Category: Religion and theology

FIRST PAPER

The First Paper should consist of about three pages of actual writing (not including the title page, with your name, the date, the title of your paper, and the assignment question). Copy and paste an image of the artwork you are analyzing after your Conclusion, and follow that with a Works Cited page at the very end. The paper should be double-spaced in Times New Roman, font size 12, in Microsoft Word.

This Assignments General Question and Expectations:

Question: What particular new ideas about the dignity and goodness of the created world in relation to God emerged in High Medieval Catholic Europe? How did these ideas influence other aspects of Catholic culture, spirituality, religious practice, and/or institutional organization, and how do you explain the development of these new kinds of optimism and creative energy during the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries?

Your paper should focus primarily on one main theme: just one aspect of the created world (or at most two) whose dignity and goodness, in relation to God, Catholic writers emphasized in the High Middle Ages. This theme could be the cosmos and the universe; OR this earth (including animals and plants); OR angels; OR human emotions; OR human reason and intellect; OR the human body. Your paper will explain in detail what new kinds of optimistic thinking about this theme were historically significant in the High Middle Ages.

Discuss also the impact of this theme on one or at most two major kinds of Catholic ideas, practices, or institutions in the 11th, 12th, and/or 13th centuries. For example: you could explain how positive, optimistic views about the created world affected and influenced new ideas about, or practices concerning God, Jesus, sin, holiness, relics, saints, wealth, poverty, gender, war and peace, mystical love, sacraments, asceticism and suffering; or influenced the development of new religious orders with new kinds of spirituality, or new lay institutions, new kinds of individuality, social solidarity and love of neighbor, attitudes towards non-Catholics, Papal leadership, episcopal leaderships, educational institutions such as the universities, new kinds of church-state relations, the crusades, peacemaking, marriage and the feudal family, etc.

Finally, consider what historical causes might account for the new optimism in thinking and practice in High Medieval Catholic Europe.

Evidence: Base your paper on the analysis of examples from three primary sources studied in our course that provide information about the same aspect of the created world and show similar kinds of impact. Present these sources in chronological order to show change (and continuities) over time:

-a) the 13th-century document

– Group 2: the first six little sections in Thomas of Celanos Lives of St. Francis; OR

AND

-b) one other High Medieval textual document This second source must provide information about the same aspect of the created world that you found and discussed in the first text and about similar kinds of impact. Francis of Assisi, OR Thomas Aquinas.

AND:

-c) one High Medieval artwork . This could be a building, a painting, a sculpture, a mosaic, a book illustration, etc. Pick an artwork that provides further information on the same theme and the same types of impact.

When you present the information you can gather from each primary source text, you should briefly set out the documents main themes (narrative, arguments, organization), but then spend most of your time quoting, explaining, and analyzing two short passages from each source as evidence proving the points you want to make to answer the Assignment question. For the artwork, describe and explain its overall topic and composition, and then analyze whatever parts of the artwork are relevant to your theme and argument.

must quote and analyze the specific short passage that you worked on with your small group and presented in class. For your second short passage from that primary source, select the best passage that provides further evidence supporting your main points. .

Select three primary sources and quotations/details that provide strong evidence about the central theme you have selected. Reread / study these sources, looking for everything you can learn there about your theme.

Use this background information to help you understand and analyze your three primary sources and your four short passages, draw accurate conclusions, and avoid factual errors. If that background information turns out to be important to your papers argument, include a short parenthetical reference at the end of the sentence that includes it, in this way: …sentence… (Madigan, p. 5). (Scott, Week 1 PowerPoint 2, slide 10). However, do not quote from Madigan or Scott in this paper. Keep your focus on presenting evidence from the three primary sources and especially from the four short passages you quote and analyze in detail and from the artwork.

Name your papers theme (which part of the created world) and the area(s) of High Medieval Catholicism that you are going to argue were impacted by the new ideas about the created world. And

Briefly identify the three primary sources from which your paper will draw its evidence (at least each documents title, authors/artists name, century, historical period; if relevant: language, audience, genre, type of art, etc.).

Organize the paper in chronological order, with at least one paragraph on what can be learned from each primary source. For each text, summarize in a few sentences what the document is about and what it says about your theme. Then accurately quote and analyze each short passage to support your papers main points in response to the Assignment Question.

