In this assignment there are 5 different essay questions, each essay question must include material mainly from the book, and a bit can be taken from the ppt slides that are posted as well.

But use most of your support from each question from the book pages provided for each question. You can include at least 1 academic source outside this material as well, to help support questions. Feel free to use more outside sources if you choose.

For each individual essay question, you will write 600 words each, minimum. The entire assignment at the end must be 3000 words minimum.

Cite the book in references and throughout the questions as used. If you make a direct quotation in the assignment include a reference.

But if you are simply talking about material covered in course readings generally, you don’t need to include references.

If you refer to materials from outside of course readings, then include a reference and bibliography for that material.

Buddhism

Love, Sex and Gender in the World Religions. “Love’s Insufficiency: Zen as Irritant.” William R. LaFleur. Pgs. 37-47.

According to the article, what is the highest human “relationship” in Zen? Discuss its relevance to Zen practice as discussed in lecture and in the article.

How has this relationship been represented uniquely by Dogen as discussed in the article, and what has this unique representation been intended to mean in the context of Zen Buddhism according to the author of this chapter?

Hinduism
Love, Sex and Gender in the World Religions. “Loving the Goddess in Hinduism.” Nancy M. Martin. Pgs. 89-107

Identify and describe several types of Goddesses and their characteristics in Hindu tradition as discussed in the article/lecture.

Use examples from the article/lecture to illustrate your answer. What do these Goddesses suggest about love and sexuality according to the author?

Judaism
Love, Sex and Gender in the World Religions. “Taming the Powers of Desire: Love and Sex in the Jewish Culture.” Charlotte Elisheva Fonrobert. Pgs. 113-125.

Identify and discuss at least three examples of Jewish expressions of love and sexuality as covered in the reading/lecture. This may include Jewish theology and symbolism as well as religious practices and traditions related to marriage and sexual relationships.

The Spirits of Haitian Vodou
Love, Sex and Gender in the World Religions. “Love, Sex, and Gender Embodied: The Spirits of Haitian Vodou.” Elizabeth McAlister. Pgs. 129-143.

Generally speaking, what is Vodou? What kind of religion is it, and what is its history? How are conceptions of love and sexuality addressed in this religious tradition? Use examples from the lecture/reading to illustrate your answer.

Islam
Love, Sex and Gender in the World Religions. “Politicizing Gender and Religion: Love for Women, Love for Islam.” Zayn Kassam. 223-234.

Based on the author’s observations, identify and discuss the major challenges faced by feminist Muslims due to the history of colonization and western “othering” of Muslims citing several examples from the text.