Ultimate questions

Question 1

Use Prothero’s 4 steps to identify the issue in Islam. (Problem, solution, technique, exemplar)

Answer 1

Problem: self sufficiency
Solution: submission
Technique: performing the religion (the 5 pillars etc)
Exemplar: Muhammad

Question 2

Use Prothero’s 4 steps to identify the issue in Christianity. (Problem, solution, technique, exemplar)

Answer 2

Problem: sin
Solution: salvation in Jesus Christ
Technique: some combination of faith and good works
Exemplar: Jesus

Question 3

Use Prothero’s 4 steps to identify the issue in Hinduism. (Problem, solution, technique, exemplar)

Answer 3

Problem: samsara (cycle of death and rebirth)
Solution: moksha (release)
Technique: devotion
Exemplar: Gandhi

Question 4

Use Prothero’s 4 steps to identify the issue in Buddhism. (Problem, solution, technique, exemplar)

Answer 4

Problem: suffering
Solution: nirvana
Technique: the eightfold path
Exemplar: siddhartha gotama (Buddha)

Question 5

Use Prothero’s 4 steps to identify the issue in Judaism. (Problem, solution, technique, exemplar)

Answer 5

Problem: exile
Solution: return
Technique: remembering and obeying
Exemplar: Moses

Question 6

What is the source of evil in Hinduism?

Answer 6

Ignorance of the absolute

Question 7

What is the source of evil in Buddhism?

Answer 7

Evil results when emotional desires are given free reign

Question 8

What is the source of evil in Christianity?

Answer 8

Human beings- because of free choice and reason

Question 9

What is the source of evil in Judaism?

Answer 9

The same God who creates good creates evil

Question 10

What is the source of evil in Islam?

Answer 10

Pride.

Question 11

What is the key argument for an Atheist?

Answer 11

Evil- bad things happen in the world; if there were a god, it wouldn’t occur.

Question 12

What is theodicy?

Answer 12

Each religions explanation for evil/bad things that occur in the world

Question 13

What is modernism?

Answer 13

Period of late 19th-mid 20th century

Believed in science/progress- machines were the resolution

Question 14

What is postmodernism? Apply Prothero’s 4 steps.

Answer 14

• challenges religion and history
  Problem: God (rejection of any ultimate truth)
  Solution: opinion rules
  Technique: no criticism of other opinions since the opinion of all must be respected/valued
  Exemplar: goodness and justice

Question 15

What is spirituality?

Answer 15

an energy or desire that is within an individual
(May be recognised as the soul; inner being; character etc)
- what shapes our actions is our spirituality

Question 16

What is mysticism/ a mystic?

Answer 16

Mysticism: union with God, oneness with the divine that is complete and total
Mystic: one who claims to have experienced the presence of God in their lives and in the world

Question 17

What is our character?

Answer 17

Our energy: who we are at our fundamental core.

Outside character: personality (outer being)

Question 18

What is religion in relation to spirituality ?

Answer 18

A framework to focus and direct our energy (spirituality) towards.
Provides : answers to birth, life, death, how to live etc.
it is a response to spirituality

Question 19

What are Stephen Prothero’s 4 steps to identify the ‘good life’ in religions?

Answer 19

1. Problem
2. Solution - goal
3. Technique
4. Exemplar