Assignment
1) In what way was Socrates a ‘gadfly' of Greece? (circle two that apply)
a) He corrupted the youth.
b) He believed in gods other than those of Greece.
c) He made his fellow Athenians examine their inherited moral and religious concepts.
d) He questioned political authorities and conventional wisdom
2) Mention of Emperor Ashoka and Emperor Akbar in Chapter 2 debunks what myth?
3) What is the difference between religious pluralism and value pluralism as approaches to diversity?
4) Why is it important for Americans to know about the European Enlightenment?
5) What can be legitimately said in defense of‘Divine Command Theory' or ‘Divine Command Ethics? (It is easier for many to see what is problematic about the theory and so you're being asked not what is problematic but
6) Why is the rise of fundamentalism a problem?
7) The ‘Golden Rule' is viewed by many as a candidate for a common (ethical) ground between various religious traditions. The authors of the chapter raise questions about this view. Why? (Why can't it be common ground?)
8) There are those who claim that religion is a source of divisiveness and even violence and that's why religious truths and values should be kept out of public/political matters; these should be left at home or kept in one's ‘private' space. (Just think of the rallies that escalated into the attack on Bhenghazi or the claims of Pastor Denis Terry). Respond critically to this claim.
9) Philosophy and religion are different but are not ‘enemies.' What common concerns bring religion and philosophy together?
10) What concern could a believer have if the morally right is independent of God or the morally right is clear purely from reason alone?
11) In the context of a critique of ‘secularism,' Jose Casanova warns us of a ‘paradoxical reversal'. Explain what he means.
12) By leading acts of civil disobedience, Martin Luther King encouraged disrespect of American institutions. True or False?Defend your answer.
13) Respond critically to the italicized part of the following claim of Pastor Dennis Terry:One who does not agree with what America is as a Christian nation must get out of thecountry. (Many say something similar today, even if not related to religion, when they say: If you do not like the programs and views of the present administration or present-day America, stop whining and criticizing and just get out of the country).
14) Humans are not equal in ability, talents, wealth, and many other things, but they are equal in dignity. True or False?
15) Give one concrete example mentioned in the chapter of a clash between freedom of expression and freedom of religion.