Final Exam

REL 2553 (Comparative Religions)

Spring Semester 2009

The final exam is worth a total of 40 points.

PART ONE: THE QUESTION OF RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY

Question #1 (15 points): Religious authority and knowledge can be derived from a variety of sources, including the teachings/lives of individuals, texts/scriptures, saints, religious leaders, prophets, “holy” people, traditions, culture, personal observations/life experiences, interpretation of objects or events, and other factors. With this in mind, who/what should be considered the primary source(s) of knowledge and/or authority in each of the following religions? In answering, keep in mind that there may be more than one primary source for a particular religion. On the other hand, some religions might seem based on a single source of authority. Explain your choice of sources, but please be as brief as possible with your answers.

Confucianism

Hinduism

Buddhism

Shinto

Zoroastrianism

Islam

Judaism

Christianity

Raëlian Movement

Wicca

Falun Gong

Scientology

Question # 2 (10 points): In your opinion, is it important to take into consideration the authority behind a religion when thinking about its claims, benefits and efficacy? Briefly explain.

PART TWO: THE PROPOSITION THAT BEING RELIGIOUS MIGHT INCLUDE A COMMITMENT TO SEEING WHAT IS RIGHT IN OTHER RELIGIONS

Question #3 (15 points): The presenter in the Up Close video asks: Is religion worth it? Do we pay too high a price for the religious traditions of the world? The presenter also suggests that being religious means accepting that other religions might also be right, adding that there is a danger in someone being “100% convinced” of their religious beliefs.

In 1-3 pages (double spaced) discuss how you think the above questions/statements might pertain to the religions that we studied in this course. Also, do you agree with the presenter? Why, or why not?