Handout 1: Do You Believe...
Which of the following do you believe in (or think are likely)? Circle with a red pen.
Existence of one God |
Most people feeling need for religion |
Existence of many goddesses/gods |
People needing faith in something |
Physical existence of Jesus |
Healing by laying on of hands |
Divinity of Jesus |
Existence of sin |
Virgin birth |
Gods/goddesses taking human form |
Holy Trinity |
Spiritual energy accumulation—karma |
Religion helping people do the right thing |
Everything in the Bible is true |
Divine inspiration |
There is wisdom in the Bible |
Evolution |
Bible as a historical document |
Reincarnation |
Everything in the Koran is true |
Enlightenment |
There is wisdom in the Koran |
Prayers being answered |
Koran as a historical document |
Prayers being beneficial |
Inherent wisdom of children |
Faith helping people live better lives |
Inherent wisdom of elders |
Ritual is comforting |
Humans are just another kind of animal |
Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on stone tables |
Humans are special animals, blessed beyond other creatures |
Muhammad spoke with an angel |
Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem |
Muhammad was divinely inspired |
Jews are God's Chosen People |
A great flood nearly destroyed the earth |
The Pope is infallible (cannot be wrong about Church teachings) |
Communion materials become actual body and blood of Christ |
Taking communion makes people feel closer to the divine |
Existence of evil |
Marriages are blessed by God |
Existence of Satan |
Relationships are sacred |
Everything happens for a reason, planned by a higher power |
Some divine power made things, but doesn't control what is going on |
Ultimately things happen for the best |
Earth was created in six literal days |
Life is random; that's how it goes |