Essay

Question 0

What is the difference between monism and dualism; and how have these two philosophical systems affected the thinking and development of the various religious traditions of both the east and the west? Give as many specific examples.

Answer 0

Monism- the view in metaphysics that reality is a unified whole and that all existing things can be ascribed to or described by a single concept or system. East Hinduism (God is the creator of the world and independent of it)

Question 1

What is the difference between pantheism, panentheism, and stric dualism; and can you identify which religions fit into these various categories in both the east and the west; and can you explain how these differing belief systems affect one’s ideas about the divine? Give specific examples

Answer 1

Pantheism- all is god. East Hindusim
Panentheism - God is in all things, but is not all things. Christianity.
Strict Dualism - there is no contact between God and us. Islam is basically this.

Question 2

Which religions tend to be more pluralistic, and which religions tend to be more absolutist if and what affect do these belief tendencies have on the he nature of how these various religions are practiced? Give specific examples

Answer 2

Pluralistic - many truths/ East Buddhism - 4Noble Truths

Absolutism - one truth/West Buddhism - Torah