...Reflection. The conversion of the sinner THEO 104-B04 Troy Temple September 16, 2013 Introduction Who is Jesus Christ and how does believing in him affect so many people. Many people will tell you that you must believe in God to save your soul for eternity. How do people truly know that God is real, and how was the Bible written over hundreds of years, how can people be so trusting in something he or she has never seen. So how is Christianity so different from the Wiccan religion? These are questions that I started to ask myself once I start this class. Both religions started out the same, giving people something to believe in. Doctrine of Christianity The book of Genesis states that in the beginning God created the heavens and earth. Then God said let there be light: and light was good (Genesis 1:3). It was the old testament of the Bible prophecies that causes mankind to believe in God and the Bible. Versus Prophesied all nations would be blessed through one special descendant or seed of Abraham. Jews and Gentiles alike are blessed when they accept Jesus a descendant of Abraham as their Savior (Matthew 1:1). The holy Bible contains 66 books and was written over a period of 1,600 years (Towns, 2007). Whereas the Bible is spread out all over the world, and in many different languages, but still holds true to the message. However, the Bible was written by mortal men that contained sin inherited from Adam just like everyone else. Therefore when...
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...The Reflections on Christianity in China article by Fried provides us with information about various religions in China and how they came to be as well as the conflicts that arose due to the success and failures of certain religions. Although the article mentions the history of religions in china, it also discussed how religion has always been a controversial topic in China due to government control. Fried points out how Christianity has been prevalent in China for many years, however, it faced many issues and has not exactly been successful due to the lack of Chinese custom and traditions. The article also covers Christian Persecution in China and how poorly Christians were treated due to the negative beliefs that superiors held on Christianity....
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...Reflection Paper The three topics that I would like to write about is Did Jesus claim to be God? , If a person is a Christian, does it matter how they live their life? and What can your local church do to better communicate God’s love to your community. I feel that these three topics are very important to me because since Jesus did claim to be God, why did he claim it because since God is the almighty, there must be something special about him because no one would really claim it unless they can prove it. Jesus did claim to be God and he did it in ways that really amazed people including myself when I was first reading the bible and knowing more about it. The other topic I am writing about is if a person is a Christian, does it matter how they live their life. It feels real interesting because if you do believe in God, you must follow all he said like in the Ten Commandments which he laid out. It’s a true test to see if you are a Christian and are you willing to do anything if the Lord told you so, it really tests a person’s faith. The final topic I am writing about is what can your local church do to better communicate God’s love to your community. It is also very interesting because in every area there is a local church and they would love for everyone to believe in God and follow him because he did die for our sins. So it’s very good to spread the word out to your community and show that he is God and how he loves each and every one...
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...Christianity is a faith based religious tradition, of which the follower is considered to be a Christian adherent. Thus, being a living tradition, Christianity is continually subject to change in accordance to the needs of the adherent and reaffirming the Christian tradition within a contemporary context. The aspects, which attribute the present existence of Christianity and its dynamism therein, include sacred texts and writings, ritual and ceremonies, beliefs and believers, and ethics. Ultimately, the aforementioned characteristics strive to form and continually validate answers to the enduring questions of life through a process of change, which simultaneously highlights Christianity as a living tradition. Sacred texts and writings are materials that are held significant by a religion as they contain key information that explains how people are connected to the supernatural dimension (Coleman, 2006). The significance of the sacred texts of Christianity is necessarily their ability to timelessly connect the adherent to the divinity of Christ, through which enduring life questions are answered allowing their contents to be expressed and lived differently (Our Lady of Mercy College, 2014). The Bible is given fundamental centrality in Christianity, as the supreme scared text, and it is an essential guide for the Christian adherent to model their life on the ministry of Christ. Christ’s golden commandment, embodied within the verse, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart...
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...THEO104: Module Seven Reflection Essay Title Page 1 THEO104: Module Seven Reflection Essay Michelle A. Woycitzky Liberty University THEO104: Module Seven Reflection Essay 2 I. Introduction To define yourself as a Christian is to believe in God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the text of the Holy Bible. Many believers think that this is all it takes to be welcomed into Heaven and enjoy the afterlife in peaceful bliss with their maker. Much of what has been learned in this class these past two months has given me the opportunity to explore Christianity beyond face value, as it should be explored. The true model Christian delves into the inner workings of the scripture and promotes the promises made by God when one lives their life as a messenger of that scripture. Education is the only way to make a person aware of what it truly means to be a Christian. In reflecting on the concepts learned in this class, a series of questions were presented, three chosen, then answered on the basis of what I have learned. The first question I chose was, Does the Bible have authority? Through the Doctrine of the Bible and arguments that the Bible is the Word of God, this question will be answered along with the information in Towns book. Secondly, I chose, Why are personal testimonies important in sharing the gospel? This topic was of great interest to me because I am capable of explaining it...
