Assignment:
Part 1
Q1. Identify one form of historical Christianity and mention some of the basic beliefs and practices it holds. Do you identify with these? Explain why or why not. Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Q2. The author of the course textbook offered his definition of religion. Based on your own spiritual understandings and beliefs, do you agree with this definition? Explain your reasoning. Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Part 2
Q1. Consider the question of whether Judaism is essentially a religion, a race, a culture, or something else. Support your response by making reference to key events, individuals, or beliefs as they relate to the origin and historical development of Judaism. Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Q2. Identify key Zoroastrian beliefs and assess the notion that Zoroastrianism may have influenced other world religions, or how Judaism may have influenced Zoroastrianism. Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Part 3
Q1. Consider Muhammad's leadership and the early development of Islam. To what extent does contemporary Islamic culture adhere to or differ from historic Islam? Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Q2. Identify three key beliefs that the Baha'i religion is founded on and how those beliefs have influenced Baha'i practice and self-understanding. Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Part 4
Q1. Assess the Three Ways of Hinduism in terms of their ability to provide a sense of meaning, community, and ultimately "salvation." In your view, are these ways capable of providing a helpful means toward achieving these goals? Explain.
Q2. Describe three key beliefs of Jainism and Sikhism. How similar are these beliefs to those found in Hinduism? Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Part 5
Q1. Identify three different schools of Buddhism. How are these schools similar in their beliefs and practices? How do they differ? Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Q2. Explain the notion of "self" from both a Buddhist and Christian perspective. How do these two perspectives differ? How are they similar? Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Part 6
Q1. Consider the importance of ancestor veneration in Chinese tradition. Is it possible to incorporate aspects of this tradition within Christian practice in a Chinese context? Explain why or why not. Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Q2. Give an example of how Shinto beliefs and practices have influenced Japanese culture. Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Part 7
Q1. Identify key concepts of both African traditional religion and Native American religions. Based on these concepts, what similarities are there among these two groups? How do they differ? Cite supporting information from the topic materials.
Q2. In what sense does the Judeo-Christian tradition share aspects of traditional religions? In what sense is the Judeo-Christian tradition different from traditional religions? Based on this understanding, how can Christians enhance their interactions with those who adhere to traditional religious beliefs and practices?