The document provides guidelines for writing reflection papers in a religion course, emphasizing personal reflection and engagement with course readings on various religions including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Students are encouraged to explore assigned questions and relate their personal experiences to the themes of faith practices and wisdom traditions being studied. It also details formatting requirements and prompts for specific religions, urging students to approach their own belief systems with a new perspective.

1. REL 2250 – RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
Reflection Paper, Assignment #7
Islam
Instructions: These reflection papers are a chance for you to
think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own
way. Think of this paper as a kind of “journal” in which you
reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of
religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes
to the Qur’an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other
religious text in his or her own way. Therefore, you are
encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal
experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom
traditions we will be studying this semester. However, be
aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous—in other
words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed
in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most
importantly, that they directly relate to the readings. Essays
must be typed in 12-point font and should be 2-3 pages (double
spaced) in length. When you cite a source, be sure to include
the title of the book and page number. If you cite a source other
than our class textbooks, include a bibliography at the end of
the paper.
Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion
we are discussing this semester. If this applies to you, try (if
only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together)
to look at your own religion with “new eyes.” For example, if
you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see
your religion. If you an Atheist, try considering life from a
Muslim’s perspective. Does this change anything for you? If
so, how? Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas.
Prompt: (Write on 2 of the 5 questions below, OR, you may

2. write about two of your own questions, from the chapter on
Islam, that were of particular interest to you.)
1. What do the terms Islam and Muslim mean and what are their
significance?
2. Compare and contrast the life of the Prophet Muhammad with
the life of Jesus, as presented by Young in our textbook. What
similarities or differences stand out?
3. Discuss the nature and content of the Qur’an. How was it
revealed to Muhammad? How does the Qur’an see itself (and
how do Muslims see it) in relation to the Old and New
Testaments?
4. In Islam, as in Judaism, humans are not inherently sinful.
What is the human condition, according to Islam, and how do
humans recover their remembrance of God?
5. Discuss and describe the Five Pillars of Islam, including their
inner or symbolic significance.
REL 2250 – RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
Reflection Paper, Assignment #6
Christianity
Instructions: These reflection papers are a chance for you to
think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own
way. Think of this paper as a kind of “journal” in which you
reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of
religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes
to the Qur’an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other
religious text in his or her own way. Therefore, you are
encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal
experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom
traditions we will be studying this semester. However, be

3. aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous—in other
words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed
in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most
importantly, that they directly relate to the readings. Essays
must be typed in 12-point font and should be 2-3 pages (double
spaced) in length. When you cite a source, be sure to include
the title of the book and page number. If you cite a source other
than our class textbooks, include a bibliography at the end of
the paper.
Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion
we are discussing this semester. If this applies to you, try (if
only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together)
to look at your own religion with “new eyes.” For example, if
you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see
your religion. If you an Atheist, try considering life from a
Muslim’s perspective. Does this change anything for you? If
so, how? Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas.
Prompt: (Write on 2 of the 5 questions below, OR, you may
write about two of your own questions, from the chapter on
Christianity, that were of particular interest to you.)
1. Discuss the historical life of Jesus, and what information we
know about him based on the Gospels. In what sense are the
Gospels different from modern autobiography, and what
implications does this have in terms of reading them as literally
true versus symbolically true?
2. Why do you think that Jesus communicated his teaching
primarily through parables? Do parables convey something
ordinary language cannot?
3. Reflect on Jesus’ imagery and language in the Parable of the
Sower. Discuss the ideas presented in this parable. What is this
parable about? What does this parable suggest about the

4. difficulties of the spiritual life? What is your own interpretation
of this parable?
4. Reflect on the following saying by St. Gregory of Nyssa:
“Concepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything.
People kill one another over idols. Wonder makes us fall to our
knees.” How might this saying be interpreted?
5. Who was Martin Luther and why was he critical of the
Church? What was his primary message in regard to the idea
that every Christian is his or her own “priest”? How does this
idea coincide with the rise of individualism occurring in Europe
during this period (16th century)?
REL 2250 – RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
Reflection Paper, Assignment #5
Judaism
Instructions: These reflection papers are a chance for you to
think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own
way. Think of this paper as a kind of “journal” in which you
reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of
religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes
to the Qur’an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other
religious text in his or her own way. Therefore, you are
encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal
experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom
traditions we will be studying this semester. However, be
aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous—in other
words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed
in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most
importantly, that they directly relate to the readings. Essays
must be typed in 12-point font and should be 2-3 pages (double
spaced) in length. When you cite a source, be sure to include
the title of the book and page number. If you cite a source other
than our class textbooks, include a bibliography at the end of

