1. I think the most interesting aspect is the argument about abortion in the bible. In the bible, there is no clear side to whether abortion is allowed or not. Some people who are pro-life find certain passages and interpret them to being a message of pro-life. However, others find different passages that they interpret to be pro-choice. For instance, a quote from Ecclesiastes states that if a man begets a hundred children, lives many years and does not enjoy life's things, then the untimely birth was better off than he.
2. Circumcision goes back all the way to Abraham. Even though it might be crazy, Abraham had it performed on him at the age of 99 and so did many others. (not nescesarily at this age though). It is a ritual that has gone back thousands of years and is part of the religion, so Jacobs should probably not dismiss it.
3. With reference to why Jacobs was advised to "pretend to be better than you are is better than nothing," when you pretend you are better than you are, then at least you are making an effort, which can be associated with many things. I find that when Jacobs wanted to put Memphis up for adoption, he had been a lousy neighbor in his opinion, but dicided that he should put the dog up for adoption anyways because that would be better than doing nothing, even if he is doing it just because the bible said so.
4. When Jacobs was dancing, he was felt a religious experience, which meant he gave up full control of himself, which he stated at the beginning of the book was the hardest thing to do. All of his work from previous months had finally paid off to give him this experience where he was almost in a buddhist-like meditation state.
5. I think one of the most important aspects of Jacobs year was pretty much going through all of the religious motions and getting a feel for what people have done every day for every year of their lives. I think it gave him a better understanding for religion and also he can be more open minded about it and understand the concepts more. I also think that he understood that the bible can't be taken completely literally and that certain parts are based on your interpretion and how you want to do it.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The Last Judgement
The Last Judgement is where people will be judged based on how people served God in their lives. This can include helping the hungry and the poor and done good things just to be good people. These are the main ways one is judged in the last judgement. If you have not done these things, then there will be different circumstances for you which can include going to hell. It is important to have had faith in God and done the best to worhip God because God realizes that everyone makes sins and forgives those who have.
Jesus states that those who have followed him will be known by their treatment of others. This is one of the key concepts for getting into heaven. They are actions that follow in his example such as helping out a sick person on a given day and giving clothes to someone in need and many other things. These small things get you into heaven.
The way to go to hell is by neglecting to follow Jesus' teachings and not helping other people out. Jesus focuses on the ten commandments and states that now following certain commandments is a definate way to go to hell. Also, there are the seven deadly sins which are a certain way to hell if you commit them. Jesus says to love your neighbor and your enemies and to be accepting.
One of the aspects of Michelangelo's painting is those who have been saved on the Last Judgement. Those who have been saved are those who followed Jesus' teachings and the commandments. They are good Christians and helped with the less fortunate in thier lifetime. Another aspect is the last trumpet. The Last Judgement was said to be followed with "angels with a loud trumpet." who stand in the four corners of the earth. The last trumpet and also the symbol of hope are interesting concepts that are somewhat of a silver lining to the Last Judgement, where many complex and crazy things are all happening at once. The last aspect is the boatmen of the dead. This is pretty interesting because the boatman symbolizes the damned going to hell and is their transportation device. He and the other demons of hell are weird looking because Christians believe that the people who reject Christ's teachings and do evil things are less than human.
Jesus states that those who have followed him will be known by their treatment of others. This is one of the key concepts for getting into heaven. They are actions that follow in his example such as helping out a sick person on a given day and giving clothes to someone in need and many other things. These small things get you into heaven.
The way to go to hell is by neglecting to follow Jesus' teachings and not helping other people out. Jesus focuses on the ten commandments and states that now following certain commandments is a definate way to go to hell. Also, there are the seven deadly sins which are a certain way to hell if you commit them. Jesus says to love your neighbor and your enemies and to be accepting.
