Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Religion

No-Self

• Central concept: Buddha denies the existence of a self that is eternal or self-sustained.

• Biggest illusion: Believing we truly know our "self".

• Two bases for denying the eternal self:

  1. Impermanence

     • All entities in the world are impermanent in two ways:

       1. They cease to exist.

       2. They constantly change.

  2. Dependent Origination

     • This framework forms the basis for Buddhists' denial of a "self".

     • All things are products of infinite chains of causality. Nothing is self-sustaining; therefore, nothing has a self.

       • This concept relates to early Indian logic principles of cause and effect.

Reincarnation/Nirvana

• Reincarnation is a cycle of rebirth.

• This concept predates Buddhism, existing long before in Indian culture.

• Different views exist on the mechanisms behind this

William Blake: Romantic Poet and Visionary Artist

William Blake (1757-1827) was a prominent Romantic poet and artist. (Note: The original discussion also referenced *Blackadder* series: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Regency, Great Europe.)

Blake's unique perception of God challenged conventional views, portraying a deity that was not always perfect. His work often delves into profound spiritual concepts, as seen in his *Proverbs of Hell*, where the voice of the Devil speaks (p.105).

Blake's "Elohim Creating Adam"

Blake's interpretation of creation, influenced by the *King James Bible* (published 1611), is depicted in his non-realistic painting, characterized by symbolic elements like the sun, planets, clouds, and sunlight. The presence of the snake... Continue reading "William Blake's Vision: Art, Symbolism, and Biblical Interpretations" »

1. What does Bhakti movement mean? Ans. A series of Hindu saints & reformers started religious reform movements which adopted the method of devotion (Bhakti) to achieve salvation. Their method of expression of devotion ranged from the routine worship of deities within temples to singing & chanting of devotional compositions.

5. What were Attitude of the Nayanars & Alavars sects towards the cast? Ans. Some historians are of the view that Alvars & Nayanaras started a movement of protest against the caste system & the dominance of Brahmans or at least made efforts to reform them. This view is supported by the fact that these Bhakti reformers came from diverse social backgrounds; some of them belonged to lower classes such as... Continue reading "Bhakti Movement and Sufi Traditions: A Comparative Study" »

Islamic History and Religious Practices

• During the month of Ramadan, Muslims: Fast
• Which Muslim Empire was located in India? Córdoba Empire
• Muslim scholars are credited with developing: Algebra
• The most sacred city in Islam is: Mecca

The Story of Passover and the Exodus

1. Passover, 2. Israel, 3. Slavery, 4. Egypt, 5. Moses, 6. Pharaoh, 7. Plagues, 8. Frogs, 9. Boils, 10. Hail, 11. Firstborn children, 12. Lamb's blood.

Key Terms in Islamic Faith

1. Muslims
2. Allah

Architectural Features of a Mosque

• Dome: A rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure, typically with a circular base.
  Importance: It plays a major role in the structure's covering.
• Minaret: A tall, slender tower with a balcony from which a muezzin calls Muslims to prayer.
  Importance:

Theological and Historical Definitions

Eschatology

The study of the “end,” last things, heaven, hell, and Judgment Day.

Hypocrisy

Derived from hypo (under/mask) and krisis (to judge); it refers to judging based only on the surface of arguments.

Worldview

The framework of ideas and beliefs through which a Christian individual, group, or culture interprets and interacts with the world.

Factor

Definition not provided in source text.

Stereotype

A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing; historically, a relief printing plate.

Marabout

A Muslim religious leader and teacher in West Africa and the Maghreb, often a scholar of the Qur'an.

St. George

A Roman soldier of Greek origin and member of the Praetorian... Continue reading "Essential Theological and Historical Concepts" »

Tyndale's 1525 New Testament Prologue: Historical Context

This document presents the prologue to William Tyndale’s New Testament, printed in Cologne in 1525 during the reign of King Henry VIII. This period marked a pivotal moment in European history with the emergence of the Protestant Reformation.

The Rise of the Protestant Reformation

The early 16th century witnessed a significant religious movement across Europe: the Protestant Reformation. Led by the German theologian Martin Luther, this movement challenged the perceived corruption within the Catholic Church and advocated for profound reforms. Luther's ideas quickly gained international popularity, attracting numerous followers to his cause.

Core Tenets of Lutheranism

Lutherans questioned... Continue reading "Tyndale's 1525 New Testament Prologue: Faith & Reformation" »

Plato: Plato was an Athenian philosopher during the Classical period in Ancient Greece, founder of the Platonist school of thought, and the Academy, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world.

Gilgamesh: The best-known and most popular hero in the mythology of the ancient Near East, Gilgamesh was a Sumerian king who wished to become immortal. Endowed with superhuman strength, courage, and power, he appeared in numerous legends and myths, including the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Monotheism: Monotheism is the belief in a single all-powerful god, as opposed to religions that believe in multiple gods. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are widely practiced forms of monotheism. ... Monotheism is any religion that believes in one god. From... Continue reading "Key Figures and Concepts in History and Philosophy" »

He descended into hell
between death and resurrection.

Glorified body - perfect and without suffering.

Who’s in hell when Jesus descends? All of the dead souls leading up to Jesus' death.

Why do dead souls go down to hell and not heaven? The gates of heaven are closed; we need someone to reconcile us after original sin came into the picture.

Jesus goes to hell to retrieve the Holy Souls (the people who couldn't enter into heaven because the gates were closed).

Definition of hell: When the souls are deprived of the vision of God.

Hebrew name for hell: Sheol.

Greek name for hell: Hades.

The place in hell for the people who should have gone to heaven but couldn't (before Jesus' death) is called: The bosom of Abraham.

What happens to the souls who are

Protestant Doctrine and Salvation

In Tyndale’s view, the elect are saved from their sinful nature through the knowledge of God found in the “holy gospel” (line 23)—the scriptures that reformers valued so highly. As long as individuals love God and desire to please Him, acknowledging their inherent limitations, that is sufficient. Through the sacrifice of Jesus (“the blood of Christ” on lines 28 and 29), God has already saved and redeemed them from original sin. This represents the Protestant doctrine of salvation through faith, which stands in opposition to the Catholic doctrine that faith is insufficient without adherence to the Seven Sacraments.

Protestant Beliefs vs. Catholic Tradition

Protestant worship is directed specifically... Continue reading "The Protestant Reformation and the English Bible" »

Key Religious Concepts Defined

Understanding Prophets and Call Stories

What is a Prophet?

A spokesperson for God.

Examples: Moses, Ezekiel.

The Call Story: Divine Invitation

A series of narratives detailing God's calling of individuals and entrusting them with a mission.

Covenant: A Sacred Agreement

A sacred agreement or solemn promise.

Revelation: God's Self-Disclosure

The act of God revealing Himself and His ethical principles.

How God is Revealed

• The Prophets: God's self-revelation to prophets.
• Nature: Through changing seasons and the natural world.
• Sacred Scriptures: Through which the actions of God in human history are revealed.
• Jesus: Through whom God fully revealed Himself.

The Nature of Human Relationship with God

Life at its core is a relationship... Continue reading "Divine Covenants and Revelation: Core Concepts" »