Gen 105 Unit 2 Essay
TH 105 Unit #1
Lesson 1.1, Q2.
Q: What are some of the important theological themes of the Torah? Why do you consider them important?
A: The common themes of the Torah, or the Five Books of Moses, are considered to be diverse. There is no real single theme found in the Five Books because so many different people wrote them over such a long period of time with different opinions.
For instance, there are two separate accounts of creation. One is written by the “J” author, another by the “P” author (Mueller, et al, p. 40). Both discuss the creation of earth but one focuses on God creating humankind with help in the creative process. The other version, the “P” version, tells how Yahweh alone created man with no help in the process.
Another …show more content…
theme common of the Torah is simply God, or Yahweh. What is interesting though is even in this diversity, there is a commonality.
Both God and Yahweh expect that people will be fair, be right in self, and love and worship the only one God.
In all writings of the Torah God is God. Whether the creator is referred to as Yahweh or in the simpler term of God it is important because it “. . . provided the foundation for two world religions, Judaism and Christianity” (Funk, et al, 2006). This one fundamental theme, to me is the most important.
These themes show that while even though there was, and to some degree still is, differences in theological themes as a whole, there are also commonality. To think, we can essentially agree to disagree but in the end simply and wonderfully agree.
Lesson 1.1, Q3.
Q: If prophecy is primarily proclamation and not prediction, how can people be “prophetic” in today’s world?
A: People in today 's world can be as prophetic as those described in the second division of the Tanak. We have seen many a television evangelist make a reference to the world’s problems and “our” demise.
The Rev. John Hagee from San Antonio, TX is the pastor of a super mega church called the Cornerstone Church. He has at his disposal over 18,000 in his congregation not including the possible millions in his television ministry. Over the years he has written and sold many books that have included predictions. These predictions are almost always wrong. For instance, he created a panic with Y2K and the end of time and again when in his book entitled “Beginning of the End” he predicted that the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin was in fact the beginning of the end of the world (Barnwell, 2007).
It is therefore the people, us, who allow and accept people as “prophetic” in today’s world. These proclamations, or formal announcements, seem to be taken in stride by all of us, because we need someone to influence or guide our lives. We believe because we believe; it’s that simple. We listen, we do, and we become our own worst enemy. Just look at Heaven Gate. They listed and believed the prophecy and it cost them their lives. As for Rev. Hagee, even though his proclamations’ do not come true, his congregation forgives and forgets and life goes on. For as long as people will listen and believe, people will listen to the “prophetic”; good or bad.
Lesson 1.1, Q5.
Q: Why do you think apocalyptic literature is sometimes used to frighten people rather than to provide them with hope?
A: If you think about it, one of the greatest debates about an apocalypse includes homosexuality. Aids is the gay apocalypse some say. Most politicians and Christian conservatives use politically correct language when it comes to American "family values". This is far better then the “. . . apocalypse of sodomites and fundamental belief that homosexuality is a sin in the eyes of God is essentially the same. Even though politicians refrain from using words like "fag" and phrases such as "all homosexuals will burn in Hell," the belief that gays are sinners is widely accepted in conservative religious circles” (Dibo, 2005).
But why? Will they in fact burn in hell? And if so, when then does the government support it, but then discourage it?
In a speech to congress (July 1995) President Clinton used the military and it’s affirmative action and anti- discrimination policies as a model saying “. . . the most outstanding example in the United States is the Pentagon has opened 260,000 positions for women who serve in our Armed Forces.” The military has put a lot of time, energy, and money into the problems of affirmative action and discrimination. What I find interesting though, is for an organization that promotes and touts its great affirmative action and discrimination policy, why does it routinely discriminate?
“Homosexuality is not conducive to good order and discipline” is what is constantly drilled in to the heads of the men and women in uniform.” These attitudes will not change without forced change. We will never see openly gay men and women in uniform until it is forced on the military just a Truman forced integrating the military by executive order. The fear a gay guy may “cop a peek” as you exit the shower onboard a ship or a lesbian may try to hit on you while deployed in Iraq raises fear from allot of people. That fear is compounded by passionate religious beliefs that have political ties fueling intense hatred of gays and lesbians. And the victimization based on sexual orientation, for this reason and others, will continue. An example:
In Happy Valley, Calif., two white supremacist brothers have been charged with murdering two gay men in the couple’s mobile home. One of the brothers told a newspaper that he shot the men because he believes homosexuality is a sin: "I 'm not guilty of murder. I 'm guilty of obeying the laws of the creator" (Roanoke Times, 2000).
