Essay INT 244 World Relegions GCU

Essay INT 244 World Relegions GCU

INT 244 World Relegions GCU

INT 244 Full Course Discussions GCU

INT 244 Topic 1 DQ 1

What are the core beliefs of biblical Christianity that are shared between the three historical forms of Christianity? Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 1 DQ 2

The author of the course textbook offered his definition of religion. Based on your own spiritual understandings and beliefs, do you agree with this definition? Explain your reasoning. Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 2 DQ 1

Compare and contrast Orthodox and Reform Judaism with respect to belief in a Creator God and a coming Messiah. Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 2 DQ 2

Identify key Zoroastrian beliefs and assess the notion that Zoroastrianism may have been influenced by Judaism or vice versa. Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 3 DQ 1

Consider Muhammad’s leadership and the early development of Islam. To what extent does contemporary Islamic culture adhere to or differ from historic Islam? Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 3 DQ 2

Identify three key beliefs that the Baha’i religion is founded on and how those beliefs have influenced Baha’i practice and self-understanding. Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 4 DQ 1

Describe the Three Ways of Hinduism in terms of their ability to provide a sense of meaning, community, and ultimately “moksha; release from samsara and extinction of individuality.”

INT 244 Topic 4 DQ 2

Describe three key beliefs of Jainism and Sikhism. How similar are these beliefs to those found in Hinduism? Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 5 DQ 1

Identify three different schools of Buddhism. How are these schools similar in their beliefs and practices? How do they differ? Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 5 DQ 2

Explain the notion of “self” from both a Buddhist and Christian perspective. How do these two perspectives vastly differ? How are they similar? Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 6 DQ 1

Consider the importance of ancestor veneration in Chinese tradition. Is it possible to incorporate aspects of this tradition within Christian practice in a Chinese context? Explain why or why not. Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 6 DQ 2

Give an example of how Shinto beliefs and practices have influenced Japanese culture. Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 7 DQ 1

Identify key concepts of both African Traditional Religion and Native American religions. Based on these concepts, what similarities are there among these two groups? How do they differ? Cite supporting information from the textbook and topic materials.

INT 244 Topic 7 DQ 2

In what sense does the Christian tradition share aspects of traditional religions such as Native American and African traditions? In what sense is the Christian tradition different from these traditional religions? Based on this understanding, how can Christians enhance their interactions with those who adhere to these traditional religious beliefs and practices?

INT 244 Full Course Assignments GCU

INT 244 Topic 1 Christianity and Other Religions

In order to complete this assignment, an understanding of the fundamental tenants of the Christian faith is necessary. Review the topic
materials to help inform your responses.

Complete the “Christianity and Other Religions” document prompts that consider how a Christian might benefit from a study of other
religions. Support your personal reflections with examples and constructive thoughts.

Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of three additional academic resources, which should include topic materials and external
resources such as resources from the GCU Library or Theology Commons.

APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for
successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

INT 244 Topic 2 Investigating Judaism

For this assignment, you will research and investigate Judaism. You will choose one of the Jewish traditions: Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform. Create an infographic (or another type of visual representation) that provides specific information of the faith tradition you have selected.

Review the websites about infographics in the topic study materials, then create an infographic (or another type of visual representation) of your findings. You may also utilize Microsoft Word or another application to create a visual representation.

Your submission should include the elements listed below. Utilize the topic study materials as a resource for these prompts. Be sure to include specific examples in points 1-5:

1. What are the primary beliefs of the Jewish community you have chosen?
2. What are some misunderstandings that Jews have about Christians?
3. What are some misunderstandings Christians have about Jews?
4. How can a study of Judaism help to overcome those misunderstandings?
5. List the resources used.

As a research option, interview a practicing Jewish individual or a rabbi, which can be used as an academic resource. If you would like to take pictures during your visit to this community or place of worship, be sure to obtain permission.

Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of three academic resources, one of which can be your interview and should include topic materials and external resources such as resources from the GCU Library or Theology Commons. Be sure to list these resources on the visual you create.

APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

INT 244 Topic 3 Investigating Islam Essay

Write an essay of 1,000-1,250 words that analyzes the Five Pillars of Islam.

1. Describe each of the five pillars and reflect on why they are referred to as Pillars of Islam. What is the importance of each pillar?
2. Make a detailed analysis of how one of the pillars would function in the daily life of a particular Muslim individual.
3. Identify one Christian organization living or serving in an Islamic context. See the list of suggested denominations and organizations below for options. Analyze the principles and practices of this group in light of the Five Pillars of Islam. Describe the ministry of the Christian organization.
4. How does/could this organization use at least one of the Islamic Pillars as a bridge to develop relationships with Muslims?

