Strayer 5:Big Picture Questions

“Religions are fundamentally alike.”

Does the material in this chapter support or undermine this idea?

“Religions are fundamentally alike.”

In support of the thesis that religions are fundamentally alike, students could point to influences like that of Zoroastrianism on Judaism, Christianity and Islam

or the influence of Judaism on Christianity and Islam.

“Religions are fundamentally alike.”

Haga Sophia or Ayasofya, İstanbul: Currently a Museum, formerly an Imperial Mosque (1453–1931) and Roman Catholic Cathedral (1204–1261); originally constructed as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral (562–1204, 1261–1453).

Students could also note similarities across traditions, like those between Buddhism and Christianity highlighted in the chapter.

“Religions are fundamentally alike.”

To emphasize differences, students could point to differences even within cultural traditions, such as the beliefs that separate the Hindu and Buddhist faiths.

“Religions are fundamentally alike.”

Students could also point to important differences across cultural traditions, such as the difference between the conception of God

• in the Jewish and Christian traditions, • Brahman in the Indian tradition, • or the Dao in the Chinese tradition.

“Religions are fundamentally alike.”

Students could also note the difference between

Greek and Confucian philosophy and the traditions that focus on the supernatural.

“Religions are fundamentally alike.”