Reflection Paper

Becoming a Christian is considered by many to be the greatest thing that one can do in life. Praying, worshipping God, and studying His word are all valuable parts to a walk in faith. Yet, some tend to forget an important action that should take place to attest a stand for Christianity. Baptism is an act of confirming that one is a Christian while symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Through the teachings of the Bible and Jesus, it is apparent that the Southern Baptist view of baptism is the most accurate to the symbolization of Christ’s perfect resurrection and declares the public statement to necessary to affirm the relationship with Jesus. While baptism is not necessary for salvation, but does assert the example that Christ portrayed.

Ever since I started talking this class, English 1301, with Dr. Piercy, I have been able to expand my writing and thinking skills. Not only was I able to make more better essays but I also learned important topics such as how education creates an impact in the world. In this essay I will be talking about three writings and how they are related to this course semester. The three writings are “On Bullshit” by Harry Frankfurt, “Why I Write Bad” by Milo Beckman,and “Statement of Teaching Philosophy” by Stephen Booth. How are these 3 writings related to this semester’s course work?

As grew older and more observant in the church, I realized that there was hierarchy and many of the times, it seemed as if it were tainted. I quickly grasped the concept that if you were connected to the “right” group of people, you would be given special treatment. It reminded me of the typical American high school cliques. For instance, there was always a group of people that were more known than others; they were liked by almost everyone, they were given special treatment, and put on a pedestal. When I finally decided to leave that type of environment, I recognized that it was a toxic atmosphere, especially if one didn’t agree with the majority or put the few on a pedestal. This season of my life helped me realize that I didn’t need to be validated by others. I actually preferred that I wasn’t alike and chose the rebellious, non-confirmative route instead. It was freeing and I’m grateful that I never looked

The need to lead a positive lifestyle with deep meaning can be met through the adoption of various religious methods. A highly prominent religion and lifestyle is that of the Christian faith. Living a Christian life is a highly rewarding process due to the meaning and understanding it provides. It is a life that requires dedication and devotion to theology, and subsequently, is not easy to live. Over time, many highly important rites and rituals have emerged, serving great meaning in the lives of Christian adherents. It is quite often that these rituals serve a deep symbolic purpose to guide followers’ lives in a particularly subtle way. One such rite is the Liturgy of Baptism. Baptism is usually the first of the sacraments that are completed.

Raised by an agnostic father and a Catholic mother, I played religious tug-of-war. During my eight years of Catholic PSR study, I moved through the motions, much like a puppeteer commanding his rag figures on a string. I listened to hypocritical “teachers”, commanding me to cut ties with my Muslim friends for fear that they are most likely terrorists and to look down to gay members of our own community. Well aware of these prejudice intolerances, I said nothing, but I did I go home and continue my practices of Catholicism. Following the sacrament of confirmation, I broke away from the church and reverted to atheism - never could I support a cause that preaches intolerance and disgust towards another human being. I did not carry this ideology: I lugged it, I tugged it, I hauled it. I desired a relationship with the Lord, but I was infuriated with the way I was taught to connect with Him. After four interminable years of refusing to listen to the Lord’s calling, I took a leap of faith that I never envisioned possible - I visited a non-denominational Christian church with the man I love the most. Dressed in my Sunday-best on a Wednesday, I walked up four stairs in my tall wedges, heart pounding and stomach turning. My inner voice scolded me and said, “You turned your back on the Lord for four years, he will condemn you upon entering a holy place”. I opened my eyes and what I saw took me by surprise - men wore athletic shorts

Duggan, STD, Rev. Robert D. Confirmation Filled with the Holy Spirit, they proclaimed the Lord Jesus. Allen, Texas: ColorDynamics, 2006. 48-49. Print.

Born into a practicing Catholic family, I’ve acquired six traditional sacraments of the Catholic Religion. In Catholic teaching, sacraments are gifts of Christ, performed through the office of the Church, (www.spaceandmotion.com/religion.personal communication, August, 2007). For the duration of elementary through high school, I attended Catholic School. At the age of eighteen, I came to the conclusion; the catholic religion was not for me. I find Catholicism highly contradictive.

Baptism and communion are means by which God encounter us, works in us, and sustain us in merc...

Growing up, I was raised in a southern Baptist church setting. Every Sunday you were required to attend church which included going to Sunday school, first service, and second service. You were also required to be active in the church whether it be ushering or singing in the choir. For my foreign experience of worship I decided to attend a Catholic church. At first I was a bit skeptical about stepping outside of my background history of worship because I thought that attending a Catholic church may change some of my beliefs or practices. I will admit before my attendance to this Catholic Church I had negative thoughts and was determined that my paper would be only about negative experience that I had. Once I entered the church all of my negative thoughts were out of my mind. Prior to researching background information I really didn’t think that Catholics and Baptist had a lot in common, besides their belief in the faith of Jesus Christ. In my essay about my Catholic Church experience I will describe the physical setting of the church, tell you about the church service, and lastly tell

I called Cornelia the following day and she asked me out on a date – it was to attend a prayer group that following Friday. It was then when I encountered and started to get involved with a Church ministry named “La Nueva Alianza” (“New Covenant”). I was encouraged to allow the Holy Spirit to be more active in my life. Because of God 's merciful Spirit, I proceeded to develop—through prayer, Scripture reading, and the Sacraments—a closer relationship with the Lord and a stronger appreciation and adherence to the teachings of the Church. Since then, I have had a passionate desire that God’s people come to know Him and love Him more fully. This desire is not only what has driven me to serve His people, but what made me receptive to becoming Director of La Nueva Alianza Ministry