Category: Religion and theology

From the lectures, text, and Scripture, discuss God’s design for work. How did sin change our relationship with work?

o Requirements: 500 words minimum, APA format

Purpose: This discussion question probes at the overarching theological substructure that grounds ministry as a work of new creation in the life of Gods people.

Initial Post: Paul believes that participating with God involves us in the work of new creation. In what ways does Gods work of re-creation echo and amplify original creation in Scripture? Include areas of social status, gender, and ethnicity, as well as physical creation in your answer. Make sure that your reference the material from this week in your discussion.

• Be sure to add at least 4 in-text citations, with at least 1 in-text citation from a biblical source and at least 1 in-text citation from a non-biblical source. Contains at least 1 in-text citation from the week’s readings and resources. Note: The citation can come from a biblical or non-biblical resource. All non-biblical citations should note the author and page number rather than the year of publication. All biblical citations should note the book, chapter, and verse. Use these references :Gorman, M. J. (2017). Apostle of the crucified Lord: A theological introduction to Paul and his letters. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. Chapter 9: Galatians (pp. 227272)
• Chapter 14: Philemon (pp. 526543)
• Chapter 15: Colossians (pp. 544574)
• Biblical Text
• Galatians
• Philemon

The Textbook :Religion Matters ebook, the Author :Stephen Prothero. I want it in Reflection Essay, MLA FORMAT, I want you to use another source by the same author (2) . pls when using as reference you need to note them, for example; pls add the chapter. pls no Al .

Instructions After watching the documentary on the Marathon Monks (in addition to the videos and readings from this week) please explain the “gift economy” and the role of human limitations and hierophany in the journey of the Marathon Monks on Mt. Hiei in Japan. Address the topics above in 300 – 500 words. Written Assignment Rubric Below are three criteria that we will use when grading your written work. The percentages are only to indicate how I weight these aspects of your writing: Clarity. The viewpoints you present in your writing must be clearly conceived and well argued. Your writing style should be straight-forward, easy to read and should be clearly related to the issues you wish to address. Topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph are helpful in establishing the issue and argument for the reader at the outset. (40%) Engagement with the material. Entries are to be related to the reading material. They are not reviews of what has been stated in the book but are your critical analysis of the reading. Avoid direct quotes. Instead seriously take-up what you consider to be the key issues for the study of religion in the reading. An analysis of the issues discussed in the course become clearer the closer your writing is to the texts used in class. (40%) Creativity. The work of Religious Studies, and perhaps the Humanities in general, is essentially creative. Interpretation of religious phenomena requires that you come to some meaningful relationship with your object of study. This is one of the defining characteristics of creativity. You have a unique and important contribution to make to our collective understandings. There are no predetermined experts in the area of interpretation, only well refined and well- argued positions. Your interpretations will be dealt with as importantly as you regard them yourself. (20%) when it says reading its from the book The Gift of Sports: Indigenous Ceremonial Dimensions of the Games We Love (First Edition) Textbook pp. 31-45. And when it says videos from this week here are the links to the videos

After watching the documentary on the Marathon Monks (in addition to the videos and readings from this week) please explain the “gift economy” and the role of human limitations and hierophany in the journey of the Marathon Monks on Mt. Hiei in Japan. Address the topics above in 300 – 500 words. Written Assignment Rubric Below are three criteria that we will use when grading your written work. The percentages are only to indicate how I weight these aspects of your writing: Clarity. The viewpoints you present in your writing must be clearly conceived and well argued. Your writing style should be straight-forward, easy to read and should be clearly related to the issues you wish to address. Topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph are helpful in establishing the issue and argument for the reader at the outset. (40%) Engagement with the material. Entries are to be related to the reading material. They are not reviews of what has been stated in the book but are your critical analysis of the reading. Avoid direct quotes. Instead seriously take-up what you consider to be the key issues for the study of religion in the reading. An analysis of the issues discussed in the course become clearer the closer your writing is to the texts used in class. (40%) Creativity. The work of Religious Studies, and perhaps the Humanities in general, is essentially creative. Interpretation of religious phenomena requires that you come to some meaningful relationship with your object of study. This is one of the defining characteristics of creativity. You have a unique and important contribution to make to our collective understandings. There are no predetermined experts in the area of interpretation, only well refined and well- argued positions. Your interpretations will be dealt with as importantly as you regard them yourself. (20%)

One of the major theological tensions within the study of Christology is its connection to soteriology. Discuss the proper order of study in approaching the person and work of Christ. Does one have a priority over the other? How does your answer help you evaluate the numerous inadequate “theories of atonement” that have been suggested over the years? Lastly, give a working definition of the atonement theory that seems to rise to the top of the options.

Each thread must include at least two citations.

