In our second to last class before the final exam, we will discuss Chapters 3 & 4 of Religious Literacy. We will also discuss one of the most controversial subjects both theologically and philosophically, The Dilemma of Evil After giving some parameters from our text,Twelve Theological Dilemmas (notes), I will share two videos. The first is an explanation of evil as an abuse of power. This is present by Philip Zimbardo who does a remarkable job on the Psychology of Evil in his work and website called the Lucifer Effect.
I offer this as yet another explanation of "evil" taken from an address by Simon Baron Cohen based upon his work in The Science of Evil. Evil or why people do "bad things" is a result of varying degrees of empathy. Zero empathy produces the worst in humanity.
PLEASE DO NT FORGET TO SCROLL DOWN FOR THE REMAINING COURSE WORK.
Due 11/14: 1. Responses to the questions related to the Dilemma of Salvation & Human Goodness (Higgins text), Typed. 5 -7 sentences each 2. Chapter 3 of Religious Literacy
Remaining classes and assignments
11/21 - 1. READ THE DILEMMA OF EVIL (TWELVE THEOLOGICAL DILEMMAS) Pages 46 -55 Referring to the questions on page 55, CHOOSE ONE of the questions and write a 1 1/2 to 2 pages Reflection paper. (This is you final reflection paper) 2. Have read Chapter 4 of Religious Literacy IN this class we will be viewing Philip Zimbardo and the Lucifer Effect regarding the "psychology of evil" & Simon Baron-Cohen and his book The Science of Evil (Evil as a result of a lack of empathy) 11/28 - No CLASS - Happy Thanksgiving!! There is work to be completed though since our last class is on December 5th (our final class before exams) 1. Complete Religion in the News #3 (final one), 2. Have Read The Dilemma of Christianity and Other Religions pages 57 - 64. We will discuss questions on page 64. There is NO written assignment connected with reading. We will be discussion the Charter for Compassion (Karen Armstrong et al). 3. Have Read Chapter 5 of Religious Literacy 12/5 - DUE - 1. Religion in the News #3 2. Homework on Religious Literacy (Chapters 1 -5) with cover sheet An exam study guide will be distributed this class. Course Evaluations will be distributed. 12/12 - In-class exam from 4 -6 p.m. in Room 13
As mentioned last week, we will cover Chapters 1 and 2 of Religious Literacy this class along with the Dilemma of the Bible (Higgins starting on p.15). I will also introduce How the Bible Came to Be. Remember for EACH chapter you are: 1. Finding 1 or 2 statements by the author that you AGREE with and WHY. Cite the page. 2. Finding 1 or 2 statements by the author that you DISAGREE with OR find Challenging and WHY. Cite the pages. 3. Create a question that you would ask the author if he were present OR one that you would ask the class. *THIS WORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN YOUR COPYBOOK. A WEEK BEFORE EXAM, YOUR WORK WILL SUBMITTED AS A FINAL HOMEWORL GRADE. IT WILL BE TYPED WITH A COVER PAGE.
Chapter One, pages 27 -48 Discussion The Dilemma of the Bible (part 1) IS the Bible to be taken literally or allegorically? From the last GOP debate.
President Ronald Reagan
See http://literarydevices.net/allegory/ for definition and examples of an allegory. Key distinction: The difference between evangelicals and fundamentalists. What do Fundamentalists (Christians) Believe See Chapter 6 pp. 225 -226 Example of Biblical Fundamentalism - Snake Salvation
In the hills of Appalachia, Pentecostal pastors Jamie Coots and Andrew Hamblin struggle to keep an over-100-year-old tradition alive: the practice of handling deadly snakes in church. Jamie and Andrew believe in a bible passage that suggests a poisonous snakebite will not harm them as long as they are anointed by God’s power. If they don’t practice the ritual of snake handling, they believe they are destined for hell. Hunting the surrounding mountains for deadly serpents and maintaining their church’s snake collection is a way of life for both men. The pastors must frequently battle the law, a disapproving society, and even at times their own families to keep their way of life alive.
The Dilemma of the Bible (Part 2) - Historical - Critical Approach
Board Notes
Chapter Two pages 49 - 70 Discussion
HISTORY TALKS: Religion and the Creation of America
Key terms/Ideas: Deism, First Great Awakening, Benjamin Franklin's Creed, George Washington's view on toleration and religion, Thomas Jefferson's view of religion and politics.
First Great Awakening - p. 58 It's importance- A city set on a hill.
Jonathan Edwards
The First Great Awakening was a period of religious revival in history and laid the foundation for our freedoms
