Mini-Essays
Your essays, due Thursday in class, should be approximately 250
words. (Do not go over one page.) Use examples and specifics wherever appropriate.
Please put your name and the number of the mini-essay in the upper right hand
corner. Note that you will sometimes have a choice of topics.
#1
a. How is the term "council" or "conciliar" used in the Orthodox
Church (cite at least two ways), and why is it theologically significant?
OR
b. Explain two causes for the Schism between the Eastern and
Western Churches. Note if either of the causes is at least partially theological
at base (rather than purely geographic, political, linguistic, etc.).
#2
Indicate at least one justification for and one consequence
of the use of the vernacular (local language) in the "mission to the Slavs."
#3
Why was the work of St. Sergius of Radonezh important for
the growth of Muscovite culture? (Give at least two examples.)
OR
Explain at least two ways that Muscovy not adapted (not just
adopted) Byzantine culture.
#4
How does Gregory of Nyssa try to prove that the Trinity does
not represent three gods? Give at least two of his reasons.
#5
What have you learned about Orthodox worship that has surprised
you and/or caused you to stand back and examine your own assumptions? Consider
both icons (visual theology) and liturgy (verbal liturgy).
#6
The pilgrim (strannik) in The Way of a Pilgrim
is on his way to Jerusalem. Why do you think the book ends before he ever
gets there?
OR
How does the spirituality described in The Way of a Pilgrim
differ from/relate to the ways in which spirituality is expressed in the church
service, about which we have been reading so far?
#7
Describe the service that you experienced at an Orthodox
church, and analyze your reactions to it.