Before each quotation, introduce it; include whatever your reader needs to understand its content right away. Assume your reader is not an expert and has not read your primary sources, so explain ahead of time any part of the quotation that would be opaque without a hint (for example, who is he or what does it refer to? At what point of the plot does this quotation come? Who is speaking these words?) Do NOT introduce a quotation by saying: The next quotation is: ….. or the like.

After each quotation, include a parenthetical reference to indicate the provenance of these quoted words. Use a short version of the title or authors name, followed by a page number, chapter number, verse number. For example: …quotation… (Tumbler, p. 3). (Aquinas, p. 3).

Use your analysis of each short passages content to provide the foundational evidence supporting and proving the validity of your papers main answer to the Assignments Question (on the theme you selected). Summarize in your own words those aspects of the passages content that are relevant to your theme, but develop an analysis of each quotation that goes beyond a mere rephrasing of the passages basic content. I recommend finding at least two words, phrases, and/or issues in each quoted passage that you can explain in greater depth and use as further evidence for your main points about your theme and its impact. This analysis must support your points about evolving views on the dignity and goodness of the created world in relation to God. What new and interesting things (beyond basic information in the textbook, lectures, etc) can these sources tell us?

End your paper with a short Conclusion paragraph (8-10 lines). Clearly state your papers answer to the Assignment Question, based on evidence provided throughout the papers analysis of the three primary sources. This is the best place to discuss possible historical causes for the new, more optimistic ideas about God and the created world in the High Middle Ages. Do you think the increasing urbanization, literacy, peace, and/or economic prosperity in Europe had a significant impact? Can the new economic prosperity, access to Aristotle, or contacts with other religions help explain what was developing in European Catholicism? Or were changes brought in by charismatic, influential individuals who made new religious choices seem appealing, people who lived their faith according to a radical idealism that made sense given the politics of the age? Etc. Note that there is no one right answer regarding historical causation. Changes happen over time for many reasons. Discuss several possible historical causes for your findings, ones that are supported by your analysis of the three primary sources and that you think might have been important.

After the Conclusion, that is, after the end of your paper, copy and paste an image of the artwork you discussed, with a caption (artists name, title). Then include a Works Cited page that lists a) the three primary sources in alphabetical order by the authors/artists names; and then b) Madigan or Scott if you cite them in the paper; and then, c) if you consulted any websites and drew information from them in your paper, their author and title/URL; and then, if relevant: d) your use of generative AI (though Ive asked everyone NOT to use it for any aspect of this paper brainstorming, writing, or revising, if, for whatever reason, you have chosen to use AI, then you must mention what program you used and for what aspects of the paper.

– This is St. Francis of Assisi doc link

When he saw that Francis despised such things as if they were dung, he was

filled with the greatest admiration and regarded Francis as different from all

others. [from the story of Francis and the Sultan in Syria]- Here is the specific short passage

Some key facts about the historical picture that I included is: St. Francis, mid-13th century. Do you see the stigmata on his hands and feet? On the right, “St. Francis receiving the stigmata,” by the famous early 14th-century artist Giotto.The lines drawn by the artist between the wounds of the crucified Jesus and Francis’s wounds emphasize the mystical union between Francis and Christ, that the stigmata “conformed” him to Christ, were a literal taking on of Jesus’ death by the saint.

Essay Assignment Requirement

s

Contextualization

:

Throughout history, many scholars recognize that Jesus of Nazareth was a real historical figure.

The existence of the so

–

called historical Jesus is widely accepted in the academic community.

However, a central question remains: is this historical Jesus the

Messiah promised in the

Scriptures, or was the understanding of Jesus as Messiah a construction developed later by his

disciples?

Assignment Proposal

:

In this assignment, the student must produce a one

–

page argumentative essay in which they

clearly, coherently, and thoughtfully present the reasons why they believe Jesus Christ is the

promised Messiah. The reflection should connect the content studied in

the Christology classes

with a personal and pastoral understanding of faith, demonstrating how Jesus is recognized as the

Son of God and Savior of humanity.

The

essay

should demonstrate theological maturity and argumentative ability, integrating

academic study with the spiritual dimension of the Christian faith, going beyond a merely

Essay Assignment Requirement

s

Contextualization

:

Throughout history, many scholars recognize that Jesus of Nazareth was a real historical figure.

The existence of the so

–

called historical Jesus is widely accepted in the academic community.

However, a central question remains: is this historical Jesus the

Messiah promised in the

Scriptures, or was the understanding of Jesus as Messiah a construction developed later by his

disciples?

