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Socratic Seminar – On Religion – 90 Points
Main Objective:
Taking a deeper look at the religion in our world today. Answering important questions both personal
and global.
*Each student is expected to come up with 5 questions which they could present for the Socratic
Seminar discussion* (5 Points)
Primary/Secondary Sources: (60 Points for Socratic Seminar)
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Baha’i Official Website
“Atheism and Mega Churches”
Buddhism and the Eightfold System
Islam – How Islamic Extremists Quote the Koran
Pastafarianism – “Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster”
Why Jews Don’t Convert Others
“I Love This Guy”: An Article about Pope Francis (Catholicism)
Chart of Religions Worldwide
The Flood Story (pg. 83 - WH Textbook)
Writing Prompt #4 – Socratic Seminar: On Religion (3 Options) (25 Points)
#1 - Write a 3-5 paragraph essay about what you have learned about religion in the Socratic
Seminar. Compare your own religious beliefs with those you have learned about in the
seminar. Talk about what surprised you or had some kind of positive emotional impact. Was
there anything you learned that insulted, hurt, or challenged you?
#2 – Write a 3-5 paragraph essay in which you create your own religion. What is the purpose of
your religion? Who do you worship (if anyone at all) in your religion? How to people pray in
your religion? Does your religion have some kind of building where people come and gather?
Who are the leaders of your religion? Feel free to create your own questions and answers in
this prompt, but make sure you elaborate on your new religion, its importance, and
fundamental beliefs. Location can also be a factor for your religion
#3 – Write a 3-5 paragraph essay on a religion that we did not talk about in the Socratic
Seminar. Through your own research at home, describe in detail the many facets of this
religion. Answer some of the questions found in question #2
Source 1 – Baha’i
The principle of the oneness of humankind is the pivot around which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh
(1817-1892) revolve. Bahá’u’lláh taught that humanity, after a long and turbulent adolescence, is at last
reaching a stage of maturity in which unity in a global and just society finally can be established. To this
end, the Bahá'í Faith prescribes laws of personal morality and behavior, as well as social laws and
principles, to establish the oneness of humanity.
Bahá'ís believe:

the purpose of life is to know and worship God, to acquire virtues, to promote the oneness of humankind
and to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization

all humanity was created by one God and is part of one human race

work performed in the spirit of service is a form of worship
Bahá'ís practice:

independent investigation of truth

daily prayer and communion with God

a life dedicated to the service of humanity

fellowship with the followers of all religions

high moral principles, including trustworthiness, chastity and honesty

avoidance of materialism, partisan politics, backbiting, alcohol, drugs and gambling
Social principles include:

equality of women and men

the elimination of prejudice

a spiritual solution to the economic problem

the abolition of extremes of poverty and wealth

recognition of the common origin and fundamental unity of purpose of all religions