Clinton College Rel. 203G Formation in Ministry Midterm Exam Please read all questions carefully before answering, and make sure you answer each question completely. Remember; when I say Discuss or Explain, I dont mean a couple of sentences (you should have at least a couple of paragraphs). You may use your books/notes, but copying long sections of the text is unacceptable. If at any point you reference either from the text or your notes (which would be something that I would have said), you should give proper citation; but the question asks of your understanding. Use the text only as a way of giving explanation to your own understanding. There is no reason to use any sources/texts other than what was given in class. Each question is worth 25 points. Midterm Questions: 1. Whitney says that prayer is learned; how do you learn prayer? In your prayer life, what had you learned prior to this course, and what (if anything) do you now need to learn? 2. What does it mean to say that one is spiritually disciplined? How does one become spiritually disciplined and, what are the benefits of such discipline? 3.Explain the meaning of discipline and, how do you apply that meaning to what we have studied thus far? 4. What are the benefits of meditation on Gods word?

In this assignment, you will engage in a personal reflection that explores the major themes of captivity, exile, justice, wisdom, and right living as found in the books of the prophets, Psalms, and Proverbs. Through the lens of these scriptures, you will connect these themes to your own life experiences, grappling with the challenges of living up to God’s standards while recognizing the need for grace and the call to care for the earth and your community. Your reflection paper should touch on the following themes: Justice and the Need for Grace: Explore the concept of justice as portrayed in the prophets, Psalms, and Proverbs. Discuss the tension between the divine requirement for justice and the human struggle to live up to those standards. Share personal experiences or observations that have highlighted the complexities of justice in your own life and the need for grace and forgiveness. Caring for the Earth and Community:Discuss the call to care for the earth and your community as found in the scriptures. Reflect on the significance of stewardship, social responsibility, and compassionate action in your life. Share experiences or initiatives where you have actively pursued these ideals and their impact on your personal growth and relationship with God. Hope for a Better Future: Delve into the theme of hope for a better future in the midst of terrible circumstances. Discuss how the scriptures studied convey messages of hope, restoration, and redemption. Reflect on the role of hope in shaping your perspective, attitudes, and actions during challenging times. Share personal anecdotes or examples where hope has transformed your outlook and provided strength to persevere. Wisdom and Right Living: Reflect on the themes of wisdom and right living as emphasized in the scriptures. Select a key proverb from the book of Proverbs that has taught you valuable lessons about how to live well. Share personal anecdotes or examples where wisdom played a crucial role in decision-making and navigating life’s challenges. Key Psalm: Select a key psalm from the book of Psalms that you feel reflects prayers or emotions you have experienced in your own life. Explain why this particular psalm resonates with you and provide specific examples of how it has brought comfort, hope, or inspiration. Requirements: Your reflection paper should be well-structured, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Aim for a length of 500 words, but feel free to adjust based on the depth of your reflection.The only other work you need to cite are the scriptures themselves. Scripture Readings: Daniel 1:1-21 (Daniel’s Training in Babylon) Daniel 2:46-49 (Daniel’s Promotion and Interpretation of Dreams) Joel 1:1-20 (Joel’s Warning of the Locust Plague) Joel 2:25-32 (God’s Promise of Restoration and Outpouring of His Spirit) Jonah 1:1-17 (Jonah’s Flight and the Great Fish) Jonah 4:9-11 (God’s Compassion for Nineveh) Amos 1:1-15 (Amos’ Prophecies against Israel’s Neighbors) Amos 3:7-8 (God’s Revealing of His Secrets to the Prophets) Micah 1:1-16 (Micah’s Prophecy of Judgment against Israel) Micah 5:2 (The Messiah’s Birth in Bethlehem) Zephaniah 1:1-18 (Zephaniah’s Warning of the Day of the Lord) Zechariah 3:1-10 (Joshua the High Priest and the Branch) Zephaniah 3:14-17 (God’s Restoration and Rejoicing over His People) Malachi 1:1-14 (Malachi’s Rebuke of Insincere Worship) Malachi 3:1-3 (The Coming Messenger of the Covenant) Obadiah 1:1-4 (Edom’s Pride and Judgment) Nahum 3:18-19 (Nineveh’s Destruction and No Remedy) Haggai 1:1-15 (Haggai’s Call to Rebuild the Temple) Haggai 2:6-9 (God’s Promise of Glory for the New Temple) Proverbs 1:1-33 (Introduction to Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord) Proverbs 3:1-12 (Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart) Psalm 23 (The Lord is My Shepherd) Proverbs 9:1-12 (Wisdom’s Invitation and Folly’s Call)

