Journal 6
1.) The topic for this section was that Jesus is a model of humanity and faith. By reading the synoptic gospels and writing an essay on how Jesus taught faith, I believe that Jesus was an extraordinary model of faith. I discovered how Jesus turned many of his stories and experiences into lessons of faith. Jesus also cured people who had great faith. Jesus taught how faith was powerful enough to kill trees and move mountains. He even said that whatever you ask for in prayer, with faith, will be given to you. Jesus himself had faith in God, his father, and in the disciples. Jesus knew that he was going to be crucified, but he had faith in his Father's plan and sacrificed himself. He also put faith in his followers and believed that they could carry on his mission. Not only was Jesus a model of faith but of humanity. Jesus rarely claims that he is God. He often exhibits his humanity and teaches about the best way for humanity to succeed. Jesus' message is love. In class we discussed how any religion could accept Jesus as being morally sound and that love is a key way to live in peace. Jesus' example of how to be human can apply to everyone living today. Through his examples of generosity, caring, and love, both towards his friends and enemies, Jesusis considered one of the greatest models of humanity and faith.
2a.) One thing that I would like to remember from this section is the "This I Believe." I not only want to remember all of the ones that we listened to but the one I created. I think that it was important for me stop and think about something that I really believe, or feel is powerful. I believe in the uniting power of soccer and it was really interesting to take a look back at something that has been in my life since I was a kid and see the power that it has in the world and in my life. I also want to remember the other essays we heard especially John Carroll's. His really meant a lot to me because I feel that through failing I can learn about myself. I am a perfectionist and when I fail it upsets me. However, it is important that I fail so that I can learn grow.
2b.) The project on Jesus' teaching of faith in the Gospels was important to me and I want to remember it. Jesus talks a lot about faith in the Bible. I think that it is important to remember the part where he talks about how the generation that can't see him will have more faith in him than those that do have a sign in front of them. This passage is important to remember in times of doubt and denial. Jesus recognizes that it will be hard for people to have faith in him if they can't see him. He promises that the reward will be great if we do have faith. I want to remember this so that when I doubt my faith I will be able to recognize that the people who saw Jesus still didn't have faith and that I rebuild my relationship with God.
2c.) The last thing that I will treasure from this section is the quote from the movie "Portrait of a Radical." The quote is that Jesus taught us "the way to be human not the way to get to heaven." To me this is important because it recognizes Jesus as being fully human. In this way I can connect with Jesus and follow his teachings and morals. If I am going through troubles in my life I can remember that Jesus went through them too and I can use him as an example of how I should act. I want to remember that Jesus us taught us to love all human beings and no matter what we do, as long as we do that, we will have strong faith in God and go to heaven.
3.) I believe that Jesus was a man. I believe that he was a great moral teacher and that he was a great example of how every human being should act toward each other. I also believe that Jesus is God and that he knew he was God when he was alive. I believe that Jesus is a personal God and that he created me. I also believe that he died in order to save my soul.