One of the aspects of Michelangelo's painting is those who have been saved on the Last Judgement. Those who have been saved are those who followed Jesus' teachings and the commandments. They are good Christians and helped with the less fortunate in thier lifetime. Another aspect is the last trumpet. The Last Judgement was said to be followed with "angels with a loud trumpet." who stand in the four corners of the earth. The last trumpet and also the symbol of hope are interesting concepts that are somewhat of a silver lining to the Last Judgement, where many complex and crazy things are all happening at once. The last aspect is the boatmen of the dead. This is pretty interesting because the boatman symbolizes the damned going to hell and is their transportation device. He and the other demons of hell are weird looking because Christians believe that the people who reject Christ's teachings and do evil things are less than human.
The Reformation
The reformation is when different denominations of Christianity had a various ideas on how to live closer to Christ's teachings. Some of the denominations had certain practices that others didn't think were the right ways to follow Christ. Certain ways of practice began to emerge because of the increasingly amount of Bibles at the time period. In the 1500s, the protestant churches emerged and they focused on that each person's relationship with Christ does not need a priest or a pope as an intermediary. Also, they used the Scripture as a primary tool for preaching, salvation and teaching. This new form was a lot different than the older ways and created conflict among the Protestant Churches and the others
Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church is self-governing and their history dates back to the apostles. They are similar to other churches in some of their beliefs but differ in certain ways. One of the ways they are different is that they don't recognize Roman papacy, unlike the Protestant churches. Another difference is how they recognize saints. Unlike the Roman Catholics, they are not as formal and can be decided from bishops or the popularity of that saint. Another difference is that they don't recognize a pope or an archbishop as other forms of Christianity do because they are broken up into smaller divisions with bishops.
The Religious Life
One of the ways Christians live religiously is by being nuns, monks or friars. These are Christians who take Christianity very seriously and perform the work of Christ by following Christ in his poverty and having strong obediance to Him. There are other Christians who have devoted themselves to prayer whereas others devote themselves more towards the sick and the poor. There are many different ways to live religiously and some of the ways are pretty interesting such as the Trappists who live in large communities and stay in thier house all day and devote themselves towards prayer. Also, they live a life of austerity and silence. Another group of Christians who call themselves the Little Brothers of Jesus look ordinary but do the most menial work available.
The Church
1. The Church is also known as the body of Christ, where Christians continue Christ's teachings on earth. The Church literally is an interesting type of building, which usually consists of a steeple, cool glass art, an organ, lots of seats, etc. It is a gathering place for Christians where they hear Christ's teachings and follow his example by teaching others, helping others and many other things. It is metaphorically Christ's body on earth, where all of the teachings Christians do are in the name of Christ and to serve Him. Two sacrements, Baptism and Eucharist come from Christ, where Baptism is the act by which people are accepted into the Church and perform Christ's work, and Eucharist is where Christians recieve the bread and wine of the Last Supper which symbolizes Christ being with them always.
2. One of the sacraments is prayer, where each Church has a place for praying to God. When they pray, they ask Him for his help with their lives or other types of things. In the church I go to (2-3 times a year if my mom doesn't make me go) there are comfortable pads to rest your knees on, because I don't think God would want it to be painful to pray. However, I do my best not to fall asleep on these comfty knee pads.
Another sacrament is confirmation. Confirmation is where Christians reaffirm their beliefs and to follow the teachings of Christ. Usually a bishop puts his hand on the person as a sign of the gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Some of the Churches focus on Bishops, who have a great amount of authority in the church and oversee everything. Some of the reformed churches don't have Bishops. The Bishop in my church is a pretty good speaker and doesn't bore me to death like the regular sermon does.
2. One of the sacraments is prayer, where each Church has a place for praying to God. When they pray, they ask Him for his help with their lives or other types of things. In the church I go to (2-3 times a year if my mom doesn't make me go) there are comfortable pads to rest your knees on, because I don't think God would want it to be painful to pray. However, I do my best not to fall asleep on these comfty knee pads.
Another sacrament is confirmation. Confirmation is where Christians reaffirm their beliefs and to follow the teachings of Christ. Usually a bishop puts his hand on the person as a sign of the gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Some of the Churches focus on Bishops, who have a great amount of authority in the church and oversee everything. Some of the reformed churches don't have Bishops. The Bishop in my church is a pretty good speaker and doesn't bore me to death like the regular sermon does.
