World Religions
The final exam will focus on Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Religious Pluralism. To prepare for this exam, look over the "Try It" sections and review questions on the CD. You should also review class slides (if any), and the glossaries in Educator.
1. In what ways does Maguire think that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam support and condemn the practice of abortion? Do you think his discussion reflects what you have learned about each of these religions from Eller and class discussion?
2. Who is the founder of Sikhism and what is his story? What are gurus? How many gurus make up the Sikh heritage? What are the Five K's, how and why were they created, and what is their significance? What is the langar and what does it symbolize in Sikhism??
3. What is the Adi Granth? Be prepared to discuss how the scriptures of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism compare to one another.
4. How do the following influence where religion is going in the future?
| Global culture |
| Multicultural awareness and inter-religious dialogue |
| Global aspects of women’s movement |
| Science and Technology |
| Secularism |
| Global environmental crisis |
5. Be able to identify, define, or discuss the following names, terms, and concepts: agnosticism, secularism, World Parliament of Religions, Second Vatican Council, Earth Day, Thomas Merton, Female Genital Mutilation, Galileo, Eagle Nebula, Naturism, Eclectic Spirituality, Neo-foundationalism.
6. Be prepared to discuss a statement such as the following in light of the future of religion:
“‘It is good to renew one’s sense of wonder,’ said the philosopher. ‘Space travel has again made children of us all.’” Epigraph to The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
7. Some observers have argued that most of the major world religions will become increasingly conservative and neo-foundational. Some have argued that the renewed concern and respect for nature will cause most religions to incorporate more naturistic elements. Others argue that as science unlocks more secrets of the universe, religion will eventually diminish and disappear, except among the uneducated. In light of Eller and class discussion, how do you you respond to those observers and what is your view about the future of religion?
8. Using the categories from the last module of the CD (ethnic/universal; orthodoxy/orthopraxy; linear time/cyclical time; celebrating religious founders/teachers/deemphasizing founders/teachers; reincarnation/heaven; sexuality as positive/sexuality as distraction or negative) be ready to categorize the religions covered in class this semester and explain why you categorize them the way you do.
9. Now that you have completed this course on World Religions, how do you define religion? What does religion include? Do you think there is something in common in all religions, or is each religion its own unique entity? Explain.