Theology

WEEK 1

Chapter 1    The Riddle of Existence

Chapter 2    The Existence of God

(1)  Agree or disagree with the assertion that the riddle of "the good" is equally as puzzling as the riddle of "the evil".

(2)  What reasons are given for the atheism of Camus/Marx/Nietzsche/Freud?  If you believe in God, have their positions intrigued you?  Why or why not?  If you don't believe, are you an atheist for reasons similar to theirs, or for different reasons?  What are they?  

 (3)  In your own words, try to explain Newman's theory of the convergence of diverse probabilities as a rational basis for belief in God.  What is your own position on whether God exists or not? (you do not have to be Catholic/Christian, or belong to any religion, or believe in God or a higher power to go to St. Peter's or to take this class - the latter part of this question is subjective - I simply want you to articulate your own position).   

(4)  How do Tillich, Rahner, and Ruether use "a posteriori" reasoning (based on human experience of the world) in order to argue that God exists?   

WEEK 2

Chapter 5:  Jesus

Chapter 7:  The Mystery of Suffering and Evil

Respond to the following questions on the Discussion Board:

(1)  Why is the problem of evil so difficult to fathom for most people who believe in a god/gods?  Obviously, evil is problematic whether you are a theist, an atheist, or an agnostic - but why is it a challenge to belief in God?  What was Jesus' approach to this problem of suffering and evil?

(2)  What are some of the significant moments in the life and teachings of Jesus?  Why is his death/resurrection so crucial for Christians?  Does your own view of who Jesus was/is correspond with the information in chapter 5 of CF, or do you see him differently?

(3)  Make sure you understand the biblical, classical, process and   feminist approaches to the problem of suffering and evil.  In your own opinion, which is the most convincing?  Which is the least?...