Journal 2 A. What is the one key idea of this chapter?
The key idea of the second chapter is learning about the world of Jesus 2000 years ago. In order to come closer to seeing the way Jesus did we must understand how he lived and the world he knew, including the political and social environment and the religious beliefs and groups of the time. Learning about Jesus this way brings us closer to knowing the mission God calls us to follow in Christ because we can try to act as Jesus did and see things as he did. Learning this way and striving to be like Jesus makes us better Christians and human beings in general. Following God's mission for us and learning to do it better should be an ultimate goal in life.

B.Write about two major ideas you want to remember.
The first thing from chapter two I would like to remember is the information about the division between the provinces of the Holy land. The book talks about Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, and their relations toward one another. I would like to hold onto this information because it helps explain some of Jesus’ teachings and shows why Jesus was such a good example. I feel as if I often have trouble being loving and respectful towards people I don't particularly like, and if I can learn about how Jesus showed true, genuine love to those he may not have been on the best terms with, I feel inspired. In several Bible stories Jesus shows love towards people of the provinces his people do not like, such as Samarians. If I could show love towards my enemies all the time like Jesus, I would be a much better person. In some ways knowing the provinces may help in my understanding of the conflict in the Holy Land today as well. I hear on the news talk about these places and don't know where they are or how they're related to the conflict. Knowing their past may help me to better understand them today.
Second, I would like to remember the section about the Jewish groups. I believe knowing them will help deepen my understanding of scripture. Often Jesus refers to the Pharisees, or you hear of Simon the Zealot, and it helps to know what the titles mean. Knowing this will help me better understand the stories in scripture, mainly the Gospels. For instance, in this Sunday's (June 17,2007) gospel Jesus is dining at the house of a Pharisee, Simon, and he looks down upon a sinful woman. Knowing the social classes and Jewish divisions of the time gave me a better understanding of the importance of Jesus dining with a Pharisee. I often sit in church and hear these names and don't know why their name is important to the story at all. I feel like I could be me more interested and attentive if I had this better understanding of the stories. I feel like today we have social divisions, as well as cultural, and it interests me to know that Jesus had the same things in his time.

C. One image that sums up the chapter for me.
Jesus Among the Poor

D. One significant question I have from this chapter.
In the early times of Christianity, what were prayers and worship like in house churches compared to our worship today in churches, and how did we grow into congregational worship?
I searched many search engines and found no sources of information on house churches of the early Christians.

E. (2) Describe in detail one social injustice. Include something I can do to right this injustice.
One major social injustice that still exists heavily today is racism. African Americans, Asians, and Muslims are three major groups that are subject to racism, along with countless other groups. We see scenes in movies and hear lyrics in songs that make words or acts of racism okay, which is far from the truth. Even in my group of friends, people that I believe are great people, you hear the “n” word, or other racial slurs. I’ve seen more than one argument over a racial dispute in the last year, and it has made me think about the horror of racism. The definition on Dictionary.com for racism is hatred or intolerance of another race or other races. Jesus preached love for everyone, even people who his peers believed to be inferior. It is time people started asking “What would Jesus do?” Jesus would have been very upset by the racism and discrimination that occurs in our world today.
For me to help correct this injustice, I can have the courage to stand up for the victims of injustice. When I hear my friends say a racial slur I can have the courage to tell them how hurtful that really is and tell them not to say it around me. On a wide scale level, at this point in my life, I am probably not going to be able to make an impact outside my immediate community to end all racism; however, my small contributions can help add into the big picture, and bring peace and equality to the world the way Jesus would want it.