Topic: Search for Faith DB
Week 3: This week we are discussing religion in general. Rudolf Otto argued that religion arises
psychologically from a sense of “awe and mystery” (Sourcebook, pp. 29ff). Carl Gustav Jung, an early
disciple of Freud, described religion as something that grew out of the individual’s need to arrive at
personal fulfillment or individuation. Many religious insignia can be seen as symbols for this search. What
do you think of these interpretations of religion? Did either Otto or Jung strike a chord with you? What
kind of religious symbols do you think Jung was referring to? Or do you agree with Freud that religion is
nothing more than a ‘childhood delusion’? Discuss during Week 3.
Week 4: One characteristic of Native American or indigenous religions is the concept of sacred space and
sacred time. Have you ever experienced a place that seems particularly special or sacred? Consider
places both in nature and in buildings. What contributes to your feeling about these locations? Have we
lost this sense of “sacred place,” so that “going to church” loses much of its symbolism? Discuss during Week 4.
Week 5: After reading the proofs for the existence of God, especially the 5 ways of St Thomas Aquinas
(Sourcebook, pp.83-86), did any of them convince you? What about the ontological proof of St. Anselm
(Sourcebook, pp.78-80)? Did it convince you? Or Descartes’ version? If the answer is no (and it usually
is), then what purpose do you think these proofs serve? Would it make a difference if the proofs were
beefed up, made better? How would Jesus have responded to such attempts to prove the existence of
God? Discuss during Week 5.
Week 6: The prophet Amos spoke out against the injustices of the Northern Kings of Israel. He set the
tone for centuries of prophetical figures in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. A central theme of the
prophetical tradition is social justice. Read Amos 2:6-16; 5:14-15 in this regard. Do you think churches
have done enough with regard to social inequality, poverty, injustice, and so on? What one issue do you
think churches should address today (e.g., immigration reform, universal health care)? Feel free to
comment honestly but respect other students’ views respectfully. Discuss during Week 6.
Follow-up video: Judaism and Social Justice
