Presentation and Paper Assignment #2: Assessing a Religious Group Paper Due: May 15th Presentations take place: May 6 - 15Religious Group Profile #2: Non-Christian Groups Basics: Create a profile of a religious group outside of the US mainstream by compiling several content areas. You may work with your research partners as much as desired, but everyone must turn in their own report. Unlike the report #1, this report does not require visiting a religious group in person, provided you can view a video of their services online. Content: The key areas of content are listed below. Creativity: You are creating an attractive profile of your religious group. I expect you to include visuals, formatting or even charts/graphs if appropriate to "punch up" your report. Length: I expect a report of, at minimum, fifteen pages. However, take the space you need to provide the necessary content. If you utilize many images, etc. your report could easily be much longer. Content Areas NOTE: You do not need to follow the order listed here. Organize information as you see fit and as makes sense for your group. 1. Name and group type a. Define your group as a church, sect, or cult within the U.S. content and explain why 2. Visuals a. Include key visuals throughout the report b. Distinctive symbols/icons? c. Typical place of worship? 3. History/Origins/Structure Briefly describe the history/origins of your group, including information such as: a. founder(s) b. key places, dates or events c. Describe the leadership structure of your group. Does it have a hierarchical system of authority (such as having Bishops, Archbishops, etc?). How does one become a priest/rabbi/minister/pastor of the religion? 4. Teachings What are your organizations key religious teachings? Provide a good snapshot about what they believe, which may or may not include answers to the following questions: a. What is the nature of God? What is God like according to the organization? b. What sort of "eternal" rewards does the group offer? Do believers go to Heaven? c. How does one achieve those rewards? Must one be baptized? Simply be a member of the church? Live a holy life? d. How exclusive is the group? Must one be a Southern Baptist to get to Heaven? Is it good enough to be a Christian of any type? Does everyone go to Heaven? e. Is there a punishment system in place? Is there a Hell? A devil? 5. Practices & Lifestyle What are your organization's key practices? What are members expected to do? What are they expected to avoid doing? Provide a good snapshot of what it takes to be a member in good standing. a. Behaviors expected of members? Tithing? Regular attendance? Proselytization (sharing faith with others)? Mission work? Volunteering for the group? Distinctive styles of dress? b. Behaviors that are discouraged? Premarital sex? Homosexuality? Smoking? Drinking? c. Strength of requirements and prohibitions. Every group wants memb.