DISCUSSIONS
Please write 1-2 paragraphs per week.
Part 1
Both religious traditions originating in the Indian subcontinent presented in Chapters 3 and 4 of the textbook draw upon common core religious beliefs, yet they also reveal significant differences. Eastern religious traditions draw upon a typical eastern epistemology that recognizes the integration and interrelationships among all things, particularly all living things.
1) What are the Vedas and what is the notion of shruti texts? How does this notion of shruti texts compare with the notion of sacred Scripture among adherents of the western religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam?
2) What is the notion of karma as it is understood in Hinduism and Jainism? How does karma relate to the concepts of samsara and moksha?
3) What is the caste system in India? How does the caste system differ from social stratification in many western societies including the US? What are the religious implications of stratification?
4) What did Mahavira experience during his twelve years of meditation and pursuit of heightened spiritual awareness? What relationship can you suggest between fasting, mortification of the flesh, physical pain and suffering and the achievement of liberation and "perfection?"
Part 2: "Noble Action, Sacred Call, or Desire"
Please respond to the following:
•Explain whether or not you think Siddhartha Gautama's quest to find enlightenment falls under the category of noble action, sacred call, or desire. Discuss how his decision to leave his family would be received in today's culture.
Part 3: "Actionless Action (Daosim) and the Practice of Virtue (Confucianism)"
Please respond to the following:
•Identify and explain at least three aspects of wu wei (non-doing) that would be practical in the busy lives of city dwellers, especially those living in the West. Provide a rationale for your response.
Part 4: "The Role of the Torah and Special Covenant"
Please respond to the following:
•Discuss the significance of the "special covenant" between the Jewish people and God. Name at least two examples of this covenant in the Jewish religion.
Part 5: "Why Can't We Just Get Along?"
Please respond to the following:
•Explain at least three reasons why there are so many divisions denominations in the Christian religion.
•Explain what is meant by the term "synoptic gospels", and discuss why this term is important for Christians when reading the Bible?