ASSIGNMENT
Identify someone from a different faith practice and ask if you can interview him/her for this class assignment. If you are a Christian, find someone who is not.
Your interviewee could be Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, atheist, etc. Interviewing someone of a different denomination within Christianity does not count, unless that person is a nominal Christian who does not practice the Christian faith. If you are not a Christian, interview someone who is.
Type up the interview transcript (or use dictation software) to consult as you write your paper.
Write a 5- to 7-page paper to express your findings. Your paper is to be typed, double spaced, 12-pt. Times New Roman font. Pay attention to spelling and grammar, organization, and syntax. Use the following as guidance for the structure of your paper.
Question Bank:
Use these questions to conduct your interview naturally. You do not have to ask each one but choose enough so that you can thoroughly determine the interviewee’s worldview and how it differs from your own. Choose questions from each area.
Remember to ask for permission before recording the interview.
Type up a transcript of the interview and submit it with your paper.
Worldview/Belief Questions
Have you heard the term worldview before? What does that term mean to you? Would you say you have a worldview? What are some key elements of your worldview?
What do you think is your most firmly held belief? The thing that really makes you who you are?
Do you have core values? What are they?
Have you ever been in a situation or conversation where you felt your core values were threatened? How did you feel? How did you respond?
How do you know what you believe is true?
Would you describe yourself as religious? As spiritual? Is there a difference?
Is it important for you to associate regularly with people who share your same religious commitments? Why or why not?
Do you believe in evil? Do you believe in sin? Where does it come from and how should individuals and societies get rid of it?
When life is particularly challenging or sad, what lifts your spirit? What gives you inner strength?
Social/Cultural Questions
What do you see as the greatest problem in society today?
Do you think there is a way to address that problem? What would you suggest?
What is your role in making society a better place to live?
Do you think individuals are responsible for their “neighbors”?
What do you think society has gotten most right in the last five years?
What brought that about?
Family and Work Questions
What makes a family?
Is the family an important part of a healthy society? Explain your answer.
Do you want to have a family one day? Why or why not?
What is your dream job?
Why? What about that job gets you excited?
Do you view your income as belonging only to you?
Do you make spending choices based on your wants/needs alone? Why or why not?
Would you consider your work to be part of the common good for society? Why or why not?
Education Questions
What does it mean to be educated?
If you lack knowledge in a given area, how do you acquire knowledge?
Do you think connecting on social media is an important part of acquiring knowledge and learning?
What is the point of going to college?
Are reading and curiosity an important part of learning? Why or why not?
What kinds of habits do you think are important for people who are truly educated?
Do you have certain habits that have helped you be more knowledgeable in your life?
Are there certain habits you wish you could develop?
Do you think people can learn just as well by using the web, or is person-to-person interaction an important part of learning?
If you could get your dream job without ever going to college, would you do it?
