Lecture Review: Ecclesiastes, Apocalyptic, Ethnocentrism, Hegemony, and Genesis

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on Ecclesiastes, Apocalyptic worldview, the Punishment Model, Ethnocentrism, Hegemony, the theological views of John Hick, and comparisons between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2.

What is a central theme of Ecclesiastes regarding life and meaning?

Life is hard, often meaningless, the wicked are rewarded while the good are punished; however, one can enjoy the present moment despite the eventual death and lack of afterlife.

What symbol represents the fleeting nature of everything in Ecclesiastes?

Mist, as it is here for a moment and then disappears.

What is the primary belief in the apocalyptic worldview regarding evil forces in the present time?

Evil forces are more predominant right now, causing suffering by unfaithful humans.

According to the apocalyptic worldview, what will God do eventually?

God will soon regain control, transform the world, and reward those who suffer in a new era or life.

For both Ecclesiastes and apocalyptic views, what major historical event led people to question the punishment model?

The Babylonian Exile.

Explain the reward and punishment model.

The idea that if one obeys God's laws, they are rewarded in this life, and if they disobey, they are punished in this life.

How did the apocalyptic worldview critique the punishment model?

It shifted the reward and punishment to a delayed timeframe, where faithfulness is rewarded in the life to come, not necessarily in the present life.

Who is considered responsible for suffering in the apocalyptic model?

Primarily forces of evil and unfaithful humans.

What is a key weakness or problematic view of the apocalyptic model, as noted in the lecture?

The prediction that God will come back soon has been made for thousands of years but has never happened, leading to questions about when God will intervene.

Define ethnocentrism.

Judging another group's culture based on one's own preconceived notions or views, using one's own culture as the measure of what is normal and good.

What is one problem with ethnocentrism?

It can lead to false assumptions and stereotypes about others, which can cause serious problems such as discrimination, and can promote one group's power over another.

According to the lecture, what is the first step in dealing with ethnocentrism?

Recognizing and owning one's own socialization and biases, admitting that one thinks their way is better.

What is hegemony, according to the lecture?

A cultural dynamic characterized by a dominating idea to which most people consent, but which is often met with resistance.

What are the three parts of hegemony?

A dominating idea in a culture, most people consenting to that idea, and people often resisting that idea.

In the example of Brenda Allen, what was the dominating idea in the office setting?

The expectation that Frank, the boss, would have his coffee brought to him by the secretary (Betty or her replacement).

What is John Hick's main idea about suffering?

Suffering builds character.

What term describes John Hick's view that many different religious groups may have a path to truth or God?

Religious pluralism, contrasting with religious exclusivism.

What is a key difference in the creation of humans between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2?

In Genesis 1, male and female humans are created together in God's image on the sixth day. In Genesis 2, man is formed first from the dust, and later woman is created from his rib as a 'helper.'

What is one way the creation of woman in Genesis 2 has been historically interpreted, often leading to hierarchical views?

As woman being made second and from man's rib to be his 'helper,' which has been interpreted as implying inferiority or submission to men.