utne reader

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1998

Answers

"How I Got my DIY Degree" by William Upski Wimsatt from the Utne Reader, June, 1998. I found this article fascinating. There are times in a person's life when a "Do It Yourself Degree" is very fitting and appropriate. William Wimsatt is studying from the "University of the Planet Earth" for five years as his freshman survey course. He attempts to answer the many questions he has about life by: living in different cities, traveling to other continents, attending different places of worship, finding mentors to learn from, spending time in the library and on the Internet, and living in poor neighorhoods. Among his strategies is one that is pertinent to any type of education: "ACT ON WHAT YOU LEARN. If you don't change your life in some way every time you learn something, then what did you really learn?" This type of education seems most appropriate for those not yet tied down with family commitments or those who've already raised their children. My Great Aunt Gerry, divorced, and her two daughters finished with college, became a secretary for the Armed Forces. She requested assignments overseas, lived on base for a short time while she scouted out the city, and then rented a room from the people of the city. She took part in their celebrations, learned their culture, and ate their food. She would accumulate her vacation time and use it to visit the countryside and its people. She was stationed in Spain, Turkey, Korea (her favorite), Egypt, Italy, and France and switched jobs about every three years. Before being transferred she would educate herself about the country's history and its customs. She had wonderful stories to tell when she came to visit! There is value in any type of educating a person chooses, but if the traditional methods aren't for you William Upski Wimsatt is starting a self-schooling foundation. Any takers? See page 102 of the June, 1998 Utne Reader if you wish to contact him.

-- Anonymous, November 23, 1998

November '98....Response to Sondra's thoughts on her UTNE Reader

Hi Sondra!

I too think that the topic of this article was fascinating! The idea of having an opportunity to change the way traditional learning is followed through is enough to turn my head. The very idea of gaining an education directly through living life is exciting! How much more of a learning experience it must be to actually experience life and to learn at the same time. It seems to me that the idea of distance learning will become more and more of a reality. The simple fact of technology and it's growth will more than likely open this way up. I don't doubt in a minute that my kids will easily have this opportunity if they choose. The world is changing fast and I think that education must change with it. Thanks for your thoughts and for letting me respond to yours!

-- Anonymous, November 24, 1998

Hi Sondra- This sounds like a very interesting article. Wimsatt seems to have mastered the idea of self-education. I like how he emphasized the fact that we should act on what we learn. Our life should change each time we learn something new. I think that we as a society forget that there is so much to learn from our every day experiences. It is these experiences that really shape who we are. I think your Aunt Gerry sounds like a great person. She is definitely a lifelong learner who has really experienced life. I admire her commitment to learn new things and to learn about other people. The world really is our classroom!

-- Anonymous, November 29, 1998

Utne Article 2 - "God With a Million Faces" by Jeremiah Creedon, Utne Reader, August, 1998, pages 42-48.

This article informs us that many individuals are creating their own "religions" by drawing their beliefs from both old and new sources. Anne-Marie, in the article, claimed that organized religion was disempowering and she needed beliefs that empowered her. Some Americans even belong to two or more distinct religions at the same time. Critics warn that as numerous as the possibilities are, so are the chances to lose one's way.

The article's author, Jeremiah Creedon, sites the reasons for this increase in individualized religion to some of the following cultural forces that have reshaped life in the last forty years: 1. Women have been disconnected from the sacred by doctrines and are seeking to re-establish that connection. 2. Drugs that gave a sense of personal mystical union with the divine. 3. Greater exposure to the religious beliefs of other cultures. 4. Religious information readily available to pick apart or combine as desired. 5. Insights of modern science now expose us to things beyond our world.

Most major denominations have reform movements within them, but they also have traditionalists attempting to block such reforms. "The Encyclopedia of American Religions" lists more than 2,100 religious groups in its most recent addition. Although eight out of ten Americans say they are Christians, many are unsure about the basic principles of their faith.

I think many people are simply seeking out,(or forming their own), religion that will meet their needs. As children we unquestioninglty accept the religious beliefs of our parents. As adults, we must decide if those beliefs and a particular church service offer us comfort, inner peace, and a connection to our Higher Power.

The religion I grew up with was somewhat superficial, (the "happy face" stuff), and seemed to emphasize a person's sinfullness. Now, I agree that all humans are sinful, myself included, but I found this constant message very demoralizing and disempowering also. It makes me feel "normal" to hear about the struggles of others and it is a relief to be able to talk about problems and get support and validation. Personal preferences play an important role here - I want to leave a church service feeling forgiven, valued, and uplifted. The "drive-in" type church service some large metropolitan areas are attempting in California may be going a little too far, for me, but who am I to say what's right for someone else?

-- Anonymous, January 11, 1999

Hi Sondra! What an interesting article. I too, do not feel comfortable judging what is right for other people. Regarding my own spirituality, I don't feel right about trying to "create" a religion that "feels good". I don't presume to be wise enough to second guess biblical principles. I also don't expect to always feel good. Sometimes growth comes from realizing how far I am from where I should be. I believe that all people deserve respect as human beings and if the way they grow spiritually is different from the way I am trying to grow, I will try to be open to hearing differing viewpoints whether or not I agree with them.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 1999

Rough draft of Utne Reader #3, Nov.-Dec., 1998. Article: "The Stuff of Life" by Scott Russell Sanders, pages 47-51.

In the article, "The Stuff of Life", the author describes the contrast of his feelings of sanity during a camping trip with his son in the Rocky Mountains and the stress of his life of budgets, schedules, and commotion of the workaday world. Many Americans today have a bigger house than they need, more cars than needed, too many appliances, clothes, equipment, and commitments. We seek fullness in our lives by buying one thing after another and a life of contentment escapes us. We rarely have time to choose and plan our activities because we are so scheduled that we hurry from one obligation to another. Where will this thinking that we need "more, bigger, and better" lead? More of our natural land vanishes each time we allow another shopping mall, freewary, golf course, or entertainment area to be built.

The scariest result is that we are passing on our "obsession with possessions" to our children. As a teacher of seven and eight year olds, I am shocked at the amount of "things" parents buy for their children and the amount of money they are willing to expend. Often the gifts children receive for birthdays and Christmases are not even appropriate for the child's age - fancy boom boxes, stereo and CD players for seven year olds? The more children receive, the more they expect and you wouldn't believe what they expect these days! Have you noticed that so many toys are manufactured in collectible sets? Advertising then emphasizes how you can "collect them all" whether they are action figures, movie characters, virtual pets, dolls, or animals. And, of course, children want them all! We are a purchasing society and the retail market takes full advantage of it. We can, as the author suggests, "change the standard by which we measure prosperity". For the majority of us cutting back on food, fuel, clothes, houses, and "stuff" would still result in a life of plenty. We can choose to lead a materially simpler life and find nourishment through spiritual growth, art, literature, conversation, purposeful work, and nature. We need to slow down, focus on the important things in life, and enjoy the present.

-- Anonymous, February 22, 1999