PROBLEM OF G OD

PORTFOLIO

F A N N Y B O T O N
 Introduction of the course

1. According to Problem of God table of contents, agree on the 3 topics that might be
of most relevance to today's society. Give reasons for your answer.

The first topic we have chosen was “The quest for God linked to the quest for reality
and to the quest of human life”. We thought that this subject may be very interesting, because
we've all thought about it before (the existence of God, the purpose of life...). Many people
use religion to justify their actions, it helps them through all their life. The quest for reality and
the quest of human life had known several changes during the past centuries. Indeed, God
was the center of society until the 8th century. Nowadays, it's the human being who's at the
center of every reflection.

Secondly, we thought that the theme of the unit 2.1., called “The diversity of religions”,
was also a good topic, very relevant to today's society. Back then, every people of the same
region believed in the same thing. In fact, today, due to mundialization, there is a lot of
diversity of religions in the Occident society. Of course, a certain religion is always dominating
in its region of origin (like Christianity in Europe), but as said earlier, we're seeing more and
more blending of cultures, and therefore of religions.

Finally, the last topic we selected was “Christianity”. This religion is the foundation of our
entire Western society, and our culture derives almost entirely from it. It is therefore
important to see its legacy in today's world, to see how traditions have evolved. Its heritage is
so present all around us that it must be studied. What's more, Christianity continues to live
life to the full, whether in Spain or France.

2. Discuss with your classmates how this course might be of personal and professional
interest to you.

This course is important to me personally because my religion has an important place

in my life. For me, religions have forged our societies and continue to influence them.
Nevertheless, I find it interesting to understand why and how its place has declined over the
decades. Professionally, it also benefits me, as I'm studying political science. This will enable
me to develop my thinking around this central issue.

Unit 1.1: The quest for God linked to the quest for reality

1. Discuss as a group and reflect on your Portfolio what field is better for...

▪ Analyzing if a moral law is correct or not: Philosophy.

For us, this answer was kind of obvious. To analyze whether a law should be
promulgated or not, you need to understand whether it respects ethical principles. While for
some the answer seems logical, for others it requires profound reflection. Religion can be a
tool to push reflection, but it's complicated to put it in the foreground, unless it's in a country
that's religious in essence (like Qatar, e.g., whereas it seems impossible for France given its
past and secularization).

▪ Explaining the purpose of human life: Religion or philosophy.

We think that there are two ways of thinking about this question. If we believe in God,
then the purpose of life can be easily found, since it is explained in the sacred books. God's
love would have produced the magnificent fruit of life. If not, the other way to find the answer
is to reason philosophically. Whether we're a believer or not, we can reflect on this question,
and each of us will find our own reason in the depths of our heart.

▪ Saying what is there beyond death: Science and religion.

Science allows us to see the physical reactions after an individual's death: how painful
the death was, how the body reacts, how the brain stops functioning... But science can't
analyze and see everything. Intangible things like the soul cannot be analyzed under a
microscope. What happens to it after death? Only religion can answer such questions. There's
something reassuring about being able to rely on sacred books to explain something so
incomprehensible.

▪ Explaining how the universe started: Science/religion.

Finally, science has been trying for many years to find out what happened at the very
beginning of the earth's creation. It has been able to explain how our planet was formed,
through a series of concordant events. But when you're a believer, there's a whole new
dimension to the question. God is said to have created the Earth with his own hands, shaping
it as he saw fit. Although this may at first appear to contradict any scientific explanation, on
closer inspection we realize that it doesn't have to. In fact, the Big Bang may well have taken
place under God's command. This remains a tricky question.

2. Discuss as a group and reflect on your Portfolio the following issues:

▪ Are human beings free, or everything is determined to happen the way it does?

