A History of the WORLD’S RELIGIONS
Instructions:
There is only one part to this assignment. Read the assigned reading, then answer the questions.
The point of this current homework is to understand the basics of Sikhism as presented by David S. Noss.
Part One: Read David S. Noss A History of the World’s Religions: Chapter 8 Sikhism. Exact page numbers are below. Then answer the questions.
Part One / David S. Noss – Sikhism: A Study in Syncretism
- Read Sikhism in Noss pages 240-252 (photocopied handout), and answer the following questions.
Although Sikhism is a syncretism, how is it a new religion and not merely a philosophical merging of two religions (page 240)?
- Read section One, the Life and Work of Nanak, The Historical Antecedent of Nanak pages 240-242.
How did Kabir influence Nanak?
- Read the Religious Awakening (pages 242-3).
Briefly describe Nanak’s religious awakening.
- Read section Two: Nanak’s Teaching (pages 244-246).
What is the single central concept of Nanak’s teaching (page 244 right column)?
This is the sovereignty of the one God, the Creator.
- Read Distrust of Ritual (pages 245-246).
Why do Sikhs distrust ritual (page 245 right column)?
- Read the Social Mission (pages 246).
What was Nanak’s criticism of the yogins, sadhus, sannyasins, other Hindus, and the Muslims Mullahs?
- What did Nanak say about social responsibility?
- Read section three: the Political History of Sikhism (pages 247-251).
Read A Militant Succession (page 247-248).
How did Guru Har Govind change Sikhism (page 247-248)?
- Read Govind Singh “The Lion” and Khalsa, the Order of Singhs (pages 248-250).
Besides writing hymns about battle, what order did Govind Singh found and what are the five K’s (pages 249-250)?
The five K’s are
- Read Transition: The Granth as Guru (pages 250-251).
What did Guru Govind Singh say would be his successor?
- Read Continuing Political Unrest (page 251).
Briefly explain why there has been continued political unrest in the Sikh community.
