Section III: The Morality of Jesus
Journal by Dave Emnett
1) The key idea about the Morality of Jesus presented in this section is Jesus’ two greatest commandments that summarize his teachings and the radical nature of Jesus’ teachings for that time period. In this section we go over the key teachings of Jesus from the Bible. These teachings include the judgment of nations, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Good Samaritan, perhaps Jesus’ most important teachings. Jesus teaches us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as our self. Although Jesus’ teachings are parallel to C.S. Lewis’ morality of the Law of Human Nature which was also a big part of this section, they were radical to the times. In that age people were taught and eye for and eye and to hate mine enemies. Jesus taught to turn the other cheek and to love thine enemy.
2) The law of human nature: C.S. Lewis’ law of human nature is essentially that feeling that all of us have that tells us what we ought to do. When we have a choice at hand we can either go the “right” way or the “wrong” way. A lot of times we have a strong inclination inside of us that wants us to go the “wrong” way. But we also have that “third instinct” that tells us that we should follow the “right” path. The law of human nature is a rule of right and wrong of fair play. It affects everyone everywhere and people tend not to follow it.
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) - This is the story of a man that was robbed and was laying on the side of the street hurt. Three men were to walk by him. The first was a priest, the second a Levite, and the third a Samaritan. The priest and the Levite saw the man and passed by on the other side of the road. But when the Samaritan saw him he stopped and bandaged his wounds. He then took him to a nearby Inn and paid the innkeeper to watch over him until he was healed saying that if there was any further cost that he would repay the innkeeper on his way back. This story teaches one of Jesus’s key ideas; love thy neighbor. It is also important to remember that the Samaritan was the one who stopped and at the time Samaritans were a people not liked my the Jews. This is who does good. Good can come from anyone and is in anyone. (love thine enemy)
The disciples as the “salt of the earth,” (Matthew 5:13) – Usually when I think of the disciples I think of miracles and Pentecost. I think of fire and light of the disciples going out to shine Jesus’ light to the rest of the world. I think of them speaking in tongues. Then there is this image of the salt of the earth. I found out that salt was used to preserve as for better taste. Therefore the disciples are to improve the quality of human existence and preserve it from destruction.
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http://ic.net/~erasmus/RAZ26.HTM
4) What is a Christian? Are you a Christian? What did your pre-sermon survey reveal? Did you show you know what Jesus taught, believed and try to follow His teachings? If so explain how being a Christian really affects your morality, if not, explain the base of your moral system.
Is Christian is someone who believes that Jesus rose from the dead to save us from our sins and that tries to follow his teachings. Yes, I am a Christian. The survey showed that I did in fact know most of Jesus’ teachings. I didn’t have the beatitudes memorized but I knew most of them. I knew all the key stories that taught Jesus’ key teachings. Being a Christian I find means a lot to me. However I find that being a Catholic doesn’t mean anywhere near as much. I am a Christian because I act like a Christian; because I care about people and I strive to be kind to everyone. I show I am a Christian through my actions and how I live my life. It affects the decisions I make, the people I hang out with, and how I treat other people.
5) What can a person do to try to do to make themselves a better Christian? If you are a Christian, please personalize this: What can you do to try to do to make yourself a better Christian?
I can try to make myself a better Christian by being a better listener. I can really help people a lot by just being there to hear what they have to say to make them feel important.
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