chapter!
The one key idea of this chapter is mainly about the world of Jesus. In this
chapter, we learn about the world Jesus taught and preached in, and how
it influenced his teachings. We studied various forms of religious
beliefs and groups, as well as the political and social environment of the
day. This chapter helped me understand what influenced my faith in its early
years. We also were called to make a difference in this chapter. Our
class tried to see the world through Jesus' eyes and was called to be
a part of his mission.
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.
One of the major ideas I'd like to remember was the philosophical influences
that were around in the days of Jesus. Philosophies helped some people
feel more secure in their unstable world. They were especially attractive
to the educated class. Epicureans thought that pleasure of
the mind is to contemplate the pleasure of the body. This idea started
with eating and drinking. The stomach was the center of pleasure. They
strongly encouraged friendship and avoided "turmoil" like politics and love
relationships. Fear was the root of all troubles. They felt that
at death the soul perished with the body. Cynics believed all pleasures
of life were evil. Virtue was the olny good in the world, and could be
learned by practicing self control. Happiness could be achieved only
through independence and self-sufficiency, not through wealth. Stoics
believed that all life is from nature, and life is good when one is in
harmony with nature. There is a supreme power, and they advocated human
equality and love. Feelings of passion were condemned. I want to
remember this idea because throughout freshman year, in history I was very
attracted to ancient philosophies of the Greeks. It may help in history
class next year.
A second major idea I'd like to remember is the story behind the dead sea
scrolls. The Essenes lived near a riverbed called the Qumran near the
northwest shores of the Dead Sea. In 1947, Jum'a, a shepherd from the Ta'amireh
tribe, accidentally discovered the cave where the scrolls were
located. They were in jars in the cave, and they date back to the first
century B.C. They were hidden from the Roman Army's invasion. The Essenes
were responsible for writing and preserving these scrolls. I would
like to remember this major idea because I am attracted to archaeological
discoveries, especially if they are related to the Bible.
It is an interesting topic to study.
3)One image that captures the chapter for you.
4)One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual
or personal.
I wonder why the Romans decided to have Herod the Great rule Palestine.
I realize that the Romans adopted leaders from their conquered peoples, but
why would they pick someone who was ruthless, cruel, and wasn't even a
pure Jew? It would be interesting to see how Jesus' life played out if
they had a more qualified Jew in power.
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.
2. 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.
The one social injustice I will write about now is racism. Racism is a very
confusing issue. Racism refers to the various belief systems maintaining
that humans can be separated into various groups based on
physical attributes and that these groupings determine or influence
cultural or individual achievement or the essential value of human beings.
Some of these "groups" are determined by sex, race, color, ethnic or
social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political
or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth,
disability, age or sexual orientation and also discrimination on
the grounds of nationality. I'm just one person, and I can't make other
people think the way I'd like them to, but there are various ways to pitch
in at my level. Nike has begun an ad campaign for anti-racism soccer.
They sell the rubber wrist bands for two dollars. They are black and white,
and are linked together. The funds are to help stop racism. I have
decided to help out that charity.