Christianity - Essay Questions
You need to complete three of them of your choice. Your completed answers should be turned in by the beginning of class on Friday, January 6th. On questions requiring written answers, you should limit your answers to somewhere between 400-600 words for each. There is no limit on the resources you can access, but you do need to avoid plagiarism and appropriately cite any sources of information that you use.
1. We have spent a good deal of time discussing differences in beliefs between Judaism and Christianity. Assume that you are a "reporter" for the Jerusalem Tribune during the first century of the Common Era. Write a brief story or editorial in which you explain what you believe to be the fundamental distinctions emerging between the two faiths.
2. Barnes and Noble has hired you to review books for them. Your first assignment is to review the Gospels of the Christian New Testament. You should consider their purpose, style, and intent. Feel free to indicate what "others" say about them as well. You need not consider particular books or verses, but you certainly may if you wish.
3. The three major branches of Christianity have asked you to oversee their merger into one faith. You need to identify at least three issues that need to be resolved, and you must present your recommendation for what the "new" position of Christianity should be. Overall, would the merger of these three branches be desirable or undesirable? Explain.
4. You have been appointed leader of SALT (Students Advocating Liberation Theology). Assume that you have a reasonable budget and staffing. What would you seek to do? Your answer should demonstrate an understanding of the goals and principles of liberation theology. Be specific in your recommendations.
5. The Catholic Church has contracted your services as an advisor. It is your responsibility to help them address challenges facing the priesthood. Assume that declining numbers of men entering the priesthood is a trend that will continue. What should be done?
6. We examined several groups considered by many to be at either the "fringe" of Christianity, or as not Christian. Select one of those three groups and make your case for whether they should be considered Christian. Your answer should demonstrate an understanding of some basics of that faith.
7. What does the future of Christianity hold? Imagine that you are revisiting a World Religions class a century fifty years from now. What will have happened to Christianity? Where will it have advanced? Where will it have declined? Will its status among the world's religions have changed?
