religion homework

BEFORE you read the article, please look up the author, Stephen Prothero! It's helpful to know a little bit about the person who wrote the article... it will often make it much easier to see what they are trying to say! I will ask people to give me a little background on Prothero at the start of class Tuesday, so please be prepared to contribute something.

AFTER you read the article, please respond to the following questions. You can type your answers directly in the text box below, or you can type them up in a Word or Pages file and attach it below.

1. What do you think about the title for Prothero's book? Give a brief account of your initial reaction to the title (1-2 sentences) and then say what you think he means by the title after reading this introduction (1-2 sentences).

2. Explain how Prothero is using the mountain metaphor. CAUTION: the first time it appears is not the only time, nor is it necessarily Prothero's own view... be sure to watch for it again towards the end of this reading selection before you answer this question...

3. What is the basic method Prothero proposes for studying religion (hint: 4 parts)

4. According to Prothero, why is it so important that we study religion?