1158 PICS

Faith as a common human experience

My dream assignment is to photograph the concept of faith and its
practice around the world.

The goal of this assignment is to photograph the ideas, practice, and
the very essence of faith.

As a service member serving in Iraq I have seen what
ignorance and intolerance can do on both sides, culminating in a
complex ambush on my platoon, killing one of my soldiers. It was then
I vowed that I would make a difference.

I studied history in school.
I made history in Iraq.
Now I want to change history.

I will accomplish this by sharing information, ideas, and the concept
of forbearance through understanding. In this tumultuous time of violence, individualism, and intolerance we need to reach across the traditional arbitrary boundaries and embrace understanding like never
before.

Can you imagine a force more powerful, more pervasive, and more prevalent than faith? It is impossible. Nothing in history has been so dynamic, played such a vital role, and affected so many people as faith. It has the power to start wars and bring people together in a deep brotherhood. It is large enough to inspire a nation, yet intimate enough to give an individual hope. It can generate millions of
dollars in sales, or prompt a person to give up everything they have.

Everyone is affected, either negatively or positively, by the
existence and presence of faith or even the lack there of. Although
the ideas and practice differ from faith to faith, and even person to
person: from the Amazon to Siberia, faith is a very real part of the
human experience.

Rank: 7

103 Comments

GSachse

This is a very original idea, and not on the very boring mainstream line of the pro-ecosystem wave. I hope the project will be tackled unbiased and with the universal scope the abstract suggests. Good luck, Kyle!

FatherJohn

As an ordained minister and an eclectic ecumenist, I like this idea. It looks like mine is going nowhere, so I wish you good luck!

http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/FatherJohn/children-of-the-world/

lindsaymp

Fantastic idea!

jenmay

nice. my idea is to help others by bringing awareness and unity for non-profits worldwide: http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/jenmay/unity-through-community/

Jerichow

Greetings from Iraq!

Everyone, thank you very much for your constant support! I am very humbled that this idea has so many votes.

Thank you all again!
Kyle

one2one

Hi Jerichow, Greetings from a servant of God! And wow! what an idea? Faith transcends borders and can only be the single hope for mankind.

panoraman

Great idea! Check out my idea too (I want to take panoramic pics of European cathedrals, and donate some proceeds to the churches I visit). Good luck!!

FatherJohn

I like your idea!

I voted for you; will you vote for me? Let's do this and see how it turns out. Let's help each other!

Good luck!

mako

Sounds like your photo collection might actually make a difference.

sharky1472

ONE2ONE unforntunately faith is not mankinds only hope! JERICHOW, nice idea bud, but maybe you should consider look at this as in people's beliefs and not faith, and some people are not religious in this world due to other beliefs they have. Just a suggestion...

ddesousa

"Can you imagine a force more powerful, more pervasive, and more prevalent than faith?"

Yes, truth.

I am not going to vote for you because we don't need more faith. We have enough faith. What we need is truth, and people with enough understanding to speak it.

David

baller

this is truly inspiration i hope its okay if i pickd it would any of you mind checking out return of the cornmothers?

http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/lightpainter69/return-of-the-corn-mothers/

lt

Belief in magic transcends borders, stupidity transcends borders, faith in a sky god(s) transcends borders. Just because it's common to all humans doesn't make it noble.

lt

To me this is a bad idea for an assignment because it validates the idea that faith is a positive thing. Yes, it can be a binding force between people, but mostly it's a source of cultural difference and cause for violent conflict.

GEOTRUST

denomination ...culture ....border has no meaning ...let us begin to understand how similar we all are through faith and belief...

please check my idea,,,i promise for every vote i get to make you a dream collaborator-- and donate a percentage of exhibit sales to your cause.

Jerichow

I think i should explain due to a few comments left above. I am not out to convert, or force my ideas on others. That is where the problems come from. I want to inform.

Jerichow

We as humans fear ideas we don't fully understand and that leads to the inherint mistrust and hatred. Yes other things transcend borders, you are correct but none bring up such strong emotions either good or bad.

Jerichow

The goal of the assignment is to inform, to show what faiths do around the world, to bring about understanding as opposed to blind dislike. Give people knowledge instead of speculation.

Jerichow

I am by no means trying to be noble, nor will you ever hear me utter those words. I am far from it. If anything I think this would be more clousure for me, so maybe I can understand....I really dont know.

Jerichow

But the great thing about this is that we can have disscussion or debate and keep it civilized while both maintaining our respective opinions. Either way, just seeing something from a new perspective is always enlightening.

Jerichow

because if you ever think that you cannot learn something from anyother humanbeing, you are closing your mind to a world of possibilities.

Thank you all for your continued support, stay safe!

Kyle

sorry so many, didn't see th character limit when i started

Groovnon09

This is wonderful and original. Good luck! Please check out my idea and toss me a vote :)

stiowa

Love it. I have faith in the idea...

starla

Good luck... and please check out my dream!

KRATHBUN2

Please read about my dream and vote if you can-I think it will mean something to you...thanks!

FatherJohn

Among the top 20, if I had a vote, I would vote for your dream. (I already voted once, I mean for the final vote). This dream is so photographic, so valuable, crosses so many barriers while uniting... if you win, I wish I could go with you. Just wanted to say that. Good luck.

