Sikhism

Sikhs have been a part of American culture since the 19th century. After the 9/11
attacks Sikh Americans have been subject to discrimination from those who mistakenly
believe that they are Muslim or Arab. Due to the lack of knowledge many Sikhs have
been the target of hate crimes and assaults. Despite this misconception the Sikh
individuals are known for their hardworking nature. Sikh men are typically identified by
their long beards and turbans. These both are some of symbols worn by the Sikhs, also
known as the “Five K’s.” The Five K’s are; Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet),
Kanga (wooden comb), Kaccha (cotton underwear), and Kirpan (steel sword). These
five symbols have been the center of many religious freedom cases, mainly because of
the Kirpan. There has been many debates relating to if the Kirpan is considered a
weapon and when it is appropriate to wear them, such as in school or in public. Some
cases have lost the battle to carry the Kirpan, however some have been won due to the
fact it is a commandment for every Sikh to wear it thus relying on the first amendment
for protection.

Jehovah Witness

One of the biggest beliefs that set Jehovah’s Witnesses apart from other
religions is that they do not accept blood transfusions or donate their own blood. The
belief is based on an interpretation of scripture that differs from other Christian
denominations. They view life as a gift from god and do not try and sustain life by taking
in blood, even in an emergency. This brings up several dilemmas for the health care
community. Because of this doctrine, members reject lifesaving treatments such as
dialysis and surgeries because of their beliefs. This becomes a problem when we are
dealing with a child or minor. In many countries, the parents’ decisions can be legally
overruled by medical staff. However, throughout most of the U.S. this is not the case.
Because of this, the health care community has been forced to find alternative
treatments which has advanced our scope of care.

Native American

There were hundreds of Native American tribes in the nineteenth century, each
with different religious belief and practices. Because of this, it is hard to provide a
description of Native American religion. One thing that all tribes have in common is that
at some point they faced an encounter with Christians. The Christians goal was to
expand across the entire U.S., they sent out missionaries to preach their teachings.
Some tribes welcomed the missionaries, while others were opposed to any white
influence at all. Because of this the Native American religion has developed into two sub
categories-Christian Native American, and Native Tribal Traditions. Native American
Christianity is a mixture between the basic Christian beliefs while keeping the Native
culture and traditions. Tribal Traditions keep the authentic Native traditions and do not
associate with Christianity at all.
LDS

The LDS Church was founded by Joseph Smith in the 1800’s. One of the main
things that sets the LDS Church apart from Christianity is the Book of Mormon, a
translation of the words found on a set of “golden plates” found by Joseph Smith. They
also believe in a salvation plan that consists of three different kingdoms, which is unlike
any other religion. The LDS Church also believes the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are
three separate beings. The LDS Church continues to grow substantially, due to
international missionaries. One of the biggest differences here in Utah is the offering of
Seminary classes during school hours, students can leave school and participate in a
church lesson. This does not violate the separation of church and state because the
seminary buildings are not on school property and participation is voluntary.

Buddhism

Buddhism is devided into many different traditions, but most traditions share a
common set of beliefs. Buddhism is unique in the way that it has been debated if it can
even be considered a religion. Buddhists do not worship any wordly or spiritual images,
but rather to what it represents. They do not recognize any higher power. Buddhists
believe in the four noble truths, and by following the eightfold path you are able to reach
enlightenment. Reincarnation is a concept in the Buddhist beliefs, people go through
many cycles of birth, life, and death-after many cycles one can reach nirvana, a state of
freedom from suffering. Throughout history Buddhism has been formed into a “life style”
in America, after WWII Buddhism became less popular, but in modern society people
view Buddhism much differently and many practice it today.