In my opinion, human beings are free to choose the actions they take. There is no such
thing as destiny, which is a path that cannot be avoided. We can always choose to fight and
improve, or to give up and lose ourselves. If someone is determined to do evil, he will do it,
he is master of his actions and decides as he sees fit. Whatever you think about it, everyone
leads his own life and charts his own course according to his own actions. On the other hand,
in my opinion, there is Providence. From the Latin providentia, knowledge of the future,
composed of the prefix pro-, before, and the verb videre, to see. God has a plan for each
individual and watches over them, offering grace, protection and guidance in their lives. So,
we can either choose to trust and see the plans He has for us or ignore Him and risk giving up.

▪ Is the physical reality the only reality, or are there other transcendent dimensions?
 This question is rather complex, as the definition of dimension doesn't seem quite clear
in my mind. But from what I can understand, in my eyes, there is a physical, palpable reality
that can be scientifically examined and understood. But for me, there also a transcendence
dimension, and that doesn't mean it is inaccessible. We can have a very personal relationship
with God, through prayer.

▪ Is true reality what we perceive or is it an illusion?

What we perceive is reality, but it's biased by our anthropological framework, our
beliefs and our vision of life. Everyone has a different perception of their surroundings, but
that doesn't mean that reality doesn't exist. What you believe doesn’t affect the material
things that surrounds us, like a tree will always live by photosynthesis, no matter what you
think of it. That’s not an illusion.

Unit 1.2.1: Sciences that study religion. Phenomenology of

religion

1. Select a religion and explain the elements of the structure of religious experience:

In Islam, there is one creator, Allah. Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion that
originated in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula. Its followers, known as Muslims, believe
in one God, the creator, Allah, and follow the teachings of the Quran, which they believe to
be the final revelation from God. Islam's central principles include the Five Pillars of Faith: the
declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Firstly, the spatial dimension of Islam is the mosque, because it’s their house of
worship, and it permits to assist Muslims on their mission of purifying the world. A very
important city for them is Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. It is honored as the place where the Islamic
prophet Muhammad was born and serves as the focal point for prayer for Muslims worldwide.
Every adult, healthy Muslim who has the financial and physical capacity to travel to Mecca
must perform this pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.

The time dimension in Islam is key, because they have to pray 5 times a day. Moreover,
Friday is important to Muslims because it's the day for the Jumu'ah prayer, a congregational
gathering for worship, and a time when special blessings are believed to be bestowed by Allah.
Ramadan is also crucial for them. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by
Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

For the rational dimension, we can say that it’s referring to the Quran. For them, it’s
the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Charity and fasting are part of the active dimension of Islam, and to conclude, going to
Mecca is included in the emotional and community dimension. Indeed, it’s very important for
them. Also, how you feel during the fasting is truly emotional because it’s permits to feel what
the poor feel.
 Unit 1.2.2: Sociological approach to religion today

Discuss as a group, collecting reflections in your portfolio:

§ Why do people use violence for religious reasons?

People can sometimes use violence for religious reasons because they think their
missionary role allows them to. They want their religion to be worldwide at all costs, otherwise
the world will be plunged into chaos and God's wrath. They have no patience for dialogue,
and prefer to impose their point of view. Some are indoctrinated from an early age by religious
extremists. These terrorists may even sacrifice their own lives to carry out attacks. Religious
wars such as the Crusades are an example of an ancient time.

§ What is necessary to fruitful interfaith dialogue?

It's important to discuss things respectfully. Everyone has their own opinion, and even
if you don't share theirs at all, you have to listen. What's more, religions often have values in
common, and are only so different in appearance, especially the three great monotheisms. Of
course, they'll never agree, but that doesn't mean there's no room for dialogue.

§ In what sense are religions facing a big challenge with women and LGTBI?

The vision of some religions can seem backward when it comes to feminist and LGBT
issues. The three great monotheisms, for example, do not accept the possibility of religious
marriage between people of the same sex, who would then be destined for hell. In recent
years, however, there has been a growing openness to dialogue and inclusion. Above all, these
religions bring a message of love to the world.

§ How do you perceive the dialogue between religious and non-religious people
nowadays?

