Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
There are four assignments to do. Each one requires about a fourth of a page: Assignment 1: There will be two questions to address and write on. Each question should be answered with a few sentences. ( both questions should add up to half a page) One of the intriguing facts of Judaism (particularly in comparison with many strands of the Christian tradition) is the absence of an official creed, of a list of statements that Jews must believe. Two questions First question- reread the section on Maimonides; does his summary match the passages from the Hebrew Bible you read? Explain why or why not. Second question- what in your judgment is the significance of this lack of a creed? How does the presence or absence of a doctrinal creed indicate about a religious tradition? say something meaningful in response. You will need to use this book : Brodd, Jeffrey. Invitation to World Religions. Oxford University Press, 2013. 1st Edition. From the chapters 10 &11. ( Judaism and Christianity)
Assignment 2: "From Jesus to Christ": http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/. Go there. Choose one section from that site (your choice), and then answer the following questions: Which materials did you find most interesting? What struck you, and why? How does (or how should) historical study of the early Christians affect our understanding of the Christian tradition today?
Assignment 3: "From Jesusto Christ": http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/. Go to the Follow-Up Symposium ( http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/symposium/ ). Choose one of the articles there, and choose one argument to defend. Everyone knows what an argument is, right? It's a claim (a conclusion) supported by various premises (evidence). Identify one argument, and explain why you are persuaded by that argument. Once someone posts a certain argument, it is off-limits; choose something else.
Off limit topics : Magic, Miracles, and The Gospel - workshop by L. Michael White, "Story and Ritual in Greece, Rome and Early Christianity" - Lecture by Helmut Koester, The Historical Jesus
Assignment 4: Now that you have read those selections from the Hebrew Bible, I want you to focus on a specific passage. Choose one verse (i.e., a line that has its own number) that strikes you as particularly interesting or important for understanding Judaism. Quote the verse in question, give the full source (book title, chapter and verse #), and then explain why the verse is significant. As always, be sure to read your fellow classmates comments, both so that you can learn from them and so you do not duplicate their efforts (one verse per customer, one customer per verse).
Verses not to use : Hebrews 11:1, Daniel chapter 12 verses 1-3, The Call of Moses twenty versus 5-10
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
The student will complete a theological essay that will address the relationship of human sinfulness to an aspect of the doctrine of salvation. Students will examine one of the biblical images of salvation (adoption, conversion, regeneration, redemption, reconciliation, justification, election, sanctification, or glorification) and define and describe the doctrine with its biblical, historical and theological contours as well as discuss how this image of salvation relates to and addresses the problem of sin. Finally, the student will apply the implications of this doctrine to the Christian life and for the student’s chosen vocation. The essay will be 750-1000 words and the formatting should be compatible with your current degree program.
Refer to the "Course Policies" in the course syllabus for the formatting expectations in this course. Use the provided Image of Salvation Essay Template as a guide. Submit your Image of Salvation Essay by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 7.
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
Using the following guide, prepare a personal reflection paper:
Light Bulb Moments: Quote a sentence or sentences from the God with Us: An Introduction to the Old Testament text that impressed you this week. Write one paragraph to explain why this caught your attention. Then record a verse or verses from the Bible reading for this week and write one full paragraph explaining the significance of this quote to you. Hall of Fame: In two full paragraphs, choose a famous Bible person you studied in this workshop. Describe what you learned about this person that you could apply to your own life, character, or leadership. What do you see in their life that you would like to emulate? In your textbook, the author challenges us: Let this God who has longed to be “with us” be “with you.” In the Old Testament, the following reality is presented emphatically: God wants to be with you. What is your understanding of this reality? What are two or three ways your attitudes and beliefs need to change in response to this reality? Describe how this might change your character and behaviors in life.
