A)What is the one key idea of this chapter?

The third chapter of our text calls us to make a difference. We learn about how different beliefs and philosophies take affect on Christianity. Herod’s cruelty and ruthlessness influenced the beginning of Christianity, mystery cults like the “Cult of Dionysus” helped weaken ancient Roman religion, and philosophies like Epicureanism helped structure people’s unstable lives. These aspects and influences helped to form Christianity into what it is today.

B) Write about two major ideas you want to remember.

The first idea from this chapter that I think is important to remember is the “mystery cults” section. There is a lot of information in this section that tells about early religious practices, and the ways of worship. From this section, I learned that Christianity started out like these cults, being practiced secretly and somewhat illegally. I feel that it is interesting to know how such a big religion today had such small, humble beginnings.

Another key part of this chapter that I would like to remember is the differences between the Judeans, Samaritans, and Galileans. Not only were these the geographic divisions in the land of Palestine, but also social divisions, each holding its own religious identity. The Judeans thought they were the greatest because Jerusalem, the political and social capital, was located in their territory. The Samaritans were outcast because they intermarried with the Assyrians, and the Galileans were looked down upon because they adopted various customs from neighboring peoples. I would like to remember this because i feel it is important to know about the differences among these peoples whom I thought were very similar.



D) One significant question you have from this chapter.

Did Christianity take any direct influence from the mystery cults? -I am not sure, I think the main information taken was probably just related to discreet ceremonies, but I am not positive and would like to know.

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.

When I think of social injustices, the one that comes to my mind quickest is bullying. Bullying occurs very frequently, just about everywhere I go. Many people join in with the bullies, because stopping them goes against what is “cool”. Often times, I see my peers picking on “unpopular” kids for no apparent reason. I always have trouble stopping bullies, but try my best to do it. I know in the back of my mind that the person being bullied could very well be me next time, and I would like it if someone would stick up for me.

The main thing that I think I could do to stop bullying is try to get a group together that will help bullied kids. Maybe the bullied kids could join our group and tell us if anything happens to them. That way, we can try to aid them by talking to the people that bullied them, and trying to get them to stop it. If the problems do not get solved, we can report them to an adult, like a teacher or parents. It would be a great thing if bullying was stopped, and everyone got along like God intends us to.

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