Today, it seems to me that the world tends towards polarity. When this happens,
communication is difficult. If everyone has their own ideas, then conversation can quickly
become disrespectful. The modern world puts man at the center of everything, and
individualism is on the rise. Many non-religious people don't accept the idea that a Creator
could possibly exist, and that he surpasses us. Religious people seem to have less and less
patience and tolerance, but of course that all depends on the region of the world, the point of
view, the religion...
 Unit 2.1: The diversity of religions

1. Search for one of the great religions of Antiquity and discuss how the chronology
and the approach of prophetic or mystical religious is classified.

Ancient Egyptian religion began in Egypt's prehistory and has lasted approximately
3,500 years. Some things changed over time, because certain gods became pre-eminent over
others, like the mother goddess Isis, the sun god Ra, and the creator god Amun. This religion
is a composite system of polytheistic beliefs and rituals, part of ancient Egyptian culture. So,
it’s a theistic religion due to polytheism and a national religion. It is centered on Egyptians'
interactions with numerous deities believed to be present and controlling the world. Rituals
such as prayer and offerings are provided to the gods to win their favor. Formal religious
practice centered on the pharaohs, Egypt's rulers, who are supposed to possess divine powers
by virtue of their positions. They act as intermediaries between their people and the gods, and
are obliged to support the gods with rituals and offerings. Popular religious tradition became
more important throughout Egyptian history as the pharaoh's status declined. Since we can't
say that this religion is focused on prophetism, we can conclude that it's closer to a religion
focused on mysticism. Its believers did seek a connection with the mysteries of the divine and
the afterlife. Their beliefs were deeply intertwined with a quest for understanding the spiritual
and metaphysical aspects of existence. The ancient Egyptians did not have a cyclical view of
time: they believed in a linear concept of time and the progression of life, death, and rebirth.
Although many of their funerary beliefs are as much about magic than religion, morality is far
from absent. The Egyptian conception of the universe was centered on Maat, a word that
encompasses several concepts, including truth, justice and order. It was the fixed and eternal
order of the universe, both in the cosmos and in human society, and was often personified by
a goddess. This cosmos was inhabited by three types of sentient beings: one was the gods,
another was the spirits of deceased humans, and the last was the living humans. Of course,
the most important of these was the pharaoh.

Unit 2.2: Hinduism

1. Look for information in the press and reflect on how the caste system works in
India today

The caste system has existed in India for almost 3,000 years. It has its origins in Indian
religious history but was also influenced by social and economic development in colonial
times. The caste to which one belongs is passed down from generation to generation. Even if
most Indians explain that they don't feel discriminated against in their daily lives, in reality it's
still very present in Indian society. This is reflected in opinion polls. For example, the majority
say that their close friends are from their caste, and that you must marry someone from the
same class. However, new generations are more accepting of inter-caste marriage, and are
therefore more inclined to change their caste today than they were centuries ago. The
wealthiest are less in favor of reversing the roles. Most Indians (68%) claim to belong to the
lowest classes, but this varies from region to region. This classification is partly based on
economic hierarchization and education levels. Caste issues also have repercussions on media
representation in India, with implications for the roles assigned to actors in the entertainment
industry. The dominant classes generally live in the center, while the lower classes live on the
outskirts. It's worth noting that the rural population is more faithful to this tradition. Indeed,
in rural India, castes seem to be even more subject to division. These disadvantaged groups,
known as Scheduled Castes or Dalits, are often the hardest hit by caste discrimination. They
receive bread in exchange for street cleaning. They live in a separate neighborhood. their caste
has an impact on the education of children, who are harassed and sometimes excluded. some
are beaten or forbidden to enter temples. There are dozens of laws supposed to protect them,
but few are enforced.

Sources (press articles):

• Religion in India: tolerance and segregation 4. Attitudes about caste

• India: the "Untouchables", still victims of the caste system

2. Search for a Hindu festival and explain it in depth.

Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across
India. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth avatar, lime
an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. He is the god of
compassion, tenderness and love. The name "Krishna" comes from the Sanskrit word Kṛṣṇa,
which is an adjective meaning "black", "dark", "dark blue", hence the frequent depictions of
Krishna in dark blue. The festival typically falls in the month of August or September, on the
eighth day, called Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the lunar calendar.

