The materials taught in this class forced the student to think critically and out of the

comfort zone. Our teacher challenged us to question everything even though it was
the correct answer. From the start of the course, the class hammered down the
concepts of reality and scientific facts.
My renaissance during this class was the reappraisal of my religious principles and
the resulting confirmation in my mind that religion and critical thinking can exist
together. Religion plays a giant role in my life and I will write a paper proving that
religion allows for us to critical think without alienating our beliefs.
Edward G. Engh wrote in Chapter 1 about what he perceives as Reality is. His
writings states that our societys knowledge is unlimited and can only be achieved
by life experiences and studies. He strongly agrees that anything that is not proven
through science will logically be measured as gibberish. I was strongly dis-agreed
but it caused me to think of it from a different view. Human nature always wants
solid proof and faith is not enough. I can see his point of view but without hope and
faith what does man have to live for?
Critical thinking emphasizes on challenging the strength of beliefs through
explanation and evaluation. I feel there is a plus to think critically and without bias
towards certain conditions. I felt this course prepared me to take the next step on
being a manager in the workforce. It caused me to evaluate every aspect from an
employee and management level. The readings from Peter Drucker outlined what a
true leader needs to be. Drucker suggests that true leaders seek out opportunities
to benefit employees and the company. Without critical thinking, negative
interactions will always exist between worker and boss.

Another plus about critical thinking is the collaboration of teamwork during the
critical thinking process. When you unite more minds, you have more opportunities
to cover a larger scale of problems and solutions. This encourages the team to work
consistently and together. Sometimes this might cause a disruption but by working
through this, it will build relationships. Critical thinking opportunities promotes
balance in the work environment and prepares others to take the next step.
Religion experiences and beliefs is a subject that schools and students shy away
from. Not all can agree when it comes to religion because Science did not prove it
happened. Schools are forced to be politically correct and take God out of most
equations. From creation and to the laws of nature we are taught that it has to be
proved scientifically. I feel that being religious is critical thinking at its highest peak.
It causes us to evaluate our morals, our actions and the cause of why are we
following God. This class proves that a religious believer is a critical thinker.
Critically thinking about subjects such as sin, faith, repentance and to which religion
you perceive as the True Religion. When you choose to follow something or
someone, research becomes a key element. When I first choose Christianity I was
forced to evaluate myself and why this religion was for me? I spoke to my parents
and then local church leaders. I read the Bible and I felt this was right. Research,
communication and reading are all critical thinking attributes.
This class was difficult at times because some of the readings I did not agree with. I
personally felt that some of the homework and discussions language cause the
reader to take a stand against religious beliefs. Engh set the tone from Chapter 1
that it needed to be proved through science. Right out of the gate Religion did not
have a chance but I was glad it was set-up that way. It caused me to critically think
without bothering my religious beliefs.

Regardless of my personal views I made an effort to view this class with an open
mind. I enjoyed the business function of the class and the professor made it
manageable. I realized in the workforce that without critical thinking a business
would lack a solid foundation. Personally, I feel that without critical thinking and
religion a person will also lack a solid foundation. This class taught me that critical
thinking and religious views could still be tolerated. When you combine the two,
that is where you get growth and humility.