Any topic (writer’s choice)

Respond to two of the following three options 800+ words total:

Do you prefer the experiential mode of the Gospel of Thomas, the mystical mode of the Eastern Church, or the more familiar Roman Catholic and/or Protestant versions of Christianity? Which do you think best represents the spirit of the Gospel reading (and perhaps also St. Paul’s First Corinthians?)

Compare the Gospel of Thomas to the Tao Te Ching.

Do you think that there is a need for a personal God or Gods? You might compare some or all content to date to Christianity. We have seen a connection at a personal level (in varying degrees) in Christianity, in Greece, in Judaism, and in Shinto. Taoism and Confucianism are great contrasts — perhaps Native American spirituality too (but perhaps not.)

SOURCES:

Christianity: The Early Church and the Eastern Orthodox. Reading: “Christianity” from Smith’s text.

and

Audio: Interview with Elaine Pagles (good introduction to the Gospel of Thomas)

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=3250046 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

and

The Gospel of Thomas:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/thomas.html

Christianity: The Catholic Church and the Protestant Revolution. Reading: Smith and one entire Gospel from the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.)  Supplemental/optional First Corinthians.

Any Christian Bible is fine for the reading, if you do not have one you can use the site below:

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.1.NIV