The history of Janmashtami is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. Lord Krishna was
born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva, but he was secretly transported to Gokul to escape
the wrath of the evil King Kansa, his maternal uncle. His childhood is filled with stories of his
playful and mischievous adventures, such as stealing butter and playing the flute. These
stories form an essential part of Janmashtami celebrations.

The meaning of Janmashtami extends beyond just a historical event. It symbolizes the
victory of good over evil and the divine power of Lord Krishna to protect his devotees.
Devotees fast, sing devotional songs, and visit temples to seek blessings on this day. The
highlight of the festival is the "Dahi Handi" or "Matki Phod" tradition, where young men form
human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd, milk, and butter, which Lord Krishna is
believed to have loved.

Janmashtami is not only a religious occasion but also a cultural extravaganza. Temples
and homes are adorned with colorful decorations and lights. The celebrations vary from region
to region but are marked by devotion, dance, music, and a sense of community. Traditional
performances like Raslila (depicting Lord Krishna's love for Radha) are staged, and devotees
immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival.

Unit 2.3: Buddhism

 1. Find information on the impact of Buddhism on Western Civilization and explain
why this religion is welcomed by some citizens.

There are several impacts of Buddhism on Western Civilization nowadays. First of all,
plenty of words derived from it are interspersed into our language. Zen, karma, nirvana, even
people who know next to nothing of Buddhism have an idea of the meanings of these words.
Also, Buddhism has influenced social and political movements around the world, fighting for
human rights, peace, and environmental protection. This religion has also had an impact on
art, literature and even Western psychology. In fact, much of this has happened thanks to
tourist travel to this part of the world, which has multiplied thanks to the evolution of modes
of transport.

Buddhism gained popularity theses decades because of various factors. First, there is
a big philosophic aspect that pleases a lot. In fact, it allows to reflect on the meaning of life.
Yoga is very popular because it gives people a moment of calm in this dynamic world. If one
can think that prayer gives the same feeling, there are notable differences with the Abrahamic
religions. Indeed, there is no God, which avoids possible controversies. Traditionally, the West
has put much hope in money and power. So, people often turn to Buddhism when they are
fed up with money. But Buddhism has more in common than we think with Western
civilizations. For example, Buddha’s main thesis is that we should accept only what we can
experience directly or can observe. This is also the basic principle of the scientific tradition,
and we are in a science-based world. Another reason that citizens seem to welcome and
embrace Buddhism is the attraction to this part of the world. Currently, America seems to lose
popularly and influence in the world, but for China and Asia, in general, it’s the opposite.
Finally, for Buddhists, everything is linked, which gives nature great importance, and therefore
goes hand in hand with the growing importance of ecology today.

2. Discuss as a group, collecting reflections in your portfolio:

A) Read Masoumeh Sara Rahmani's article on the practice of Mindfulness and explain the
main idea that the author wants to convey.

The author wants to convey that yet there are no scientific proofs that to practice
mindfulness is really benefic. However, this practice is promoted as a cure-all for modern ills.
The University of Oxford even created a new professorship in mindfulness and psychological
science. Psychologists and cognitive scientists warn than despite the hype, we don’t have
enough scientific data on mindfulness. There are a lot of problems of methodology in the
studies on the benefits of mindfulness. The article also said that now that kind of faraway of
the original Buddhism, we can see a separation from the roots. After the colonization of
southeast Asia, Buddhism was shaped to fit into western civilizations. But practice
Mindfulness can be dangerous: it’s not a solution to every problem we have. There is no
science against neither.

B) Discuss with your group how this or other relaxation techniques could be beneficial to
humans.
 Reach mindfulness is not easy, but meditation can be tried by everyone. It brings
calmness in a very stressful world. It also exists many relaxation techniques, such as yoga, but
also massage, deep breathing, guided meditation or simply a hot bath. We've also noticed that
ASMR has been proliferating on YouTube and other social networks for several years now.
ASMR is for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response; a term used to describe a tingling
sensation in response to specific triggering audio stimuli. These videos dedicated to relaxation
through sounds (whispers, mouth noises, etc.) seduce as much as they displease. Indeed,
some find these noises disturbing and annoying. Relaxation techniques are specific to each
individual. Once you've found the one that suits you, it's been shown to reduce the production
of cortisol, the stress hormone, which improves overall well-being. It can also help us find
sleep, especially ASMR. Finally, as well as reducing anxiety, these techniques also help with
concentration.

