Prothero Reading 1: Intro and Method

Read the selections from the Introduction to Prothero’s book and write quick answers to the following questions. You should read quickly and focus only on answering the questions and marking one or two other points you think are significant or want to discuss.

**Note that questions 1,2, and 6 are required. 3-5 are optional, as are the readings for those questions. I suggest that you choose one of those questions that most interests you, read the section, then answer the question(s).**

1. (1-3) Why does Prothero believe many people have taught that "all religions are one," and why does he think this is misguided, even dangerous and insulting?

2. (4-7) Why does P. believe our inability to argue and our desire to be seen as pluralistic undermine our understanding of different religions?

***Optional***

3. On pages 7-13, Prothero. discusses several reasons why "religion matters." Make sure you understand each. Which do you think is most important and why?

4. (13-16) What is P.'s methodology? How does he propose to find common ground among religions?

5. (16-22) Why does P. call all religions "great, but not good?" What do you think of his analogy to sports?

6. (22-24) A final reason P. gives for the study of religion has to do with answering "The Big Questions." What do you think is the most difficult "Big Question" a religion must answer, and why?