Zangerl,+Cornelia

How does extremism relate to a religion and how is it viewed by others?
 * Research question (come up with a research question that you are trying to answer about your topic)
 * Research question (come up with a research question that you are trying to answer about your topic)
 * Research question (come up with a research question that you are trying to answer about your topic)
 * Introduction to topic
 * Describe your research question in detail - why is it relevant/significant to exploring your topic?

Religious extremists can be very dangerous. In the recent years, many terrorist attacks and violent protests have been tied to them. However, this isn’t to say that the actual religion is bad or to blame. It’s important to be able to tell the difference and be able to keep people from getting hurt as well as to respect religions for the religion and not the people who associate themselves with it. Christians feel that extremism goes too far. There is a fine line between being very religious and being an extremist and with there being so many christians, it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference but even very dedicated christians speak out against Extremism when it goes as far as groups such as the KKK. Most don’t even consider them a part of their religion. Some forms of extremism is encouraged at certain churches though. This includes mainly protest as seen with the recent debate on abortion. Once it turns violent, however, it is frowned upon. In 2000, Pope John Paul II issued a public apology for The Inquisition, which was a form of Christian Extremism that occurred Hundreds of years ago which killed many people. Therefor, it’s a fair assumption that extremism isn’t welcome when taken too far.
 * Sum up/describe the body of your text (what is your general message?)
 * My project is about bring awareness to the dangers of extremist groups while at the same time explaining that the religion isn't to blame nor other people of that religion. (eg. How people view all muslims as terrorists because of 9/11)
 * Outline the organization of the text
 * I will write a paragraph or two about my three religions and how each individually relates to extremism and then write a couple paragraphs about how they all connect and convey my message. There is no 'structure' really since the text will just be scattered around a brochure.
 * Interpretation & analysis
 * Describe each religion's perspective on your topic, as you see it. (this should be at least a paragraph per religion).
 * Only the first is fully completed.
 * Muslims are most known for their extremist groups. Having lived through events such as the attack on the twin towers on September 11th, most people automatically relate Islam to terrorists. Though Islam is a very peaceful religion and is against violence of any kind. Muslims have issued many public apologies on behalf of the extremists and are very much against extremism.
 * There isn't much information on Jewish extremism. It isn't extreme to the point of violence most of the time. Extremist in Judaism mainly consist of very religious Jews who have a very strong opinion and take on their religion. It is accepted and looked up to by the community. However, if it turns violent and threatening towards others, it is frowned upon.
 * Compare and contrast the religions within the frame of your topic - what parallels do you see? What differences? (this should be another page or so).
 * All religions have extremist. These are usually people who take their religion very seriously. Most of the time it is harmless to others and just shows dedication from those people but it can turn ugly. Every religion has extremist groups who endanger the lives of others including people of their own religion. They take the holy text very seriously and generally believe that what they believe in is the only right thing to believe. There isn't much contrast in how people view this because for every religion, the extremists feel that they are doing the right thing and the people of the religion feel that the extremists aren't a part and want nothing to do with them. People of other religions then usually blame the entire religion for the extremists and the religion is viewed very negatively.
 * Describe the themes that seem to emerge about religion - these can relate to the similarities or the dissimilarities. (at least a paragraph).
 * The main theme was the debate between religion and extremism. Many people don't believe that extremists of a religion truly belong to it. For example, Christians claim that the KKK isn't affiliated with Christianity. This theme is noticeable in every religion and is very interesting since extremists should be people with very strong religious views.
 * Final thoughts, reflections, and insights about the issue
 * What did you learn?
 * I learned that there is far more violence involved with extremism then I though and that it is a far greater problem then I expected. I also learned that the other people of the religions suffer greatly from it.
 * What connections did you make?
 * Many violent protests and terrorist attacks were actually brought on by extremists and a large portion of religious intolerance and hate stems from it.
 * Why is it important in today's world?
 * It's important to be able to differentiate the good from the bad and be able to except people for who they are and not for what others do. It is also important that we come together to stop violent forms of extremism since it kills so may people even now.