APA Religion / Theology

Midterm

Please answer 3 of the following questions. Be sure to answer every part of the question!
You may use your class notes and materials for the midterm (and any other material you find relevant).
You may NOT work in groups.
Each answer should be approximately 1-2 pages double-spaced
Please be as complete and detailed in your answers as possible, drawing upon class material wherever you can.

1. Briefly explain the significance and purpose of the spiritual disciplines. What is their effect upon our lives and why is it important to engage in them?

2.Answer the following questions in light of the following quote:
If these two conditions are perfectly carried out there is no doubt that school studies are quite as good a road to sanctity as any other (Simone Weil, Waiting for God, 60).

a. What are the two conditions that Weil is referring to?
b. What is sanctity?
c. What is Weil claiming in this statement?
d. Do you agree with her?

3. Throughout our discussions on Judaism and Christianity, what has impacted you the most? What have you learned about Judaism and how does it affect your perspective on theology and the Christian life? (Think of the readings we have done, class lectures and forums, Jewish history and practices, etc.)

4. Following Daniel Boyarin, Lauren Winner explains that Christians have tended to view human beings as embodied souls and Jews have tended to view human beings as animated/ensouled bodies. What is the difference between these two definitions? How does ones understanding of human beings impact their theology and practices? What are the implications of ones theology of the body?

5. We have discussed the concepts of orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxy (right action). Explain how our theology must embody both, giving concrete examples and using Scripture to support your answer.