Saints and Martyrs
1. Saints are Christians who show extroardinary faith, love and loyalty towards Jesus, the church and fellow Christians. Being a saint can refer to anyone that is a Christian or anyone in heaven. The Roman Catholic Church sets apart saints by a process called canonization, where they declare someone a saint based on their devotion to Jesus, loyalty etc. They are then added to the list among people who are saints already. Some of the saints of the past are questionable by the Roman Catholics such as St. Christopher and St. Lucy because they are not sure of their existance. They believe that the saints have a role to take care of or be patrons of certain things, they have a certain duty. Such as how St. Christopher looked out for travelers. The Roman Catholics view saints in this sort of way and ask them for thier prayers. The Eastern Orthodox Christians believe that a saint is anyone who is in heaven, which includes Adam and Eve, Moses and other prophets. The Anglicans believe that saints are people who have a certain level of holiness and are elevated by popular opinion based on it.
2. One of the reasons Francis of Assisi was quickly canonized because he followed Jesus and his teachings very closely and radically, which inspired many people and he was declared a saint. Another reason is because Francis did so many things under the teachings of Christ, such as helping out the poor to a great extent, praise God to a profound level by leaving his family and set off to be part of a spiritual army for Christ.
2. One of the reasons Francis of Assisi was quickly canonized because he followed Jesus and his teachings very closely and radically, which inspired many people and he was declared a saint. Another reason is because Francis did so many things under the teachings of Christ, such as helping out the poor to a great extent, praise God to a profound level by leaving his family and set off to be part of a spiritual army for Christ.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Resurrection
1. The Resurrection was important because Jesus rose from the dead three days after he was crucified, which many people thought as what happens and awaits us after death, (people continue on to the afterlife and God is revealed). It is also important that people recognized that Jesus set out on his ascension and his teachings of God stayed with the people on earth. It showed God's power and love for the people by Jesus being resurrected and for the people to have faith in God because of the good things that happen in the afterlife. Many Christians believe that God entered the church in the form of the Holy Spirit 50 days after the resurrection and has remained in the Church.
The Crucifixion
1. This source explains how Jesus came into conflict with the Temple authorities because he claimed that he spoke with God's authority and a true relationship with God depends on faith and expressing that faith. The Temple authorities believed that God gave Moses the laws that must be kept before the Messiah which could bring God's kingdom on earth. The authorities and the priests disagreed with Jesus said about him being the messenger and bringing the word of God which led to his arrest. Also, he refused to submit to the High Priest, which is punishable by death and led to his crucifixion.
2. "This is the proof of love, that he laid down his life for us, and we too ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" -John 3:16
This quote is significant because it tells how Jesus died for our sins. The damage sin has caused in the past is so great that there needed to be a sacrifice that would pay for the amount of sinning in the past. Jesus sacrificed for the people for the sins they committed. Also, it shows the love of Jesus for the people and how death can't stop the love of God. This message was passed onto the people and showed them how they should respect the people around them and love their neighbors as themselves because it is what Jesus did for them.
3. The first image starts with Adam and Eve, and how they both brought sin into the world because they disobeyed God. Their mistake caused everyone to be sinful. However, Jesus' sacrifice became a substitute and took the punishment according to other Christians. After the Last Supper, Jesus prayed to be spared from his suffering, when an angel appeared and gave him strength and in my opinion, gave him the confidence to sacrifice for everyone's sins. He was then identified and brought before the High Priest, where he was ordered to be crucified. He was also brought before Pilate who agreed to his crucifixion. It is interesting though how Pilate did not find a case against Jesus but agreed to his crucifixion anyways. He was then crucified with two other thieves and put in a case where it was protected by guards.
2. "This is the proof of love, that he laid down his life for us, and we too ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" -John 3:16
This quote is significant because it tells how Jesus died for our sins. The damage sin has caused in the past is so great that there needed to be a sacrifice that would pay for the amount of sinning in the past. Jesus sacrificed for the people for the sins they committed. Also, it shows the love of Jesus for the people and how death can't stop the love of God. This message was passed onto the people and showed them how they should respect the people around them and love their neighbors as themselves because it is what Jesus did for them.