These cases symbolize the fear, anger, and hatred in America. Many people cheered and many people jeered at these crimes and so long as society allows it because there “gay” there will always be violence. I do not see it ending, just increasing. Why? Because fear frightens, while the truth hurts. You simply get more attention when you say “burn in hell”.
Lesson 1.2, Q1.
Q: Why does it or does it not make sense to refer to the NT as a single “book”? How might the metaphor of the NT as a library of much of the earliest surviving early Christian literature be helpful and accurate?
A: thefreedictionary.com defines a book as “. . . something regarded as a source of knowledge or understanding”. It also defines it as a “. . . Bible”. So, to me, it does not make sense to refer to the NT as one book; because it is not one book. It is a compilation of books written one after the other over a period of about 50 years in the second half of the first century. Thus the proper term should be library (Durand, 1912).
The library was written over 50 years in many different countries. It is made up of twenty-seven different books attributed to eight different authors. The writings were addressed to a specific group or Church and as such took a long time to become accepted; in the West in the fourth century and the East the seventh century (Durand, 1912). The fact that eight different authors wrote the NT, shows the diversity in their lives. Luke for instance, is written in the eyewitness account. The author wanted the reader to fully understand what he was writing (Mueller, et al, 2007). John on the other hand was written to “. . . inspire faith in Jesus” (Mueller, et al, 2007).
I think the writer pulls you in and with words of wisdom and faith. When you read John 6:35; “I am the bread of life. . .” I think you are drawn into a feeling of spirituality that is calming and soothing. These are just two simple examples of documents rolled into three different families.
As we know, each of the documents that make up the NT was written differently. These are grouped into three families called Alexandrian, Syrian, and Western (Catholic Encyclopedia, 2008).
Western text is the most changed. It was spread out over the second and third centuries. Alexandrian text is considered the best text. It appears to be superior to all others and although not perfect, is attested by Origen (Catholic Encyclopedia, 2008). The final text Syrian, is a result of a “. . . methodical "confluence" of the Western text” and was edited between the years 250 and 350. The writings of the NT form a library that paints different pictures of Jesus from stories and traditions the authors acquired over many years. They give us all a window into Christianity in its earliest beginnings and highlight Christ and his teachings.
I see the NT as a library; I am sure many others see it as a book. Regardless of how it is addressed, the NT is simply a work or literary art that is one in the same for all of mankind.
Lesson 1.2, Q2.
Q: Scholars today debate whether Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus represents a particular “calling” within Paul’s Jewish faith or a “conversion” from Judaism to a different religion? What do you think? Do you regard your own religious experience as more of a calling or conversion? Or have you experienced elements of both?
A: I believe that Paul’s encounter with Jesus was one of the most important events in the history of Christianity. For one, had it not occurred we would not have his books in the NT. That in and of itself is very important to Christianity (esortmant.com, 2008).
Saul as he was known prior to his conversion hated and persecuted the Christians.
He went house to house dragging people from their homes and sending them off to prison. He was even present at the stoning of Stephen who preached the word of Christ but was dragged out of town and stoned to death. Following this Saul headed to Damascus to hunt Christians. It was on this journey that his conversion to “Paul” occurred. This was indeed a conversion in faith but I believe not a conversion in which he really was (esortmant.com, 2008).
And who he was, was a Jew. We know that Jews are born and that the lineage is inherited from the Mother. Paul was a Jew and would always be a Jew. This was his linage and it could not be discounted. We can debate whether Jews are a religion or an ethnicity all day. Some say one thing, some say both. I think that it matters in this case.
For life he remained a Jew in his linage, he became a Christian in his religion. He was a devote Jew with an incredible knowledge of scripture. This is why Jesus chose him and he accepted his new found belief in Christianity. This was his conversion and it teaches us many things about us today just as it did him over 2,000 years
ago.
