Religion

Written Assignment—Vision for a Better World Context We can see that the study of religion and the challenges of which face various cultures can be addressed by exploring and determining one’s personal response/responsibility to these issues. Description It is possible to describe our vision for a better world by choosing something to work on which addresses our concerns. Write an eight–page essay using at least three outside resources to describe your vision for a better world. Give practical solutions to what you might do to create a change for good.

In this assignment, you will analyze the implications of an ethical issue according to the Christian worldview. You will be challenged to think about Christian worldview core beliefs and apply what you have learned over this course. This will be a thorough analysis of a case study you will choose from the options provided. Write a 1,000-1,500-word essay in which you analyze ethical thinking and use values-based decision-making to address a case study from the perspective of the Christian worldview. Choose one case study from the five options listed in the attached “Ethical Dilemmas” document. After an appropriate introductory paragraph with a thesis statement in which you name the scenario you are choosing, address each of the following six sections with at least one paragraph each. Write at least one paragraph for each component using the underlined titles for a subheading. Ethical Dilemma: Briefly describe the ethical dilemma in your own words, including (a) what in the scenario makes it difficult to make an ethical decision and (b) at least two options for resolving the scenario, providing a brief overview of what sort of ethical decisions each option might make. Core Beliefs: What beliefs about God and humanity from the Christian worldview are relevant to the scenario? How might these core worldview commitments of Christians influence one’s decision-making with regard to this scenario? Resolution: Describe the Christian worldview’s proposal for resolving the ethical dilemma. How should the person in the scenario act according to the Christian worldview? What is the best course of action for a Christian? (Note: The resolution should be consistent with Christian worldview commitments.) Evaluation: What might be the unintended consequences and perceived benefits of the resolution proposed by the Christian worldview? Comparison: How does the Christian worldview resolution compare to how another worldview might resolve the dilemma? Choose a specific contrasting worldview, such as atheism, pantheism, or scientism. Conclusion: Synthesize the main points, pulling the ideas of the paper together. References Use and cite two course resources (textbook, overviews, and the Bible), and at least two scholarly sources

1. Construct your emerging view of the necessary ingredients that facilitate and promote the spiritual growth of Christians. Do not limit yourself to the traditional spiritual disciplines, but allow what you have read in the texts and found in your relevant biblical texts. Plan on writing 3-5pages double-spaced in 12-point Time New Roman font. 2. Explore your understanding of the creative ways (Network Theology) in which you can apply your emerging understanding of spiritual formation in a variety of contexts and settings. Consider the implications of an ecological perspective on spiritual formation that may challenge traditional understanding of the concept. Plan on writing 3–5 pages double-spaced in 12-point Time New Roman font.   3. Begin to explore your emerging understanding of the role of the Christian community (the body of Christ) in the spiritual formation process and how they work together. Plan on writing 4-5pages double-spaced in 12-point Time New Roman font.

Answer one of the two questions provided in a short reflection essay (270 – 330 words). It should be written in proper, academic prose, and should cite the assigned course readings three times. Be sure to adhere to the following style and citation guidelines: Header and works cited page Current Turabian format for all elements within the essay Double-spacing 12-point, Times New Roman font References to assigned course readings Choose one of the following prompts to answer: The Apostle’s Creed. Explain the importance of the Apostle’s Creed for Christian theology to a popular audience. (Cite course readings at least three times) Scripture & Theology. Explain the relationship between scripture and theology to a popular audience. (Cite course readings at least three times)

1.Search for “islamic art paradise found” in youtube and watch youtube video . Feel free to start after the third minute as the introductory part of the first three minutes is irrelevant to the homework questions. Paradise is a concept that is closely connected to Islamic architecture. What are the most important similarities and diferences between the concept of heavan on earth within Christian and Islamic conceptions of the role for architecture? Consider the geometric motif and the use of calligraphy (the word) as art. How does the use of the word as art difer in creating a visual spectacle than the Byzantine use of mosaics? 2. Trace the Birth of Islam http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/isla/hd_isla.htm through the Nature of Islamic Art (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/orna/hd_orna.htm) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Web site. Summarize how the aspects discussed in the Nature of Islamic Art (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/orna/hd_orna.htm) section, specifically the calligraphy section helps you to understand why this artform was so significant to Muslims. 3. Describe the cultural contributions made by Islam to Western Europe. 4. How does the Great Mosque of Damascus “owe much to the architecture of the Greco-Roman and Early Christian East”? 5. MOSQUE OF SELIM II- Sinan the Great was responsible for some of the masterworks of Ottoman architecture. His greatest work, the Mosque of Selim II in Edirne, Turkey was constructed to glorify his patron. It was also intended to surpass the Christian Hagia Sophia. What is your opinion of this strategy? Can you think of any other structures that pursued similar ends? 6. RELIGION AND ART- Discuss the effects that the religious beliefs and practices of Islam have on Islamic art. What do you think is the most important religious belief affecting Islamic art? Cite specific examples to support your answer.

