The idea of a ‘Blog’ in this class is to make a striking claim to challenge common assumptions about religion. Think creatively along these lines: 1) What is a common assumption your friends have of religion based on the topic; and 2) respond to that common assumption with what you have learned in the course by ‘Bushwhacking’ or clearing the misconceptions about the topic.

There are three blogs required for this course. There are three groups: the first Blog is on Origins of Religion or The Buddha; the second Blog is on Christianity; and the third Blog is on Islam. Blogs must be between 600-1200 words. Each Blog is worth 100 points. All blogs must cite at least one source and offer a works cited for full credit. Blogs should be written in Times New Romans, 12 point font, have justified margins, and be double spaced.

Please upload a pdf, doc, or docx file. Please note that I cannot accept google.docs or .pages.

Group B: Choose 1

1. Often people assume Jesus was not a real person and/or that the gospels are unreliable sources about Jesus. Based on what you have learned analyze whether these are warranted positions. Students should demonstrate an awareness of the historicity of Jesus, how the gospels were written and transmitted, the importance of textual criticism, and/or the methods of historical analysis.
2. Often Paul is called the (second) founder of Christianity. Describe who Paul was and his importance and influence upon first century Christianity. Further what is the importance of his teachings on the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth? Please read Phil (ALL); 1 Cor 15; Acts chapters 9, 15, and 17.
3. Often heresy is something condemned by Christians today without actually stating why its heresy. The task of this assignment is to reason why heresy was condemned in the contexts of theological debate at councils and the development of creeds at these councils. Describe the importance of Arianism in the formation of fourth century theology, with particular attention to the councils of Nicaea and Constantinople and the creeds produced at these councils.