IPE 1050 Theology paper  5-7 pages   Choose a religious tradition: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, a Native tradition, etc

IPE 1050

Theology paper 

5-7 pages

1. Choose a religious tradition: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, a Native tradition, etc.

2. Research: what explanation(s) are given in this tradition for pain and suffering?    You must use at least four sources: books, journal articles etc. 

Some questions to think about: Does suffering happen because of a person’s sin or bad actions? Does suffering happen as a punishment? Does pain teach us something good? Does God send suffering, or does suffering just happen?

In your paper, you will choose ONE explanation. Be able to say whether it’s a popular/common choice within that tradition, or if you’ve chosen something slightly or even very unusual.

3. Reflect/Analyze: for the ONE explanation for suffering that you’ve chosen, what are the consequences for the suffering person (and/or that person’s loved ones) if they believe this explanation?

4. Assess: Given your analysis of the consequences of this belief/explanation, what is your assessment of whether it’s a good idea or not to believe this? Is it clearly a good thing to believe? Is it clearly damaging? Is it a mixed bag, but more helpful than not?

5. Apply: You’ve read Egan, and so you know how cautious chaplains are supposed to be about offering explanations etc. 

Will you be as cautious/circumspect as Egan if you run into this belief in a patient? 

Why or why not? 

What do you think your role should be with respect to this particular belief? What might you say or do with respect to this belief—challenge it, affirm it, reject it, ignore it? 

50 points:

5 points           Background/context/introduction, including whatever you think the reader needs to know about this religious tradition

5 points           Clearly explain the reason for suffering you’ve chosen, making it clear if this is traditional or unusual within the religion you’re dealing with.

10 points         Detailed, thoughtful explanation of the consequences of this belief for the suffering person and/or the suffering person’s loved ones

10 points         Thoughtful discussion of your role as a health-care provider if you run into this belief

10 points         At least four sources, properly documented. The paper is presented in appropriate MLA style (in-text citations + Works Cited page)

10 points          Appropriate punctuation, grammar, elegance of style