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...other theories of religious pluralism, their ideas tend to conflict with established religious ideas and may not be feasible for actual use in interfaith conversation. However, Gilkey finally concludes that in order to figure out a pluralist model for religious dialogue, it must first be observed in practice, rather than putting forth proposals that are conflicted in reflection. In the end, the best step towards religious pluralism is in practice, rather than in thought and reflection. Cohn-Sherbok, from the Judaic perspective, starts with the basics, with the history of Jewish inclusivism, before he turns to show how that could turn into pluralism. He explains how, before the Holocaust, Judaism has had a comparatively tolerant attitude towards other religions, while still believing that Judaism was the one true faith. They did not condemn other religions for their practices, as their prophets said that in the end of days all people would accept their God (Cohn-Sherbok, 121). After the Holocaust however, Jewish thinkers distanced themselves from Christianity (Cohn-Sherbok, 123) Unlike the exclusivist view of Christianity, Jews have a long tradition of toleration, with the belief that God’s will extends to other faiths, even while they are the chosen people (Cohn-Sherbok, 124). Even with a history of relative religious inclusivism, the shift into pluralism requires more of the faith. Cohn-Sherbok points out that the inclusivist position is not without its faults. It seems to include...
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...The Entwistle 4mat Review Theology Religion Essay Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity allowed me to understand the past occurrences of psychology and theology. The book displayed the religion and confidence that psychology and Christianity should combine for it to possess a higher understanding and permitting the client a higher probability of healing. So as to do this there should be an entire understanding of every element in and of itself. Entwistle’s (2010) book presented all the facts from history as it has formed society these days. As he mentioned these historic events, it shows simply how the knowledge today may be a reflection or reaction of what happened then. Christianity has invariably had an enormous impact on world history and the way the planet is viewed. The author makes it clear that God offers humans reality and honesty in His Word. When consideration of his works is given his Word has begun to demonstrate an impact on the planet. The Word of God is the Bible that God created as a guide to living life in the way that God designed to be the best for humankind. Theology and Psychology do not appear to be to be compatible however they are similar when it involves the appreciation and comprehension that enables a person's life to be meaningful. The planet is filled with individuals that have many abilities to share. God created us in his image therefore that makes each of us distinctive in our own sense. We all have things of our own to share...
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...Comparative Analysis of Christianity and Buddhism Maria-Goretti Etor Grand Canyon University HLT-310V Professor Todd Fowler May 31st, 2015 Abstract This paper gives an extensive view at the accompanying beliefs: Buddhism and Christianity. The reader will see the way Buddhism is even more a reasoning than a religion that spotlights on the brain similar to the inventor of disease and wellbeing. The reader will likewise find that Christianity is a religion that has confidence in one God, the inventor of all. This paper records the different segments that each of these religions may use at some time to impact mending including petition to God, reflection, droning, the utilization of healers, and so on. This paper additionally characterizes what is essential to individuals when watched over by suppliers whose convictions contrast from their own. Introduction Religious practice is one of the oldest traditional practices of the world till date, times may change, technology may advance, but vital beliefs of the people never alter. Before the advent...
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...Brian Richards X00007972 Reflection on Chapter 2 Indigenous Sacred Ways I chose to write my reflection on Chapter 2 because it was a very interesting Chapter. I was quite familiar with the basics in Chapter 1 and found this Chapter enlightening. From the very beginning of the chapter I was glued to the material. The part about the Sacred African drum was particularly gripping. To get what we in Western Society would call ‘Religion’ or a way of living an enlightened life from the beat of a drum is amazing. I also found the story of ‘The Theft of the Light’ very interesting. I was familiar with the idea of more than one religion having touched on the subject of a Virgin birth, as Christianity. There are many groups of religious followers who believe in the concept of the very same idea, but have a different name for the child. Many pre-date Christianity by thousands of years. The things that many religions take as sacred, we in the west view as strange. I respect everyone’s beliefs and also am along the group of people who believe that there are many paths to get to Heaven or a spiritual bliss similar to that. I believe there are many ways and that no particular belief is right or wrong. Different beliefs, may define what we call ourselves in a religious aspect, but in reality most people who claim to be a follower of a certain religion or group are much different. Most of the major monotheistic religions believe in the same prophets and ways of life, but differ on the divinity...
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...Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity helped me to comprehend the events of psychology and theology. Entwistle’s (2010) book presents psychology and Christianity should itself. The book offered actualities from the past that has helped shape our society today. The events that were mentioned, displays how the information todays may be a reflection or reaction of what happened then. This book clarifies just how the Bible can be combined to offer the essentials for man. The writer says that all truth is God’s and all that he prepared is good. Psychology is human behavior and theology is religion; both viewpoints are things that are learned. Integrating the two gives us another outlook of accepting human behavior as a whole. Christianity...