Suggested denominations and organizations for prompts 3 and 4:

• Chaldean Catholics of Iraq
• Armenian Orthodox church in Iran
• Maronite Catholic in Lebanon
• Coptic Church in Egypt
• Frontiers mission (based in Phoenix)

As a research option, interview a practicing Muslim individual or an imam, which can be used as an academic resource. If you would like to take pictures during your visit to this community or place of worship, be sure to obtain permission.

Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of three academic resources, one of which can be your interview and should include topic materials and external resources such as resources from the GCU Library or Theology Commons.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

INT 244 Topic 4 Benchmark – Investigating Hinduism Essay

Write an essay of 1,250-1,500 words that analyzes key beliefs in Hinduism by addressing the following concepts:

1. Describe the three most important Hindu deities in the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), their history of development, and their functions in the kalpic cycle of life.
2. Briefly describe the caste system of the Dalits. Make an analysis of how the caste system might function in the life of a particular Hindu individual within one of those castes.
3. Select one ancient or modern Christian community living or serving in a Hindu context from the list below. Compare the principles and practices of this Christian community with the four key Hindu beliefs and practices (all pervasive divinity, karma, reincarnation, and dharma):
   • St. Thomas Church of South India
   • Anglicans of South India
   • Baptist churches started by William Carey
   • Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity
   • Baptists of Nagaland
4. In light of Hindu beliefs, what barriers would a Hindu face when seeking to understand the gospel?
5. Take into consideration the similarities and differences between the four key Hindu beliefs and Christian doctrines. Using the questions below, how would a Christian engage a follower of Hinduism with the gospel of Jesus Christ?
   • Who is God?
   • What is the fall of Adam?
   • Who is Jesus, and how does he bring forgiveness and salvation?

As a research option, interview a practicing Hindu individual or a leader of a Hindu temple, which can be used as an academic resource. If you would like to take pictures during your visit to this community or place of worship, be sure to obtain permission.

Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of four academic resources, one of which can be your interview and should include topic materials and external resources such as resources from the GCU Library or Theology Commons.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

Benchmark Information

This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies and professional standards: 

BA Christian Studies, Global Ministry; BA Christian Studies, Philosophy

5.1: Share the gospel clearly with people of another worldview or religious system.

INT 244 Topic 5 Investigating Buddhism

Consider how Buddhists deal with death, sickness, old age, and religious renunciation.

Complete the “Investigating Buddhism” document to outline information about Buddhist beliefs.

As a research option, interview a practicing Buddhist individual or a leader of a Buddhist temple, which can be used as an academic resource for this assignment. If you would like to take pictures during your visit to this community or place of worship, be sure to obtain permission.

Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of three academic resources, one of which can be your interview and should include topic materials and external resources such as resources from the GCU Library or Theology Commons. Provide an applicable quote from each resource in your outline.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

INT 244 Topic 6 Chinese and Japanese Popular Religions

Complete the provided “Chinese and Japanese Popular Religions” document prompts that analyze key issues in Chinese and Japanese popular religions.

As a research option, interview a practicing Daoist or Shinto individual or a leader of one of their temples, which can be used as an academic resource for this assignment. If you would like to take pictures during your visit to this community or place of worship, be sure to obtain permission.

Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of five additional academic resources, one of which can be your interview and should include topic materials and external resources such as resources from the GCU Library or Theology Commons. Use at least one resource per question.

APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

INT 244 Topic 7 Native American and African Traditional Religion Beliefs and Practices Presentation

You will research a Native American or African community’s culture, oral tradition, religious texts, historical background, and current beliefs and practices.

Choose a community from one of the following lists:

Native American options:

• Hopi
• Navajo
• Apache
• Cherokee
• Sioux

African Community options:

• Zulu
• Maasai
• Kikuyu
• Yoruba
• Igbo

In a 15-20-slide presentation with slide notes (not including title slide and reference slide), address the following elements:

1. Name of the Native American community or African Tribal Religion and the historical religious beliefs and practices of that group.
2. How historical beliefs and religious practices have been influenced (positively or negatively) by the dominant surrounding culture. Include specific examples.
3. Current religious beliefs and practices and the part they play in the daily life of a typical member of the community.
4. Elements of the traditional religion that a Christian would need to consider when sharing the Christian faith/gospel with a person from this community.
5. Evaluation of the impact American or European policy has had on Native American or African Tribal Religion beliefs and practices.
6. How current and future governmental policies could impact personal beliefs and practices of that community in the future.

Be creative. Include a title slide, reference slide(s), and slide notes that provide detailed explanation of slide information.

As a research option, interview a Native American or African, medicine man, shaman, or museum expert about that community. If you would like to take pictures during your visit to this community, museum, or place of worship be sure to obtain permission.

Utilize the course textbook and a minimum of three additional academic resources, one of which can be your interview and should include topic materials and external resources such as resources from the GCU Library or Theology Commons.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.