Exam 2 Short Responses

Why does Hinduism teach that all existing things are identical with Brahman?

A. Existence is Spirit, and spirit cannot be divided

B. Thus, anything that has existence is existence

Why does Hinduism teach that Brahman is impersonal?

A. Personhood is a finite reality, and Brahman is infinite

B. Thus, Brahman is impersonal in the sense that Brahman transcends what “person” means to us

What Hindu principles make possible the doctrine of karma?

A. Brahman is identical with creation

B. Brahman is justice

C. If so, everything that happens to a person is either a reward or punishment for ones actions

What are the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism?

1. Life entails suffering (Duhkha)

2. Suffering is caused by selfish desire (Tanha)

3. To overcome Duhkha, one must overcome Tanha

4. Eightfold path

In terms of an individuals efforts to become Enlightened, what is the primary difference between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?

A. Theravada can only be achieved on one’s own

B. Mahayana can be achieved with the help of Buddhas and their prayers

What is the distinctive doctrine of “Pure Land” Buddhism?

A. Existence of a “heaven-like” paradise after death and before Nirvana

What is the fundamental principle of Zen Buddhism?

A. Enlightenment can only be achieved by overcoming rationality

What are the differences between the Hindu/Buddhist and Jewish doctrines of God?

Hindu and Buddhist are identical with creation and impersonal. Jewish are distinct from creation and personal.

What is the ethical importance of assigning the title “image of God” to every human being?

Part of human nature is that we are all created in the “image of God”, in turn all human beings have a royal and sacred dignity and cannot be reduced to being treated as objects

What are the 10 Commandments?

1. One God

2. No idolatry

3. No Lords name in vain

4. Sabbath

5. Honor parents

6. No killing

7. No adultery

8. No stealing

9. No lying

10. No coveting