1. What is the one key idea you want to remember from this chapter. Pay attention to title of this chapter.
The one key idea of this chapter is that the Christian Church was molded around different aspects like the Roman Empire, the Jewish religion, and non-Christian religions. The Roman Empire persecuted and killed many Christians in the time of the early church. With religions such as the cult of Dionysus, Demeter, and Isis in such popularity, the early church was mainly composed of many small groups that met in houses. With the persecution of Christians and the popularity of non-Christian religions, the Church was forced to meet in secluded locations such as people’s homes.
2.Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph.
a. There were many different religions and cults that were around during Jesus’ time. Some, like the cult of the Emperor, originated in Egypt and were brought to the Roman Empire. Others, like the cult of Dionysus, were cults that were designed to have as much pleasure as possible. Jesus grew up around cults and religions like these. Instead of being tempted to join these cults, he stayed faithful to God and continued to preach his message of love. I want to remember this because I do not want to be tempted by the bad morals of the society in which I live in.
b. With the different religions such as Judaism and polytheism around, the early Christians were not very public about their religion. The Romans persecuted people who admitted to worshipping Christ. Early Christians instead met in the various homes of their fellow members. They used their small environment to grow in openness with Jesus. The early Christians broke bread and prayed together in those small communities. I want to remember this because I don’t have to have a massive church or thousands of people to worship Christ, I can be by my self and still have a relationship with him.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
4. One significant question that you have from the chapter. It can either be intellectual or personal.
How can I ignore the bad morals of my society just as Jesus did in his society?
5. In writing, describe in detail one social injustice. Include in your essay something you can do to right this injustice-then do it- or contact someone in authority who would have the influence to change this injustice.
One social injustice that I feel is wrong is racism/ segregation. From the time when my ancestors were brought over from Africa to the present, there has always been a sense amongst some white people that they are better than blacks. There have been major steps in the advancement of African-Americans like the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement, but there is still racism in the United States and in the world. Something I have been doing about it is getting involved in the diversity program at SLUH. With the diversity program, I have traveled to Dallas to the JSEA National Conference. There, we talked about diversity and racism in our world.
