Religion and Theology

Write an essay of 1,000-1,250 words that analyzes the Five Pillars of Islam. Describe each of the five pillars and reflect on why they are referred to as Pillars of Islam. Make a detailed analysis of how one of the pillars would function in the daily life of a particular Muslim individual. Identify one ancient Christian community living or serving in an Islamic majority context, such as Coptic, Marionite, Chaldean, Armenian, etc. Compare and contrast how this ancient community practices similar rituals as the Five Pillars of Islam. Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of three academic resources, one of which can be your interview and should include topic materials and external resources.

This paper will consist of a critical review and analysis of Thomas Jay Oord, The Uncontrolling Love of God: An Open and Relational Account of Providence.  This paper must be 5-7 pages in length, double-spaced, and in 12 point Times New Roman font.   In this paper, the student is required to offer a detailed summary of the text. You must summarize 1) the main problem that Oord hopes to address (see chapter 1), 2) previous scholarly attempts at resolving the problem (chapters 4 and 5), and Oord’s constructive proposal for resolving the problem (chapters 6 and 7). You should then assess the merits or demerits for Oord’s theology of providence. Here, you may consider whether he resolves the problem of evil, or whether resolution creates problems for faith? Is God’s “control” appropriate or problematic? Does his theology beginning with human experience allow him to ground his theological claims in an authority beyond himself or does it offer a realistic account of reality and God’s more limited role in it? How might Kathryn Tanner assess Oord’s theology?  Please be aware that this is a lot of material to cover in a very short space. Students must endeavor, therefore, to write clearly and concisely if they are to cover the material satisfactorily. After offering a detailed and well-documented summary of Oord’s ideas, then, and only then, the student will state her own informed opinion about the text. Here, too, you should endeavor to establish your argument and summary in the text. You must learn to quote the text in your summary and learn to appropriate the most pertinent of the author’s statements into your summary.  I cannot emphasize this enough in all your written work in this class.

The main task is to write a report on the first chapter of Shahab Ahmed’s book: What is Islam? The Importance of Being Islamic. This is “Chapter One: Six Questions about Islam,” pages 1-110. In this chapter, Ahmed covers six situations that complicate the notion of “Islam,” “being Islamic,” and “being Muslim.” From these six situations, choose only one to reflect on and/or further investigate if you chose to do external research. -Write a reflective report on Ahmed’s first chapter as outlined below and without relying on any external material or doing more research. If you choose this option, your only source will be Ahmed’s book. FORMAT:  – Upload your paper in WORD format ONLY. – Your paper must be between 1500 and 2000 words – Double spaced, Times New Roman and 12-point font – Include a cover page with this information: paper’s title, submission date, your name, student number, course title and code, instructor’s names, and the word count – Use footnotes, not end notes and NOT in-text citations – Number your pages except the first page – Use Chicago Notes and Bibliography (NOT Chicago Author Date) for footnotes and bibliography. Access it at: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html 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 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: – give a clear idea of the main concern and heart of Ahmed’s discussion, – 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 Paper Structure: Your paper must consist of a proper introduction, several body paragraphs and a conclusion. (No body paragraph limit but should be organized) Introduction: Write a proper introduction which includes a clear thesis statement. Your introduction must: – Identify the subject of the book and the author’s position and main argument (if he has one).  – Identify the author’s name, book title, and any other necessary information.  – Include a thesis statement that shows the question of your focus and your position (if you agree, disagree or being indifferent) Body Paragraphs: There is no limit on the number of body paragraphs you can write. A good practice is to designate one paragraph for each key argument, idea, or theme. For example: – Paragraph 2: summary of the general discussion in the chapter (all six questions). – Paragraph 3: summary of the specific question you engage with (one of the six questions) – Paragraph 4: brings both together and introduces your position/reflection on the matter – Paragraph 5: draws on the external source (if you do so) and summarizes it (the source that further discusses one of the six questions). – Paragraph 6: analyses the discussion using the external source – Paragraph 7: gives a general evaluation of the book highlighting its strengths and weakness and indicates its significance for the study of Islam Conclusion: End your paper with a paragraph that brings your discussion to a firm conclusion. You can do this by giving a condensed summary of your report or raise new questions that open the conversation for further deliberation. Whichever style you follow, make sure that your conclusion communicates clearly that you have come to an end.