Paul’s conversion teaches us that God is there for us and will meet our needs whether on the road to Damascus or on the road of drugs, alcohol, and abuse. Saul accepted the invitation from God for salvation; we too have the same opportunity whether we are Jews, Muslim or Christians who lost our way. Paul said yes, we can too. I know I did.
For many years I went alone without God. As a Catholic I lost faith in the Church and the feeling of being talked at rather than talked with. Mass was boring and was an hour of being talked at. So I left.
Then one day, after I had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I answered his call. Not because I was sick, but because I was still alone and I knew I could not face it alone any longer. I found an Episcopal church and feel alive. I feel part of a congregation, part of a family, and I feel Gods love and presence in my life. “I once was lost, but now I’m found” means so much to me; literally!
In conclusion, Paul converted in faith, not in being. He lived out his life, not perfect, but as a Christian believer of Christ who spread the word that he once despised.
References
Durand, A., (1912). The New testament in the Catholic Encyclopedia. New York, NY: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved August 26, 2008 from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14530a.htm
Barnwell, B., (2007). John Hagee Wants War With Iran, and He Wants it Now! Lewrockwell.com. Retrieved August 25, 208 from http://LewRockwell.com
Funk, et al., (2006). New Encyclopedia, 2006 Worlds Almanac Group.
Hudosn, M. (2000) Anti-gay violence frequent across the nation, activists say. Roanoke, VA: http://theroanoketimes.com/The Roanoke Times
Mueller, S., et al., (2007). Theological Foundations, Concepts and methods for understanding the Christian Faith.
Winona, MN: Saint Mary’s Press
Whitney, D., (2005). University of Michigan: Apocalypse Now: Enter Stage Left. Michigan daily thefreedictionary.com,. (2008) Definition of Bible. Retrieved August 25, 2008 from http://thefreedictionary.com.
The Conversion of Paul. Retrieved August 26, 2008 from http://www.essortment.com/all/conversionofpa_rjxk.htm
Lesson 1.1, Q2.
Q: What are some of the important theological themes of the Torah? Why do you consider them important?
A: The common themes of the Torah, or the Five Books of Moses, are considered to be diverse. There is no real single theme found in the Five Books because so many different people wrote them over such a long period of time with different opinions.
For instance, there are two separate accounts of creation. One is written by the “J” author, another by the “P” author (Mueller, et al, p. 40). Both discuss the creation of earth but one focuses on God creating humankind with help in the creative process. The other version, the “P” version, tells how Yahweh alone created man with no help in the process.
Another …show more content…
theme common of the Torah is simply God, or Yahweh. What is interesting though is even in this diversity, there is a commonality.
Both God and Yahweh expect that people will be fair, be right in self, and love and worship the only one God.
In all writings of the Torah God is God. Whether the creator is referred to as Yahweh or in the simpler term of God it is important because it “. . . provided the foundation for two world religions, Judaism and Christianity” (Funk, et al, 2006). This one fundamental theme, to me is the most important.
These themes show that while even though there was, and to some degree still is, differences in theological themes as a whole, there are also commonality. To think, we can essentially agree to disagree but in the end simply and wonderfully agree.
Lesson 1.1, Q3.
Q: If prophecy is primarily proclamation and not prediction, how can people be “prophetic” in today’s world?
A: People in today 's world can be as prophetic as those described in the second division of the Tanak. We have seen many a television evangelist make a reference to the world’s problems and “our” demise.
The Rev. John Hagee from San Antonio, TX is the pastor of a super mega church called the Cornerstone Church. He has at his disposal over 18,000 in his congregation not including the possible millions in his television ministry. Over the years he has written and sold many books that have included predictions. These predictions are almost always wrong. For instance, he created a panic with Y2K and the end of time and again when in his book entitled “Beginning of the End” he predicted that the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin was in fact the beginning of the end of the world (Barnwell, 2007).
