2. Who is a distinguished Muslim philosopher in Cordova, Spain who had an enormous influence on both Jews and Christians and specifically on theologians such as Thomas Aquinas and Albert the Great?

3. Christianity was a religion of __________.

4. At this synod, the modern Christian creed, called ________ was first promulgated.

5. Why are theories and philosophies not designed to convince unbelievers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened at Medina?

2. Describe the life of Muhammad prior to his epiphany.

3. What is the Jewish development similar to the "Great Awakening?"

4. Describe Muhammad's epiphany.

5. What approach to religion does Armstrong advocate?

6. Describe the Faylasufs' notion of God.

7. What happens to Sufism during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries?

8. What does Armstrong say about Islam after Muhammad's death?

9. What is Armstrong's pessimistic view of the modern world?

10. What led to a rift with the Quraysh? To what did this rift lead?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

All three monotheistic religions developed mystical traditions.

Part 1) How was mysticism developed in each religion? Why did it develop?

Part 2) What do these mystical traditions have in common? What is unique about each of them?

Part 3) How does this mysticism bring these religions closer to Buddhism and other Vedic religions? How did the religions establishments feel about mysticism? Why did they feel this way? What does mysticism and the reactions to mysticism say about mankind?

Essay Topic 2

Muhammad is Islam's prophet.

Part 1) How did he become a prophet? Did his early life foreshadow this sacred role? Is so, how? If not, why not?

Part 2) To what did Muhammad's epiphany lead? How did this change Islam? How does it influence Islam today?

Part 3) What is the connection between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity? Is this seen in today's society? Why or why not? What might Muhammad feel about this? Why?