GNED 102

Dr. Bickford

Paper Four Assignment

The Self and the Sacred

Due Date: 4/21

Tillich’s understanding of the sacred as the object of ultimate concern suggests we must develop a language for conceptualizing that which is MOST important—the really big stuff.  On the other hand, Moore’s view of caring for the soul suggests that we attend to the little stuff—contemplating and reflecting on everyday events, pausing to stimulate the imagination, discovering the “natural religion” in all things.  Which one of these approaches to the sacred seems most true to you?  Why?

Develop a unified (clear, opinionated thesis) and coherent (clear connections among the parts) paper of 3-5 pages (double spaced, 12 point font) in which you clearly take a stand on one side or the other, or argue that both are equally valid.  Be sure to offer valid arguments not only for your side but also against the main points for the other side.  This means you have to look objectively at both sides of the issue before you begin.  Your argument should be mature and logical (little emotion and no unsupported opinions), and your supporting evidence should be convincing—many specific examples and details 

Your paper should show a thorough understanding of the two approaches to the sacred and should prove that one has more validity than the other (or that both are equally valid) by giving specific examples, full of detailed descriptions.  You may use personal experience, but our readings should make up the majority of your examples.  In other words, use Dr. King’s speech or Plato’s ideas to point to how each approaches the sacred and show their approach is more about the big stuff or the little stuff.  Look back over your readings from the entire semester as well as those found in this unit.  You will need to use at least FOUR sources in the paper, and at least THREE must come from our book.  Remember to interpret sources for your reader.  Be sure to quote, summarize, and paraphrase according to MLA standards and formatting.