It is therefore the people, us, who allow and accept people as “prophetic” in today’s world. These proclamations, or formal announcements, seem to be taken in stride by all of us, because we need someone to influence or guide our lives. We believe because we believe; it’s that simple. We listen, we do, and we become our own worst enemy. Just look at Heaven Gate. They listed and believed the prophecy and it cost them their lives. As for Rev. Hagee, even though his proclamations’ do not come true, his congregation forgives and forgets and life goes on. For as long as people will listen and believe, people will listen to the “prophetic”; good or bad.
Lesson 1.1, Q5.
Q: Why do you think apocalyptic literature is sometimes used to frighten people rather than to provide them with hope?
A: If you think about it, one of the greatest debates about an apocalypse includes homosexuality. Aids is the gay apocalypse some say. Most politicians and Christian conservatives use politically correct language when it comes to American "family values". This is far better then the “. . . apocalypse of sodomites and fundamental belief that homosexuality is a sin in the eyes of God is essentially the same. Even though politicians refrain from using words like "fag" and phrases such as "all homosexuals will burn in Hell," the belief that gays are sinners is widely accepted in conservative religious circles” (Dibo, 2005).
But why? Will they in fact burn in hell? And if so, when then does the government support it, but then discourage it?
In a speech to congress (July 1995) President Clinton used the military and it’s affirmative action and anti- discrimination policies as a model saying “. . . the most outstanding example in the United States is the Pentagon has opened 260,000 positions for women who serve in our Armed Forces.” The military has put a lot of time, energy, and money into the problems of affirmative action and discrimination. What I find interesting though, is for an organization that promotes and touts its great affirmative action and discrimination policy, why does it routinely discriminate?
“Homosexuality is not conducive to good order and discipline” is what is constantly drilled in to the heads of the men and women in uniform.” These attitudes will not change without forced change. We will never see openly gay men and women in uniform until it is forced on the military just a Truman forced integrating the military by executive order. The fear a gay guy may “cop a peek” as you exit the shower onboard a ship or a lesbian may try to hit on you while deployed in Iraq raises fear from allot of people. That fear is compounded by passionate religious beliefs that have political ties fueling intense hatred of gays and lesbians. And the victimization based on sexual orientation, for this reason and others, will continue. An example:
In Happy Valley, Calif., two white supremacist brothers have been charged with murdering two gay men in the couple’s mobile home. One of the brothers told a newspaper that he shot the men because he believes homosexuality is a sin: "I 'm not guilty of murder. I 'm guilty of obeying the laws of the creator" (Roanoke Times, 2000).
These cases symbolize the fear, anger, and hatred in America. Many people cheered and many people jeered at these crimes and so long as society allows it because there “gay” there will always be violence. I do not see it ending, just increasing. Why? Because fear frightens, while the truth hurts. You simply get more attention when you say “burn in hell”.
Lesson 1.2, Q1.
Q: Why does it or does it not make sense to refer to the NT as a single “book”? How might the metaphor of the NT as a library of much of the earliest surviving early Christian literature be helpful and accurate?
A: thefreedictionary.com defines a book as “. . . something regarded as a source of knowledge or understanding”. It also defines it as a “. . . Bible”. So, to me, it does not make sense to refer to the NT as one book; because it is not one book. It is a compilation of books written one after the other over a period of about 50 years in the second half of the first century. Thus the proper term should be library (Durand, 1912).
The library was written over 50 years in many different countries. It is made up of twenty-seven different books attributed to eight different authors. The writings were addressed to a specific group or Church and as such took a long time to become accepted; in the West in the fourth century and the East the seventh century (Durand, 1912). The fact that eight different authors wrote the NT, shows the diversity in their lives. Luke for instance, is written in the eyewitness account. The author wanted the reader to fully understand what he was writing (Mueller, et al, 2007). John on the other hand was written to “. . . inspire faith in Jesus” (Mueller, et al, 2007).
I think the writer pulls you in and with words of wisdom and faith. When you read John 6:35; “I am the bread of life. . .” I think you are drawn into a feeling of spirituality that is calming and soothing. These are just two simple examples of documents rolled into three different families.
As we know, each of the documents that make up the NT was written differently. These are grouped into three families called Alexandrian, Syrian, and Western (Catholic Encyclopedia, 2008).
