Anusha+Prasad+RP+Post+1

Presentation of Research Findings I am planning to write an extended definition type paper about what the concept of religion really means in society. Using this format, I will put together different sources and discuss them individually and collectively to better clarify the meaning of my research question. This approach lets me analyze an extremely abstract topic but also allows me to write about my findings in a manageable way. The “extended definition” paper gives me the opportunity to gain more knowledge, yet leaves room for future research, as there are many aspects and layers to this topic that can be delved into.

Pursuit of New Knowledge - **What impact does religion have in a connected and highly globalized society?** - How does religion influence one’s individual identity? - How does religion impact politics? - How have different religious faiths changed the mindset of people over time? - How has technology aided in the spread of religion?

Background and Early Knowledge The world as we know it today is highly connected and based on interdependence. While this is the case, religion plays a heavy role in the beliefs of people, and in turn, the governments that represent the people. With this established, what truly is the role of religion in an increasingly globalized society, in which ideas can be transmitted across the globe in an instant? How does religion shape the society we live in, and the ties we feel toward certain institutions? Religion can be non-existent to some, or extreme to others, such as radical religious organizations, such as Al-Qaeda or other terrorist groups. There can also be an established balance in the lives of many. Around the globe, people fight for what they see as the preservation of their religion and its significance in the society in which they life. Promoting one religious interest can clash with the beliefs of others and even lead to political battles. And even so, technology has perhaps increased accessibility to allow for a greater reach to people across the world. As an example, technology has made it so that religious texts are available online for all to see, and even in translations for generations who did not learn the language of their religious texts. In a similar respect, millions make religious pilgrimages each year, and for those that cannot, video footage has made it so that a person living away from religious sites can still view what is happening in their place of worship. With so much accessibility, one is bound to identify strongly with their religion, and the question to ask is, how exactly does that play in today’s society.

The Rationale: I have a deep sense of attachment to Hinduism. I consider myself fairly religious and have allowed it to guide my life in certain aspects. With this in mind, I began to wonder how my attachment to my religion plays a role in today’s society, and how the faiths of the other 7 billion plus people on this Earth do so as well. It is with this in mind that I began to formulate a research question that I would both be interested in and also have enough to talk about. I think this is extremely interesting because people spend their lives searching for their identities and something to relate to and religion plays a huge role in that. Religion plays a huge role in society and I want to find out exactly what those roles are, as well how it has helped to shape the society in which we live. This was a very quick idea and I may have to narrow it down some more but other than that, I believe my sources will lead me and help me refine my question even more if needed.