3. The first image starts with Adam and Eve, and how they both brought sin into the world because they disobeyed God. Their mistake caused everyone to be sinful. However, Jesus' sacrifice became a substitute and took the punishment according to other Christians. After the Last Supper, Jesus prayed to be spared from his suffering, when an angel appeared and gave him strength and in my opinion, gave him the confidence to sacrifice for everyone's sins. He was then identified and brought before the High Priest, where he was ordered to be crucified. He was also brought before Pilate who agreed to his crucifixion. It is interesting though how Pilate did not find a case against Jesus but agreed to his crucifixion anyways. He was then crucified with two other thieves and put in a case where it was protected by guards.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Year of Living Biblically ch.10
1. When Jacobs decides to follow the traffic laws, he has a hard time doing it at first because he never even knew traffic laws existed in New York City, but he finds two upsides to his experience. The first upside is that obeying traffic laws forces him to pause, and by doing this he begins to notice a lot more of his surroundings. The second upside is he doesn't have to worry about breaking rules because before, he use to jaywalk often to save time. In my opinion, I think these consequences from obeying the traffic laws are partially coincidence, but they do make him stop for a moment and think of his surroundings, which has to do with the earlier chapters about him appreciating what God has created in the world.
2. One of the ways Jacobs recognizes the problems with absolute literalism in this chapter is when he goes to Tennessee and Jimmy is snake handling, which is an action taken literally from a the passage of Mark 16:18. One of the problems with this is that it is really dangerous and people die from playing with snakes. There are also other instances where Jacobs points out from the Bible that Jesus tells Peter to forgive his brother seventy times seven when he means an infinant number of times. Jacobs has some fun with this and decides to take it literally even though it is supposed to be taken metaphorically. There is also a part saying you should chop off certain body parts if they cause you to sin, such as taking out your eye if your eye causes you to sin. People actually try to take this literally even though they aren't necessarily supposed to.
3. Reconstructionism or the dominionism movement(dominionism is slightly less extreme) are thousands of radical fundamentalists who want a biblical government, which enforces the laws set out in both testaments, including executions of homosexuals, aldulters etc. As Jacobs describes them, "they are the American Taliban." They are very extreme and somewhat racist, depending on the person. It relates to Christianity by them taking everything said in the bible seriously.
4. The most important thing Jacobs learns from the snake handlers in my opinion is how the serpent handling isn't as bizarre as he expected it to be. Jacobs quotes from something he once read, "Religion makes the strange familiar and the familiar strange." In this case, serpent handling becomes more familiar to him for some reason. Also, Jacobs learns from the passion of the preachers in the Tennessee church and felt very hypnotized by their sermons and had to snap himself out of it and not surrender yet. The passion of the preachers showed Jacobs how much faith people really have in God.
2. One of the ways Jacobs recognizes the problems with absolute literalism in this chapter is when he goes to Tennessee and Jimmy is snake handling, which is an action taken literally from a the passage of Mark 16:18. One of the problems with this is that it is really dangerous and people die from playing with snakes. There are also other instances where Jacobs points out from the Bible that Jesus tells Peter to forgive his brother seventy times seven when he means an infinant number of times. Jacobs has some fun with this and decides to take it literally even though it is supposed to be taken metaphorically. There is also a part saying you should chop off certain body parts if they cause you to sin, such as taking out your eye if your eye causes you to sin. People actually try to take this literally even though they aren't necessarily supposed to.
3. Reconstructionism or the dominionism movement(dominionism is slightly less extreme) are thousands of radical fundamentalists who want a biblical government, which enforces the laws set out in both testaments, including executions of homosexuals, aldulters etc. As Jacobs describes them, "they are the American Taliban." They are very extreme and somewhat racist, depending on the person. It relates to Christianity by them taking everything said in the bible seriously.
