Sacramental Life Class

1.    Drawing from the assigned readings, lectures, Discussion Forums, and your own insights and experiences, reflect on how this course has challenged you to think differently about religion in general and Christianity in particular. o    The key here is to BE SPECIFIC: give concrete examples related to the key themes and concepts explored. o    In this course we read Immortal Dimond by Richard Rohr, Watched the Life of Pi, and read Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. Try using quotes from some of these if possible or use it to help be specific.   2.    Next, articulate the overall framework of your theological convictions by responding to this question: what do I mean when I speak the word “God”? In other words, critically reflect on what you believe about religion, God, and spirituality (i.e., the sacramental life), and just as importantly, why you believe what you do. o    Keep in mind that you aren’t being asked to give a faith-statement. Rather, you’re being asked to identify and critically examine your theological beliefs. So, if you understand God in terms of being the “Creator,” that’s great, but then you’d need to explain what it means to say God is “Creator” (or whatever).   3.    Finally, discuss the implications of all this for the way you understand and embody the vocation of “healer.” Pay special attention to Berry’s discussion about health and his critique of the medical industry. Make it clear how your responses to the three talking points are connected. o    Something to keep in mind as you develop your answer to this talking point: the Berry reading brings the class full-circle, sharing key themes with the West video as well as our working definition of “religion” (Lecture: “Key Concepts”). Here is the link to Berrys raeding: https://stkateonline.instructure.com/courses/2338/files/2553966/download?wrap=1