Religion

Your assignment must show two things: (1) that you give a concise summary of the first chapter of Ahmed’s book and each of the six questions he covers, and (2) that you reflect more closely on one of the questions. Since you need to reflect on one question, try to read Ahmed’s chapter with a focused eye. Read it with the intention not to summarize every single point, but to “establish your own area of interest.” In other words, if what triggers your curiosity is the question of consuming wine, your energy should be direct at this area. If it is the idea of Sufis and God’s friends, the same applies. Part of your paper must show that you read and engaged genuinely with Ahmed’s chapter. While you need to give a summary, avoid one that aspires to cover every idea and thought. Instead: a. give a clear idea of the main concern and heart of Ahmed’s discussion, b. press more on the theme of your interest. Reading with the aim to establish your area of focus from the beginning can certainly help you produce a summary that is useful, since it will be shaped by the question of your interest.

Written Assignment—Vision for a Better World Context We can see that the study of religion and the challenges of which face various cultures can be addressed by exploring and determining one’s personal response/responsibility to these issues. Description It is possible to describe our vision for a better world by choosing something to work on which addresses our concerns. Write an eight–page essay using at least three outside resources to describe your vision for a better world. Give practical solutions to what you might do to create a change for good.

In this assignment, you will analyze the implications of an ethical issue according to the Christian worldview. You will be challenged to think about Christian worldview core beliefs and apply what you have learned over this course. This will be a thorough analysis of a case study you will choose from the options provided. Write a 1,000-1,500-word essay in which you analyze ethical thinking and use values-based decision-making to address a case study from the perspective of the Christian worldview. Choose one case study from the five options listed in the attached “Ethical Dilemmas” document. After an appropriate introductory paragraph with a thesis statement in which you name the scenario you are choosing, address each of the following six sections with at least one paragraph each. Write at least one paragraph for each component using the underlined titles for a subheading. Ethical Dilemma: Briefly describe the ethical dilemma in your own words, including (a) what in the scenario makes it difficult to make an ethical decision and (b) at least two options for resolving the scenario, providing a brief overview of what sort of ethical decisions each option might make. Core Beliefs: What beliefs about God and humanity from the Christian worldview are relevant to the scenario? How might these core worldview commitments of Christians influence one’s decision-making with regard to this scenario? Resolution: Describe the Christian worldview’s proposal for resolving the ethical dilemma. How should the person in the scenario act according to the Christian worldview? What is the best course of action for a Christian? (Note: The resolution should be consistent with Christian worldview commitments.) Evaluation: What might be the unintended consequences and perceived benefits of the resolution proposed by the Christian worldview? Comparison: How does the Christian worldview resolution compare to how another worldview might resolve the dilemma? Choose a specific contrasting worldview, such as atheism, pantheism, or scientism. Conclusion: Synthesize the main points, pulling the ideas of the paper together. References Use and cite two course resources (textbook, overviews, and the Bible), and at least two scholarly sources

Write a book review of the Yancey textbook. In this book review include: a. A summary of the book, giving a picture of the whole of Yancey’s argument (this summary should prove that you’ve read the entire book and have understood it). 2/3 of the paper b. A dialogue with the author, pointing out strengths and weaknesses of his observations and arguments (this should demonstrate an ability to sort through material and ask good questions of what you’re reading). 1/3 of the paper 2. This paper should be at least 1000 words in length. Points will be deducted for poor grammar and lack of coherent and well-articulated thought.  the book is The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancey

1. Construct your emerging view of the necessary ingredients that facilitate and promote the spiritual growth of Christians. Do not limit yourself to the traditional spiritual disciplines, but allow what you have read in the texts and found in your relevant biblical texts. Plan on writing 3-5pages double-spaced in 12-point Time New Roman font. 2. Explore your understanding of the creative ways (Network Theology) in which you can apply your emerging understanding of spiritual formation in a variety of contexts and settings. Consider the implications of an ecological perspective on spiritual formation that may challenge traditional understanding of the concept. Plan on writing 3–5 pages double-spaced in 12-point Time New Roman font.   3. Begin to explore your emerging understanding of the role of the Christian community (the body of Christ) in the spiritual formation process and how they work together. Plan on writing 4-5pages double-spaced in 12-point Time New Roman font.

Answer one of the two questions provided in a short reflection essay (270 – 330 words). It should be written in proper, academic prose, and should cite the assigned course readings three times. Be sure to adhere to the following style and citation guidelines: Header and works cited page Current Turabian format for all elements within the essay Double-spacing 12-point, Times New Roman font References to assigned course readings Choose one of the following prompts to answer: The Apostle’s Creed. Explain the importance of the Apostle’s Creed for Christian theology to a popular audience. (Cite course readings at least three times) Scripture & Theology. Explain the relationship between scripture and theology to a popular audience. (Cite course readings at least three times)

Prepare a research paper, 3-4 pages, that compares and contrasts the hermeneutical principles of Biblical Theology and Systematic theology as found within Christian literature and theology. You must first determine a definition of each for your own understanding and research of the topic.  References along with others; Baker, C. F. (1999). A dispensational theology.    MacDonald, C. (1995). Understanding your Bible. Grand Rapids, MI:

Respond to the following: minimum 100 words What are the purposes of major holidays in Judaism? How do they help a person fully live their life of faith? Choose one holy festival (Sabbath is not one…read your text carefully) and explain why and how it is celebrated. Does it make sense to you about how this could help bind their communities together? Explain with details and examples in your own words. 2nd paper – minimum 250 words based on your observations of the religions studied within that lesson. Explain the meaning of each religion’s symbol and the key ideas of their faith. Pay special attention to any features of those religions that you believe are critical to their belief system AND exemplary or of interest to you. Identify those things and discuss your reaction to what you learned in each lesson.

1. 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 2. Write an essay about Sufism (you might need to do some additional outside research).   3. You could also write an essay about Islam religious architecture (again requiring some additional outside research). 4. Choose two early reform Christian groups (i.e. Lutheran, Anglican, Calvinist, Anabaptist, Puritan, Methodist, etc.) from 1500 to 1800 and compare or contrast various aspects of their worship life, belief, philosophy and disagreement with the medieval Christian tradition.   5. Select two groups after 1800 and write an essay similar in intent to # 4, including reasons for their further separation from mainstream Christianity.   6. Choose one non-Christian contemporary movement and trace its history, philosophy and practices. 7. Do some research on Interfaith and Ecumenical movements in America.   8. Choose a contemporary religious group or cult that has drifted far away from mainstream religion and write an essay about it.   9.  Write an essay about ecology and religion. Try to include the perspectives of at least three different groups Each Question given in essay form clearly separated from the other, 2 pages for each question

Please answer each question with one paragraph consisting of at least 4-7 sentences. *Share how your view of God the creator and the work of creation has changed how you encounter worship, tradition, or scripture. *  What does it mean to worship in Spirit and truth? *Share how your theological anthropology has changed how you encounter worship, tradition, or scripture. *Share how an encounter with scripture, tradition, or worship has changed how you view the relation between creation and salvation. *Share your thoughts on living out faith. Discuss areas of separation within our communities/culture as they relate to how one lives compared to the faith or beliefs they espouse. How do the teachings of Jesus factor into His call to live?