Western text is the most changed. It was spread out over the second and third centuries. Alexandrian text is considered the best text. It appears to be superior to all others and although not perfect, is attested by Origen (Catholic Encyclopedia, 2008). The final text Syrian, is a result of a “. . . methodical "confluence" of the Western text” and was edited between the years 250 and 350. The writings of the NT form a library that paints different pictures of Jesus from stories and traditions the authors acquired over many years. They give us all a window into Christianity in its earliest beginnings and highlight Christ and his teachings.
I see the NT as a library; I am sure many others see it as a book. Regardless of how it is addressed, the NT is simply a work or literary art that is one in the same for all of mankind.
Lesson 1.2, Q2.
Q: Scholars today debate whether Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus represents a particular “calling” within Paul’s Jewish faith or a “conversion” from Judaism to a different religion? What do you think? Do you regard your own religious experience as more of a calling or conversion? Or have you experienced elements of both?
A: I believe that Paul’s encounter with Jesus was one of the most important events in the history of Christianity. For one, had it not occurred we would not have his books in the NT. That in and of itself is very important to Christianity (esortmant.com, 2008).
Saul as he was known prior to his conversion hated and persecuted the Christians.
He went house to house dragging people from their homes and sending them off to prison. He was even present at the stoning of Stephen who preached the word of Christ but was dragged out of town and stoned to death. Following this Saul headed to Damascus to hunt Christians. It was on this journey that his conversion to “Paul” occurred. This was indeed a conversion in faith but I believe not a conversion in which he really was (esortmant.com, 2008).
And who he was, was a Jew. We know that Jews are born and that the lineage is inherited from the Mother. Paul was a Jew and would always be a Jew. This was his linage and it could not be discounted. We can debate whether Jews are a religion or an ethnicity all day. Some say one thing, some say both. I think that it matters in this case.
For life he remained a Jew in his linage, he became a Christian in his religion. He was a devote Jew with an incredible knowledge of scripture. This is why Jesus chose him and he accepted his new found belief in Christianity. This was his conversion and it teaches us many things about us today just as it did him over 2,000 years
ago.
Paul’s conversion teaches us that God is there for us and will meet our needs whether on the road to Damascus or on the road of drugs, alcohol, and abuse. Saul accepted the invitation from God for salvation; we too have the same opportunity whether we are Jews, Muslim or Christians who lost our way. Paul said yes, we can too. I know I did.
For many years I went alone without God. As a Catholic I lost faith in the Church and the feeling of being talked at rather than talked with. Mass was boring and was an hour of being talked at. So I left.
Then one day, after I had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I answered his call. Not because I was sick, but because I was still alone and I knew I could not face it alone any longer. I found an Episcopal church and feel alive. I feel part of a congregation, part of a family, and I feel Gods love and presence in my life. “I once was lost, but now I’m found” means so much to me; literally!
In conclusion, Paul converted in faith, not in being. He lived out his life, not perfect, but as a Christian believer of Christ who spread the word that he once despised.
References
Durand, A., (1912). The New testament in the Catholic Encyclopedia. New York, NY: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved August 26, 2008 from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14530a.htm
Barnwell, B., (2007). John Hagee Wants War With Iran, and He Wants it Now! Lewrockwell.com. Retrieved August 25, 208 from http://LewRockwell.com
Funk, et al., (2006). New Encyclopedia, 2006 Worlds Almanac Group.
Hudosn, M. (2000) Anti-gay violence frequent across the nation, activists say. Roanoke, VA: http://theroanoketimes.com/The Roanoke Times
Mueller, S., et al., (2007). Theological Foundations, Concepts and methods for understanding the Christian Faith.
Winona, MN: Saint Mary’s Press
Whitney, D., (2005). University of Michigan: Apocalypse Now: Enter Stage Left. Michigan daily thefreedictionary.com,. (2008) Definition of Bible. Retrieved August 25, 2008 from http://thefreedictionary.com.
The Conversion of Paul. Retrieved August 26, 2008 from http://www.essortment.com/all/conversionofpa_rjxk.htm