Book Review of Gene Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross Write a 4 page book review (double spaced). Write a brief background of the author (use an internet search engine), summarize the book, critique the books main themes, and explain the application of the book to your own beliefs. Book Review: The Spirituality of the Cross by Gene Edward Veith Jr. The book called The Spirituality of the Cross: The Way of the First Evangelicals by Gene Edward Veith Jr. Is about what it means to be a Christian. It talks about spirituality from a Lutheran point of view. The Spirituality of the Cross is for people who’re tired of all the self help ideas that are popular these days. The book The Spirituality of the Cross wants to remind Christians what is really important: the cross of Jesus Christ. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Says that Christians are not made by what they do but The Spirituality of the Cross by Gene Edward Veith Jr. Is trying to show that being a Christian is, about something more. The book The Spirituality of the Cross is focusing on the cross of Jesus Christ. What this means for Christians. What God did through Jesus Christ when he suffered and died on the cross is really something. The cross of Jesus Christ shows us that what God did through Jesus Christ is what makes us Christians. We are who we are because of what God did, through Jesus Christ. The cross of Jesus Christ helps us understand this. Author Background Gene Edward Veith Jr. Is a man who writes about Christianity. He is really smart. Knows a lot about what Christians think and how they live their lives. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Was born in the year 1951. He went to school. Learned a lot. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Got a degree in English from the University of Kansas. After that he taught people about literature at a few schools like Concordia University Wisconsin and Patrick Henry College. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Was a deal, at Patrick Henry College. He was the Provost, which’s a very important job and he also taught literature to the students. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Is a knowledgeable man when it comes to Christianity and literature. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Worked for a magazine called WORLD, where he was in charge of the culture section. He was the director of the Cranach Institute. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Has written a lot of books than twenty. These books are about Gene Edward Veith Jr.s views on Christianity and the way people live. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Also writes about art and theology and things, like that. Veiths background is really interesting. He knows a lot of things. He learned about Lutheran things when he was a kid. This helps him write The Spirituality of the Cross. Veith does not just talk about theology ideas. The Spirituality of the Cross is written by Veith as a person and as someone who is trying to learn more about God. He puts together what he learns from The Spirituality of the Cross with his thoughts, about The Spirituality of the Cross and God. Veith is writing about The Spirituality of the Cross from his point of view. Veith wants The Spirituality of the Cross to be about a way of living. This way of living is based on what Christians have believed for a time. It is still important today, for people who believe in God. The Spirituality of the Cross is what Veith is trying to explain. He wants to tell people about The Spirituality of the Cross and what it means. The Spirituality of the Cross is the thing Veith is talking about. Summary of the Book The Spirituality of the Cross is really about how The Spirituality of the Cross can help Christians understand their lives. It is, about seeing things through The Spirituality of the Cross. The author, Veith starts by looking at the ways people usually think about spirituality these days. He talks about moralism, which is trying to be good. The Spirituality of the Cross also looks at intellectualism, which is trying to understand everything and mysticism which is trying to have experiences. The Spirituality of the Cross helps Christians understand their lives by seeing things through The Spirituality of the Cross. Veith says that we usually think about things in a way that’s all about ourselves. We do not really understand what God has done for us. The Spirituality of the Cross is different. It says that real spirituality is about what God does for people. This happens through The Spirituality of the Cross and what Jesus Christ did for us. Jesus Christ. Then came back to life. This is what The Spirituality of the Cross is about. It is about what God does for people, through Jesus Christ and The Spirituality of the Cross. The main idea is about Lutheran justification by faith. This is really important to understand. Lutheran justification by faith means that people cannot get to heaven by being good or doing good things. You see salvation is something that God does for us. We do not have to do anything to earn it. We get salvation when we have faith in God. Gene Veith says that this idea of Lutheran justification by faith affects everything that Christians do. It affects the way Christians worship and the way they live every day. Lutheran justification by faith is a part of the Christian experience. It is all about Lutheran justification, by faith and how it changes the way Christians live their lives. Veith then looks at the means of grace like Holy Baptism and the Lords Supper. These are the ways that Gods promises actually get to the people who believe in God. Veith says that Holy Baptism and the Lords Supper are not just symbols. Holy Baptism and the Lords Supper are the ways that the Holy Spirit really helps people have faith and live as Christians. Veith thinks that Holy Baptism and the Lords Supper are very important, for people who want to live as Christians. God is present in things even when we do not see God. We should look for God in things that do not seem special at all. God is doing things in these things. Veith says that Gods presence is hidden in things. The Lords Supper and Holy Baptism are things that God is present, in. God is working in these things like the Lords Supper and Holy Baptism. We should see God in them. The idea of vocation is really important. This means that a Christians daily life, including their job, family and friends is a way for God to help people through the Christian. The Christians job, family and friends are all part of their vocation. Veith says that being a Christian is not about having spiritual moments. It is, about being faithful and doing what God wants the Christian to do in the things they do every day like their work and the way they treat their family and community. The Christians daily life is their vocation. God uses the Christians daily life to help