the harmony of science and religion as two complementary systems of knowledge and practice
Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, Illinois (7 million Baha’i Followers)
Source 2 – Atheist "mega-churches" take root across U.S., world
LOS ANGELES:
It looked like a typical Sunday morning at any mega-church. Several hundred people, including families
with small children, packed in for more than an hour of rousing music, an inspirational talk and some
quiet reflection. The only thing missing was God.
Nearly three dozen gatherings dubbed "atheist mega-churches" by supporters and detractors have
sprung up around the U.S. and Australia - with more to come - after finding success in Great Britain
earlier this year.
On Sunday, the inaugural Sunday Assembly in Los Angeles attracted several hundred people bound by
their belief in non-belief. Similar gatherings in San Diego, Nashville, New York and other U.S. cities have
drawn hundreds of atheists seeking the camaraderie of a congregation without religion or ritual.
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life released a study last year that found 20 percent of Americans
say they have no religious affiliation, an increase from 15 percent in the last five years. Pew researchers
stressed, however, that the category also encompassed majorities of people who said they believed in
God but had no ties with organized religion and people who consider themselves "spiritual" but not
"religious."
Sunday Assembly - whose motto is Live Better, Help Often, Wonder More - taps into that universe of
people who left their faith but now miss the community church provided.”
Source 3: Buddhism – The Eightfold Path
Source 4 - Islam
“How Islamist Extremists Quote the Koran” – Arizona State
University Center for Strategic Communication
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Islamist extremists make heavy use of the Qur’an (Islam’s most sacred text) in their strategic
communication. This study analyzed the most frequently cited or quoted verses in the Center for
Strategic Communication’s database of over 2,000 extremist texts. The texts date from the years 1998
to 2011, and originate primarily from the Middle East and North Africa. Taking this data as a starting
point, we provide a full analysis of the historical contexts and core narrative components of the cited
passages.
Other findings in the report raise questions about the accuracy of claims often made by analysts. The
most surprising is the near absence of the well-known “Verse of the Sword” (9:5) from the extremist
texts:
“9:5 When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege
them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them. If they repent and take to prayer and render the alms
levy, allow them to go their way. God is forgiving and merciful.”
Widely regarded as the most militant or violent passage of the Qur’an, it is treated as a divine call for
offensive warfare on a global scale. It is also regarded as a verse that comes after over one hundred
other verses of the Qur’an that counsel patience, tolerance, and forgiveness
We conclude that verses extremists cite from the Qur’an do not suggest an aggressive offensive foe
seeking domination and conquest of unbelievers, as is commonly assumed. Instead they deal with
themes of victimization, dishonor, and retribution. This shows close integration with the rhetorical vision
of Islamist extremists.
Based on this analysis we recommend that the West abandon claims that Islamist extremists seek world
domination, focus on counteracting or addressing claims of victimage, emphasize alternative means of
deliverance, and work to undermine the “champion” image sought by extremists.
Work to undermine the “champion” image sought by extremists.
Extremists use a deliverance narrative to position themselves as the champion that can deliver the
community from evil. However, as we have argued elsewhere, extremists do little that is champion-like.
They have not unseated any Non-Muslim rulers, and their victims are overwhelmingly likely to be
Muslims. Between 2006 and 2008, al Qaeda linked militants were 38 times more likely to kill a Muslim
than a Westerner. Two-thirds to three-fourths of civilian deaths in Afghanistan are caused by antigovernment forces. So there is an argument to be made that even if one believes that violent action is
required to deliver Muslims, Islamist extremists are not competent to occupy the role of champion.
Source 5 – Pastafarianism
“The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster”
Dear Friend,
Welcome to the wonderful world of religion!
These are exciting times in holiness – politicians are crusading, nations are invading, and science is
fading. With these changes come religious opportunities the likes of which haven’t been seen since the
Reformation…or at least since the persecuted masses first huddled together and shipped off to that
great democratic revival meeting we call the United States of America
With this in mind, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) invites you to learn a little more
about us. We’d like to tell you all about our Heaven, which features a Stripper Factory and a giant beer
Volcano. We’d like to see you dress in His chosen garb: full Pirate regalia. We want you to enjoy Fridays
as His Chosen holiday. But first you need to know a little more about us.
“What do we stand for?”
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All that is good
“What are we against?”
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All that isn’t good
The more you read about us the more you are going to be persuaded that the Flying Spaghetti Monster
