RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD Reflection Paper, Assignment - Judaism
Instructions: These reflection papers are a chance for you to think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own way. Think of this paper as a kind of "journal" in which you reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes to the Qur'an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other religious text in his or her own way. Therefore, you are encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom traditions we will be studying this semester. However, be aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous-in other words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most importantly, that they directly relate to the readings. Essays must be typed in 12-point font and should be 2-3 pages (double spaced) in length. When you cite a source, be sure to include the title of the book and page number. If you cite a source other than our class textbooks, include a bibliography at the end of the paper.
Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion we are discussing this semester. If this applies to you, try (if only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together) to look at your own religion with "new eyes." For example, if you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see your religion. If you an Atheist, try considering life from a Muslim's perspective. Does this change anything for you? If so, how? Don't be afraid to experiment with ideas.
1. In broad terms, how does the monotheistic worldview of Judaism differ from the worldviews of Eastern religious traditions we've already discussed (in particular, Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism)? How does the idea of a personal Creator God in Judaism differ from Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian ideas about the sacred/ultimate/spiritual?
2. Do you think the stories in the Hebrew bible are "true" literally or symbolically? Can stories which may not be true in every literal detail still be morally edifying?
3. Think about and reflect on some of the most important themes discussed in this chapter in regard to Jewish history-covenant with a transcendent and personal God, exile, suffering, and messianism. How does this history serve to inform the Jewish worldview and experience of faith?
4. According to Judaism, humans are not inherently sinful (as they are understood to be in the Christian worldview), but rather, we as humans have a tendency to "miss the mark." What in human nature causes us to "miss the mark"? How do we get back on the "right path", according to Judaism, and what role does free will/choice play in this?
5. Reflect on the following saying by 20th century writer of Jewish heritage Franz Kafka: "The messiah will come only when he is no longer necessary." What do you think Kafka is suggesting here?