Reference no: EM132596767

1. What is the Buddhist idea of Anatta? Why is this concept important for Buddhist thought and practice?

How does Anatta contrast with Western ideas of the soul?

If Anatta is the best way to look at the soul, would it make a difference as to how anyone lives her or his life?

2. Every religion has sacred times and seasons. In the case of Shinto, natural sites throughout Japan figure prominently in Shinto worship.

Please name one sacred site that Shinto regards as sacred.

Then, identify one holy place from one of the three Abrahamic monotheisms: Judaism, Christianity, or Islam.

What similarities do you see in how nature functions within Shinto, and within one of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam? Is a Shinto nature-worshiper essentially doing the same thing as a Jewish, Christian, Muslim does when contemplating a holy site?

What contrasts, if any, do you see?

3. What is the meaning of "theodicy"?

What have been, historically, at least two proposals for the "solving" of the problems raised by theodicy?

Discuss an instance in your personal life where the problems of theodicy asserted themselves (strive for relevance, but refrain from being too personal, if the details shared would be embarrassing or in bad taste).

What do you think is the "answer" to the questions raised by "theodicy"?

Is there, finally, any credible answer to the "problem of evil"?

4. On the Internet find a reliable source detailing the 99 Names of God (Allah) as put forth by Islam

Choose three or four of your favorite qualities you find there, and then compare these qualities with the Judeo-Christian view of God, called Yahweh by Jews, God the Father by Christians, among other names and designations.

What are some similarities you find between how Muslims regard Allah, and how Jews and Christians regard the God of the Bible?

In your opinion, what are some differences you have observed?

Do you think Muslims worship the same God as do Jews and Christians? Why or why not?