What are the main ways in which medieval Christianity differed from Early Christianity? What were some of the historical developments that contributed to these changes and how might we think about “Christianity” as a whole when we take into account these differences?Ascetic bodily practices are a way of training and forming the body. But in what ways might asceticism be said to also train and form the mind, or soul, or spirit?
In answering this question, bring in some examples from the texts we’ve read.A fellow USC student asks you: “I hear you are taking a class where you study Hinduism. Can you explain to me: How is it possible that Hindus have so many different gods and goddesses, yet they seem to also believe that there’s only one ultimate reality, something they call brahman?”How do you respond?
What differentiates the religious studies approach we have generally taken in this course from a “theological”approach? How does such an approach affect how we define “religion”?Carry out a close reading of any of the following texts and explain what conceptions of the body in that text tell us about the religion as a set of practices and/or beliefs.