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
Religious Liberty Paper Religions have always been both a target for hate and a catalyst for change. This paper gives you the opportunity to explore this situation and present evidence of how this is so. Choose a landmark court cases from the list below and read it in its entirety. This will be the primary evidence for your paper. Research the case for its historical significance and its influence on American debates over the protection/definition of religious liberties. This is an essay so make sure you begin your paper with an introduction that offers the reader an explanation of the topic of the paper (Religious Liberty) and why it is important.
Description The paper should be a minimum of 3 pages in length, double spaced. It should be in essay format which includes an introduction that contextualizes your paper within the themes of this course, supporting paragraphs that present summary, analysis, opinion, and evidence and a conclusion that brings it together, offers an opinion and provides a solution to the problem, or a prediction of its future impact. You will need to use outside sources to complete this paper, be sure to include in text citations and a works cited page (MLA or APA is fine).(Does not count toward length). Some of the cases have multiple rights involved. There may be civil rights, religious rights, criminal activity, freedom of speech, parental right issues etc. It is ok, and probably very beneficial, to comment on this but make sure you are approaching the topic from the perspective of religious freedoms and rights.
Questions to address: Why is religious liberty important to America? Summarize the case: it's context, the question argued, the parties involved, and the court's decision. Was there a dissenting opinion? Do you agree with the Court’s decision? Or do you sympathize with the dissenting view? Explain your answer. What is the impact of this decision? How does it reflect or impact the way Americans (especially minorities if applicable) understanding of the place of religion in the public sphere? Is the issue presented in the paper still present in contemporary society? (has it been resolved?) What risks/consequences might it have in the future? Court Cases related to First Amendment (RELIGIOUS) Issues:
Reynolds v. United States (1871): Polygamy Arver v. United States (1918): Conscientious objectors Cantwell v. Connecticut (1940): Proselyting Virginia State BOE v. Barnette (1943): Saluting the Flag Fowler v. Rhode Island (1953): Preaching in public Torcaso v. Watkins (1961): Religious Test Engel v. Vitale (1962) : Prayer in Public Schools Sherbert v. Verner (1963): Limits on religious free exercise Epperson v. Arkansas (1968) Evolution in the public schools Lemon v. Kurtzner (1971): State funding for private schools Wisconsin v. Yoder (1975): Compulsory education and the Amish Lynch v. Donnelly (1984): Display of a Nativity Scene Goldman v. Weinberger (1985): Headgear and the Military West Side Community Schools v. Mergens (1990): Bible study classes Lee v Weisman (1992) Prayer in Schools Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah (1993): Animal Sacrifice Independent School District v Doe (2000): Prayer Good News Club v Milford Central School (2001): Religious clubs Kitzmiller v. Dover (2004) evolution in schools Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal(2006): Use of Ayahuasca in religious ceremony Hein v. Freedom From Religion Foundation(2007): Constitutionality of faith-based initiatives Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014): Contraception as part of health care EEO v. Abercrombie and Fitch (2015): Religious Garb Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer (2016): Funding for aid programs. Masterpiece Cakeshop v Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2017) Gay rights American Legion v. AHA (2019): Public Monuments
www.caselaw.findlaw.com (Links to an external site.) Religious Liberties Religious Liberties Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization/ Mechanics 15.0 to >12.0 pts Full Marks: 19-20 points Follows all instructions and meets guidelines and is nearly perfect or perfect. The paper has clearly been a process not quickly thrown together and shows signs of careful editing. The paper is clearly organized as an essay. All elements are present and supported. A strong introduction that contextualizes the topic, a thesis statement that is easily recognizable, strong supporting evidence and a conclusion. Spelling and grammar is not an issue. Organization is logical, easy to follow, Transitions are smooth, flow is good, paragraphs are self contained, page length is reached. 12.0 to >10.0 pts Good 15-18 points Many of the guidelines are met but with less perfection. The paper is essay format but missing one or more important elements (intro or conclusion, thesis, page length) OR the formatting is difficult to follow Grammar is mostly good but with some issues with sentence structure, spelling or flow. Organization is logical but not seamless, maybe there are rough transitions, an abrupt ending or displacement. 