READINGS AND QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR PAPER
Part 1. Dominus Iesus
- Explain why this text is relevant to a study of world religions
- How did you feel while reading this document?
- What do you like or dislike about this text?
- Why does the Catholic Church think that it is superior to all other religions (using key citations from the text, explain clearly the arguments used in the text and explain whether in your view these arguments make sense, whether they are compelling or weak)
- Is the spirit or mindset of this document conducive to World Peace? Is the perspective of this document useful for the study of world religions (can it lead us to a better understanding of other religions? Why?)
- How did this assignment help you achieve the educational goals of our course?
Part 2. "Idolatry"
- How did you feel while reading this text?
- Do you think the author is a Christian? Why?
- What do you like or dislike about this text?
- Explain how the author of this text deconstructs the traditional view of idolatry.
- What is the definition of idolatry? What are the characteristics of idol worshippers?
- Why is it wrong to apply the label idolatry to non Christian religions.
- What forms of idolatry does the author identify within Christianity?
- Explain why the spirit of this text offers a good perspective for the study of world religions.
- How did this assignment help you achieve the educational goals of our course?
- Is the perspective of this text useful for a better approach to the study of world religions? Explain.
Part 3. Tolerant Gods
- What is the fundamental thesis of this text? (use some significant quotations from the text to illustrate your answer)
- What does this text say about Islam, Christianity, and African Traditional Religions
- What do you like or dislike about this text
- How did this text help you achieve the educational goals of our course?