KateKirch

I have such a passion for culture and my degree is in Religion... I think your idea for your photography assignment is a really neat concept. I have a feeling you will do it some day, either way.
Take a look at my dream and let me know what you think! Thanks for your dream.

Fotoe_op

Absolutely love this idea, Kyle. And thank you for what you have already sacrificed and the danger you endured.

bsasso

I love this idea! check out mine and Pic it if youd like! Congo here I come...

Smithbott

hey kyle! Good luck! This sounds like a hard assignment to do, but i have faith in you, ;-)

Spinski

I like your idea, it seems better than the idea thats in first place right now.

Good Luck!

leen

i'm not voting for you. you are in Iraq and see you friends killed by hands of religious fanatics, you get cheered by servants of God here… makes no sense to me. sadly you are not clear if you want promote, observe, or expose the ugly side of faith.

AlexShark

Excellent topic. Well done!

WisePoney

faith, any faith, is important is this world.
good luck.
I want to document faith too, please have a look!

FrannyK

faith in God is necessary

angyellow

I love this idea.... I wish you the best... and I hope I can get a sight at your findings. Best of luck!

aprilbrimer

a very personal subject for many people. good luck capturing all the sides and view-points!

michaelbehlen

Good Luck!

oncewasblind

Good luck!

je1t3aime

Your idea is brilliant. I have a friend leaving for Afghanistan in April and many more leaving at a later date. Its crushing my heart to see them leave but I do have faith that, in time, they will be back home safe and sound.

Good luck, I hope that your idea wins!!

koolkatsgirl

knowledge = astronomy and science, not made up Gods.
The world would be better off with out religion.

Jerichow

I am not sure why my supportive comments continue to disapear and the negative ones stay up. Oh well, the number of negative nacys has gone up the last few days, so I should probably address some of these.

Jerichow

knowledge, besides being an amazing song by The Who also means, acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition: knowledge of many things.

Jerichow

So even as if you do not belive in faih you should be aware of the principles they hold, so as to be tolerant and accepting causing less conflict, rather than assuming one knows the principles of the major faiths.

Jerichow

A common thread here is that "the world would be better off without religion." Well folks, faith is not going anywhere in the near future. I am not saying that people do no abuse the teachings of faith, in fact far from it, which unfortunatly gets peoples attention and hence media coverage.

Jerichow

It is time to see the good side of faith again, not what people have warped it in to.

On a brief side note though, OHNO "porn stars on skates" is definatly a unique idea.

Jerichow

Now we get to my favorite part, religious pluralism which has a plethera of meanings. Which is actually getting close to what I am talking about.

Jerichow

Pluralism...holds to one's own faith, and at the same time, engages other faiths in learning about their path and how they want to be understood.... Pluralism and dialogue are the means for building bridges and relationships that create harmony and peace on our planet home

Jerichow

The problem with using this phrase is that there are so many different definitions, in fact if you listen to a speech or read a paper on the subject it is hard to follow unless you truely understand the author's initial defination.

Pennywilmot

Great idea, since when does faith come under the sole jurisdiction of religion? I am privileged to know many people who have immense faith but do not follow a religious teaching, I also know many who do. Surely having faith is about our connection to each other and working for the good of us all?

Jerichow

But I digress. The fact that people are even scared of my dream shows that as a world we in fact need to pursue some kind of understanding because we as humans naturally fear what we do not understand.

Jerichow

Actually Penny I do agree with you, which is why in my extract explaining my idea, I carfefully used the word faith and not religion. But i did have to address the point brought up by OHNO.

Pennywilmot

Yes I do realise that and I really do think you have a wonderful idea and intention. Good luck with it, I am sure you will gain huge personal insights yourself, it is exciting.

Jerichow

Thank you very much Penny, I appreciate it.

DJmattP

that was definately going to be my idea lol
so i hope you de well
you think you could check ouy my idea and tell me what you think

michellelynne

i voted
what a great concept you have thought of
i love it

eoswildcat

From a fair and open mind this has glorious potential- I hope you can do it justice! good luck!

slynch

I think this is a great idea. Even if you don't win we have read and felt your words of description and explanation to some who needed. Blessings to you.

vallindsay

Understanding and appreciating each other's differences and having faith is essential to any future peace. Thank you for your service and sacrifice in the military. May you have much success in your future endeavors as well. I'll be praying for you.

scottindermaur

I really like this. Check out my dream based around spirituality and one's essence. Pic/Comment if you like it. Thanks.

danilorolim

Cool project. I voted for you -- feel free to return the favor and vote for my project: "The seven wonders and the seven horrors of the world"

OBIScapt

I believe in your dream. Seperation of Church & State was not to exclude faith or religion but to respect ALL religions & those who have none. Peace comes thru knowledge & dialogue. Let's learn from each other & encourage what we have in common versus accenting what divides us. Hatred is ignorance.

martinw

I think focusing on the more daily aspects of human lifes around the world; people´s dreams, hopes and fears; would hold a much bigger potential for reconciliation and awareness across the borders.

