03 Jan Which makes more sense

REL223 World Religions: East and West

Module 1 Discussion

CHOOSE ONE

Using the material in the module, how would you define “religion”? What are the challenges in defining “religion”? What are the prospects for doing so?

Which “theology of religious pluralism” makes most sense to you? Why is that? Why is it better than the other options, in your judgment?

What is the view of religious freedom in Vatican II’s and Dignitatis Humanae? Do you agree with it? Why or why not?

REL223 World Religions: East and West

Module 2 Discussion

CHOOSE ONE:

In what ways might Vedantic Hinduism’s vision of Brahman and Non-duality help some of the world’s problems today (e.g., crime, conflicts and war, economic issues, environmental problems)?

Consider the ideas of karma and reincarnation. How do they compare with biblical and Judeo-Christian answers to the perennial questions of: “Why is there evil and suffering?” “Why does life seem unfair?” Which answers to these questions make the most sense to you and why?

“Atman is Brahman” and “That One, Thou Art”. What do you think of these Hindu answers to questions about the Self and God? Are they appealing to you or do they repulse you? Why? Do you see any truth in them? Why or why not?

“Only that yogi whose joy is inward, inward his peace, and his vision inward shall come to Brahman and know Nirvana” (Bhagavadg?t? 5:24). What do you think of this “turning inward” to find religious truth and liberation? How does it compare to how the religious tradition you are most familiar with seeks religious truth and salvation?

REL223 World Religions: East and West

Module 3 Discussion

CHOOSE ONE:

How would the Buddha critique the religion you are most familiar with (perhaps this is Judaism, Christianity, or Islam)? Would you agree with his criticisms? Why or why not?

Which makes more sense to you: Hinduism’s vision of the “True Self”, infinite unchanging being, and permanence? Or Buddhism’s vision of “no self”, “emptiness” and impermanence)? Why? Can you give examples?

Are “mindfulness,” “awareness,” and “equanimity” helpful principles? Why or why not? Could they make a difference in your own life? How about in contemporary society?

REL223 World Religions: East and West

Module 4 Discussion

CHOOSE ONE:

Do you think people are basically good or bad, naturally? What effects, good or bad, does society have on individuals? Can you give examples to support your answers from your own experience and from your contemporary society? How do your answers align with what Confucius says?

Is Confucianism a “religion” according to our working definition? Does it have the four “C”s: Creed, Code, Cult and Community? Why or why not?

3. Do you think that the way they handle unemployment in Japan is good or bad (e.g., Reid 190, 193)? How do you see it as flowing from East Asian values? Would it be something viable, or even acceptable, in America? Why or why not?

REL223 World Religions: East and West

Module 5 Discussion

CHOOSE ONE:

Which do you agree with: The Confucian or the Daoist view of human societies in relationship to Nature? Why?

What teaching (Creed) and virtues (Code) of Daoism might we apply in our lives or in our society today? Why do you think they would be beneficial?

What do you think of Lao Tzu’s using this symbols to express his understanding of religious matters? Are words and concepts adequate to capture religious truths? Why or why not? If not, then how can scriptures like the Bible contain religious truth?

REL223 World Religions: East and West

Module 6 Discussion

CHOOSE ONE:

What are the implications for Christianity of the fact that ancient Israel and the Jewish Scriptures were so influenced by the myths, laws, and rituals of other non-Jewish ancient peoples? Is this problematic? Why or why not?

Compare and contrast Judaism’s doctrine of Creation and its goodness compare with the views of the world in the Eastern religions we have studied. What view of the world makes more sense to you and why?

What are the implications of Judaism’s concepts of Election and Covenant for other religions? Are they good or bad? Why?

Which of the different Jewish responses to modern science and scholarship makes sense to you, and why? Which response do you think the religious tradition you are most familiar should take? Why?

REL223 World Religions: East and West

Module 7 Discussion

CHOOSE ONE:

Do the beliefs and practices of: (1) Roman Catholicism; (2) Eastern Orthodoxy; or (3) Protestantism (in general, what Protestants have in common) make most sense to you? Why?

Which of the “models” for how Jesus save humanity is most relevant for Christians today? Why?

How do you understand the “Historical Jesus” in relation to the “Christ of Faith”? What implications does your answer have for Christian faith and life?

Does a more Liberal/Progressive or more Fundamentalist/Conservative response of Christians to the modern world make more sense to you? Why?

REL223 World Religions: East and West

Module 8 Discussion

CHOOSE ONE:

Which makes more sense to you, the Muslim view of the human predicament and its solution, or the Christian view of the human predicament and its solution? Why?

Pick two distinctively Muslim practices and explain ways in which those in other religions today might benefit by them.

Based on the assigned readings, discuss Muslim views of women and of race. What are their strengths and what are their weaknesses? Why?

What to you is the best response to religious pluralism in the modern world? Are all religions equal ways to the same goal? Are some right and some wrong? Are some more right than others? How would you justify your answer?