4. The most important thing Jacobs learns from the snake handlers in my opinion is how the serpent handling isn't as bizarre as he expected it to be. Jacobs quotes from something he once read, "Religion makes the strange familiar and the familiar strange." In this case, serpent handling becomes more familiar to him for some reason. Also, Jacobs learns from the passion of the preachers in the Tennessee church and felt very hypnotized by their sermons and had to snap himself out of it and not surrender yet. The passion of the preachers showed Jacobs how much faith people really have in God.
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Last Supper
The Last Supper was the last meal Jesus ate before his death. He ate it with his desciples and one of the most important things he told them was that his teachings would be with them even after he died. The breaking of the bread and drinking of the wine symbolized his body and his blood, which meant eating the bread and drinking the wine would make sure for eternal life for all. It can be reinacted by Christians through the form of communion and other forms of interpretation.
One of the aspects of imagery is the thirteen places set. This symbolizes the thirteen place Jesus set for himself and his twelve disciples for the Last Supper. One of the other aspects of imagery is the Passover meal. Jesus and his disciples celebrate this Jewish holiday and Jesus breaks the bread for the rememberance of him. Some people question whether though if it was a passover meal and something different.
The changing role of the Eucharist- The role of the Eucharist changed from one of sacrifice to one of rememberance, which meant that people who celebrate the Eucharist must remember Jesus and view the bread and wine as something that represents Jesus himself. Also, faith is really important in order to view how Christ is among them. The Eucharist meal can be celebrated once a month which used to be every Sunday.
One of the aspects of imagery is the thirteen places set. This symbolizes the thirteen place Jesus set for himself and his twelve disciples for the Last Supper. One of the other aspects of imagery is the Passover meal. Jesus and his disciples celebrate this Jewish holiday and Jesus breaks the bread for the rememberance of him. Some people question whether though if it was a passover meal and something different.
The changing role of the Eucharist- The role of the Eucharist changed from one of sacrifice to one of rememberance, which meant that people who celebrate the Eucharist must remember Jesus and view the bread and wine as something that represents Jesus himself. Also, faith is really important in order to view how Christ is among them. The Eucharist meal can be celebrated once a month which used to be every Sunday.
The Life of Christ
I think the most important aspect of Jesus' life was that most of the things he did was in his last three years of his life, and throughout his first thirty years he didn't do anything too significant. When Jesus is mentioned, he is mentioned at his birth and at and right before his death. Not many things about him are mentioned in his middle years. Jesus is very interesting because he performed many miracles but the miracles he performed mostly were to other help individuals, not himself because he is the human form of God. Also, he didn't want to be regarded as the Messiah but insisted that he was an ordinary man and wasnted to carry the word of God and express it to the world, since that was his job.
One of the scenes in the middle two pages is his power over the elements. Jesus had power over the elements because of his power from God and ability to perform miracles. Also, Jesus was an amazing and mystifying man during his lifetime and it would be pretty lame if the weather got in the way of his job, healing people, forgiving sins, spreading the word of God, etc. One of the other images is Jesus healing the sick. In this case, he healed a man and gave him the ability to walk again. By doing this, Jesus showed the mercy of God and how God is able to help people out if they show faith in him. This is one of the aspects of Jesus' job on earth.
Caring for the outcasts- In Jesus' time on earth, he was very compassionate by healing the outcasts and especially those with leprosy. His healings showed the compassion of God and how God cares for everyone. Many people were considered outcasts, and once they were healed of "cleaned" then had to have confirmation from the temple that they were cleaned. After a while, everyone heard about Jesus and went to him for cures.
One of the scenes in the middle two pages is his power over the elements. Jesus had power over the elements because of his power from God and ability to perform miracles. Also, Jesus was an amazing and mystifying man during his lifetime and it would be pretty lame if the weather got in the way of his job, healing people, forgiving sins, spreading the word of God, etc. One of the other images is Jesus healing the sick. In this case, he healed a man and gave him the ability to walk again. By doing this, Jesus showed the mercy of God and how God is able to help people out if they show faith in him. This is one of the aspects of Jesus' job on earth.
Caring for the outcasts- In Jesus' time on earth, he was very compassionate by healing the outcasts and especially those with leprosy. His healings showed the compassion of God and how God cares for everyone. Many people were considered outcasts, and once they were healed of "cleaned" then had to have confirmation from the temple that they were cleaned. After a while, everyone heard about Jesus and went to him for cures.
