Essay On Personal Religion

In his definition of personal religion, Thorkild Jacobsen tables three elements critical to living a submissive life. Firstly, there is a sense of commitment to one’s religious values that makes religious individuals see themselves as standing in a close personal relation to the divine. Secondly, they rely on the later for guidance and help in personal matters and affairs. Lastly, they expect consequences if they sin, but at the same time profoundly believe in divine love, forgiveness, and compassion love if they sincerely repent. There are many studies examining the idea of innocent suffering and notion of personal piety as they occur in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and in the story of Job in the bible. The question that arises is: how much can human …show more content…

It is obvious that people lookout for the bible first to solve social issues by determining what the bible says and then relating it to modern issues. However, this rather deductive approach does not provide a concrete overview of the term personal religion in regards to the extent to which one should portray utmost devotion to God. Based on the three elements of personal religion, the story of the biblical Job offers a well-rounded framework of the true nature of the piety and morality individuals should hold to remain submissive to the divine. Firstly, Job shows an impeccable sense of commitment to religious and attitudes necessary to make one stand in a close personal relation to the divine. He is man whom even God Himself embeds His trust on to the extent of allowing Satan to not only touch his body, but also kill his dearly loved seven sons and three daughters. Notably, his wife and friend coerce him to curse God and die instead of living in pain. For instance, his wife told him “why do you still hold fast in your integrity? Curse and God and die” (The New King James Version, Job. 2. 9). However, Job proved that his submission to God was not dependent on conditions, but rather utmost conviction and trust despite challenges. He stated “you speak like one of the foolish women. Shall we accept the good God gives us only and not accept adversity?” (The New King James Version, Job. 2. 9). This shows his deep commitment and trust in God despite challenges. He does not let his friends, wife, or his personal perceptions lead him away from the God, who has sustained his live despite material and family