The Scientific Revolution

Do you believe that science and religions (their ideas, doctrines, teachings, history) can be reconciled?  That is, does one have to make the choice to either believe in science and abandon their faith, or hold on to their faith and therefore question science?  Or, can one find harmony with the two?  Explain.

Luther & his ideas

First, would have you been willing to have the Holy Roman Emperor cut off your head rather than give up your personal beliefs about your own faith? Explain your answer. (Remember, you are a noble, and have a lot of land and money to lose).  Second, if you didn't believe in Luther's ideas, would you still be willing to use those ideas as a leverage against the Holy Roman Emperor and compromise your own faith?

Medieval Man vs. Renaissance Man

Is it more effective to focus on how society could or should be (as proposed and written by the Medieval Scholars & Christian Humanists), or to concentrate on how life really is (as proposed and written by the Humanists of the Renaissance)?  Where would you place today's view of humanity?

To Be Feared or Loved?

If you were to be the ruler of a principality, would you rather have your subjects fear you, or love you?  You may not sit the fence on this, pick a side and explain your position.

Crusades

Do you think that the effects of the Crusades still affect Christian & Muslim attitudes & views towards each other today?  Think about the portrayal of each group today in TV, the Web, movies, newspapers, & other media.  Please explain your answer.

Separation of Church & State

During this week's class, we discussed the emergence of the idea of separation of church & state.  When the Cluny monks developed this idea, they believed that it was the state that should stay out of church affairs.  Today, people view this concept entirely different.  Many people erroneously believe that the concept originated in the US Constitution, rather it is part of a document that Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802.  What are your thoughts on the concept of separation of church & state?  How does it fit into your America?

Chess & Feudalism

How do the pieces, moves, and overall strategy of the game of chess relate to the roles and function of feudalism?  What is the symbolism between the two?  How does the game of chess symbolize politics & the quest for power & authority?  Finally, how does the game of chess challenge you?

Collaborative Learning Process

This week's post deals with your thoughts about the collaborative learning process.  We will continue to use the collaborative learning process throughout the semester.  What did you think about the process?  Did you like the use of expert groups & home groups?  How can we make this process better for use in the future? 

Expansion of Islam

What interested/surprised you about the expansion of Islam during the time period you researched?  Why or why not?  How does this compare with the expansion of Judaism & Christianity?  Does this change how you view any of the faiths? Why or why not?

The Hajj

After watching the National Geographic video on Mecca and meaning of Hajj, what were thoughts about the film?  What points in the film struck you and made you think?  Did the film challenge you?  Why/why not?

Islam

What do you already know about Islam?  What are your opinions of the faith?  What would you like to learn about the faith?

Emergence of Christianity

What do you think of the Roman Catholic Church's tactics when it came to converting the Germanic peoples of Europe?  Think about the Christian holidays and observances today, do you think people today understand the religious implications of the days they celebrate, or is it just another day to celebrate?  Do you think people even have a clue as to why they celebrate the way they do (with all of the 'customs' & 'traditions'? With that in mind, remember the fact that over 2 billion people call themselves Christians today. Were the tactics the right move?

My opinion has altered dramatically about the Judaism and Jewish people in many ways. I didn't know that Jewish people have had to undergo so many invasions and have their territory conquered so many times. I didn't know that Jerusalem was being shared by both the Jews and the Muslims. My opinion about h0w enduring the Jews are changed when I learned that they returned back to their land in the 1800s after have to flee their homeland.

Judaism Thoughts

How has your opinion changed/altered since our discussion about Judaism & Jewish people?  Provide specific examples as to what your opinions were and how it is different know.