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?