Theology needs to be recognized as something holistic and essential to all people. I have a theory that an individual’s concept of God plays a drastic role in virtually all aspects of their life; from one’s big decisions such as their relationships, job choice, and community, to smaller decisions such as hobbies – things that they spend their time on, what they eat, and others. This conclusion however is drawn with recognition that this notion could be perceived as extreme, especially to those who view religion as something that is done at church on Sunday morning and nothing more. However, what one’s concept of God is drastically influences who they see themselves as in the spiritual economy, and therefore their purpose for living each and every day that God allows them to awake from sleep.
Background plays a crucial role in who they are and what they do. One might say that the past is simply the product of life and liberty, and therefore to understand one’s life and liberty it is necessary to understood one’s past. I personally grew up very much familiar with church. I was dedicated and raised in the church my parents went to in southern Wisconsin. I was accustomed to the church kid lifestyle from the very start. I was a part of AWANA, VBS, Sunday school, youth group, mission trips, worship team, mentoring, and homeless shelter, virtually anything that I could join in from the church, I would, and did so to the point of some weeks in the summer, spending more time at the church building than my own house. Over the course of sometime of conflict between myself and the youth pastor and my views of what discipleship should be, I happily left the church when the time came to move three hundred miles to attend school in Minnesota. ...
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...pective is more right than another because of the different perspectives. As it was discussed in class, it is arguable that many of the disagreements and conflicts in antiquity can be described as rooted in differences on an image level, rather than necessarily theological disagreements. I would dare to take this claim a step further and extend it out to ecclesiological conflicts, denominational conflicts, relational conflicts and even political conflicts.
With this notion in the front of our mind, we must ask “Now what?” It is vital that Christians respond to this concept in the reflection on what their own concept of God is, and how it got to the point that it is at. We ought to be skeptical of our image of God and put it to the scrutiny of scripture and verify that the God that we pray to and worship cognitively is actually the God described in the scriptures.
When a person is saved from hell to heaven by the grace of God and the death of Jesus Christ he becomes a new creature. The things he used to be must be left behind and he must strive to become Christ-like (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus Christ was the only blameless, sinless, perfect human being to ever walk the face of the earth. There is no possible way for anybody to achieve such perfection. The only way one is able to ever come close is to put away all things of this world, and live only for Christ. You must walk for Christ, talk about Christ, live for Christ. In doing so you will come up against persecution and hardship from outside forces, however one must endure. You must suffer as Christ has suffered. You are after all the reason for Christ’s suffering. Had he not willingly gone to the cross, there would be no salvation. There would be no eternal life. God cannot look upon us unless we are covered in the blood of Christ.
One of the major differences between humans and animals is our ability to reason and differentiate our actions from our instincts (Barrett, 2011, p. 3). Justin Barrett further explains this distinction in the first chapter of his book, Cognitive Science Religion and Theology. He explains that cognitive science recognizes the uniqueness of the human mind and focuses on explaining the thinking processes that take place(Barrett, 2011, p. 5). This may seem similar to what the field of neuroscience aims to do but, cognitive science is not as interested with the biological functions of the brain. Instead of looking at physical structures Barrett writes, that cognitive science focuses on broader processes such as perception, attention, memory, reasoning and learning (Barrett, 2011, p. 7). All of these processes interact with each other to create the big questions asked in cognitive science. Some of these big underlying questions of cognitive science are explored in this first chapter, questions such as “What is innate?” or “How are mind and bodies
To a significant extent, the statement “Religion is a set of variously organized beliefs concerning the relationships that exist between humanity and the supernatural dimension” represents the lived expression of Christian adherents as it is the principle beliefs and teachings of Christianity that shape the everyday lives of adherents by helping them to maintain right relationships with God and others. Specifically, this response will explore how significant people such as St Paul of Tarsus have shaped Christianity so that adherents focus on the intention rather than the letter of the law, so as to obtain a contemplative outlook. As well as how Christian adherents across the breadth of the tradition respond to their baptismal commitment in daily life, and how adherents honour this commitment to God when responding to issues concerning environmental ethics.
Erich Fromm in his psychoanalytical approach to religion is distinct from the earlier works of Sigmund Freud. Fromm defines religion as “any system of thought and action shared by a group which gives the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion.” Fromm argues that irreligious systems including all the different kinds of idealism and “private” religions deserve being defined as a “religion.” Based on Fromm’s theory, it is explained that there is no human being who does not have a “religious need,” almost every part of human life reflects religious need and its fulfillment, in fact he states it to be “inherent” in man.
"EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 & 2." EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 2. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2014.
