UV Prompt: Describe how a work of art or literature has influenced you.
I raised my eyebrows, chuckled, and outright laughed hysterically throughout the book. It wasn't considered a "classic" work of literature like Little Women, or an extraneously challenging read like War and Peace; it was simply a comical memoir-a memoir powerful enough to radically alter the way I view the world. The book was Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love.I'm a devout Christian -or at least I ardently attempt to be. However, I've never highly approved of denominations; to me, Catholic, Episcopal, and Baptist are all synonymous for "loving God". But whenever anyone dared to venture outside the shell of Christianity, my mind would commence to bubble in judgmental turmoil and subconscious shunning. I'd been raised that way; it was in my blood. So I was utterly astounded when, through Eat, Pray, Love, I learned that what Christians call "getting closer to God", Buddhists and Hindus call "meditation." The book revealed that the miraculous sensations that embraced Mother Teresa when she reached her spiritual peak when silently praying to get closer to God were the same sensations as those experienced by Buddhists and Hindus thoroughly meditating. But how could it be that the religions I'd been taught to ostracize because of their wrong beliefs were able to experience the same level of spiritual bliss as experienced by the most fervent of Christian believers? I also read that Muslims, whom unfortunately America stereotypically and wrongfully portrays as terrorists, were actually so avid in their faith that they halt whatever activity they are partaking five times a day to pray. While I'd already learned about this in my AP World History course, it was reinforced in a new context in this book. I realized that I, as a Christian, had never committed to such a dedicated act of respect towards God like Muslims had. Ashamed, I took off the blindfold that had been blocking my view of different religions, and I realized that the majority of religions are just striving towards the same thing: blissful harmony with God. While I will always thoroughly believe in Christianity, who am I to judge others on their different methods of reaching God? Thanks to Eat, Pray, Love I've realized that only God has the power to dictate that. As Mother Teresa said,"There is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important that everyone is seen as equal before God. I've always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic."
Hi! I think you have written a very engaging essay here : )
A few suggestions:
I also read that Muslims, whom unfortunately America stereotypically and wrongfully portrays as terrorist s,
--> I think this sentence is a bit awkward to me. It's just my opinion, though =)
I also think that it would be great if you could explain a bit more about how you have learned to respect other religions. I mean, in the beginning, you mentioned that you were very judgmental--and you have portrayed that quite strongly--so I think you should emphasize a bit more on how you have "changed." From being judgmental to being open-minded? Elaborate more on the open-minded part, I guess.
Overall, it is nicely done! I like the ending : )
I hope this helps.
please take a look at my newly revised essay if you have time!
Thank you.
And good luck = )
I like how you described your progression from subconsciously shunning people of other faiths to understanding and acceptance. Although, it is possible that some people have never read EPL, so maybe you should insert one sentence briefly describing the book for their benefit.
