Jack Berger
Chapter 2 Journal
1. The one key idea mentioned in this chapter is that of being called to make a difference. One way this is shown is the influences that surrounding cultures made on Christianity politically, culturally, etc. Things that did this are surrounding nations, languages, and social classes. Other religions such as the cults mentioned, etc., are also mentioned as influences to the fledging religion. Philosophical influences existed as well. Dorothy Day is a good example of making a difference. She did all she could to help reform social conditions.
2. One thing I want to remember from this chapter is influence the Pax Romana had on Christianity. Through this Roman Peace Christianity benefited greatly. The networks developed in this time period was the main reason for this. Because of the network the connections provided, it was possible for the Word of Christ to be passed around more efficiently. I want to remember this because you wouldn't normally think that something Roman would help the spread of Christianity.

Another thing I want to remember is the Dead Sea Scrolls. They were a set of scrolls from an Essene community near Qumran. They contain fragments of many Old Testament books. The scrolls also give information about Jews and the Essenes. They were found by some shepherds in a cave. I want to remember this because without these books we would know much less about the Old Testament than we do today. That discovery was a large step in understanding the Old Testament more fully.
3.
4. Did everything that happened to shape Christianity happen for a reason, to make it what it is today, good and bad?
5. There are many social injustices that we deal with in this day and age. One of the biggest I think is racism. Many people would say that racism was weeded out back after the Civil War or something like that, but it is still a very big problem in our world today. Although it may not be for the same reasons or main group (African Americans), people have found new reasons to discriminate against different races. One for America is Arabians and Muslims. After 9/11 these people have been thought of differently even though they had nothing to do with the attack. Another is Asians. Many people give Asians a hard time just for being Asian, which is wrong even if it is just joking around. One way I can deal with racism and discrimination is by not participating and trying to stop it in every way possible when exposed to it. If we all do our part we can stop racism and live in a better world.
Back to Homepage