Choose a Major Ritual (Not Something Peripheral, but Something Central

question 19

Essay

Choose a major ritual (not something peripheral, but something central, such as salat in Islam, the Eucharist in Christianity, or meditation in Buddhism) and describe the ritual and its function in the religion. Now imagine that someone who claims to be a member of the religion ignores or refuses to participate, even though they have the opportunity. Would that person still be a full member of the religion? This is not a question of moral judgment, but an analysis of the importance of the role of ritual.

---

Definitions:

Mental Illness

A broad category of conditions affecting mood, thinking, and behavior, typically characterized by distress and impairment in functioning.

REM Sleep

A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, more dreaming and bodily movement, and faster pulse and breathing.

Older Adulthood

A stage of life characterized by advanced age, typically including retirement, increased leisure time, and often, changes in health status.

Sleep Patterns

The cyclical sequences and behaviors of sleep and wakefulness, including duration, quality, and timing, which are influenced by biological and environmental factors.