5. the paper.
Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion
we are discussing this semester. If this applies to you, try (if
only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together)
to look at your own religion with “new eyes.” For example, if
you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see
your religion. If you an Atheist, try considering life from a
Muslim’s perspective. Does this change anything for you? If
so, how? Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas.
Prompt: (Write on 2 of the 5 questions below, OR, you may
write about two of your own questions, from the chapter on
Judaism, that were of particular interest to you.)
1. In broad terms, how does the monotheistic worldview of
Judaism differ from the worldviews of Eastern religious
traditions we've already discussed (in particular, Buddhism,
Daoism, and Confucianism)? How does the idea of a personal
Creator God in Judaism differ from Buddhist, Daoist, and
Confucian ideas about the sacred/ultimate/spiritual?
2. Do you think the stories in the Hebrew bible are “true”
literally or symbolically? Can stories which may not be true in
every literal detail still be morally edifying?
3. Think about and reflect on some of the most important
themes discussed in this chapter in regard to Jewish history—
covenant with a transcendent and personal God, exile, suffering,
and messianism. How does this history serve to inform the
Jewish worldview and experience of faith?
4. According to Judaism, humans are not inherently sinful (as
they are understood to be in the Christian worldview), but
rather, we as humans have a tendency to “miss the mark.” What
in human nature causes us to “miss the mark”? How do we get

6. back on the “right path”, according to Judaism, and what role
does free will/choice play in this?
5. Reflect on the following saying by 20th century writer of
Jewish heritage Franz Kafka: “The messiah will come only
when he is no longer necessary.” What do you think Kafka is
suggesting here?
REL 2250 – RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
Reflection Paper, Assignment #4
Daoism and Confucianism
Instructions: These reflection papers are a chance for you to
think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own
way. Think of this paper as a kind of “journal” in which you
reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of
religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes
to the Qur’an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other
religious text in his or her own way. Therefore, you are
encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal
experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom
traditions we will be studying this semester. However, be
aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous—in other
words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed
in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most
importantly, that they directly relate to the readings. Essays
must be typed in 12-point font and should be 2-3 pages (double
spaced) in length. When you cite a source, be sure to include
the title of the book and page number. If you cite a source other
than our class textbooks, include a bibliography at the end of
the paper.
Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion
we are discussing this semester. If this applies to you, try (if
only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together)

7. to look at your own religion with “new eyes.” For example, if
you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see
your religion. If you an Atheist, try considering life from a
Muslim’s perspective. Does this change anything for you? If
so, how? Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas.
Prompt: (Write about 2 of the 4 questions below, OR, you may
write about two of your own questions. Make sure to answer
one question related to Confucianism and one related to
Daoism).
Questions on Daoism (answer onefrom this section):
1. What is the meaning of Dao? How does Daoism view human
nature? What is the human predicament, or problem, according
to Daoist teachings, and how do we, as humans, achieve
harmony with the Dao?
2. The Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi was reported to have asked,
“Where can I find a man who has forgotten words? I would like
to have a word with him.” Based on your reading of Young's
chapter on Daoism, what do you think Zhuangzi meant by this?
Questions on Confucianism (answer one from this section):
1. Do you agree, based on your reading of Young's chapter, that
Confucianism is a secular religion? Why or why not? Back up
your argument by discussing the primary features of
Confucianism.
2. What are the Five Great Relationships in Confucianism, and
how might they contribute toward social harmony? Why is it
essential that these relationships are informed by Confucian
virtues such as ren, shu, hsueh, and li? What, in your opinion,
are the benefits and the dangers of such “roles” or relationships
in forming and maintaining a society?
REL 2250 – RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD

8. Reflection Paper, Assignment #3
Buddhism
Instructions: These reflection papers are a chance for you to
think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own
way. Think of this paper as a kind of “journal” in which you
reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of
religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes
to the Qur’an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other
religious text in his or her own way. Therefore, you are
encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal
experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom
traditions we will be studying this semester. However, be
aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous—in other
words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed
in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most
importantly, that they directly relate to the readings. Essays
must be typed in 12-point font and should be 2-3 pages (double
spaced) in length. When you cite a source, be sure to include
the title of the book and page number. If you cite a source other
than our class textbooks, include a bibliography at the end of
the paper.
Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion
we are discussing this semester. If this applies to you, try (if
only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together)
to look at your own religion with “new eyes.” For example, if
you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see
your religion. If you an Atheist, try considering life from a
Muslim’s perspective. Does this change anything for you? If
so, how? Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas.
Prompt: (Write about 2 of the 5 questions below, OR, you may
write about two of your own questions, from the chapter on
Buddhism, that were of particular interest to you.)
1. Describe the Four Passing Sights. What kind of impact do

9. you think they had on Siddhartha, given that he was raised
without any knowledge of pain, suffering, or hardship? Do you
agree that every human being experiences these Four Passing
Sights, to some extent? If so, how have you experienced them
in your own life?
2. Describe how the Buddha’s story can be contextualized
within Moody’s five stages: Call, Search, Struggle,
Breakthrough, and Return.
3. What are the Buddha’s views concerning human confusion,
disappointment, pain, and suffering as expressed in the Four
Noble Truths? Can you relate a personal experience that
reflects the Buddha’s insights about suffering and the human
condition?
4. What are the Buddha’s ideas about the ‘self’ and its
impermanence? How do Buddhist ideas of self compare and
contrast with the Hindu view of the Self (Atman)?
5. What is the Eightfold Path and how is it meant to remedy or
transform the human being and lead him or her towards nirvana?
REL 2250 – RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
Reflection Paper, Assignment #2
Hinduism
Instructions: These reflection papers are a chance for you to
think through and relate to the assigned readings in your own
way. Think of this paper as a kind of “journal” in which you
reflect on the ideas in the readings. The study and practice of
religion is a highly personal experience and each person comes
to the Qur’an, the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita or any other
religious text in his or her own way. Therefore, you are
encouraged to be creative and to write about your own personal
experiences, relating them to the faith practices and wisdom
traditions we will be studying this semester. However, be
aware that creativity and chaos are not synonymous—in other
words, you need to make sure the ideas and thoughts expressed
in your paper are coherent and understandable, and most

10. importantly, that they directly relate to the readings. Essays
must be typed in 12-point font and should be 2-3 pages (double
spaced) in length. When you cite a source, be sure to include
the title of the book and page number. If you cite a source other
than our class textbooks, include a bibliography at the end of
the paper.
Some of you may be very familiar with one particular religion
we are discussing this semester. If this applies to you, try (if
only for the short period of weeks we are in this class together)
to look at your own religion with “new eyes.” For example, if
you are a Christian, try to consider how a Buddhist might see
your religion. If you an Atheist, try considering life from a
Muslim’s perspective. Does this change anything for you? If
so, how? Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas.
Prompt: (Write about 2 of the 4 questions below, OR, you may
write about two of your own questions, from the chapter on
Hinduism, that were of particular interest to you.)
1. How does Hinduism view human nature and what is the
human condition? What prevents human beings from realizing
moksha? How does Hinduism view the Self (Atman)?
2. What are the four stages of life in Hinduism and what desires
or needs are associated with each stage? (see p.68). Can you
identify, in a general sense, with these stages? Do you feel you
have passed through one or more of them during the course of
your life thus far?
3. Clearly explain the four aims of life, Kama, Artha, Dharma
and Moksha (see p. 78). How might the character Gilgamesh
(from last week's lecture) fall into these four categories?
4. What are the three different paths or means of achieving
liberation according to Hinduism (see pp. 78-82)? Which path,
do you think, fits you and your personality best and why?