Goal:
To understand shared components of different religions and make a comparative analysis of local churches, temples, other places of worship.

Activities:
1. Design your own religion
Give each family member a copy of "If I Were a Founder." If you have a large group, you could break into two smaller groups and create 2 religions. If not, answer them as a whole group.

On a separate sheet of paper make three columns. Title them: Beliefs, Values, Practices. Present at least 2 examples of how beliefs, values and practices are related. For instance, if I say “I value the earth as the source of life,” the earth is an example of something I value. (Write “the earth” in the value column.) Is it also an example of a belief? Yes, a belief in the earth as the source of life. (Write “earth is the source of life” in the belief column.) What are some things I might do as a person who believes the earth is a source of life and who values the earth? I might plant a garden, or help at the recycle center. (Write “planting” in the practices column.) In other words, “I believe the earth is the source of life; I value the earth, therefore I practice care of the earth.” Here’s another example: I believe that God is a loving force in the world. I value love. I practice loving myself and others by being kind, honest and caring. A belief often points to a value. A practice often reveals both a value and a belief.

All religions have these 3 components. Look at the religion your family “founded.” What are some of the beliefs, values and practices of your newly created religion?

2. Compare area churches
Find a list of churches, temples, and synagogues in your area. (The Yellow Pages are a good place to start.) Decide which ones you’d like to visit and learn more about. Using a chart like the Sample Comparative Faiths Chart make a graph with the churches you want to visit on the vertical axis and the things you want to look for on the horizontal axis. Fill in the graph as you visit different places of worship. A good source book for visiting other churches is How To Be a Perfect Stranger. Look for it in your local library.