...Nero, persecutions came and went and were frequently quite unorganized. However, as Rome started to decline in aspects of military affairs and politics, more and more cases of persecutions took place. Emperor Domitian, who reigned from 81 CE until 96 CE, decided to hold persecutions of his own. During this persecution, Apostle John was exiled to Patmos. During Marcus Aurelius's rule, many Christians suffered as a result of Aurelius giving permission to the governor of Lyon to either behead those Christians who were Roman, or throw them to the beasts. Emperor Commodus, reigning from 180 until 192 CE, who at first persecuted Christians by assigning them to hard labor in mines, then allegedly stopped for the sake...
Words: 436 - Pages: 2
...Within Tokyo metropolis, there is a plot of land adjacent to the main highway joining the city and Yokohama that is dearly sacred to the Christian Catholics of Japan. Approximately 400 years ago, on December 4th, 1623 more than fifty Catholics were severely executed by fire on the plot as a sign of martyrdom (Hangemann 27). This was one of the persecution measures taken by Tokugawa Shōgun to control and reclaim Buddhist religious doctrine and stop Christianity that was highly gaining popularity. A reflection by Teather the following years under the emperor of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the extermination policy flourished leading to the termination of missionary expedition in the entire Japan in an attempt to monopolize the society to pure Buddhism and...
Words: 792 - Pages: 4
...PAPER 3 – THE GROWTH OF CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIANITY IN SUDAN PRESENTED TO PROFESSOR MARK NICKENS FOR CHHI 302 – DO1 BY REV. JOSEPH T. WHITAKER, III LU23755920 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 29, 2014 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 NORTH SUDAN---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTH SUDAN---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCLUSION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BIBLIOGRAPHY--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Introduction Islamic countries are among the most dangerous environments to plant and cultivate the life-giving seed of Christianity. North and South Sudan fall under such potentially precarious locations. As in any country where the true seed of God’s message of salvation is planted, then the growth of Christianity is to be expected. Contemporary Christianity is in fact growing in...
Words: 1578 - Pages: 7
...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY RESEARCH PAPER Early Church Missions A PAPER IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIRMENTS FOR THE COURSE HISTORY OF THE CHIRSTIAN CHURCH I CHH 520 BY RHEINLAND PFALZ, GERMANY ii CONTENTS INTRODUCTION................................................................................... 3 THE INITIAL SPREAD..........................................................................4 EVERY MEMBER WAS A SOULWINNER.........................................5 CONNECTING THE DOTS OF MISSION TO TODAYS CHURCH...7 METHOD OF MISSIONS.......................................................................9 THE ZEAL OF MODERN DAY MISSONS.........................................10 CONCLUSION.......................................................................................12 BIBLIOGRAPHY...................................................................................13 INTRODUCTION When one reads the biblical account of the early church one will find a group of believers being introduce to the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus during his ministry had been making mention of the coming of the Holy Spirit and his subsequent death. Although Jesus' disciples did not initially and fully understand the conditions and necessity of his death, he told them "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto...
Words: 3265 - Pages: 14
...Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary The Origin of Anabaptists A Paper Submitted to Dr. Sutton In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course CHHI 665- B-05 By Andrew Tressler L21478349 February 2, 2014 Table of Contents Introduction---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 Anabaptist Beginnings--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 The Founders of the Anabaptist Movement----------------------------------------------------------10 Persecution of the Anabaptists--------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Conclusion---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15 Bibliography------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16 Introduction At a surface level looking at Anabaptists one will see a radically reformed sect of Christianity. Digging deeper will bring to light many groups coming together under the belief that the state church was no longer leading and teaching biblical theology. There were groups that popped up all across Europe in the wake of reformation lead by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli. Even before the time of the Anabaptist movement there was a high level of persecution for those who stood against the state church and the pope. There was a difference between what the...
Words: 4561 - Pages: 19
...WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY SAN ANTONIO CAMPUS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE AND CHRISTIAN ETHICS A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO DR. JOHN M. ANDREWARTHA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BASIC CHRISTIAN ETHICS RLGN 5323 SUBMITTED BY ROBERT L. JOHNSON April 14, 2008 Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………….……....1 Part I: Definition of Civil Disobedience………………………………………..….…..1 Part II: Definition of Christian Ethics…………..……………………………….……..1 Part III: Biblical and Historical Practice of Civic Responsibility.……………………..2 Part IV: The Rise of Political Power in the Church and the Struggles Associated…….7 Part V: The Necessity for Civil Disobedience..………………………………………..9 Part VI: What Difference Did the Civil Rights Struggle Make? ..................................12 Conclusion…....................................................................................................................16 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………….18 INTRODUCTION This research will focus on the topic of “Civil Disobedience and its Relativity to Christian Ethics.” The research will address whether it is ever justifiable to disobey the laws of secular governments. In doing so, it will discuss the Doctrine of Civic Responsibility as it relates to Christian Ethics. Furthermore, Romans 13:1-7 will be referenced to provide additional insight into how the Church has historically responded to civil government’s...
