Sep. 8, 2010

In this class, our opening prayer was presented by Mia and it was for the victims of 9/11. The opening question in today's class was: How has your family history affected you religiously? There were a few notable answers. One answer was that the last name showed if the family stayed Catholic or converted to Protestantism.

Next, the class viewed a powerpoint written by Dr. Van de Waag. The purpose of the powerpoint was to: 1. promote enquiring, analytical, empathetical approach to a religion; 2. develop an informed understanding of the diversity of world religions; and 3. develop an understanding of the way that religion affects people's lives.

We answered the essential questions for Catholicism in class: What is the human condition?, Who is God?, How did we get here?, Where are we going (positive and negative)?, How do we get there?, How should I live my life?, and Who is considered spiritually perfect?

Here are some example answers to those questions:

1. Humans are born with original sin. All humans also posses freewill.
2. God is the Creator and he is all powerful.
3. Adam and Eve were the first humans. We got here from God's creation.
4. Positive: Eternal life with God Negative: Eternal damnation
5. We should live our lives according to the Beatitudes and the Golden Rule.
6. Jesus is considered spiritually perfect.