Activity 1: Discussion—Ethical Solutions to Environmental Issues Context Environmentalism is a global movement that is changing and challenging our assumptions about humanity’s relationship and responsibility for the earth. Religious traditions consider the earth as sacred and offer an eco-theological perspective about human relationship with the earth. Description Environmentalism deals with a number of issues that have religious significance. Issues of debate such as the cause for global climate change, species extinction, toxic dumping in our rivers, and the destruction of rain forests and wetlands have profound implications for our actions as well as future generations. In your research, identify at least five approaches or solutions to addressing these problems. Delivery Think about what environmental issues currently affect your daily life and the life of your current community. Share your five ethical solutions for these challenges in the Forum. Grading Criteria Discussion Rubric Activity 2: Discussion—Environment and Different Faith Traditions Context As the religious traditions of the world consider their relationships to the environment, there are varying, yet global, responses that are now taking place which show that religions can be part of the solution. Description Create a chart of environmental challenges and the response to these by various faith traditions: Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, Daoist. Have the responses changed over time? Delivery Share the chart you have created in the Forum and discuss where your personal philosophy fits within this framework.

This answer should be based on the pdf reading attached. Please read the pdf’s attached. What do you find appealing about Paganism, past or present? Discuss at least three elements you admire and why.

Students are required to write ONE PAPER IN THIS CLASS.  This paper will consist of a critical review and analysis of Thomas Jay Oord, The Uncontrolling Love of God: An Open and Relational Account of Providence.  This paper must be 5-7 pages in length, double-spaced, and in 12 point Times New Roman font.   In this paper, the student is required to offer a detailed summary of the text. You must summarize 1) the main problem that Oord hopes to address (see chapter 1), 2) previous scholarly attempts at resolving the problem (chapters 4 and 5), and Oord’s constructive proposal for resolving the problem (chapters 6 and 7). You should then assess the merits or demerits for Oord’s theology of providence. Here, you may consider whether he resolves the problem of evil, or whether resolution creates problems for faith? Is God’s “control” appropriate or problematic? Does his theology beginning with human experience allow him to ground his theological claims in an authority beyond himself or does it offer a realistic account of reality and God’s more limited role in it? How might Kathryn Tanner assess Oord’s theology?  Please be aware that this is a lot of material to cover in a very short space. Students must endeavor, therefore, to write clearly and concisely if they are to cover the material satisfactorily. After offering a detailed and well-documented summary of Oord’s ideas, then, and only then, the student will state her own informed opinion about the text. Here, too, you should endeavor to establish your argument and summary in the text. You must learn to quote the text in your summary and learn to appropriate the most pertinent of the author’s statements into your summary.  I cannot emphasize this enough in all your written work in this class. 

In the final forum interactions, you will further previous discussions by considering the impact the gospel has in shaping a Christian’s interaction with his/her culture. How does a fuller view of the implications of the gospel affect how you live out your life? How can you more effectively communicate the gospel as something that is not just about a point in time (i.e. a prayer for salvation), but also a life that is lived that reflects the gospel?  Must be 250-300 words.

In the final forum interactions, you will further previous discussions by considering the impact the gospel has in shaping a Christian’s interaction with his/her culture. How does a fuller view of the implications of the gospel affect how you live out your life? How can you more effectively communicate the gospel as something that is not just about a point in time (i.e. a prayer for salvation), but also a life that is lived that reflects the gospel?  Must be 250-300 words.

This paper will consist of a critical review and analysis of Thomas Jay Oord, The Uncontrolling Love of God: An Open and Relational Account of Providence.  This paper must be 5-7 pages in length, double-spaced, and in 12 point Times New Roman font.   In this paper, the student is required to offer a detailed summary of the text. You must summarize 1) the main problem that Oord hopes to address (see chapter 1), 2) previous scholarly attempts at resolving the problem (chapters 4 and 5), and Oord’s constructive proposal for resolving the problem (chapters 6 and 7). You should then assess the merits or demerits for Oord’s theology of providence. Here, you may consider whether he resolves the problem of evil, or whether resolution creates problems for faith? Is God’s “control” appropriate or problematic? Does his theology beginning with human experience allow him to ground his theological claims in an authority beyond himself or does it offer a realistic account of reality and God’s more limited role in it? How might Kathryn Tanner assess Oord’s theology?  Please be aware that this is a lot of material to cover in a very short space. Students must endeavor, therefore, to write clearly and concisely if they are to cover the material satisfactorily. After offering a detailed and well-documented summary of Oord’s ideas, then, and only then, the student will state her own informed opinion about the text. Here, too, you should endeavor to establish your argument and summary in the text. You must learn to quote the text in your summary and learn to appropriate the most pertinent of the author’s statements into your summary.  I cannot emphasize this enough in all your written work in this class.

Research and identify a work of Islamic art, past or present. Briefly (in approximately two paragraphs) write your response to it using analysis and interpretation to identify the work, describe what you see, and relate its effect on you as the viewer. After reading “A Look Behind the Veil” by Elizabeth and Robert Fernea, please respond to. The Ferneas write, “The veil is an outward sign of a complex reality.” What do they mean by this? And what is your response?