Assignment Proposal

:

In this assignment, the student must produce a one

–

page argumentative essay in which they

clearly, coherently, and thoughtfully present the reasons why they believe Jesus Christ is the

promised Messiah. The reflection should connect the content studied in

the Christology classes

with a personal and pastoral understanding of faith, demonstrating how Jesus is recognized as the

Son of God and Savior of humanity.

The

essay

should demonstrate theological maturity and argumentative ability, integrating

academic study with the spiritual dimension of the Christian faith, going beyond a merely

DIRECTIONS: Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define. Review the lessons in Unit 1 as you consider your response. Then, select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking and explain what you believe to be its strengths and weaknesses.

Your short essay should include four parts:

• Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define.
• Select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking, and summarize the approach in your own words.
• Explain a strength of this approach to studying religion.
• Explain a weakness of this approach to studying religion.

The methods for studying religion discussed in Unit 1 include:

• Phenomenology
• Theology
• Historical Approaches
• Comparative Religion
• Philosophy of Religion
• Sociology of Religion

As you develop your reflection, be sure to engage with the course material from Unit 1. You will use information from the Sophia tutorials to support your response. When citing material from a tutorial, please include the name of the tutorial and use the following format (using Sophia’s Indigenous Religions tutorial as an example):

• In-text citation: (Religion and Food, n.d.)

This is only an example; your own citations will be for the tutorials you use in answering the question. Please do not use any sources outside the class.

Refer to the completion checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.

Have you explained two reasons why religion is difficult to define, in your own words?

Have you selected a method for studying religion from Unit 1 and summarized the approach?

Have you explained a strength and a weakness of this approach to studying religion?

Does your short essay demonstrate engagement with the course material from Unit 1?

Is your short essay between 400600 words, double-spaced, and formatted in 12-point font?

Have you cited examples with in-text citations?

Are the cited examples from the class tutorials?

Have you proofread your short essay for mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization?

C. Requirements

The following requirements must be met for your submission to be graded:

• Composition must be between 400600 words.
• Double-space the composition and use one-inch margins.
• Use a readable 12-point font.
• All writing must be appropriate for an academic context.
• Composition must be original and written for this assignment.
• Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
• Submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition.
• Include all of the assignment components in a single file.
• Acceptable file formats include .doc and .docx.
• In-text citations should use this style: (Religion and Food, n.d.)
• All cited examples are from the class tutorials.

No instructions provided

Select one Eastern religion and one Western religion discussed so far in this course. Review the lessons in Unit 1 and Unit 2 as you consider how these religions are both similar and different.

Your short essay should include four parts:

• Briefly introduce the two religions you have selected to compare and contrast.
• Identify and explain at least two commonalities between these two religions, using specific examples from the lessons.
• Identify and explain at least two differences between these two religions, using specific examples from the lessons.
• Briefly summarize & conclude your short essay. In your conclusion, explain what we can learn about religions in general by noticing both their similarities and differences.

As you develop your response, you should compare or contrast at least one example from each of the following elements of religion:

• Historical & geographic origins
• Core beliefs & doctrines
• Core rituals & practices
• Important texts & narratives

You will use information from the Sophia tutorials to support your response. When citing material from a tutorial, please include the name of the tutorial and use the following format (using Sophia’s Primal Religions tutorial as an example):

• In-text citation: (Religion and Food, n.d.)

This is only an example; your own citations will be to the tutorials you use in answering the question. Please do not use any sources outside the class.

No instructions provided

Instructions

Respond to all three of the following:

How does the Messianic Secret function as a narrative strategy in Marks Gospel?

Name at least two instances of Mark’s “Messianic Secret.” How does this secrecy shape the readers understanding of Jesus identity and the unfolding of Marks Christology?

Evaluate how Mark uses irony to challenge conventional expectations of the Messiah.

How does the Roman centurions recognition of Jesus at the cross contrast with the misunderstandings of the disciples and religious leaders, and what does this reversal reveal about Marks theological agenda?

How does Marks portrayal of Jesus as a suffering and crucified Messiah redefine firstcentury Jewish messianic expectations?

Discuss how the traditional Jewish models contrast with Marks suffering Messiah, and why this divergence requires narrative explanation.

Answer in 800-1000 words. Use class reading and lecture materials. Upload as a PDF or docx document

note that I am a muslim student and base it off of that but if its not necessary you dont have to mention it as often.