people. My job or what I do for a living is a part of this. It is something that every Christian should think about in their ordinary life. Being a Christian is not something you do on Sundays it is a part of your everyday life, including your vocation. Every Christian should think about their vocation and how it fits into their life. Your vocation is a part of who you are and what you do so every Christian should think about it. The book is about the two kingdoms idea. This means that Christians are living under Gods rule in two worlds at the time. The two kingdoms are like two worlds. One world is the world we live in every day. The other world is the world of Gods spirit. In the world we live in there are rules to help people be good and not do things. These rules are important. In the world of Gods spirit Gods love and forgiveness are calling out to people who have done things. The Gospel is how this happens. Gods love and forgiveness are parts of the two kingdoms idea. The two kingdoms are a deal, for Christians. Veith finishes the book by thinking about what worship means to people. He explains how the way that Lutherans worship really shows the idea of the cross and what it means to be a Christian. Veith wants people to understand that the way Lutherans worship is very important because it is connected to the cross and being a Christian. Critical Evaluation I really like Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross. This book is full of thoughts about God. Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross is also very useful. One of the things that makes Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross so great is that it is easy to understand. When Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross talks about things like justification and sanctification and vocation it is easy to understand. Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross explains these ideas about God in a way that people, like me can understand them. Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross is a book because it makes these big theological ideas simple. Many people who read Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross think that Veith does a job of connecting what scholars say about God to what people actually experience in their spiritual life with God. Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross is a book that helps people understand what God is like. People like how Veith connects what scholars say about God to their spiritual life with God. This is what people like about Veiths The Spirituality of the Cross. Veiths book is, about God. How people experience God in their spiritual life. The book is about how God does things without us knowing. He works in secret. This is not what most people think. Most people think that being close to God has to be a thing or make us feel something big. Veith says that being close to God is really about the cross. He wants us to know that God loves us even when we are hurting or feeling bad or just doing things. God loves us. That is what the book says. The book talks about God. How He works in secret. Veith wants us to understand that God is with us all the time even when things are tough or when we are just doing tasks like God is, with us when we are suffering. The book tells us that Gods love is, with us when we have these things and that is what makes these things so special. Gods love is what makes them special. The book has a way of talking about vocation. Veith says that the work Christians do in their family at their job and in their community is important to God. I think this is something that people who have a time seeing how their faith fits into everyday life can really understand. It makes people feel good about what they do every day. The book reminds them that the things they do are a way to serve God. The idea that all Christian work like the work Christians do matters, to God is a thing to remember. The book is saying that the work Christians do is important and that is a thing to know. Some people do not like Veiths book because it is Lutheran. They think Veiths book is too focused on Veiths book Lutheran ideas. Veiths book sometimes talks about Veiths book Lutheran sacraments in a way that people, from Christian groups might not understand Veiths book. People who do not like Veiths book say this about Veiths book. Some people who read the book say that Veith talks a lot about things that’re special to Lutherans like Baptism and the Lords Supper. They think this might make it hard for people from Christian groups to understand the book. The book by Veith is about Lutheran things. This can be a problem, for readers who’re not Lutheran because Veiths book is focused on Lutheran things and that is what Veith talks about. The book is very good at explaining doctrine. Some people might not think it is as interesting as books. Those books tell stories. Share what happened to the people who wrote them. This book is mostly about theology. Theology can be tough to read about for people who want to feel inspired. They want to read something that makes them feel good. The book about theology can be boring to people who like books that talk about feelings and how people can grow as individuals. The book is, about theology. That is what some people do not like about it. The book The Spirituality of the Cross by Gene Edward Veith Jr. Is really interesting. It tells us what Christian spirituality is about. The Spirituality of the Cross is based on the cross of Jesus Christ. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Explains Lutheran doctrine in a way. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Helps us understand how to live our lives. He wants people to see what God is doing in our lives. Gene Edward Veith Jr. Thinks that God is working in the things we do every day. The Spirituality of the Cross, by Gene Edward Veith Jr. Is a book to read. The Spirituality of the Cross by Gene Edward Veith Jr. Tells us to live out our faith, in everything we do. While its strong Lutheran perspective may not resonate with all Christian readers, its core message that true spirituality comes from what God has done for us, not from what we do for God makes this book a meaningful contribution to Christian spiritual literature.

For this mark, students will submit a short response/reflection (2-3 pages, double space) on a theoretical assigned reading. For Response 2, students will respond to “Indigenous African Traditions as Models for Theorizing Religion” by Edward Antonio.

Each reflection is worth 3-point percentage mark of the class (note: an excellent reflection/response is worth the full 3 points, a mediocre one 1 point, and an average reflection 2 points). Two-thirds of the response/reflection should be a specific summary of points made in the assigned reading. The remainder is an opportunity for you to identify which aspect(s) of the reading you consider important and why.