10.0 to >6.0 pts Fair 10-15 points Spelling or grammatical errors are frequent and they distract the reader. Sentences are run on or abbreviated or out of context and random. There is no logical flow or connection among ideas. Not a clear essay format. Long quotes or too many bullet points. Page length is not reached. 6.0 to >0 pts Poor 0-10 points Not an essay, no logical organization. Is not college level. 15.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent 25.0 to >21.15 pts Excellent 56- 65 points Content supports the thesis statement and the objectives of the paper. Instructions are clearly followed and the paper is complete. Content is original, no plagiarism and sources are cited with clarity. Information is accurate and relevant, content connects and is logical. Opinion is supported by evidence. Shows clear critical thinking skills such as the ability to summarize, analyze, compare, connect, argue and synthesize. 21.15 to >17.31 pts Good 45-55 points Content mostly supports the thesis and the objective of the paper and most all parts of the assignment are addressed. Content is original, no plagiarism and sources are cited with clarity. Opinion is supported by evidence. Information is accurate, or mostly so, and relevant, Shows some good critical thinking skills such as summation, comparison, and argument. 17.31 to >11.54 pts Fair 31-54 points Content somewhat supports the objectives of the paper. Content is primarily based on quotes and not much original work. Some lack of source citation but less than 50%. Some inaccurate and irrelevant information. Opinion is not supported. Critical thinking skills are weak or limited to summary and comparison. 11.54 to >0 pts Poor 0-30 points A poor effort, no originality and the objectives of the paper is not met. 0 points if 50% of the paper is plagiarized with no source citation. 25.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExpression 10.0 to >6.67 pts Full Marks Words are fresh, vivid, accurate, precise, and concise. Style is professional. No slang, text-speak, or colloquialisms. Writer is aware of how subject matter affects them. Tone is appropriate and respectful, Grabs and maintains readers attention. College level writing. 6.67 to >0 pts Partial Marks Some but not all criteria is met. Writer strays from an academic tone or paper is evangelical and/or testimonial in nature. If there is inappropriate language or disrespectful tone marks will be 0. 10.0 pts Total Points: 50.0
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
What level of importance does your church/community place on the institution of marriage, and are they doing anything creative to support young marriages?
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
1) Describe the practice of Baptism (the process). 2)Explain its significance and symbolic meaning. 3)How does it transform the life of the adherent? 4)The significance of baptism for BOTH the individual and Christian community. 6)How does Baptism express the principal beliefs of Christianity?
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
The Nature of God
Look at the video (God, Soul, and Wisdom) and use your textbook and outside resources to answer the following the question in no more than 4 double spaced pages.
What is the nature of god in Hinduism? How do hindus reconcile the notion of "many paths to god" as well as seeing that the pantheon of Hindu gods are but manifestations of a single god. Defend the idea that Hinduism, with its many personal gods and mutliple belief systems can be viewed as the ultimate monotheistic religion.
As part of your discussion, address the specific Hindu notions of karma, yoga, and moksha.
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
The paper must be a minimum of 8 pages (excluding cover page and bibliography), double spaced, written in 12pt Times New Romans font, with standard 1” boarders. The paper must use proper APA formatting. The paper must reference at least 4 academic sources (scholarly books, articles, presentations, etc. Popular sources such as blogs, Wikipedia, and the like are not acceptable) beyond course texts in the paper. The paper must include sections addressing the following: Global Theology of the Kingdom/Church Local Theology of the Great Commission Global Theology of the Great Commission
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
Explain how the conflict has changed or affected the local boundaries in central and southwest Asia. Give enough information so that someone who is not aware of the conflict will come away with an understanding of why the borders were drawn as they are.
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
Explain why it is important to highlight both the varied and common features of contemporary Islam. Why should we study Islam both in singular (Islam) and in plural (Islam’s).
