Assignment

Write at least a 4- or 5-paragraph essay

Every religion we covered had a different goal for human life. Discuss:

1. What were those goals, for each of the religions we covered (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam)?

2. Imagine for a second five people, each of whom are practicing their religion really well. Which of the five do you think has the best shot at reaching their goal - which religion's goal seems most achievable? Which seems least likely to reach their goal - which religion's goal seems the hardest to reach? Why?

3. Define the terms we discussed: exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism. Apply them to the goals: what would it mean to be an exclusivist about these goals? An inclusivist? A pluralist?

4. Opinion question: are you an exclusivist, inclusivist or pluralist about religious goals? Why?