RMBR

I voted to you because i like your idea; it likes very mucho to mine (reaching god). good luck!

shepscrook

Nice idea you have.

elysia4999

My best friend came up with an idea similar to this and didn't enter it because you had beat her to the punch. But that is good because it is something people want to see. Good Luck. And check out my two dreams. They really are dreams Ive had.

adamjames

You have my vote, If you get the chance, check out my dream "From Australia With Love" and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote for it!

Thanks.

-Adam

tigerlily

please vote for mine and chekc out wwww.buddhawild.com.
You have my vote

jonikarol

Great idea! If you get the chance, check mine out and return the vote!

mish_mash

Great idea. I'd like to take my own journey and do the same but for now I'll vote for you. Best of luck.

wheelersparks

Good luck with this. You got my vote, and I hope you will keep us all updated if you get the job.

relentlsspursuit

Voted. Check mine out. http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/relentlsspursuit/capturing-asias-captured/

littletravelers

Really love this idea! Very relevant in today's world. My recent trip to Iran was a definite exploration into faith the way that country sees it. It is always eye opening.

shuttersisters

this is a great idea, too. here's our vote. we're wishing you the best!

jules73

this is a great idea. best of luck with it.
please have a look at my dream and vote/comment.

FatherJohn

I wish to repeat my support for your dream. I call myself an eclectic ecumenist, pursuing many things but seeking unification of mankind. Your ideals are the same. Your dream is a great way to break down barriers of misunderstanding. EVERYONE believes SOMETHING. I hope you win.

BarakaPhotos

I picked yours as one of THREE pics only. My project "Shooting Without Guns" also attempts to show commonality across religious boundaries http://nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/BarakaPhotos/shooting-without-guns/

TaniaCalderon

You have a beautiful dream and one that many of us can relate to! I just voted for you and it looks like this might be a winner by the tremendous amount of votes.
Best of luck and don't forget to return the favor.

Travelnow

This sounds very interesting. I wish you the best!

Solidaris

Good idea! Contact me for common grants/projects? www.intersolidaris.com

mmcbride

Lovethe idea. If you win this, read about experiences ofpeople who are different than you before leaving; its surprising how much more we learn even when we thought we were so open before. You seem like someone who wants to seek understanding w/diff ppl w/ greater depth, and I hope you do just that.

kbird125

This is awesome. I agree that ppl are afraid that your assignment might require them to believe in something. But faith is, as you've said so much more! Awesome project, Will you marry me???

findagravemarker

You got my vote! Make sure you check our blog out http://www.findagravemarker.blogspot.com/ and see our project evolve. We want to record every marker in pictures throughtout the US. Cemeteries are lost or abandond on a daily basis

gbaked

you have my vote

please check out mine, more art based then documentary

http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/gbaked/bringing-the-monkey-house-to-life/

Ricci

Love it.. I was thinking just the same thing with my idea .. my experience in West Africa opened my eyes to faith ... good luck

JoeTruth

I like this proposal. Do you have examples of your photography online?

Jerichow

Joe, yes I do. hvae pictures online. Please keep in mind I am only a photographer by hobby and not profession.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/wallflower85

To everyone, I am sorry i have not been answering this as I should I have been rather busy. Thanks for everyting, and stay safe.

D33

Hi Jerichow - Wonderful idea! I have been creating an unpublished blog along similar lines... trying to understand Faith(s)... & all they bring with them. Am a fellow photographer in the UK - if you need a travel companion :-) give me a shout! Good Luck, Beverley

JoeTruth

Your natural light photos are wonderful. All of them are. I know for fact that one of your competitors ahead in the vote isn't a photographer of any sort. Just a good heart and good at writing proposals. You know your way around the exposure triangle and composition. You got my vote.

Jerichow

I am making history in Iraq by being here in Baghdad, by helping with the second national election, by training their security forces, by empowering the local people, by making their situation bettwer.

Jerichow

If you follow the news, the new SOFA agreement prevents the CF from doing anything forcefull in nature. I am not fighting Islam, which is a very peaceful relgion, nor anyother faith. But I do take getting shot at very personally.

Jerichow

The fact that you are taking a contest about dreams and are using this as a forum to discuss political rhetoric and practice sickens me. If you have a problem with my idea, that is fine, voice that like others have, but i feel that an arguement over the war is not fit for this location.

Jerichow

Your blatent ignorance on the subject astounds me good sir. My job is to embrace the culture that surrounds me in order to make it better, including meetings with local leaders, tea with religious leaders, and learning their language verbally and physically.

Jerichow

I am and will continue to be as unbiased as I can toward people, or faiths, or much else because I am an idealist at heart and I do see the good in eveything.

Jerichow

There is more good than evil on this planet, and its time for people to see that, understand that, and embrace it, because the good people far outnumber the bad.

You are entitled to your own opinion as am I, but please voice it in the correct places.

Jerichow

I am not sure where the comment went that sparked that series, I wish it would have stayed up to be a testimate to itself. I shall leave you with my favortie quote of all time, by Theodore Roosevelt.

Jerichow

It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood,

Jerichow

who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause;

Jerichow

who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.

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Jerichow
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