Sikh Traditions
This 3 module bundle demonstrates how the Introduce-Investigate-Intersect-Introspect model can be utilized to explore religious identity formation within Sikh traditions.
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- Religious Literacy
- Educator
Benjamin P. Marcus is a fellow and former Religious Literacy Specialist with the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Institute, where he examines the intersection of education, religious literacy and identity formation in the United States. He has developed religious literacy programs for public schools, universities, U.S. government organizations, and private foundations in the U.S. and abroad.
Andrew Henry is scholar of religious studies. His research focuses on the religions of the late ancient Mediterranean world, particularly on the material culture of early Christianity. Andrew also has interests in the intersection of social media technology and religious studies pedagogy and is the founder of the educational YouTube channel Religion for Breakfast.
Each module reviews how instructors can guide students as they:
- Introduce themselves to the tradition
- Investigate the diverse beliefs, behaviors, and experiences of belonging related to the Khalsa—the group of initiated Sikhs
- Intersect Sikh traditions with the Sikh diaspora and American culture/history
If this is your first Religious Traditions course, we recommend familiarizing yourself with key frameworks used in religious studies before beginning. Methods of Religious Studies – Review
Reflect
As you begin an exploration of Sikh traditions, consider the following questions:
- What do you know/think you know about Sikh religious traditions?
- Where did you learn this information? Do you believe these sources are credible? Why or why not?
- Have you personally spoken with someone who self-identifies Sikh about their religious identity or religious tradition?
Introduction
Read the following short essays from Harvard University’s Pluralism Project:
- “Introduction to Sikhism” by Andrew Henry and Simran Jeet Singh
Return to the reflection questions above and review the responses:
- What have you learned in this module that has changed or deepened your understanding of Sikh traditions?
Investigation
Read the following short essays from Harvard University’s Pluralism Project:
- In what ways does this community simultaneously reflect Sikh belief, behavior, and belonging?
- Are there beliefs, behaviors, or experiences of belonging that bind together all people who self-identify as Sikh regardless if they are part of the Khalsa or not?
Intersection
- The Sikh Project is a photography exhibition by British photographers Amit and Naroop that aims to “capture the essence of modern Sikhism and to pay tribute to the beauty and variety of the turban and its identity.” The portraits show Sikhs from the U.K. and the U.S. from all walks of life. Below you can view a selection of the portraits.
- Additional photos with descriptions from CNN
- Press Coverage of the Project
- Thinking back on Dr. Simran Jeet Singh’s theory of Sikhs falling into the new racial category “the apparent Muslim,” how has this section affected your thoughts about and/or attitudes toward Sikhism?
- Why do you think race and religion are closely tied together in the minds of the American public when it comes to Sikh and Muslim traditions?