Research Paper. Each student will write paper on a topic selected from a list of suggested topics. This assignment will be worth 120 points.

Detailed guidelines regarding both form and content for the paper will be provided separately. In general, however, the paper will be divided into two parts.

• Part 1: a descriptive/objective overview of a religion or some specific belief/practice of a religion.
• Part 2: equip Christians with biblical response.

Students will demonstrate (1) use of sources, (2) accurate reporting of facts, (3) clarity of expression, and (4) adherence to the assigned style guide (Turabian, footnotes), among others.

Undergraduate Students (INCS/RELI 4345):

Length: 11-12 minimum (Part 1: 8-9 pages; Part 2: 3 full pages minimum)

Sources: Minimum of 10 sources, separate and apart from the textbook and Bible; class notes are not to be used (all three parts of the paper must demonstrate responsible research).

Below are numerous general topics from which to choose in selecting a research project.The list is not exhaustive.

A. On Religions Discussed in Class (See Schedule)

Lives of Founders/Leaders

You may choose to write a research paper on the life of one of the founders, one who was of particular influence in the development of the religion, or of an individual in a current leadership position (for example the Dali Lama of Tibetan Buddhism).The paper should include biographical information but also a discussion on (possible) influences (persons or teachings) on that individual.

Sects of the Religions

As Christianity includes Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestants (which are further divided into Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.), so also many of these religions have different sects.You may wish to write about a specific sect of the religion.

NOTE: Christian denominations do not fit the scope of this class. No paper topics related to Christian denominations will be approved.

Beliefs/Doctrines

Discuss in detail a specific belief in a religion.

Texts

You may wish to write a paper about one or more of the writings associated with a particular religion.If so, you would want to include in the paper such things as the following:Name(s) of the writings; origin and development; contents; how it is used in the religion, etc.Consult the professor for further instruction regarding direction and organization.

Practices

You may wish to highlight a specific ritual, practice, or tradition associated with a religion.This might include specific styles of dress, food laws, rites of passage, etc.You may even give an overview of the important dates on the calendar a particular religion.In either instance, include such things as their name(s), history of the practice, significance of the practice, description of the practice, etc.Consult further with the professor for other items regarding direction and organization.Your textbook also serves as a source for discussions of practices.

1. Regardless the topic, the major portion of the paper will be an objective, factual report about the religion. This section of the paper is not the place for making judgments positively or negatively about the topic. The goal of this section is to present the information in such a way as an adherent can say, “Yes, that is why I/my religion believes.” The purpose of this section is for the student first to understand the religion on its own terms.

2. Each paper will conclude with a section on a Christian Response to this religion. That could entail a comparison/contrast in theology or worldview, but not simply as a means to show how they are the same or different; but to address what would be Christian objections. This will not be a long section, about 2 pages, but it will be a challenging section. (See basic instructions in the Syllabus). Three things this section is not:

• It is not a place for your personal objections or experiences with that religion. It is about what objections Christianity raises.
• It is not about quoting the Bible. That simply says what Christianity believes. There is a place to quote the Bible but this section is not simply about saying, “The Bible says . . .” or “Christianity believes . . .” Stating what Christianity believes is not offering up an objection to the other religion.
• It is not to be a “How to” guide on how Christians go about assessing and engaging other religions.

Discussion Prompt: Discuss your understanding and views concerning the monotheism of Judaism. Detail in what ways does Judaism’s belief in a single God make it different from other major religions? Also, Identify the Torah and Talmud, and discuss what role they have and continue to play in shaping Jewish religious practices and legal traditions. Lastly, pinpoint ways in which Judaism has modernized and adapted its traditions, beliefs, and practices in changing times. Discuss why this is/may be important, accepted by some, and rejected by others. Your Initial Discussion Posts are due Friday by 11:59pm Remember that all students of online courses are responsible for participating in weekly discussion forums. All posts are to be completed in the Blackboard discussion forum section. Initial posts should be a reflection containing a minimum of 250 words. In addition to posting an initial reflection, the learner is expected to respond to a minimum of three posts from three classmates. Responses should be meaningful and add depth to the dialogue. Responses should be posted by Sunday by 11:59 PM. In addition to responding to your classmate’s post, please respond to the response of your classmates on your initial post. The purpose of the assignment is discussion and not simply minimum posting. Discussion establishes social presence, attendance, contact hours for class. Be an active participant in the discussion. (100 points) Post text editor