Unit 2.4: Judaism

1. Access the website of the Israeli Embassy to learn about the historical, religious,
and cultural aspects.

The history of Israel goes back to the earliest days of antiquity, with emblematic figures
such as Abraham and Moses. The Hebrews, who had been slaves in Egypt, arrived in Israel
around the 13th century BC. The division into two nations, Israel and Judah in 922 BC, leads
to conquests by the Assyrians and Babylonians. The return of the Jews following the Persian
conquest of Babylon led to the construction of the Second Temple. Israel then went through
periods of Greek and Roman domination, and underwent major conflicts, such as the
crucifixion of Jesus Christ in AD 30, and the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. The
dispersion of the Jews and changes of control over Jerusalem followed over the centuries. The
modern era begins with Israel's declaration of independence in 1948. Since then, the
Palestinians and other Arab countries have been at loggerheads, creating enormous tensions.

2. Seek information from different perspectives on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict

and reflect on possible solutions.

The Israelis maintain that Israel was legitimately created in 1948, following a UN
resolution, in response to the Holocaust. They criticize the rejection of several peace offers to
the Palestinians (which included territorial compromises) and insist on the need for a
negotiated solution to achieve peaceful coexistence. The Palestinians, for their part, see the
conflict as a struggle for their right to self-determination. They recall that in 1948, hundreds
of thousands of Palestinians were displaced due to the creation of Israel, creating a historical
injustice that must be corrected. For them, the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories
is illegal (restricting their freedom of movement and generating human rights violations), a
fact recognized by numerous UN resolutions. They call for the creation of a viable Palestinian
state. For the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, the Israeli-Palestinian question is based on
existential, "life-or-death" issues. This raises the question of the prospects for a lasting
solution to the conflict. War seems inevitable, especially in light of recent events. Many in the
West are hoping for a UN ceasefire.
 3. Research information on Zionism and discuss the main points of this ideology.

Historical Zionism is a political movement that emerged in Eastern Europe in the

second half of the 19th century. Since the first Zionist Congress in Basel (Switzerland) in 1897,
its aim has been to create a homeland for the Jews. Its founder was Theodor Herzl, in response
to anti-Semitism in France. A distinction must be drawn between religious Zionism and
modern political Zionism. Religious Zionism is based on the ideal aspiration towards Zion,
believing in the redemption of the Diaspora by the coming of the Messiah in an unknown
future, with no immediate consequences for the actual ascent to Zion. Political Zionism, on
the other hand, was founded from the outset on the concrete assembly of Jews in their own
national territory (the realization of the traditional idea of messianism). There are many other
branches, from the most radical to the most moderate. The vast majority of nineteenth-
century rabbis were staunchly anti-Zionist, seeing Zionism as a formidable heresy. These Sages
of the Torah continued to defend the traditional thesis that the exile of the Jews was a
punishment from God, and that it was up to God Himself to put an end to this punishment. As
man has no influence over His decision, it is rebellion against Him to accelerate redemption.
The constitution of a Jewish nation-state was a "late" political act, based on the concepts and
ideas of European nation-states developed in the 19th century. Following the Second World
War and the Shoah, the creation of a Jewish state became a necessity for them.

Unit 2.5: Christianity

1. Find information about the importance of the Temple in the Jewish religion. Then
discuss Jesus' view of the Temple and the implications for the Christian religion.

