnostic. Throughout the whole world this is one of the ideas that has grown with
globalization. Even though they classify with unaffiliated approximately thirty
percent of these people believe in a god or greater power just dont affiliate with a
religion.

CNS World Studies Hybrid 2014-15

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6. Also Watch the VICE News Report about Religion, Diamonds and Conflict in the
Central African Republic. Warning some graphic content. From the perspective of
a UN diplomat, prepare a letter that addresses both sides to persuade them to put
an end to the conflict and use the free market and the legal system to determine
the mining rights. Post the letter to your weebly website before Tuesday, 3/17.

To whoever it may concern

The issue surrounding determining how mining rights should be
addressed is a tricky one. For one ciolence is not the way to solve it; its not
the way to solve anything. Take a step back and look at the problem from a
new perspective. There are more ways to solve this problem including the
one I would suggest is using the free market and legal system. The free
market will allow prices to increase and than wage and rights will increase as
well. it is important to keep peoples safety in mind as that is the most
imprtant problem. The legal system takes this into account as it sets
standards for safety percautions within mining. It is importyant to adhere to
these and work peacefully. The violence although is bad has felt like the only
option for some people and this needs to be addressed. We must create a
system where violence is not even an option for people.

Isaiah Kent-Schneider