Theology
Chapter Two Journal
1. Chapter Two shows us a view of Jesus? world, and through this window, we can see how we are called to make a difference in our own world today. Although Jesus was not a great military or political leader, he was able to make a difference in his time nonetheless. Jesus was called by God to make a difference in His time and we, as followers of Christ, continue to make a difference in our time for Him.
2a. During the time of Jesus there were several schools of philosophy that were popular. These schools attracted well educated people who wished for enlightenment in considering the course of their daily lives. Foremost the Epicureans promoted the enjoyment of the pleasures of life but in self-disciplined moderation. Moreover Epicureanism encouraged friendship which was considered the safest social pleasure and denounced the importance of politics and love which only brought about turmoil in one?s life. The Cynics however saw all life?s pleasures as evil that should be thoroughly scorned. This ideal lead to their belief in a simple, more primitive lifestyle. In addition, the Cynics later branched off into a philosophy called stoicism. Stoics believed in harmony with nature and that all life was part of a single system. It is important to understand these philosophical theories because they were part of the belief system of many people in Jesus? time. I think you can make the argument that these philosophical belief systems were conducive to people?s acceptance of Christianity.
b. The fundamentals of Judaism formed the basis for many Christian beliefs. The fundamental beliefs of Judaism were foursome? foremost, they were monotheistic. Also, they believed that God, creator of the entire universe, made humans in his own image. God as well created plans for a group of people to carry out His plans; they were God?s ?chosen people.? Lastly, God made a covenant with these chosen people. Knowing and understanding the fundamentals of Judaism is ideal, as Jewish beliefs surrounded and influenced the life of Jesus, who is Christianity?s most pivotal and influential figure. Therefore, not only have these beliefs influenced Christian fundamentals as so widely believed, but are also at the heart of Christianity within Jesus.
3. I think this image represesnts how many different religons are important to this chapter.
4. A significant question I have that pertains to this chapter is: How does Jesus call me to make a difference through the stories of His life and message? I believe that Jesus calls me to live a life emulating His teachings. Furthermore, I am called to share His message with every single person whom I meet.
5. #1 The values of Christianity and Worldly themes often conflict with one another in countless ways. Perhaps the most hotly debated is the issue of human sexuality. The media, especially movies, often portray the issue as something cheap and marketable, as an automatic ?gift? that should be taken for granted. However, Church teachings strongly contradict this set of values. Doctrine states that human sexuality is, along with the Trinity, at the core of our very being. Obviously, God?s own image is not a toy to be flimsily thrown to the winds of chance like a paper airplane, or used as an exchange rate for pieces of silver.
Another heavily conflicting value is the trend of individualism that has become so prevalent in society today. With the rise of globalization, society has come to believe that surviving on the economic game board depends solely upon self-preservation. In addition, advertising and consumer needs have cajoled us into a? rat-race to ?have the most toys.? The teachings of Christ rip away this curtain of falsehood and shed light on how much wizardry has been enacted just so we can feel secure outside of God?s love. If our lives are centered only on our own aspirations and worldly desires, then we fail to truly see that only through living our lives for others will we receive real happiness? happiness from God?s unconditional love.
Lastly, there is another less noticeable but greater issue concerning humanity often a part of the media? human injustices. Throughout the history of humankind, war has played a key role in hate and violence, bloodshed, and vengeance. No the less true is this today, as countries continue to resort to the use of armed forces rather than legal tribunals or peaceful settlements. Often countries that are the product of this ongoing cycle develop a government that is despotic, communist, oppressive, or immoral. We see through the example of Jesus? peaceful and nonviolent leadership?in which many more moral leaders have followed? that violent methods are never the answer.