Journal 2
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1. What is the one key idea of this chapter. Pay attention to the title of the chapter!

The key idea of Chapter 2 is a call to make a difference in the world, even if it is something small. The little things are what can make people happy and have something to say, "I can make a difference." God calls us to make a difference in the world through the opportunities God offers us. If we are in Church, and they are collectiing money, God challenges us to make the right decision. Just $5 could make a huge difference, and that is what separates the real Christians to the fake ones. God calls us everyday to make a difference by offering us different opportunites to prove to ourselves that we can make a difference in the world. Making a difference is also what strengthens our relationship with God.

2. Write about two major ideas you want to reme mber. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.

The first thing I want to remember about Chapter 2 are the influences on Christianity because I think it is important to learn about how Christianity was formed and where its roots come from. LeCompte said "many different religions and cults characterized the religious atmosphere." I think that is important, and I want to remember this part because I think I should know about it and where Christianity was formed. I also think remembering influences on Christianity is important becuase there are so many ways that Chrsitianity was formed.

Another thing I find important to remember is Judaism. Judaism and its followers are so into their religion by performing rituals and celebrations that I think it's a fun religion to learn, and a lot of Christianity comes from Judaism. Judaism is very similar to Christianity and I think if I can understand Judaism, I can understand Christianity more. "Judaism was a visible presence," said LeCompte, and I think that's the reason why Judaism is very similar to Christianity and can help me understand Chrisitanity to the fullest.

3. One image that captures the chapter for you.



4. One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal. Just write out the question. Try to answer it if you want.

If we are called to make a difference, why does the smallest thing make such a huge effect in the world?

5. Do one of the "Living the Gospel" question at the end of the chapter, page 40. Write out the question and then answer it well.

Write a one-page essay expressing the values in our society that Christians to reject.

There are many values in a Christian life that society itself and others challenge to reject. First of all, other people challenge Christians to reject going to Mass weekly. Many people think "it's not cool enough", or they only go to Mass on Easter and Christmas. If those two are the case, and you claim to be a Christian, how are you acting as a Christian by doing this? When I go to Mass weekly, I don't see all of my friends, and I wonder, "Why aren't they going to Mass?" I have received many excuses. For example, in grade school we go to Mass every Thursday. And one of my friends said that going to Mass on Thursday fulfills their Sunday obligation. I thought this was unacceptable. In my opinion, society is too focused on the pleasures of life like money or power. Another thing that society challenges Christians to do is praying. Society views the pleasures of life as more important than praying and developing a relationship with Jesus. Praying has a huge impact on my life because I can interact with God and talk to Him about daily struggles or things on mind. Society, on the other hand, says that power and money is the most important thing in life and can lead to eternal happiness. I think that a relationship with Jesus brings eternal life because we can apply His teachings to our daily life. For example, if we see a beggar on the street who is asking for money, what do we do? A Christian would lend the beggar money. One who claims to be a "Christian" would think of an excuse to be unable to lend the beggar money. These are the things that make a difference in the world.