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...Black Raven May 12, 2013 Theo 104 D72 Reflection Paper #2 I. Introduction The two topics I have chosen to write about are the Fall of Man and Teaching/Instruction. During this second part of the course, I have learned some more interesting topics during the final weeks. This paper will cover the ideas I have learned so far in this course. II. Part One a. Theological Definition The beginning of the Fall of Man begins in the passage that took place when Adam and Eve, went from being obedient to God to being defiant of God. Adam and Eve were created with purity and were to obey God their creator. Then Satan came a long and convinced Eve and Adam to disobey God by eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge. This was the beginning of sin, and what I believe, was the period, that became known as, the Fall of Man. b. Biblical Foundation As described in Genesis 1:1-31, God is the creator of all living things, plants, animals and humans. God created Adam from dust and Eve was created from Adam’s rib, both were created in God’s image. God made the Garden of Eden a place where all of Adams and Eves desire for sustaining life could be met. God’s only restriction for Adam and Eve was not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2-17). Eve was approached by a serpent who had persuaded her to eat the fruit from the tree that God told them not to. Then Eve talked Adam into eating the fruit from that same tree. After...
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...The Hindu religion disputably began around 2500 years before the Common Era (B.C.E.) in India. It was geographically located along the Indus River, which was called “Hindu” by the Persians who had migrated there. They also called the land Hindustan and its inhabitants, Hindus. After that, the religion that followed was called Hinduism. Today, almost 800 million people practice the Hindu religion. The main deities of the Hindu religion are Brahma and his two deputies named Shiva and Vishnu. The god Vishnu is the creator, and Shiva is the destroyer. One is not looked upon as better than the other. These are not the only gods in Hindu culture. There are many others and all have special skills and talents. The gods themselves also give birth to the idea of avatars, or the form of god when he or she comes to earth. The idealism of the Hindu religion comes from the Vedas, which are the Hindu religion's oldest scriptures and are considered to be a direct revelation from God. The Upanishads are writings that take their themes from the Vedas. Lastly, the Bhagavad-Gita is a collection of teachings that are based on the conversation between Arjuna, a soldier, and Lord Krishna who is the mortal reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. He appears as Arjuna's charioteer. In these conversations the two discuss everything from the purpose of life to the basis of reality. Much like Christian proverbs, the teachings of Lord Krishna give advice, general good sense and insight on many subjects. Perhaps the...
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...The Hero as a Reflection of Culture Belen Lowrey Abstract: In works of literature, a hero is a man to be admired and emulated. For this reason, the hero always demonstrates the embodiment of the ideals of the creating culture. Historical events and social conditions of different cultures cause different attributes to become valued in leaders. These cultural values are reflected in both the actions of a hero and in the heroic motivations. This paper focuses on the heroes of the Iliad, the Aeneid, Beowulf, and The Song of Roland and examines how historical events and cultural circumstances shaped the portrayal of the heroes in these works. Sabiduria, vol.1,1 Hero as a Reflection of Culture 1 Every culture has heroes. In works of literature, is an individual to be admired and emulated, and because of this he is the embodiment of the greatest virtues of the culture that created him. The ideals of every culture were shaped by the social conditions of the time and therefore different attributes became valued. To different degrees, the hero in a work is a result of not only the culture from which the hero comes, but also the culture of the author. Cultural values are reflected in both the actions of a hero and his motivations. As heroes, Achilles, Aeneas, Beowulf, and Roland reflect the values of the societies that created them. One of the oldest works of ancient literature is Homer‟s Iliad. Homer‟s works are dated to between 900 and 750 B.C. (Krieger,...
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... Liberty University Dr. Angel Weaver Abstract In the literature of Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity written by author David Entwistle (2010), explains Christianity, and psychology being integrated with one another. David Entwistle says that “Primarily psychology and Christianity are perceived by many people to be in opposition” (Entwistle, 2010). Both psychology and Christianity address both the experiences in human life and angles from different views. The writer also explains, “Christianity being based on the Word of God. Psychology is based on worldly views; it is an empirical foundation, so it does not allow faith to make any adjustments in its teachings.” (Entwistle, 2010) Christianity is based on the belief in Jesus Christ, which takes faith and understanding, the Bible is the teachings and laws that God wants us to abide by, and is the foundation of all truth. The writer of the book states that, “Psychology uses empirical methods of study while theology studies human interpretations of God’s Word.” (Entwistle, 2010) We take a look at the integration of the behaviors. The book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity’s sole purpose is to help the readers understand combining the disciplines of psychology and Christianity. Even though the two always seem to pull against one another, the author gives great examples and issues an insight on how the two can work together. There are...
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...Abstract Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity allowed me to comprehend fully the past occurrences of psychology and theology. The book displayed the faith and confidence that both psychology and Christianity must be combined in order for it to have a better understanding and allowing the client a better chance of healing. In order to do this there must be a complete understanding of each component in and of itself. Entwistle’s (2010) book presented all the facts from history as it has shaped society today (pp. 18-34). As he discussed these historic events, it shows just how the wisdom that is held today is a reflection or reaction of what happened then. Christianity has always had a huge impact on world history and how the world is viewed. Entwistle makes known that God gives humans reality and honesty in His Word. Upon consideration of His works His Word has began to have an effect on the world. The Word of God comes from the Bible in which He created for humankind to read, follow and apply to their lives and from the His Word they will experience His power. Theology and Psychology are not meant to be compatible but they are very much similar when it comes to the appreciation and comprehension that allows someone’s life to be meaningful. The world is full of people that have many talents to share. Humans were created in His image so that makes each unique in their own sense. Each human being has things to share and contribute to the world...
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