is the true Creator and that Pastafarianism just might be the Best. Religion. Ever.
RAmen.
BOBBY HENDERSON/Prophet
Source 6 – Jewish Attitudes Towards Non-Jews
Jewish Attitudes Toward
Non-Jews
Level: Basic
• You don't have to be Jewish to find favor in G-d's eyes
• G-d gave only seven basic commandments to gentiles
• Judaism does not approve of interfaith marriage, but it
is very common
• Jews do not proselytize, but it is possible to convert to
Judaism
Judaism maintains that the righteous of all nations have a place in the world to come. This has
been the majority rule since the days of the Talmud. Judaism generally recognizes that Christians
and Moslems worship the same G-d that we do and those who follow the tenets of their religions
can be considered righteous in the eyes of G-d.
Contrary to popular belief, Judaism does not maintain that Jews are better than other people.
Although we refer to ourselves as G-d's chosen people, we do not believe that G-d chose the
Jews because of any inherent superiority. According to the Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b), G-d
offered the Torah to all the nations of the earth, and the Jews were the only ones who accepted it.
The story goes on to say that the Jews were offered the Torah last, and accepted it only because
G-d held a mountain over their heads! (In Ex. 19:17, the words generally translated as "at the
foot of the mountain" literally mean "underneath the mountain"!) Another traditional story
suggests that G-d chose the Jewish nation because they were the lowliest of nations, and their
success would be attributed to G-d's might rather than their own ability. Clearly, these are not the
ideas of a people who think they are better than other nations.
Because of our acceptance of Torah, Jews have a special status in the eyes of G-d, but we lose
that special status when we abandon Torah. Furthermore, the blessings that we received from Gd by accepting the Torah come with a high price: Jews have a greater responsibility than nonJews. While non-Jews are only obligated to obey the seven commandments given to Noah, Jews
are responsible for fulfilling the 613 mitzvot in the Torah, thus G-d will punish Jews for doing
things that would not be a sin for non-Jews.
Source 7 – “I Love This Guy” - Opinion Piece on Pope Francis
Having been born and raised in the Deep South where protestant churches abound, I was never a fan of
Catholicism. The ceremonial pageantry was far removed from the Christianity I was taught growing up
and the pope seemed more like the CEO of a greedy corporation dishing out tough rules for the lowly
workers while excusing upper management from the same guidelines.
Now, however, after many public speeches and interviews, I can say something I've never said before in
my life: "I love this new pope." He continues to impress the hell out of me. No pun intended. He got my
attention early on when speaking about homosexuals.
“If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” - Pope Francis
It wasn't just that he didn't avoid the topic, or that he actually used the "G" word, it was the last part of
his sentence that warmed my heart. Who is he to judge? The pope is generally considered the highest
Christian authority on Earth, yet the Bible is clear that none of us are qualified for that task, which is for
God alone. I have many protestant friends who still make the argument today that it is their place,
indeed their responsibility as Christians, to judge, yet here's the pope stating with all humility that it is
not even his place.
I think it is that character trait that endears me to Pope Francis the most: humility. That's why we
never see him in the million-dollar pope-mobile, but his car of choice is a donated 1984 Renault with
190,000 miles on it, or at times a Ford Focus, and at least once a Fiat. He's even expressed his
concerns with priests owning new cars.
“It hurts me when I see a priest or a nun with the latest model car, you can't do this. A car is necessary
to do a lot of work, but please, choose a more humble one. If you like the fancy one, just think about
how many children are dying of hunger in the world.” - Pope Francis
Wow! He does truly seem to care about the poor. Back in May he summed it up well.
“Today, and it breaks my heart to say it, finding a homeless person who has died of cold, is not news.
Today, the news is scandals, that is news, but the many children who don't have food - that's not
news. This is grave. We can't rest easy while things are this way.” - Pope Francis
In yet another example of being humble, he continues to wash the feet of prisoners, poor people,
juvenile delinquents, and even the feet of a young Muslim girl, just as Christ washed the feet of his
disciples.
“This is the Lord's example. He is the most important one and He washes [other's] feet because those
who are the highest among us must be at the service of others. Washing someone's feet is [saying], 'I
am at your service.'” - Pope Francis
As this guy continues to go off script and shoot from the hip, he might be giving nightmares to his
advisors and the core Vatican hierarchy, but he's touching a whole segment of the population that other
pontiffs have been unable to reach. He might not convert a lot of people to Catholicism, but hopefully
he will make us all think about what the Bible actually says, and allow us to open our own hearts to the
poor and needy and finally be able to swallow that big dose of humility that Jesus prescribed.
God bless, Pope Francis, and keep up the good work
Source 8 – Religions in the World