Words: 5181 - Pages: 21
...Liberty University The Contribution of Baptists in the Struggle for Religious Freedom A Research Paper Submitted to Dr. Jason J. Graffagnino in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Course CHHI 665 Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary by Brian M. Hyde Lynchburg, Virginia Saturday, December 6, 2014 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 IN THE BEGINNING 2 THE STRUGGLE IN ENGLAND 4 THE STRUGGLE MOVES TO THE NEW WORLD 7 CONCLUSION 11 WORKING BIBLIOGRAPHY 14 INTRODUCTION In this nation, and in much of the Western world, the right of each individual to worship as his or her own conscience dictates, or not to worship at all, is one that is all too often taken for granted. Few consider the tremendous lengths gone to and the enormous price paid by so many to obtain and preserve this right. In the United States when one does reflect on this matter his or her thoughts rightfully focus on the many men and women of the armed forces who fought to gain and keep the freedoms the citizens of this nation enjoy. What is often overlooked is the contributions of Baptists in the centuries long struggle to obtain religious freedom. Their struggle began not in the American colonies but rather in England a century earlier. “The freedom of religious belief and behavior which modern Baptists and others take for granted was forged in the crucible of persecution in seventeenth-century England” McBeth adds that, “No group can claim more credit for the Act of Toleration, passed by Parliament...
Words: 3493 - Pages: 14
...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP PROJECT ABSTRACT A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. JIM O’NEILL IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF GLOBAL STUDIES SURVEY GLST 500-D07 BY RYAN FREUDENTHAL LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA DECEMBER 14, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT 3 BACKGROUND 5 PEOPLE 10 LANGUAGE 16 RELIGION 17 MISSION WORK SURVEY 24 PROPOSED STRATEGY 27 PERSPECTIVE ONE 38 PERSPECTIVE TWO 33 PERSPECTIVE THREE 12 BIBLIOGRAPGY 13 ABSTRACT Missions are found throughout the entire Bible, as well as being commanded of Christ’s followers by Christ Himself. The Great Commission serves as the primary call and purpose of Christians all around the world. The person that heads this call and purpose and follows the example of Christ is one that may experience many things. This person may experience sacrifice, discomfort, doubt, and maybe even persecution or death. On the other hand, this person will definitely experience purpose, rewarding relationships, God’s power, God’s blessing, and the knowledge that they are right where God wants them to be. This person or person(s) will be spreading the gospel of Christ to areas and people where the gospel has never been heard before, and there is no greater service that one can provide. One of these areas is located in North Africa, in the country of Algeria. Algeria has a population...
Words: 2669 - Pages: 11
...Rosemarie Stanislaus Term Paper August 1, 2014 The Quest for the Historical Jesus INTRODUCTION Over the centuries scholars from around the world have written a lot about religion, its meaning, relevance and contribution to humanity. There have been many speculations upon the nature and historical background of Jesus Christ. Many scholars have tried to dig into the few clues as to His identity and come up with a human side to which we can all relate. The study of Christianity and how it relates to Jesus Christ is very important to the whole world. Concerning the issue of Christianity, for example, the majority of people are taught in most schools and churches that Jesus Christ was an actual historical figure and that the only controversy regarding him is that some people accept him as the Son of God and the Messiah, while others do not. While the historicity of Jesus is the most debated subject in the field of religion today, the most enduring and profound controversy in this subject is whether or not Jesus Christ really existed. This paper will discuss who Jesus is, the controversy and biblical sources based on the views of scholars surrounding the historicity of Jesus. Finally, this paper will give Biblical evidence that Jesus existed. WHO IS JESUS? It is generally accepted that Jesus was truly a man who walked the earth 2000 years ago. Almost every religion teaches that Jesus was a prophet, excellent teacher or a Godly man. The...
Words: 2022 - Pages: 9
... Both religions pointedly refused to honor Roman gods and to idolize Roman emperors. As a result, the Jews and Christians endured centuries of hardship. That was until Constantine took control of Rome introducing tolerance throughout the empire. Throughout this paper the research will show how Constantine’s conversion to Christianity shaped and has continue to shape how Christianity spread throughout the World. Christian Life Before Constantine Before we can dive into how Constantine shaped the Christian world we need to talk about the life of a Christian before Constantine was emperor. A Christian’s life was not fully marked with persecution, as it is commonly believed. While Diocletian was sole emperor Christians lived in relative peace with the Roman government. Eusebius who described the time with extraordinary terms “the glory and the liberty with which the doctrine of piety was honoured” documented this fact. It was not until Diocletian shared the throne with Galerius that the empire began persecuting Christians again. The two of them convened in Nicmedia in 302 AD, and decided that Christianity needed to be suppressed throughout the empire. From this meeting between Diocletian and Galerius an edict came about that all churches needed to be demolished and that all Sacred Scriptures to be destroyed in the fire. This edict also declared that all Christians in honorable positions should be demoted if they did not denounce their faith.1 After this...
