Religion 102 (01)
Introduction to World Religions
Fall, 1997
gospels
pope
mass
synoptic gospels
Inquisition
baptism
parables
Protestant Reformation
Advent
Christ
purgatory
Christmas
resurrection
denominations
Epiphany
gnosticism
dogmas
Lent
Holy Trinity
Council of Trent
Easter
monasticism
Vatican II
Pentecost
Eastern Orthodox Church
ecumenism
liberation theology
Evangelicalism
sacrament
charismatics liturgy
Crusades
Holy Eucharist
II. Focus Questions:
1. What is known about the "historical" life of Jesus? How is this similar to and different from the Jesus appearing throughout the New Testament?
2. In what ways are Jesus' central teachings lived out in contemporary expressions of Christianity? In what ways are Jesus' central teachings not lived out?
3. A controversial Catholic figure, Alfred Loisy (1857-1940),
is quoted as saying, "Jesus preached the kingdom of God,
but we wound up with the Church." What might this
saying mean today?
4. What was the Protestant Reformation?
5. If Martin Luther and John Calvin could witness the contemporary state of Christianity in today's world, what do you think their responses would be? Explain.
III. Questions while you view "African Religions: Zulu Zion"
1. Mission churches failed to address the needs of blacks
forced to live in the townships, thus encouraging the rise of
independent Christian churches. How do the Zionists address
themselves to the sense of alienation, the need for place?
2. How has Christianity been modified by traditional
African beliefs and practices, especially in relation to the living
dead?
3. Isaiah Shembe founded the church of the Nazarites
in 1911. How does the film depict his success in bringing
the Christian God to the Zulu nation? How do the Nazarites
regard Shembe? How did he insure that his church would continue?