In Fides et Ratio paragraph one, John Paul lists several religions and philosophies that address questions such as “who am I” and “what is there after this life?” What does he say this observation reveals about humanity? (Hint: Journey)

Explain the archetype of the hero’s journey.

Explain what Bill Donaghy means when he says that our hearts haunt us.

Explain the significance of music, art, nature, or silence for our journey to find meaning, purpose, and direction in our lives.

Explain how the via negativa helps us to reach our fulfillment (destiny).

Explain the significance of beauty in our lives according to Christopher West.

Choose a story from a movie or book and explain how eros and/or the via negativa is at work.

Explain what it means when Benedict XVI says Christian hope is performative. In other words, explain how hope saves us.

According to Spe Salvi what is required in order for faith to give hope in a real sense?

Explain the kind of hope that Christians have as described in Spe Salvi and how it is unique from other material hopes.

Give an example of how even the atheist practices faith of some kind in everyday life.

How would Pope Francis respond to Nietzsche who says faith is an illusory light? (Demonstrate that faith can be reliable and trustworthy. Also, what are the consequences of relying on ratio alone?)