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Outline some of the prime directives (major beliefs) in Islam along with a description of some of the major branches and sub-branches of Islam (Sunni, Shia, Sufi). We will deal with the offshoots like Sikhism, Druze, Bahai, etc. in later chapters. 2. What was your reaction to the Sacred Readings from the Quran and…
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Write about the shape, direction and diversity of Christianity in the first three centuries. How does it migrate away from Judaism, yet preserve much of its tradition and theology? How do the Persecutions impact the development of Christianity? How big were the early communities, where were they located, and how did they practice their faith?…
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Address the issue of the great variety of Christian scriptures that do not make it into the Bible we use today. Who were the Gnostics? Why is our understanding of this group important to the larger understanding of the development of Christianity? What were some of the scriptures that did not survive the test of…
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Select one of the Gospel segments (Mark, Matthew, Luke or John) and answer the following questions. When was it written? Who wrote it? To whom (what group of Christians) was it written? How is it like or unlike the other Gospels? What are some of the major points that are emphasized in the Gospel and…
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Why do you think scholars have often suggested that St. Paul does more to influence the direction and theology of Christianity than Christ himself? Who is Paul’s ministry aimed at? How and why did he write these Epistles? What were the early communities that Paul addressed in his letters like? How does Paul’s Roman citizenship…
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What can we know factually about the historical Jesus? What are the limitations placed upon our knowledge? How can historical and critical study aid us in a more complete understanding of the Jesus tradition? Do you think it is possible that Christ was not a real person? If there are things about his life that…
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At what point can Jewish myths from the scriptural tradition be separated from Jewish history? Why is the scriptural tradition so important and why do you think it has been so enduring (its narrative directly integrated into the two largest religions in the world today, Christianity and Islam)? 2. Outline the significance of the…
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How is ancient Chinese polytheism like Shinto? In what ways are they different? In what ways are Shinto unlike any other world religions? You might address things like ancestor worship, kami, divination, shrines, ritual, miko, Kojiki, I Ching, zoomorphism, roles of kings & emperors, shamans & priests. 6. Trace the evolution of the revival…
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Comment upon selected Taoist or Confucian scriptures from the Sacred Readings website or the readings with links above. How do the scriptures or reading you have selected (tell me specifically which ones you have chosen to write about) compare with the historical and theological information presented in the Invitation to World Religions text?
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Explore on your own some of the Chinese scriptures such as: the Analects, Tao te Ching, Mencius, I Ching, Confucius’ Ethics and Politics, the works of Chuang Tzu. Share your thoughts on the particular readings you have chosen. (You will have to look outside your text for much of this information.)