What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!
Called to make a difference. Many different political, social, and religious beliefs affected and helped change the Christian religion. Starting at the beginning of the Christian era, the Greco-Roman world was united under Roman rule and unified under Greek influence. Several religions, cults, and political ideas characterized the Christian world. Alexander the Great, a Greek ruler who conquered most of the Mediterranean world had a large influence on the people of the Christian belief. He affected them with his strong ideas and political power. Several cults including, the cult of Isis, Demeter, Dionysus, Mithras, and the Emperor offered answers to the questions about life in the next world, and made some Christians wonder about their religion. Finally the Christians were influenced by the philosophical groups, the Epicureans, Cynics, Stoics, Magicians, and the Astrologists. These groups aided people in considering how they should live their lives, and made some feel more secure in their world. Each of the ideas and groups mentioned above helped shape the religion we call Christianity and made a difference in its history. Our religion would not be what it is today without these influences.
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.
Two ideas from this chapter that I would like to remember are monotheism and the five groups of Judaism. The idea of monotheism is the belief in one God. In a world that was predominately polytheistic, the Christians had few religions to look up to as monotheistic. Included in these groups were the Jews and Zoroastrians. The concept of monotheism tends to be tied with the Abrahamic God. It is the belief in a Supreme Being that looks over all and protects them. I would like to remember this, because my religion, Catholicism is centered on the belief of monotheism, the belief in one Supreme God, and to be a true Catholic I need to follow this belief.
Next I would like to remember the five groups of Judaism, The Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots, and the poor. The Pharisees were a group of well-educated lay Jewish people who focused on keeping Jews faithful to the law. The Sadducees were a group of priests who saw no harm in compromising the Jewish law with the Greek and Roman laws to keep peace. The Essenes where member of a Jewish sect who thought they were among God elect and withdrew from political activity and the world. The Zealots were a group of rebellious militant Jews who yearned to battle for their independence. Finally, the poor were the majority who suffered, and were considered outcasts. I would like to remember these groups, because my Lord and savior Jesus talked about the wrong doings of some of them and proclaimed that his mission was to preach the good news to the poor and help them be free to live as God intend. As I look at these groups I think it would have been very easy for Jesus to teach to the Pharisees, but it shows his true character, the one who will preach to the lowly and neglected.
One image that captures the chapter for you.
Do you think there are groups of Christianity? If so identify five groups.
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. 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.
One social injustice in the world today is racism. Although many rights have been passed to better the lives of minority groups, racism is still alive and well. People are afraid of other’s difference and judge them on the basis of skin color. African Americans are especially targeted in the United States and some have difficulties finding jobs and places to live. Some people make them scapegoats and use them to place the blame for their problems. One group, the KKK believes that God calls them to eliminate minority groups and the idea of white supremacy. They think that these minority groups are the reason for their troubles. One thing I will do to right this injustice is try and understand others for who they truly are. I will take an indepth look inside a person’s heart and judge them not by the color of their skin but by their character. Another way I will help stop racism is by making sure people in my school community and neighborhood are aware of the problem that is racism. If everyone is aware of the problem, the community can help prohibt racist people and groups. With a better understanding, and more people trying to stop racism I think the problem will be eliminated.