Introduction to Christianity

Respond to three of the following essay questions. At least one of your answers should be addressed to one of the last two questions. Your answers to the first three questions should reflect in-class discussions (although it does not need to be limited to those discussions). Be succinct -- information is much more important than volume. This is due in my e-mail by, Aug 9.

The theory of evolution has created a problem for modern Christianity. How have different Christians responded differently to the challenge? Christians are often portrayed as obscurantists by secular scientists. Give examples of how this is often not the case. Can a case be made for obscurantism on the part of mainstream scientists, as the conservative Christians sometimes claim?

How does the gender of God affect the self-evaluation of individual Christians? Give examples of the feminization of God in various Christianities (both contemporary and historical). How does gender specific language muddle the issue? Give examples of some attempts to fix the problem in translations or liturgies.

Trace the development of the views of sex and/or gender from those represented in the writings of Paul to the views that were current in the medieval church. Did all early Christians agree with Paul's position? What forces/ideologies shaped the changes? What were some of the scriptural texts or interpretations that were used in support of various positions?

How has technology affected Christianity? Be sure to address both negative and positive aspects. How have different Christian groups responded to technology? How has mass media impacted the churches as social entities?