Write and document in detail a life purpose discovery process. (Example – to receive my masters degree so I can help people in the human resource field).  – Use each item below as a section title.  – You can add as many headings and subheadings as you need.  A.       Explain what is meant by Life Purpose.  B. What does the literature say about how a person identifies his/her life purpose? C.       This first part of your paper can draw on 1.) from a variety of religions and non-religions (no less than 5 different religions) – option 2 must also discuss life purpose from a Christian perspective. [Note: Part A. should be no less than 8 pages double spaced.  Go beyond assigned reading to understand this topic thoroughly.    **The remaining points should integrate not only your personal journey in understanding your life purpose, but also what the literature says about key concepts related to this process. When you talk about yourself, you may speak in first person. [Note: If you do not want to discuss your ‘personal journey’ explain using literature – write a ‘how-to’]   D. Please write a conclusion for this paper Paper needs to be written in APA. Paper should have no less than 15 references. The Bible does not count as reference.

Prepare a research paper, 3-4 pages, that compares and contrasts the hermeneutical principles of Biblical Theology and Systematic theology as found within Christian literature and theology. You must first determine a definition of each for your own understanding and research of the topic.  References along with others; Baker, C. F. (1999). A dispensational theology.    MacDonald, C. (1995). Understanding your Bible. Grand Rapids, MI:

1. Outline some of the prime directives (major beliefs)  in Islam along with a description of some of the major branches and sub-branches of Islam (Sunni, Shia, Sufi). We will deal with the offshoots like Sikhism, Druze, Bahai 2. Write an essay about Sufism (you might need to do some additional outside research).   3. You could also write an essay about Islam religious architecture (again requiring some additional outside research). 4. Choose two early reform Christian groups (i.e. Lutheran, Anglican, Calvinist, Anabaptist, Puritan, Methodist, etc.) from 1500 to 1800 and compare or contrast various aspects of their worship life, belief, philosophy and disagreement with the medieval Christian tradition.   5. Select two groups after 1800 and write an essay similar in intent to # 4, including reasons for their further separation from mainstream Christianity.   6. Choose one non-Christian contemporary movement and trace its history, philosophy and practices. 7. Do some research on Interfaith and Ecumenical movements in America.   8. Choose a contemporary religious group or cult that has drifted far away from mainstream religion and write an essay about it.   9.  Write an essay about ecology and religion. Try to include the perspectives of at least three different groups Each Question given in essay form clearly separated from the other, 2 pages for each question

Respond to the following: minimum 100 words What are the purposes of major holidays in Judaism? How do they help a person fully live their life of faith? Choose one holy festival (Sabbath is not one…read your text carefully) and explain why and how it is celebrated. Does it make sense to you about how this could help bind their communities together? Explain with details and examples in your own words. 2nd paper – minimum 250 words based on your observations of the religions studied within that lesson. Explain the meaning of each religion’s symbol and the key ideas of their faith. Pay special attention to any features of those religions that you believe are critical to their belief system AND exemplary or of interest to you. Identify those things and discuss your reaction to what you learned in each lesson.

Please answer each question with one paragraph consisting of at least 4-7 sentences. *Share how your view of God the creator and the work of creation has changed how you encounter worship, tradition, or scripture. *  What does it mean to worship in Spirit and truth? *Share how your theological anthropology has changed how you encounter worship, tradition, or scripture. *Share how an encounter with scripture, tradition, or worship has changed how you view the relation between creation and salvation. *Share your thoughts on living out faith. Discuss areas of separation within our communities/culture as they relate to how one lives compared to the faith or beliefs they espouse. How do the teachings of Jesus factor into His call to live?