II.

1. What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!
2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
4. One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.
5. Do one of the "Living the Gospel" questions at the end of the chapter. Write out the question, reflect upon it and write out your answer.

1. A key idea from Chapter 2 is "Called to Make a Difference". The chapter explains what world Jesus was based in and what he had to work with to make a difference. It tells us about Jewish social classes, beliefs, and their different groups. It also tells us about the cultures that influenced Christianity; namely, the Greeks, the Jews, the Romans, and other various non-Christian religions. Mystery cults and philosophical cults were explained to show the span of different beliefs, and the competition Christianity has up against it.
2. I want to remember the mystery cults because they were each quite interesting and intriguing in themselves. I find different religions and beliefs amazing. The Cult of isis with their Egyptian gods, most importantly Osiris and Iris. The Cult of Demeter was a more nature driven cult, which promised an after life. The Cult of Dionysis let your pleasure run wild. The Cult of Mithras accepted only males and was a model for soldiers. The most interesting of the cults is the Cult of the Emperor. It was interesting to note that the Emperor would force this cult into making him a god, and it shows that it is human nature to have a want for power and prestige.

   Another concept I wish to remember from Chapter Two is the different philosophical influences on Christianity. Epicureans stated that pleasure of the mind is to contemplate pleasure of the body. The Cynics scorned all earthly pleasures. Stoics believed all life is part of nature and when you are in harmony with it, your life is good. Magic was a series of beliefs that spell casting was a way to solve problems, and finally, astrology was the belief that the stars controlled your fate. I want to remember these things because they tickle my fancy. I enjoy learning about different beliefs, especially those dealing with the occult and supernatural.

3. 
4. What would happen if a book (possible contained in the Dead Sea Scrolls, or something like the Gospel of Judas) were to be found in an ancient Old Testament Scroll, and it had many amazing insights, but contradicted one large fundamental belief in the faith? Would it be shunned by Christians because of this one contradiction, or would it be welcomed?
5. Our society today teaches values both good and bad. The negative values are very twisted around from what Jesus Christ taught us, and because of this we as Christians must reject those values. First off, our society teaches extreme consumerism and materialism. "The more we own, the better." says society, while Jesus Christ says the opposite. Our society teaches that instant gratification is best. "If it feels good, do it." is the message it gives to people old and new alike. Jesus and many philosophers before his time taught the concept of what you deal out will come back to you in time. It's not always NOW NOW NOW. I like the concept of karma, which turns this abstract thought into the concrete idea of a wave of energy.

   Because of our advancing technology we get the notion that technology can fix everything. This idea has caused our country to become lazy. No one does anything for themselves anymore because of increased technology. The Internet, although it is a great tool for learning and fun has also created many problems among people. Technology can fix things, but it comes with its own set of problems.

   Two of these negative values, although it doesn't have a direct attack on Christianity, is popularity and extreme individualism. I think these come hand in hand. If you are popular, it gives leeway to extreme individualism. If you are extremely individual, chances are you'll be noticed whether with positive popularity or negative popularity. Individualism is a great thing, but when you're oozing with it to the point of going off the deep end, then it's not so great. You get so caught up in your "individual" self-image that you lose contact with your more humble, modest side.

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