The Threat of Hell
In this section of the course, we will use the concept of Hell to explore the sources of moral behavior. Do we choose to act morally because we are threatened with "the eternal fires of damnation," "God's wrath,"or similar punishments? Or, in contrast, do we choose to act morally as a result of rational calculation?
These questions are directly related to the ways we assess humanity's future. Let us assume that the threat of Hell has played some role in inducing moral behavior over the centuries. What happens when the members of a society no longer believe in Hell? Conversely, if we proceed from the argument about rational calculation: Does rational thinking guarantee that man will act morally?
Image VII. Pronouncements and Threats: "Go to Hell . . .!"
22. Thursday, April 2
Discussion: Does Hell Exist? If so, in what form? What do people think today?
Winfrid Herbst: "Don't go to Hell!"
Jeffery Sheler: "Hell hath no fury": READ
John Paul II rejects literal Hell: READ
Pew Foundation Research on Belief in Hell: READ (entire) and READ (pp. 11-12) and compare with Noelle Knox, "Religion takes a back seat in Western Europe": READ
Bishop John Henry Spong: "Hell is an invention of the church: LISTEN AND WATCH
23. Tuesday, April 7
Discussion: What is Human Nature and why should it matter for our understanding of moral behavior?
An excerpt from Fyodr Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov.
Ivan Karamazov's sobernig thoughts on "Rebellion": 236-246. (hand-out).
When you get the time, please read The Brothers Karamazov in its entirety. It will change the way you look at life.
24. Thursday, April 9
Film and Discussion: Stanley Milgram, "Obedience"
On Milgram: READ
The Milgram "Obedience Song": LISTEN
EASTER BREAK: April 10 - April 12
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Image VIII. A World Without Hell: "No hell beneath us . . ."
25. Tuesday, April 14
Discussion: What is the connection between Hell and moral behavior? Do we need to believe in Hell to maintain a civilized society?
Jerry Walls: "Can we be Good without Hell?": READ
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis: "Fear of Hell might fire up economy": READ
Richard Dawkins, "Religion's real child abuse": READ
David Brooks, "The End of Philosophy": READ
Our Values Survey: An assessment of your findings.
26. Thursday, April 16
Music from Hell:
Lyrics: John Lennon,"IMAGINE" vs. Nirvana,"LAKE OF FIRE"
LISTEN: "Imagine" and "Lake of Fire"
The People's Choices: Your nominations are in: HERE
