1. One paragraph summary of the key idea summarizing the major idea of the section.
The key idea about the Morality of Jesus presented in this section is definitely the Sermon on the Mount. I think that the Sermon on the Mount was the most important idea of Jesus’ morality because it really spelled out what exactly a person (then and now) has to do to be considered moral, while also teaching the right spirit of morality. First of all, the Beatitudes teach us a lot about morality because it demonstrates to us the type of people looked favorably upon by Jesus. He tells us the sort of person we should strive to be (poor in spirit, peacemakers, pure of heart, etc.) Also, the six anti-Pharisee statements give us greater insight and depth into the teachings of the laws and the prophets. When Jesus said that we should not be angry at our brothers, it taught us that, because anger can lead to violence, we should focus on stopping anger in the first place. Furthermore, the parables he teaches us show us the right spirit to live. For example, the parable of the sower and the seed teaches us not to only listen to and “blow off” the Word of God, but also to put it into our everyday lives. These sorts of teachings make me think that the Sermon on the Mount was Jesus’ best example of morality.
2. List and explain three of the most important ideas you want to remember from this week.
a. Mere Christianity by: C.S. Lewis - “The Law of Human Nature tells you what human beings ought to do and do not.” I think this is the most important idea in Lewis’ entire article. I think that in once concise statement, he summarizes the whole concept of conscience. But to understand it better, I need to explain more about this passage. C.S. Lewis describes in Mere Christianity that there is something above and beyond us which makes us want to act in certain ways. Of course, the Law of Human Nature does not force us to act in certain ways (like God cannot make us act any certain way) but it does provide that inspiration, or calling, to do the right thing. What is the right thing? That which our conscience tells us is right. C.S. Lewis, in the article, describes things that every person does daily (argue with someone about what is fair and not fair, etc.) and how they all point to the fact that we all have a deep-rooted sense of what is right and wrong and how it all points to a Law of Human Nature which dictates what we find to be moral and immoral.
b. The Judgment of Nations: Matthew 25 - I think that this bible passage is one of the most important passages to reveal Jesus’ morality. In Matthew 25, Jesus separates the nations of the world as sheep and goats. To the good sheep he said that because of their good deeds in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting those in prison, etc. they would be saved from Hell (because those people were actually Jesus). To those goats he said that because of their indifference to those in need, they would be subject to Hell, for every time they passed up a person in need, they passed up Jesus. I think this captures Jesus’ sense of morality because it really shows what deeds he considers good, moral, and just while he punishes those people who didn’t do those deeds. I think Jesus is pretty clear on what he wants of us in this passage.
c. The Moral Practice of Jesus - I thought that this article by William O’Malley represented the Morality of Jesus very well because it showed us probably what Jesus focused the most on in his ministry. O’Malley says, “The narcissism that refuses to admit one did wrong and the inertia that finds it too much effort and embarrassment to go back to the first wrong turn and start over,” is perhaps the root sin. So many people have troubles admitting their wrongs because in our society, being wrong is punished (and no one wants to be punished!) so I think that the mostly intolerant attitude of our society has some part of why this sin is so commonplace. Jesus makes reference to this idea in many of his stories, including the adulterous woman, the prodigal son, etc. so that we can learn from these stories. These stories emphasize the importance of going back to the beginning and starting over fresh in a new life. I think this is an important concept to Jesus’ morality.
3. One image that reminds you of key ideas.
"The Crowds Listening to Jesus" by Christie Kwock. Picture taken by Christie Kwock during Youth Sing Praise 2004.
I think this image is a perfect example of Jesus' morality because it is a re-enactment of the same event that took place two thousand years ago. I think that through Youth Sing Praise, Jesus was able to teach a new group of people about his morality through Christian (how ironic...) Gossett, who played Jesus. This is how Jesus' morality continues to thrive today.
I think a Christian is any person who takes into consideration the teachings and practices of Jesus into their everyday life. A Christian is a person who knows and understands the key teachings of Jesus and puts them into use every day. I think that I am a Christian, but I could become a much better Christian with a little more knowledge and a lot more effort. Being a Christian has affected my morality in such a way that I try to change the things in my life which I know are bad (in accordance with Jesus and those things which make me feel bad) and I try to live my life better in a way which Jesus would approve. Such examples would be anger and gossiping.
5. What should you try to do to make you a better Christian?
The easiest thing a person can do to make themselves better Christians would be to learn what Jesus says. I think that most people who call themselves Christians don’t know or don’t understand some of Jesus’ key teachings which are kind of vital to being a Christian. Closely related to this, but much more difficult, living out these teachings can be one of the most difficult things a person can do. You (and I) must have a dedication to morality which I could definitely improve upon.