Theodicy, when it is stripped down to its base, is the human response to the question of the reasons a good God would permit the manifestation of evil. From the 1700s to the early 19th century, literary works of art in the form of novels have attempted to provide an answer to the complexity. With the turn of each century authors produced new and different rationales and viable solutions to the problem of evil. Two authors in particular, Rousseau and Flaubert attempted to tackle this topic in their renowned works of literature. Many cultural shifts were present at and during the time of these works, which had a significant impact on the theories and presentation within them.
Religion can be described as a social institution built up around the idea of a supernatural being or beings, and the relation of human beings to them. In addition, religion provides individuals a belief to which they understand their existence as well network of emotional support during times of distress. Moreover, religious institutions provide individuals a proper perspective of life and establish values. Religion involves three major aspects: A conception of the nature and character of divinity (2) A set of principles concerning the duties and obligations between divinity and humanity. (3) A set of behavior patterns designed to conform to God’s will (Thorman, 154). The theme of panopticisim is to assert and maintain power by being unseen. In Christianity, God, unable to be to seen, is a supernatural being with infinite power. In addition, the Holy Bible reaffirms this power and establishes accordance among civilians. The social institution of religion is a form of a panoptic system where individuals are compelled to act accordingly.
The debate over baptism has become one that surrounds so many areas of Christianity. It surely is no small topic to undertake. Where most theological discussions are concerned with a specific primary topic or doctrine, baptism debates consist of many topics within itself. Debates on the purpose of baptism, the benefits of baptism, who baptism was designed for, and what is the biblical mode of baptism are just some that have been discussed for many, many years and continue today. These date back all the way to the first recorded baptism by John the Baptist. Over the time of history the Church has meet on numerous occasions to debate the different doctrines and practices. This issue has been a major part of different denominational beliefs.
There are religions everywhere regardless of where a person goes in this world. A person could experience many different religions if they were to travel the world; however, many religions can be practiced within one country, especially within the United States. The diversity of religion is very common in many countries and usually all religions are pretty accepting of others. Christianity is one of the most widespread religions that are practiced throughout the world, especially in the United States; although, Christianity was started in another country. This particular religion may be widely practiced but some may still not quite understand what Christianity actually is. By going through the central themes, this religion can be understood a little bit better by many.
Christian Science is an idealistic and most radical form of transcendental religiosity. The study of Christian Science teaches a feeling of understanding of God's goodness and the differences between good and evil, life and death. The purpose of this paper is to address how the study of Christian Science helps us better understand the impact of globalization in America, as well as the impact of American on globalization. This paper is important because globalization features a dominant worldview. All throughout the world people believe, study and teach different types of religious movements that impact others. People need to better understand how certain religions modify, conflict with, and impact the world. First, it will discuss the life and work of the founder, Mary Baker Eddy. Secondly, it will examine the primary rituals and religious services of the Christian Science movement. Then, it will outline the precursors and history of the religion. In the conclusion, a response will be offered to the question of how Christian Science helps us better understand the impact of globalization on America and of America on globalization.
arguably the best approach for understanding the role of religion in one’s daily life. The
Lonegran states that being human means having an unlimited number of questions regarding life and the universe; in order to answer these questions many turn to religion. Religion has traditionally been a major force in humanity’s search for meaning. Religi...
Religion is an organized collection of beliefs and cultural systems that entail the worship of a supernatural and metaphysical being. “Religion just like other belief systems, when held onto so much, can stop one from making significant progress in life”. Together with religion come traditions that provide the people with ways to tackle life’s complexities. A subscription to the school of thought of great scholars
The concept of God can be a difficult one to grasp especially in today's world - a world in which anyone that believes in God is trying to define exactly what God is. To even attempt to grasp such a concept, one must first recognize his own beliefs in respect to the following questions: Is God our creator? Is God omnipotent (all-powerful) or omniscient (all-knowing) or both? Does God care? Is God with us? Does God interfere with life on earth? These questions should be asked and carefully answered if one should truly wish to identify his specific beliefs in God's existence and persistence.
Religion can be defined as a system of beliefs and worships which includes a code of ethics and a philosophy of life. Well over 90% of the world 's population adheres to some form of religion. The problem is that there are so many different religions. What is the right religion? What is true religion? The two most common ingredients in religions are rules and rituals. Some religions are essentially nothing more than a list of rules, dos and don 'ts, which a person must observe in order to be considered a faithful adherent of that religion, and thereby, right with the God of that religion. Two examples of rules-based religions are Islam and Judaism. Islam has its five pillars that must be observed.