Comparative Religions--Monday, Period 3, Final Examination

[spacepiratevala.livejournal.com]

"Hello," Vala greeted them. On each desk were a blue book, a number two pencil, and a pen. "First, I'd like to thank you all very much for being such an attentive and open-minded class. The class discussions have been very enlightening for me, and hopefully for you as well. Unfortunately, that doesn't get you out of having to take a measurable final examination of some kind."

She wrote three questions on the board:

1. Compare and contrast two religions that we've studied. How are they alike, how do they differ, which one appeals to you more on a personal level, and why?

2. What do you look for in a religion? What do you think others hope to gain from their belief?

3. If you could lead a religion, what kind of objects would you make sacred? Why?

"Credit will be given to the best two answers out of three questions answered. I'm looking for coherency and logic in support of your arguments as well--I want you to think, not just parrot back to me. Also, if I catch you cheating, you'll be staked outside naked and decorated like a Christmas tree. Good luck!"

Comments

Re: Take the final

[vkandis-son.livejournal.com]

1) Karal chose his own and Ancient Egyptian for the first question, and he may have gone on a bit (with no page limit set, there was nothing to stop him), but it was in-depth and well written, and not at all biased.

2) Vkandis Sunlord was his tongue in cheek answer, but he went on to say, I would look for one which does not treat its followers as idiots to be driven, but rather as intelligent, rational individuals that must be led. As to the other, there are as many answers as there are people, but at the heart of all is the hope for something in which we can believe and trust in absolutely.

3) Free Will above all. Things should not be sacred, but rather what they represent of the god. Anything which is to be held up as sacred must only be a symbol for the truth behind it. Else you lose your faith in your god, and instead place your faith in things and in man. He then went on to detail certain events in Karsite history which supported this, contrasting it with Valdemar's there is no one true way, by way of illustration.