Final Assessment for Spring 09, Cycle 5

We have studied the ways in which the Roman Empire’s polytheistic religion was overtaken by Christianity. What other beliefs dominated the world during that time?

1. Hinduism
2. Buddhism
3. Shintoism
4. Daoism (Taoism)
5. Confucianism
6. Ancestor Worship (in Asia)

STEP ONE (This step must be completed during this cycle in order to pass the class): Pick one of these six. You may start with wikipedia to discover basic facts about whichever you choose. Then you must find a second source of information on the topic on the internet, using our standard guidelines and practices for internet research.

Respond to the questions below. Hand written, your essay should be at least a page and a half long. Typed, double spaced, (no larger than Arial 14 point font), it should be at least a page long. Remember to CITE YOUR SOURCES (state which web sites you got your information from).

1. Describe the religion

2. Where was it practiced, during the 1st to 4th Centuries, AD (or CE)?

3. Was this religion a polytheistic or monotheistic religion?

4. What moral beliefs and practices were important to the people who practiced this religion?

5. How is this religion similar to, or different from the beliefs of the Christians in the Holy Roman Empire?


STEP TWO (May be begun, but does not have to be completed this cycle):

Compare and contrast the religion you've researched with a modern religion or philosophy. Pick one with which you are familiar, but want to know more about. Here are some modern, presently practiced religions and philosophies of existence:

1. Islam (Muslim religion)
2. Existentialism
3. Atheism
4. Modern Catholicism (today's Catholic Church)
5. Christian Protestant Churches, for instance:
Methodist
Calvinist
Lutheran
Mormon
Episcopalian
Presbyterian
Baptist
Pentecostal
Jehovah's Witness
etc.
6. Modern Paganism (for instance, Wicca)
7. Modern, mystical practices of ancient religions, or "New Age" movements like:
Zen Buddhism
Sufism
Buddhist chanting
Yoga (a specific Yogic practice, not just the exercise method)
etc.

Respond to the questions below. Hand written, your essay should be at least a page and a half long. Typed, double spaced, (no larger than Arial 14 point font), it should be at least a page long. Remember to CITE YOUR SOURCES (state which web sites you got your information from).

1. Describe the religion or philosophy

2. Where is it practiced?

3. What are the religion or philosophy's core beliefs?

4. What moral practices are important to the people who believe in this religion or philosophy?

5. How is this religion similar to, or different from the ancient religion that you researched in STEP ONE?