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
The Church, Gender, and Flourishing Prompt: Through research, identify a global health issue (current or historical) that has been impacted by the church (positively or negatively). Address the ways that the church’s treatment of gender (challenge/acceptance of cultural norms, theologies of gender, etc.) has contributed/helped the problem and shaped its response. Discuss how this has challenged your own faith assumptions.
Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer: Paper Instructions:
Initial Question:
The Bible is easily the greatest work of literature the world has ever known and Saint Augustine, one of the most influential Church fathers.
Augustine, through his example, calls us to confess our sins and receive Christ as our Lord. His explicit descriptions of his transgressions, in fact, seem to give the most dastardly among us hope. We can be totally swallowed up by secularism or the total rejection of God, yet somehow find footing on the right path if only we acknowledge our sins and submit.
Why is Christianity so hard to swallow for many individuals? Has secularism grown so much as to completely eclipse Christianity? Is Augustine giving sound advice? Why or why not?
My Answer:
Even though Christianity is one of the most influential religions, many individuals find it hard to swallow due to the critics that have challenged Christian teachings, beliefs, and practices, making the parallels evident. The intellectual arguments against Christianity have revealed many parallels in the Christian doctrine made it difficult for many people to believe and accept the teachings of Christianity (Puchner, Martin, et al, 2012). In addition to that, many people perceive the Christian doctrine as a myth, illusionary or rather hallucination due to the events in the Bible seem unreal and are beyond human understanding (Yamauchi 1). For instance, the resurrection of Jesus is a superficial event that is difficult to swallow. A reexamination into the evidence of the resurrection of Christ shows that Jesus was killed as a human, his bodily ascent to heaven was also human yet he resurrected as divine (Ford 3). Over the years, secularism has grown so much to a point of completely eclipsing Christianity. Christianity generates culture and sets the ways of life that many Christians should conform to, this is rather difficult for many Christians. For example, it sets guidelines on how individuals should dress on sexuality and drunkenness among others.
Secularism, on the other hand, grants individuals the free will to exercise their liberties without feeling tied to religion, and this has made it gain popularity than Christianity. Secularism rejects the Christian belief system that is more complex (Fowles 471). Fowles further notes that secularism provides liberation from the restrictive Christian framework. St. Augustine gives sound advice while recognizing the human race has fallen short of God’s glory due to secularization. The supernatural being monitors every human deed punishing our transgressions (Yilmaz and Hasan 79). Augustine is aware of God’s wrath. Humans have prioritized secularism and deviate from the teachings of God. When the Israelites walked away from the commandments of God, He became angry with them and chose to reject all of Israel’s descendants, sending them afflictions and setting them in plunders’ hands (2 Kings 17: 18-20). Augustine is, therefore, calling the human race to come back to God and repent their transgressions to avoid an overflow of God’s wrath. Just like the Israelites, God will reject us the way we have rejected him. He is a jealous God and does not want subdivided attention. Augustine emphasizes that we repent for God to deliver us from His vengeance.
Reference(s):
Ford, James L. "Buddhism, Christianity, and The Matrix: the dialectic of myth-making In the contemporary cinema." Journal of Religion & Film 4.2 (2016): 1.
Fowles, Severin M. "An archaeology of doings." Secularism and the study of Pueblo religion, Sant Fe (2013).
Yamauchi, Edwin M. "Easter: Myth, Hallucination, or History." (2016).
Yilmaz, Onurcan, and Hasan G. Bahçekapili. "Supernatural and secular monitors promote human cooperation only if they remind of punishment." Evolution and Human Behavior 37.1 (2016):79-84
Puchner, Martin, et al. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. 2nd ed., A, B & C, W.W. Norton 2012. Print
Follow-Up Question:
Hi, Daniel.
Your understanding of the events of Easter sound very Gnostic.
What does it say about human nature that so many people default to the easier path of secularism? What Jesus paying us a compliment when He called us sheep?
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