In relation to Christianity, Ninian Smart’s Seven Dimensions of religion seem to all be at play and sometimes overlap between dimensions. But because Christianity is such a vast religion with many subdivisions and differing views, certain dimensions that are consistent throughout the differing sects play a greater role than other dimensions that are less consistent across sects. Consistently prioritized in this religion are the aspects of the ritual or practical dimension, the ethical or legal dimension, and the experiential or emotional dimension. For Christianity, the ritual or practical dimension applies to the various forms of worship, prayer, and other practices of the Christian church. An essential part of Christianity is prayer and worship. Christians have made Sunday, the day …show more content…
“The Parable of the Sower” and other related parables in Mark 4 explain how one should listen to the word of God and treat others. Jesus says, “And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit,” (Mark 4) in order to emphasize how the people who accept and understand the word of God and live by it will be saved. Other texts such as Matthew 5-7, emphasize obedience in thought and deed to God. In this text, Jesus interpreted the Ten Commandments in a new way, telling his followers how they should act in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. He said, “Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5). These moral rules and laws that are taught in widely read Christian texts are followed by the large majority of Christians as the way for members to live their lives based on obedience and love of
He received a B.A. degree from Philander Smith College in Arkansas in 1958, a B.D. degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1961, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Northwestern University in 1963 and 1965, respectively. He taught theology and religion at Philander Smith College, Adrian College in Michigan, and beginning in 1970 at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where he was awarded the distinguished Charles A. Briggs Chair in systematic theology in 1977. He taught theology and religion at Philander Smith College, Adrian College in Michigan, and beginning in 1970 at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where he was awarded the distinguished Charles A. Briggs Chair in systematic theology in 1977. The thesis of this book is that one's social and historical context decides not only the questions 2 we address to God but also the mode or form of the
I agree with Kinnaman’s unbiased assessment of Christianity and I find his research extremely helpful, because it provides us with a clear idea and an approximation of the precise degree of disdain and distrust others have towards the Christian faith. Furthermore, his research permits us to stand apart and examine ourselves as Christians. Kinnaman’s research results uncovered the most common points of skepticism and objections raised by outsiders towards the church and Christianity (Kinnaman, 2007). According to Kinnaman, the six issues or themes outsiders have against believers are the following: 1) Hypocritical 2)
1. Jesus told his apostles to love their enemies and treat others well even if they don’t do the same; he told them to do what they would want done to them. If they expect nothing in return, they will be rewarded and be seen good in the eyes of God. Jesus was teaching compassion and selflessness. This parable is the origin of the saying “Treat others how you want to be treated.”
In order to focus on the foundation of religions, locations and time of events are limited to the minimum. It “does not attept to give a rounded view of the religions considered.” (p.2) It tried to do reasonable justice to several perspectives instead of attempting to catalogue many types. When he decides which view to present, the guideline
C. S. Lewis takes an interesting standpoint in this book. He takes what a normal Christian would usually think and twists it into a full 180 degrees. Not only does C. S. Lewis challenge Christians to take a different view of the spiritual battle taking place within the lives of every person, but Lewis also causes their faith to possibly grow. There are five main viewpoints examined throughout this essay; Anthropology, Bibliology, Theology, Christology, and Soteriology.
Christians today are perceived much differently now than they were in past generations. In his book UnChristian, David Kinnaman reveals what the current standings of young outsiders, or those that do not identify with Christianity, are about Christians in comparison to past generations (referred to in the book as “Mosaics” or “Busters” depending on the year of their birth). Though unfortunate, this faith is seen more as club or a social circle of the elite rather than a group of people faithful to their beliefs. Several negative issues that young outsiders perceive of Christians are presented in UnChristian.
Integration: Mixing Psychology and Christianity Latoya Alston Liberty University Summary In the book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, David N. Entwistle (2010) forces readers to question whether or not psychology and Christianity can be integrated. As the book begins, he argues that integrating the two disciplines is difficult because there are two perspectives in which a person can view the world: from a secular perspective or from a Christian perspective (Entwistle, 2010). Secular thinking contradicts Christianity because it consists of a worldview that is limited to the earthly realm and is based on things that can be tangibly proven (Entwistle, 2010). Christian thinking, however, reaches beyond the physical,
In the article “Religions: The Basics” by Malory Nye talks about female writers, inequality and the distinction between males and females. In the article it mentioned how the term Androcentricism assumes that the male’s perspective and experiences are the most vital and key point of reference. I agree with Mary Daly that the concept of belief in a male deity leads to profound sexual inequalities. The reason I agree with Mary Daly is due to the fact there is a lot of gender differences and that women are viewed as inferior, while men are more superior. It is surprising that in western culture, they can’t go a day without woman-male distinction.
Chapter 1 discusses that theological questions surround us no matter who we are. As Christians, we should show genuine care and interest in theology. Due to the fall, sin continues to follow our lives. Theological reflection is a way to examine all aspects of our lives and to see if they align with God’s word. It is a way to probe and minimize potential dangers of the idols of this world that give us momentary comfort; e.g., online shopping.
The book that called Psychology & Christianity: Five Views by Johnson, one book that links between Christians with psychology. Firstly, the book will described the history of the influence of Christian in psychology. In this book they explain that the Christian and psychology has a big influence. The books that I read, is written by several authors. The author must write the view and their views on how Christians should practice psychology.
Knott, K., 2009. Religions in the Modern World. In: Religions in the Modern World. s.l.:London ; New York : Routledge, pp. 15-34. McCutcheon, Russell, 1999.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods, nor make unto thee any graven image. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain; thou shalt not have no other gods before me. Thou shalt remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.
Week Outline Preliminary Thesis Statement: Religion is an essential constituent of any civilization with a unique spiritual pathway. Main Point: Religious spirituality establishes the framework for human social and cultural development. 1. Topic Sentence:
Since religious experiences are inevitably connected with the given locations and thus cultures, they naturally impose the existence of the social relations redefined from the perspective of worship. Therefore, by invoking to the religion, the participants correlate the symbol to the macrocosm it actually represents (Greenwood, 48). This serves as a fundamental reason for using a religious symbol by an individual experiencing personal challenges. The change of perspective allows for creating its total opposite. Therefore, by “[converting] patient into priest,” victim is transformed into a powerful religious entity (Obeyesekere, 393).
2. Religion 2.1. Definition of Religion Religion is a set of beliefs, morals, and values that people practice to guide their lives in a spiritual manner. Religion entails traditions, customs and cultures that influences people to live a life of morality and can be shared among communities and societies. It is a linkage to our inner beings and through the belief of God to dedicate our lives in helping others and in the pursuit of self happiness.