INT 244 All Week Discussions

INT 244 All Week Discussions

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 1 Discussion 1

The author of the course textbook offered his definition of religion. Based on your own spiritual understandings and beliefs, do you agree with this definition? Explain your reasoning. Cite references where possible.

 

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 1 Discussion 2

Identify basic beliefs and practices of the various the forms of historical Christianity. Do identify with these? Explain why or why not. Cite references where possible.

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 2 Discussion 1

Consider the question of whether Judaism is essentially a religion, a race, a culture, or something else. Support your response by making reference to key events, individuals, or beliefs as they relate to the origin and historical development of Judaism.

 

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 2 Discussion 2

Identify key Zoroastrian beliefs and assess the notion that Zoroastrianism may have influenced other world religions.

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 3 Discussion 1

Reflect on the varying understandings of Islam by contemporary Muslims. Considering Muhammad’s leadership and the early development of Islam, to what extent does contemporary Islamic culture adhere to or differ from historic Islam?

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 3 Discussion 2

Identify 3 key beliefs that the Baha’i religion is founded on and how those beliefs have influenced Baha’i practice and self-understanding.

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 4 Discussion 1

Assess the Three Ways of Hinduism in terms of their ability to provide a sense of meaning, community, and ultimately “salvation.” In your view, are these ways capable of providing a helpful means toward achieving these goals? Explain.

 

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 4 Discussion 2

Describe 3 beliefs key beliefs of Jainism and/or Sikhism. How similar are these beliefs to those found in Hinduism?

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 5 Discussion 1

Explain the notion of “self” from both a Buddhist and Christian perspective. How do these two perspectives differ? How are they similar?

 

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 5 Discussion 2

Identify three different schools of Buddhism. How are these schools similar in their beliefs and practices? How do they differ?

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 6 Discussion 1

Compare Confucius’ “silver rule” (“Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you.”) with the “Golden Rule” of Christianity. Is the difference significant?

 

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 6 Discussion 2

Give an example of how Shinto beliefs and practices have influenced Japanese culture.

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 7 Discussion 1

In what sense does the Judeo-Christian tradition share aspects of traditional religions? In what sense is the Judeo-Christian tradition different from traditional religions? Based on this understanding, how can Christians enhance their interactions with those who adhere to traditional religious beliefs and practices?

 

INT 244 Grand Canyon Week 7 Discussion 2

Identify key concepts of both African traditional religion and Native American religions. Based on these concepts, what similarities are there among these two groups? How do they differ?