Words: 3426 - Pages: 14
...INTERPRETIVE JOURNEY PAPER ACTS 6:1-7 Wilbert Early, Jr. L23076350 Inductive Bible Study, BIBL 350 Dr. Ramon Moran Liberty University, 12 December 2013 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this research paper is to provide an Interpretive Journey into the New Testament text, Acts 6:1-7. The author, Luke, penned; In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:1-7, NIV). I will use the five-step process of the basic Interpretive Journey in hopes...
Words: 1651 - Pages: 7
...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY A Research Paper on the “The Contribution of Baptists in the Struggle for Religious Freedom” Submitted to Dr. Jason J. Graffagnino, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of CHHI 665 – B04 History of Baptists by Elizabeth Linz Barthelemy February 1, 2015 Contents Introduction 1 The Baptist Origin 2 The separatists/puritans 2-3 The First Baptists Believers 4-5 The American Baptist Contribution to “religious liberty ideal”...............................................6 Rhode Island, Plymouth, and Pennsylvania Colonies......................................................7-8 The South Colonies and Their Struggle for “Religious Liberty” 9-11 Conclusion 12 Bibliography.............................................................................................................................13-15 Introduction “Religious Liberty” is a good and perfect gift from above. Contrary to populace belief “the separation of church and state,” did not originate with the ACLU but for the most part, it originated with the first British Baptists that arrived in Colonial America they were defenders of true “religious liberty.” Moreover, the distinction between religious liberty and tolerance of religion is significant. “Religious liberty” is a right of every men, however, tolerance is...
Words: 4302 - Pages: 18
...Consequence of Religious Tolerance/Intolerance This paper will first define several words related to the title, expose some consequences of religious intolerance, and finally explain how religion connects with our culture. Our team discovered while looking at different religions that there were many religions than what we will define here. It is certain that a discussion about religion will at some point bring up the subject matter of there being so many different religions, and do they have any common components. Our group agreed that although that are many differences, there are some similarities, impacting four basic areas, such as : what people believe, what people do, what people think, and what people feel. For many people religion is their way of life. David Barrette in an a weekly column writes, “it is well known that those who think about their own religion often work hard to establish what they believe to be the correct interpretation for the time in which they live.” Another thing to take into consideration before moving on to the next definition is behavior. Behaviors of religion according to David Barrette could include rituals, meditation, and prayer, much of this list is learned after joining a particular religion, and again these all in turn become a way of life. In each particular religion, most members live very close to others practicing the same religion for comfort, strength, and in order to keep growing stronger in order to help newer members as...
Words: 2492 - Pages: 10
...Argumentative Research Paper Preventing immigration because of nationalism and racism is a violation of human rights. Immigration has become the topic of many legal and political discussions. Not a very long time ago, approximately 80 years, some countries, because of their nationalist and racist ideologies tried to stop immigration and even implemented racial cleansing, while others defended immigrant rights against the ideas of pure-blood and xenophobic insanity. Actually this case has not closed yet. The majority of governments still refuse to accept immigration as a human right. Standards for immigrants are generally very poor; they do not share the equal rights of the citizens of the country. While some countries have some laws and regulations to solve this problem, generally most nations are not welcoming of immigrants. Preventing immigration because of nationalism and racism is a violation of human rights. Xenophobia is a fear of anything or anyone that is strange or unknown. Many nations’ immigration policies are based upon xenophobia, and this has come to inform policies and attitudes of nationalism. Jeong (2013) defines nationalism “as a feeling of superiority and contempt for foreigners’’ and in his study he describes the effects of national feelings on immigration. Jeong claims there is a connection between restricted immigration and high levels of nationalism. For instance, many US citizens have concerns about whether there will be anyone called “American”...
Words: 1087 - Pages: 5
...The primary mission of the Christian Church is to preach the gospel to all nations, it is to win souls for Christ. The fact that there are approximately one billion at least nominal Christians in the world indicates that Christ’s Great Commission has been at least partially carried out. This monograph will research how and by whom was the Great Commission enacted in the “early days” of the Christian church, during its first four centuries (100-500 A.D.) This research paper will not contribute creatively to the study of theology or methods of evangelism, but it will rather compile from a representative bibliography facts concerning evangelism in the early Church. Granted, research on this topic has been undertaken before by individuals with far greater academic credentials than the writer of these lines. But this monograph will attempt to condense the vast amount of material written on this topic into a monograph on evangelism in the early Church which is long enough to adequately cover the subject but still short enough to be interesting. This essay will approach the topic by asking the basic questions, why?, what?, who?, to whom?, and how?( William C. Weinrich, “Evangelism in the Early Church,” in Concordia Theological Quarterly, vol. XLV, (January-April 1981), pp. 61-74.) When possible, primary sources from the early Church fathers will be quoted in translation. The ultimate objective will be to bring to light the evangelism methods used by Christians of the early Church which...
Words: 4172 - Pages: 17
