In this section, we shall consider what it means to think analytically.  But this, I mean breaking down a topic and then reconstructing it to provide a new perspectives on something.  I am especially interested in statements that have this form:  “If I think this…., then this…..”

Our goal in reflecting on the topics below will be to consider the relationship between our conceptions of Hell and human behavior.  My basic proposition is that the way we define the world will have important implications for how we should act.

Consider these issues:

• Does it matter whether there continue to be different conceptions of Hell in our society?
• How is our conception of Hell related to our moral options?

IMAGE SEVEN

PRONOUNCEMENTS AND THREATS:  “GO TO HELL!”

22. Tuesday, April 4.

Film and Discussion: Stanley Milgram, “Obedience”

A classic psychological experiment with implications for the assessment of human nature.

• On Milgram: READ

23.  Thursday, April 6

Discussion:  Today, I want to  begin discussing two interrelated questions:  1) What is the human condition? and 2) what can we do–or should we do to ensure that people act morally?

To facilitate this discussion, I am asking you to read two of the most vivid chapters from Fyodr Dostoevsky’s The Brother’s Karamazov.  As you read the chapters, ask yourself:  what is Ivan Karamazov’s “argument” about the human condition?  What do you make of his recommendations as expressed through the Grand Inquisitor?

• An excerpt from Fyodr Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov Ivan Karamazov’s sobering thoughts on “Rebellion”: 236-263 (HAND-OUT)
• “Chemical Attack in Syria” READ

Note:  No self-respecting Notre Dame student should graduate without reading The Brothers Karamazov in its entirety. The book will change the way you look at life.

Your second writing assignment is HERE

 24.  Tuesday, April 11

Discussion:  In this section, I want to explore the connection between our understanding of hell and moral behavior.  I am interested in addressing two questions:  1) Can we be good without Hell (i.e.,  Do we need to believe in Hell to maintain a civilized society?)?  2) Or will belief in Hell lead us to worse behavior?

In preparation for this discussion, please think about this question:   On what basis does humanity learn to do the “right  thing”?

• Jerry Walls: “Can we be Good without Hell?” PRINT AND READ
• Elie Wiesel, Nobel Prize Speech:  PRINT AND RE-READ
• Bishop John Henry Spong, “Hell is an invention of the church”  WATCH AND TAKE NOTES
• On religion in general:  Richard Dawkins, “Religion’s real child abuse” (handout)
• Belief in Hell and Criminality:  READ.  For background on this fascinating research:  SCAN
• Our Values Survey: An assessment of your findings about your personal beliefs (please bring your copy of the Values Survey to class)

 

25.  Thursday, April 13

Music from Hell:  It’s no surprise that there is a direct relationship between what musicians (and other artists) have to say about Hell and how they expect people to act.  How  many songs in the following genres invoke the concept of Hell?:  Metal, punk, heavy rock, existential rock, grunge, rap, the blues.  Comparatively speaking, how many invoke  the concept  of heaven?

• PRINT AND READ:  Compare John Lennon‘s lyrics in “Imagine” with Nirvana‘s Kurt Cobain’s lyrics in ”Lake of Fire“
• LISTEN: “Imagine” and “Lake of Fire“
• The People’s Choices:   Your nominations will be HERE when you post them.

For today’s discussion, please bring 16 copies of the lyrics of a song which, in your view, best captures both the meaning of Hell and its implications.  All musical genres are acceptable. Nothing is forbidden.