Research Paper – Mormonism

Research Paper. Each student will write paper on a topic selected from a list of suggested topics. This assignment will be worth 120 points.

Detailed guidelines regarding both form and content for the paper will be provided separately. In general, however, the paper will be divided into two parts.

• Part 1: a descriptive/objective overview of a religion or some specific belief/practice of a religion.
• Part 2: equip Christians with biblical response.

Students will demonstrate (1) use of sources, (2) accurate reporting of facts, (3) clarity of expression, and (4) adherence to the assigned style guide (Turabian, footnotes), among others.

Undergraduate Students (INCS/RELI 4345):

Length: 11-12 minimum (Part 1: 8-9 pages; Part 2: 3 full pages minimum)

Sources: Minimum of 10 sources, separate and apart from the textbook and Bible; class notes are not to be used (all three parts of the paper must demonstrate responsible research).

Below are numerous general topics from which to choose in selecting a research project.The list is not exhaustive.

A. On Religions Discussed in Class (See Schedule)

Lives of Founders/Leaders

You may choose to write a research paper on the life of one of the founders, one who was of particular influence in the development of the religion, or of an individual in a current leadership position (for example the Dali Lama of Tibetan Buddhism).The paper should include biographical information but also a discussion on (possible) influences (persons or teachings) on that individual.

Sects of the Religions

As Christianity includes Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestants (which are further divided into Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.), so also many of these religions have different sects.You may wish to write about a specific sect of the religion.

NOTE: Christian denominations do not fit the scope of this class. No paper topics related to Christian denominations will be approved.

Beliefs/Doctrines

Discuss in detail a specific belief in a religion.

Texts

You may wish to write a paper about one or more of the writings associated with a particular religion.If so, you would want to include in the paper such things as the following:Name(s) of the writings; origin and development; contents; how it is used in the religion, etc.Consult the professor for further instruction regarding direction and organization.

Practices

You may wish to highlight a specific ritual, practice, or tradition associated with a religion.This might include specific styles of dress, food laws, rites of passage, etc.You may even give an overview of the important dates on the calendar a particular religion.In either instance, include such things as their name(s), history of the practice, significance of the practice, description of the practice, etc.Consult further with the professor for other items regarding direction and organization.Your textbook also serves as a source for discussions of practices.

1. Regardless the topic, the major portion of the paper will be an objective, factual report about the religion. This section of the paper is not the place for making judgments positively or negatively about the topic. The goal of this section is to present the information in such a way as an adherent can say, “Yes, that is why I/my religion believes.” The purpose of this section is for the student first to understand the religion on its own terms.

2. Each paper will conclude with a section on a Christian Response to this religion. That could entail a comparison/contrast in theology or worldview, but not simply as a means to show how they are the same or different; but to address what would be Christian objections. This will not be a long section, about 2 pages, but it will be a challenging section. (See basic instructions in the Syllabus). Three things this section is not:

• It is not a place for your personal objections or experiences with that religion. It is about what objections Christianity raises.
• It is not about quoting the Bible. That simply says what Christianity believes. There is a place to quote the Bible but this section is not simply about saying, “The Bible says . . .” or “Christianity believes . . .” Stating what Christianity believes is not offering up an objection to the other religion.
• It is not to be a “How to” guide on how Christians go about assessing and engaging other religions.