article reading

Objective:

Students should begin to show an understanding of the underlying beliefs that lead to different interpretations of the Bible.

Assignment: Read the article, “How and Why Did Some Christians Defend Slavery?” (link supplied on Moodle). The answer the following questions.

Points Possible: 40

1. What fundamental belief do both Fuller and Wayland hold in common? (50 words; 5 points)

2. We know what Fuller believed, but why did he cling so tightly to these beliefs? What underlying assumptions did he embrace that led him to interpret Scripture as condoning slavery? In other words, what is the core issue concerning the use of the Bible that lies at the heart of this debate? (100 words; 10 points)

3. Summarize, in 3 concise sentences the author’s critique of Fuller’s argument in the section “Fuller’s Bad Hermeneutic.” (50–100 words; 10 points)

4. Do you find Menikoff’s critique of Fuller convincing? Why or why not? If yes, what other customs condoned by the Bible might be held up for scrutiny? If no, how do you explain the fact that Christians ignore certain Old Testament commandments, such as keeping the Sabbath? (100 Words; 10 points)

5. For your final 5 points, read all of your classmates’ answers and respond to one of them. If anyone has not responded, check every day or so (I’ll be keeping track). Do not respond to someone if there is already a response, so everyone will have someone respond to them. Also, reply to the response you receive.

Composing Your Answer

The Discussion Forum is not an informal chat room. Your answers and replies should show some signs of original thinking or thought, be considerate, and use college-level language and grammar. Answers should be longer than one or two sentences. You are encouraged to compose your answers on a word processing program. Before posting your answers, check them for spelling and grammatical errors, save them, and copy and paste them to the Discussion Forum.