Religion and Theology

What are the differences between the Theravada and Mahayana expressions of Buddhism? Be sure to address all of them

Describe the religious nature of Japan prior to the arrival of Buddhism.

Explain Daoist views on immortality.

How do representations of Buddha differ throughout South and Southeast Asia?

1. Introduction – the general subject matter of the paper 2. What is the author’s main point (Summary of the paper) 3. The author’s addition/contribution to the subject matter 4. Our own critique of the paper and  5. Conclusion and recommendations

1. Introduction – the general subject matter of the paper 2. What is the author’s main point (Summary of the paper) 3. The author’s addition/contribution to the subject matter 4. Our own critique of the paper and  5. Conclusion and recommendations

What are two core worldview concerns/questions that every worldview seeks to answer? What particular ethical questions beg to be asked and answered, based on the responses to these worldview questions? Cite your sources from the textbooks and other course materials.

What did you learn in terms of what religions mean for Japanese people?What are some differences in the role that a religion plays for Japanese people from those in other societies?

As with many other philosophical or theological questions, the answer to the question of morality and its benefits depends upon to whom the question is addressed. Of equal importance to the response is that person’s worldview. Each student reading this overview has and acts out of their weltanschauung, or worldview.Every ethical system is part of something bigger . . . that can be called a worldview . . . [which] consists of our beliefs and assumptions about how the world fits together. As is the case with ethical systems, everyone has one, whether it is acknowledged or not. (Wilkens, 2011, p. 19)Consciously or unconsciously, a worldview hinges on the answers to questions about five subcategories of philosophy. They include questions about:· God· Metaphysics, which is related to the nature of reality· Epistemology, which is related to the nature of knowledge· Anthropology, which is related to the nature of humans and their cultures· EthicsIdeas regarding morality hinge on an individual’s responses to questions such as:Is there a God? What is he like? Is human nature innately good, or is humankind fallen, fatally flawed by some original sin? Are human beings just highly evolved reasoning animals, or are they the crown of God’s creation? Can human beings only trust empirically verifiable data, or can personal intuition or divine inspiration be equally valid ways of

Please pick and write on ONE of the following four topics:1.Given your understanding of Jesus’ ministry and themes of preaching, what are the main points of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12. Also compare it with the shorter version found in Luke 6:20-23, and determine what is Jesus’ main focus in these “blessings” sayings.2. Choose 3 stories (parables or accounts) from Luke that are related to the Gentiles (non-Jews), and that can also be found in either Matthew, Mark, or John. What are the differences in Luke’s description and emphasis? What can they tell you about the focuses of Luke (and Acts) when it comes to Gospel and the Gentiles?3. How does Paul use the example of Abraham to explain his theology of faith and salvation? Use at least two passages of Paul (e.g. Galatians 3, Romans 4) to explain the main reasoning of this teaching of Paul.4. Compare between 1 Corinthians 12-13 and Romans 12 – what does Paul say about the Church? What does he suggest that the believers should see themselves in order for the unity of the Church to be maintained and secured?Some requirements to pay attention to:a. Select a theme, and use what you have read in the selected passages to argue for it.b. Use more outside references (i.e. in addition to the Bible)c. Citation is required, for example:Thomas Hatina, “Module Seven: The New Testament Canon”,Introduction to the New Testament, Section 7.2.d. Include a small section of your personal thoughts