Discussion Questions on Religion - Paper Example

5. Choose one of the sects of Judaism and briefly explain a significant difference between them

The Orthodox and reform movements are the two sects of Judaism to be discussed. The significant difference is that the Orthodox views the Torah as that which was given divinely to Moses on Mt. Sinai just as recorded in Jewish Bible. The reform movement views the Torah as that which was written by the inspired and divined men. Other differences between the sects are seen in the prayer services and the customs observed on a daily basis. The Torah authority is also found differently by the cults. The significant difference between the sects emanates from the prayer services as well as common customs, and how Torah authority is observed.

6. What are the three types of worship/devotion? Briefly, define and give an example of each

The three forms of worship to be discussed are vain worship that concern Jesus to Pharisees and teachers of the law that made God's commandment in vain. It meant that they were preaching about God in synagogues but could barely practice what they were teaching. The second is ignorant worship that refers to Paul who made Athenians on Mars hill that were religious worshiping without knowing. Self- imposed or will worship is the third kind of prayer that relate to Paul talking to Colossians. It means when you die with Jesus willingly and worship honestly then you should do out of your own heart. s7. Choose any aspect of the Pagels reading and discuss why its interesting/surprising to you

The aspect of Pagel's that interested me is a description of how people of the Christian religion united themselves almost overtime to rally against the outside enemy, whether it was Jesus, fellow Christians or pagans. Pagels readings are surprising if not interesting but most of it all, they are educating. Pagels teaching examines reality emphasizing that man ought to seek reality, abandon mimicking as well as adherence to merger forms of hereditary.

8. Explain the Christianity perspective on sin

Sin is that which goes against Gods will by disobeying his commandments. Sin can lead to being punished by God and Christians are expected to always ask for forgiveness as no one is perfect and sin befalls all of us but the Grace of the Lord is sufficient. For some people, simply because people suffer, difficult questions are raised as to why Allah permits suffering to afflict his people. Humans indicate that God/Allah make people go through suffering so they can make decisions and that suffering is as a result of people's choices.

9. Outline one major difference between the Sunni and Shia

The major difference between Sunni and Shi'a concerns their belief in leadership, the Mahdi or the right one. Both sects believe Mahdi as the caliph of every Islam yes, but the Sunni waits eagerly to Mahdi birth and his coming to the World. The Shi'a, on the other hand, believes Mahdi had come to the world already and will be coming back soon. The successorship (Caliphate (leadership) believed by Shis is the right of the Imams of Ahlul-Bayt. The Shia believes they are the true Muslims as compared to the Sunni.

10. Explain the Muslim perspective on suffering

Muslim believes that suffering afflicts one due to his sins, for Allaah presents suffering to clear the sins which are made by a Muslim. So Muslims are called upon to be sure if they are to avoid suffering. Suffering involves going through distress or pain and is as a result of evil doings done by humans. Almost everybody goes through suffering in life, and as explained by religions people are expected to cope with suffering and learn from it. For some Muslims, because people suffer, difficult questions are raised as to why Allah permits suffering to afflict his people. Humans indicate that God/Allah make people go through suffering so they can make decisions and that suffering is as a result of people's choices.