Holy Foolishness in Christian Traditions Fall 2004

 

RU 360

MI 350

THEO 324A

ANTH 360K

 

 

An electronic copy of your exam is due by 10 am on Wednesday, December 16.

 

Select 3 of the following topics and write a thoughtful 2-page (double-spaced) essay addressing each of your chosen topics (apx. 6 pages altogether). Base your answers on our readings and discussions of these topics/texts.

 

 

A. Was Diogenes a holy fool? Consider his worldview, values, complex of behaviors and social standing.

 

B. Discuss the sociological and theological underpinnings of the great confinement. What were its goals and social functions? Who benefited from it? Does the fact that this establishment emerged in the XVII century provide commentary on the modern system of values?

 

C. Compare and contrast portrayals of St. Francis of Assisi in Celano`s Life of St. Francis and in Zifferelli`s film Brother Son Sister Moon. Do you believe that St. Francis is portrayed as a holy fool? What characteristics of Francis are proposed by respectively Celano and Zifferelli as the most important?

 

D. Discuss 2-3 holy fools portrayed in the works of Russian literature (Tolstoi, Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Vasilanko). What are their most important characteristics? Do these portrayals reflect the key elements of the holy foolish paradigm? Comment on the role(s) assigned to the holy fools in at least one of the discussed narratives.

 

Good luck!