Holy Foolishness in Christian Traditions Fall 2004

RU 360
MI 350
THEO 324A
ANTH 360K

Midterm Examination

An electronic copy of your exam is due by 3 pm on Monday, October 18.

Select 3 of the following topics and write a thoughtful 1-2 page essay addressing each of your chosen topics. Base your answers on our readings and discussions of these topics.

A. What are the similarities between the holy man and the prophet? Compare and contrast these two phenomenologies, supporting your argument by the citations from/references to our readings.

B. Discuss the concept of asceticism. What are its forms, goals, values? Is asceticism a uniform phenomenon?

C. Comment on Peter Brown`s statement that the holy man was `the self-made man.` (78) If he was such a man, how did he differ from the Greek ascetics? Compare and contrast these two cultural and spiritual traditions.

D. How are the holy fools related to the `regular` ascetics? What are the differences and affinities between the two? Discuss these questions, using the examples from the lives of two or more of the following: Antony, Isidora, Seration, Simeon, Andrew. Refer to more texts if you need.

Good luck!