Religion and Theology

Question 2: How do American media (including television and films) reflect the American worldview?

Write a three-page (900 words) summary and reflection in APA style on Book 1 of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. The first part is a one-page summary of the content, in which you must have two direct quotes of key sentences in the book. The last two pages are your reflection of the chapter.

Question 5: What role does music play in American culture? In what settings and for what purposes is music used?

Question 2: Why do rites of passage commonly involve painful elements? How does this affect the experience of the individual undergoing the ritual?

OUTLINE Introduction Name of the religion, and associated culture, and describe the geographic extent (country, region, etc.) Mythology Describe their creation myth, or some other myth that is important in the religion Religious Symbols What kinds of symbols are used to express the religion? Ritual Describe at least two rituals that are used in the practice of the religion. Altered States of Consciousness Describe any ASCs. If there are none, describe how the practitioners communicate with deities. Religious Specialists Name and briefly describe the individuals who either compel or cause the supernatural to act. Magic and Divination What kinds of magic or divination are used? If none, then explain what magic and divination are, and that the religion doesn’t utilize them. Souls, Ghosts, and Death Describe the religion’s incorporation of these concepts. What roles to ghosts and souls play in religion and culture? What are the typical death rituals? Gods and Spirits Describe the roles, identity, and composition of gods and spirits. For example, is there one supreme being, or a pantheon? Witchcraft Describe any witchcraft used in the religion. If none, how does the religion view witchcraft? Modern Adaptations Has the religion changed in more modern times, due to influences from other cultures, religions, or other factors? In what ways?

Question 4: What are the advantages and disadvantages of an emic analysis? What are the advantages and disadvantages of an etic analysis?

Problem Passage Essay 2 Instructions Use of Psalms in Hebrews Write a 1,200—1,500 word essay on the use of Psalm 8:4-8 in Hebrews 2:5-9 and Psalm 40:6-8 in Hebrews 10:5-9. Research • Psalms. Use at least two academic level scriptural commentaries, especially digital commentaries available in program library. Recommended: J. Goldingay, Psalms 1-41, BCOTWP; Longman, Psalms, TOTC; D. Kidner, Psalms 1-72, TOTC; S. Lawson, Psalms, HOTC. Acceptable as supplement: Keil & Delitzsch and Cambridge Bible (see link below). • Textual Differences. Study Hebrew versus Greek Septuagintal (LXX) versions of these psalms, and compare to Hebrews. Use Turpie and Gough as mentioned in textbook; see http://www.scriptureworkshop.com/bibliography/commentary/. Turpie is challenging to navigate please use scripture index. Also see NETS. • Hebrews. Use at least two academic level scriptural commentaries, especially digital commentaries available in program library. Recommended: Commentary on NT Use of OT edited by Beale and Carson; D. Guthrie, Hebrews, TNTC; T. Lea, Hebrews, HNTC; D. Allen, Hebrews, NAC; T. Schreiner, Commentary on Hebrews. Acceptable as supplement: Cambridge Bible (see link above). • Research standards for this academic level: Multivolume biblical commentaries; Peer-reviewed scholarship in suitable publications (use library for e-books and library databases for articles, e.g., ATLA, JSTOR, EBSCO). Excluded: webpages and/or blogs; study Bibles; single-volume commentaries (e.g., Henry; Jamieson-Fausset-Brown; Gill; Benson; Pulpit; Barnes’ Notes); “popular” genre suitable for general readership; non-academic resources (e.g., Strong’s dictionary). It is fine and expected to use textbooks, but remember textbooks do not count as research. Overview of Paper Begin with a one paragraph introduction with clear and direct thesis statement—entire paper needs to support thesis statement. (1) Psalm 8:4-8. Explain the interpretation of the human situation in Psalm 8, paying attention to how the scriptural creation narrative has been interpreted. (2) Hebrews 2:5-9. Explain how the author to the Hebrews interprets and applies Psalm 8 with special attention to textual differences between the versions. (3) Psalm 40:6-8. Explain the interpretation of the function of sacrifice in Psalm 40, paying attention to how Old Testament doctrines have been interpreted. (4) Hebrews 10:5-9. Explain how the author to the Hebrews interprets and applies Psalm 40 with special attention to textual differences between the versions. Finish with a one paragraph conclusion explaining implications. Provide evidence to support thesis statement. Cite six sources minimum for “proficient” and additional source(s) for “advanced” level of research (see grading rubric). Use Turabian format.

This is a discussion paper. I need 1.5 page. Only the topic Hell/ Inferno. * Please write the “Key Concepts” first then include 1. Author’s perspective 2. Intended audience 3. Purpose of the text 4. Main thesis and argument for its support 5. Style of writing 6. Personal comments, reactions, questions, etc.

Problem Passage Essay 1 Instructions Use of Zechariah in the Gospels Write a 1,200—1,500 word essay on messianic interpretation of Zechariah 11:12-13 in Matthew 27:9-10 and Zechariah 12:10 in John 19:34-37. Research • Zechariah. Use at least two academic level scriptural commentaries, especially digital commentaries available in program library. Recommended: A. Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, TOTC; J. Goldingay and P. Scalise, Minor Prophets II (Nahm Hab, Zeph, Hag, Zech, Mal); D. Petersen, Zechariah 9-14 and Malachi, OTL. Acceptable as supplement: Keil & Delitzsch and Cambridge Bible, see http://www.scriptureworkshop.com/bibliography/commentary/. • Gospels. Use at least four academic level scriptural commentaries, two each on Matthew and John, especially digital commentaries available in program library. Recommended: Commentary on NT Use of OT edited by Beale and Carson; R. T. France, Matthew, NICNT; D. Turner, Matthew, ECNT; C. Keener, Gospel of John. Acceptable as supplement: Cambridge Bible and Handbook (see link above). (Also see brief discussion on John 19:36-37 in Beale.) • Research standards for this academic level: Multivolume biblical commentaries; Peer-reviewed scholarship in suitable publications (use library for e-books and library databases for articles, e.g., ATLA, JSTOR, EBSCO). Excluded: webpages and/or blogs; study Bibles; single-volume commentaries (e.g., Henry; Jamieson-Fausset-Brown; Gill; Benson; Pulpit; Barnes’ Notes); “popular” genre suitable for general readership; non-academic resources (e.g., Strong’s dictionary). It is fine and expected to use textbooks, but remember textbooks do not count as research. Overview of Paper Begin with a one paragraph introduction with clear and direct thesis statement—entire paper needs to support thesis statement. (1) Zechariah 11:12-13. Explain interpretation of the context with consideration of ways it can be interpreted. (2) Matthew 27:9-10. Explain the function of the use of Zechariah, with attention to interpretive blending with Jeremiah in this context. (3) Zechariah 12:10. Explain interpretation of the context with consideration of ways it can be interpreted. (4) John 19:34-37. Explain the function of the use of Zechariah, with attention to interpretive blending with Psalm 34 in this context. Finish with a one paragraph conclusion explaining implications. Provide evidence to support thesis statement. Cite six sources minimum for “proficient” and additional source(s) for “advanced” level of research (see grading rubric). Use Turabian format.

After watching the movie Noah, please write an essay with least 2-page (600 words) in APA format that:1. Identifies at least 3 differences between the movie plots and Noah’s story in the Bible (1-page MAXIMUM);2. Illustrates your own understanding of the movie from the perspective of Christianity.This Assignment is due by 23:59, July 7. Late submission may not be accepted.