Question 1 (15 points) a page and a half of writing. No more than two pages.
The second half of this semester we have looked at themes of deity, cosmo-
gomy, the Human Condition, evil, ethics, and salvation. Deity and cosmogomy/
cosmology explain how we got here and how life on earth is ultimately governed.
The Human Problem/Condition, evil, and ethics address human suffering and
how religion, values, and morals help guide us.
And salvation is the promise of each religion for the end of life (and end of
times/resurrection for Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths), and life after life
and enlightenment or moksha for (East) Indian religions.
How have these chapter themes given you insights into the human need
for religious beliefs? Are these categories adequate for answering the existential
questions we religions address about our lives and afterlife? Can you think of
another category or theme that should have been included?
How has this exposure helped you understand the similarities and differences
between world religions? Give an example of new learning or new insights that
you have gained in comparing religions. Please say a few words about what was
already familiar to you and give examples of how your own religious beliefs were
confirmed and strengthened by exposure to these themes.
Did you finally come to understand how Livingston’s broader definition of
religion—“Religion is that system of activities and beliefs directed toward and
in response to that which is perceived to be of sacred value and transforming
power” was necessary to be more inclusive of all of humankind’s religious
expressions?
Now that we have studied “the parts,” can we also see the whole of living
world religions and how these diverse religions may have more in common than
we realized before embarking on Livingston’s “anatomy” lesson?
Question 2 (15 points) No more than 2 pages
The Future of Religions in the Midst of Globalization, Diversity & Environmental
Challenge
Part I. Reflecting on the role of religion in society in light of the discussion in
ANATOMY OF THE SACRED chapters 7, 14 and 15, what are some of the most
critical issues facing traditional religions in modern times?
How does modern secularism challenge traditional religion?
How does contemporary science challenge religion?
Why do traditional religions have issues with women’s roles?
If religion is to remain relevant and of service to the society in which it lives, what
does institutional religion need to change, or how better can it respond to the
social issues and social stratification of today?
Part II. How do you see religion changing in the future?
In the face of modernity, secularism, globalism, pluralism & diversity, and modern
technology, which religions will grow and attract more followers in the 21st
century?
Will there be even more religious diversity as our human populations grows
toward 12-14 billion by 2050? What about Fundamentalist movements within
Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity? Will these continue to grow and
combine with Nationalism – and with what result? What about universalism and
ecumenicalism? What impact will secularism and new technologies have on
global cultures?
How do you see religion evolving and reacting to the world condition in
your lifetime in response to environmental conditions such as climate collapse,
melting poles and rising sea levels, and population pressures for resources?
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A page and a half is required to complete Question 1 (15 points). There should be no more than two pages.
The second half of this semester has been devoted to the study of the themes of divinity, cosmogony, and cosmology.
gomy, the Human Condition, evil, ethics, and salvation are all topics covered in this book. God and the cosmogonic order/
The laws of cosmology describe how we got here and how life on Earth is ultimately guided by these laws of nature.
People’s pain and morality are addressed by the Human Problem/Condition, evil, and ethics.
How religion, values, and morals can assist us in making decisions.
And salvation is the promise made by each religion at the end of life (as well as the end of the world).
Time and resurrection (for those of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions), as well as life after death are all discussed.
as well as enlightenment or moksha in the case of (East) Indian faiths
What insights have you gained into human need as a result of these chapter themes?
for the sake of religious beliefs? Is this set of categories sufficient for answering the existential question?
Questions regarding our lives and afterlife that are addressed by our religions? Are you able to think of anything?
Could there have been another category or subject that should have been considered?
What ways has this exposure aided you in understanding the similarities and differences between people?
What is the relationship between world religions? Give an example of new knowledge or new insights that you’ve gained.
You have obtained knowledge by contrasting religious beliefs. Please share your thoughts on what transpired.
existing to you and provide examples of how your own religious ideas were influenced by others
Exposure to these issues has reaffirmed and deepened my beliefs.
Have you finally grasped the significance of Livingston’s more expansive definition of
“Religion is defined as a system of activities and ideas that are oriented toward and influenced by God.”
a response to something that is perceived to be of divine significance and transformative
It was important to have “power” in order to be more inclusive of all of humankind’s religious traditions.
expressions?
Could it be that, now that we have examined “the pieces,” we can also see the full picture of living?
Religions of the world and how these varied religions may have more in common than they do not
Did we realize this before we started with Livingston’s “anatomy” lesson?
Question number two: (15 points) No more than 2 pages are allowed.
Religious Diversity, Globalization, and Environmental Change: What is the Future of Religions?
Challenge
Part I. In light of the debate in Part II, consider the function of religion in society. Part II.
What are some of the most memorable passages from ANATOMY OF THE SACRED chapters 7, 14, and 15?
What are the most pressing concerns confronting traditional religions in current times?
What is the nature of the challenge modern secularism poses to traditional religion?
What are the ways in which contemporary science challenges religion?
What is it about traditional religions that causes them to have problems with women’s roles?
Which questions must be answered if religious beliefs are to remain relevant and useful to the society in which they are practiced.
Is it necessary for institutional religion to evolve, or how can it better react to the needs of the people?
What are the current societal issues and social stratification?
How do you envision religion changing in the future? Part II.
Despite modernity, secularism, globalism, pluralism and variety, and modernity itself, there is still hope.
Which religions will rise in popularity and draw more adherents in the twenty-first century?
century?
As our human population continues to rise, will there be even greater religious diversity?
Towards 12-14 billion people by the year 2050? What about fundamentalist movements within the United States?
What are the beliefs of Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity? Whether they will continue to expand and
When you combine Nationalism with a political ideology, what do you get? What about universalism and relativism?
ecumenicalism? What impact will secularism and new technologies have on the future of the world?
What are the civilizations of the world?
What role do you see religion playing in the evolution and response to the state of the world in the future?
In response to environmental situations such as climate collapse, your longevity may be extended.
What about melting polar ice caps, increasing sea levels, and population pressures on limited resources?
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