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Incarnation
1. Incarnation is the belief that God came to earth as a man through the human form of Jesus. It was the God who enabled Jesus to heal, restore and forgive people. The presence of God in Jesus' life made God and Jesus one, where Jesus was both truly God and human.
2. "The angel answered, the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God"
This quote is relating to Mary I think and talking about how the future Jesus will be both God and human. The angel is telling Mary the power and capability Jesus will have in his life, such as restoring and healing the people since he is the son of God. The part of about the Holy Spirit coming upon you refers to Jesus and the shadow part refers to the God's power and protection in the coming of Jesus.
3. Some of the significant roles women play in Christianity are caring for others and in the work of salvation. For instance, the women looked after Jesus when he was born, and it was the women for who the Lord first rose to after three days since his death. They have played a profound role in Christianity through thier faithful obediance to God and being the mother of the Savior.
4. One point I found interesting is the Roman poet Virgil, someone I have never heard of before. Virgil was around just before the early Christian at about he same time as Augustus and wrote of a king who turn the age of iron into the age of gold. Meaning that he will bring peace to nations and many more things. Some people relate this to Jesus. Another point I found interesting is the dove as the symbol of the holy spirit, which is the third person of the trinity. It is the sign of peace between humanity and God, and it refers to Jesus as the new declaration of peace.
These are interesting connections!
2. "The angel answered, the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God"
This quote is relating to Mary I think and talking about how the future Jesus will be both God and human. The angel is telling Mary the power and capability Jesus will have in his life, such as restoring and healing the people since he is the son of God. The part of about the Holy Spirit coming upon you refers to Jesus and the shadow part refers to the God's power and protection in the coming of Jesus.
3. Some of the significant roles women play in Christianity are caring for others and in the work of salvation. For instance, the women looked after Jesus when he was born, and it was the women for who the Lord first rose to after three days since his death. They have played a profound role in Christianity through thier faithful obediance to God and being the mother of the Savior.
4. One point I found interesting is the Roman poet Virgil, someone I have never heard of before. Virgil was around just before the early Christian at about he same time as Augustus and wrote of a king who turn the age of iron into the age of gold. Meaning that he will bring peace to nations and many more things. Some people relate this to Jesus. Another point I found interesting is the dove as the symbol of the holy spirit, which is the third person of the trinity. It is the sign of peace between humanity and God, and it refers to Jesus as the new declaration of peace.
These are interesting connections!
Christianity Overview
Christianity- Christianity began in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and recognizes that Jesus was the human form of God for restoring God's power and effect in the world from his teachings, healings and for forgiveness of sins. The Christian belief that Jesus was both God and man led to the basic doctrines of 1. Incarnation (God was present in every aspect of Jesus' life). 2. Christology (the two natures of the present and divine are always present in Jesus). 3. The Trinity (God is revealed through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). 4. Atonement (Jesus' healings and restorations is done for everyone who has faith in God).
The Early Church- The body of Christ in the second century ended up in Roman Catholicism with strong chains of human authority such as a pope, bishop, priests, monks, nuns etc. Other denominations also tried to retain the model of the body of Christ, with equal parts under one head. Christianity began as a small movement but gradually became the religion of the Roman Empire.
Divisions- Christianity has many denominations, since Christians have a hard time agreeing on their faith and practices. The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed appeared as true statements of belief. The main major divisions that appeared were between Eastern and Western and Orthodox Christians, the Orthodox Christians who reject the claims of the Bishop of Rome. Orthodox Christianity is also made up of Russian Churches, while Western Christianity was divided in the Reformation and Reform churches divide into other denominations (Lutheran, Baptist etc.).
Christian Life- The involvement of Christian Churches has led to different ways of worship, through various ways of practice and different orders. Schools have been set up and Churches have become centers for music and art. Christians also celebrate other lives of people besides Jesus through prayer and worship, (basic principles for Christian life). Christians also dedicate themselves to bring education and help the poor in order to heal the world.
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