The Temple of Jerusalem was very important to the Jewish religion. Built by Solomon,
according to the Bible, around 1000 BC, destroyed in 587 BC, rebuilt in the 5th century on the
return from the Babylonian Exile and finally embellished by Herod at the turn of the Christian
era, the Temple of Jerusalem is the center of religious and national life, the religious heart of
Israel. In the eyes of every Jew, it is the place on earth where God has taken up residence, and
from where the flood of His blessing pours out upon all nations. But the Temple is more than
just a place of prayer; it is also a place of intense commercial traffic and a gigantic currency
exchange, because every Israelite must pay didrachma to the Temple priests.

For Jesus, the Temple was a place of prayer where merchants and money changers had
no place. The temple was to be accessible to everyone, rich and poor, young and old. So, in
the New Testament, after Jesus and his disciples arrive in Jerusalem for Passover, he expels
the merchants and money changers operating within the Temple precincts and overturns their
tables. This gesture is highly significant. He doesn't attack the vendors attached to the Temple
only because they practice shameful trades, but because this Temple system is outdated. It is
prophetic in that it heralds a cult that consists in giving one's life so that in this gift the God
who is Love may manifest Himself. To this end, Jesus purifies the Temple of its mercantile uses,
and changes the meaning of the word Temple. "Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will
raise it up": in reality, the Lord was talking about his body, and by this he meant that the place
where we can meet God from now on is our own body.
 2. Look for any action that has impacted you from Pope Francis and note its
implications for the Church and society.
For me, his stance on ecology is the action that has impacted me the most. “Climate
change represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day", declared Pope
Francis in his Encyclical Laudato Si'. Indeed, 2 years after his election, he published this text,
which stands for "Praised Be to You" in English, taken from a canticle sung by Saint Francis of
Assisi, a person who influenced Jorge Mario Bergoglio right up to his name of Pope. This
Encyclical is about the care for our common home. I find this message very important, and
one that touches the whole world, believers and atheists alike. I hope it will influence future
policies put in place by our governments. It got me thinking about my own actions and the
things I can do on a daily basis to reduce my impact on the planet. I must confess that I've only
read parts of the Encyclical, but studying it helped me understand the links between
environmental and social crisis. I was also struck by his comment on man's responsibility
towards Creation. He calls for responsible management of natural resources and the
promotion of sustainability, while ensuring that the actions taken do not exacerbate existing
inequalities.
As for his involvement with the Church and society, the first thing to note is his
numerous actions on behalf of migrants. For his first visit, he decided to go to the small Italian
island of Lampedusa to "mourn the dead" of immigration. He is also trying to encourage
Catholics to confess and to bring the Churches (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox) closer
together.

Unit 2.6: Islam

1. Find information about the implementation of Sharia in some countries and discuss
in your group its social implications.

Sharia is an Arabic term meaning "way" or "path". It refers to Islamic law derived from
the Koran and the traditions of the Sunna. In Saudi Arabia, Sharia is the main source of law. It
is said to be the closest contemporary system to the form of Sharia adopted at the birth of
Islam. It is strictly applied in criminal matters. Penalties can include flogging or even the death
penalty for crimes such as apostasy, adultery, armed robbery and so on. Western countries
criticize the lack of respect for human rights, especially as freedom of religion is not respected
either. In 2013, the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, announced the gradual introduction of
Sharia law into the country's legal system. In April 2019, Sultan Bolkiah declared "I want to see
the teachings of Islam in this country strengthened". Thus, the death penalty by stoning has
been introduced to punish homosexuality and adultery. The call to prayer is now heard in all
public places, not just mosques. But in the face of international pressure, he later announced
a suspension of the death penalty in connection with these controversial laws. The most
striking example of the introduction of Shariah is in Afghanistan, where the Taliban came to
power in 2021. Although Shariah law already inspired Afghan law before 2021, its application
has now become much more widespread. For example, Afghanistan is the only country in the
world where secondary education is forbidden to girls. Sharia law has many impacts on
society. Its application has led to a decline in foreign relations, mainly with the West, given
the incompatibility of their different cultures. In Afghanistan, 97% of the population lived in
poverty in 2022, compared with 47% in 2020. Lacking social protection, families have been
forced to make decisions such as marrying off a child or selling organs. Women's rights were
also under attack, and their participation in public life was considerably limited.