Religion

We will explore Mark 9–16. Read the following resources in order to better understand the second portion of Mark’s Gospel: Mark 9–16 Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus, pages 228–254 Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Gethsemane (Links to an external site.)” Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Servant of Yahweh (Links to an external site.)” Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Child, Children (Links to an external site.)”—only read “Jesus and children” This assignment is an opportunity for you to choose 2 of the readings that you have engaged above and interact with them in more detail. Choose 1 which was particularly interesting/influential for you and 1 that was somewhat unclear or confusing. In this response assignment, follow these steps: First paragraph: State the reading which was especially interesting and helpful to you. Explain in 1 sentence the most significant/influential idea in that reading. Explain why that idea was especially significant to you (how it helps you better understand the Gospels or apply them to life). Second paragraph: State the reading that was somewhat unclear to you. Explain in 1–2 sentences the concept/idea that was unclear or confusing. Ask the professor the particular question you have about that particular reading.

As we have seen in previous weeks, the Gospels are remarkably similar in many respects, displayed in our harmony study. At the same time, as redaction criticism has shown, each Gospel offers a distinctive portrait of Christ, presenting unique themes, events, and structure. In order to highlight the special contributions of each Gospel, the remainder of this course will look at each Gospel in turn, with 1 week devoted to an overview of each Gospel. First, we will explore Matthew 1–13. To learn about the distinctive contributions of each Gospel is important for any theologian. Read the following resources in order to better understand the first portion of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1–13 Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus, pages 261–279, 289–306 Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Sermon on the Mount/Plain (Links to an external site.)” Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Ethics of Jesus (Links to an external site.)” Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Blessing and Woe (Links to an external site.)” Then, watch the following video lecture: People have many methods of connecting and remembering information. Learning through music is 1 of the most effective ways through which we remember and recall concepts. In this discussion, you will highlight your musical creativity and demonstrate your knowledge of course concepts by contributing to a class playlist of songs that connect to 1 of the articles above in the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. In some way, you will have to do a bit of research to understand lyrics, artist backgrounds, or reasons for writing the song, and social context. You may even find a biblical connection to a song that may or may not have been intended by the artist. In your initial post, offer 1 song entry to the group. It may help to review what has already been offered, as there should be no repetition of titles. As this is a group effort, please be conscious of keeping your choices free from obscenities or offense. Each entry should contain: The song title and artist A short description of the song (lyrics, style, context) A rationale of how it connects, enhances, or contributes to our understanding of one of the articles above.

In your weekly course journal, you will reflect on prompts and consider what it may look like to reflect a Christian worldview within Matthew’s Gospel. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity to reflect on your growth and understanding and perhaps consider course concepts a bit differently than you have before. In 2 double-spaced pages, consider Matthew’s Gospel from a biblical perspective. Choose 2 “threads” of integrating a Christian worldview to write about from the list of options below. Clearly identify which 2 threads you have chosen. Be sure to explain what your chosen threads might look like in theory and practice. Try to use all threads by the end of the course. Biblical Integration “Threads” (choose 2): God-Worshiping: The Christian worldview understands that worshiping God is about celebrating who God is, what God has done and is doing, and what God has created. Christians see worship as a way of life. Idolatry-Discerning: The Christian worldview understands that when other “things” are more important to us than our relationship with God, they become idols. Christians are challenged to identify, understand, and discern the idols of our time and to then respond prophetically. Earth-Keeping: Christians respond to God’s call to be stewards of all of creation. Beauty-Creating: The Christian worldview celebrates God as the #1 Creator and understands that when we create things we show that we are made in God’s image. We offer praise to God by creating beautiful things. Our creativity makes God smile! Justice-Seeking: Christians act as agents of change by identifying and responding to injustices. Creation-Enjoying: The Christian worldview celebrates God’s beautiful creation. Servant-Working: The Christian worldview works actively to heal brokenness and bring joy. Community-Building: Christians should be active pursuers and builders of communal shalom. Image-Reflecting: Christians bear the image of God in their daily lives. All humans are image reflectors. Order-Discovering: Christians find harmony and order in God’s creation.

To help you grow in your understanding, you will demonstrate how accurately and thoroughly you understand Matthew’s Gospel. To begin, consider the insufficient explanation of Matthew’s Gospel below: Definition of Matthew’s Gospel: Matthew’s Gospel was cherished in the early church, since it provided narrative accounts of Christ’s life and ample discourses concerning Christ’s ethical teachings. What do you think about that explanation of Matthew’s Gospel? The above explanation is insufficient in that it offers nothing distinctive to Matthew’s Gospel that is not also shared by the other Gospels. Open a new blank document on your computer and, without referring to course readings or personal notes, jot down a few ideas that come to mind regarding how you might improve this explanation. This should fill about a 1/2 page, single spaced. Next, use course notes, resources, and/or readings to help you further improve the definition. Record where you looked and what you discovered that was useful in your document. In addition, find 1 outside resource that supports your thinking to include in your description of this step. This should fill about 1 page, single spaced. Finally, craft a fully effective explanation of Matthew’s Gospel. This should be no more than 40 words and should contain distinctive elements that are unique/distinctive to Matthew’s Gospel. Begin with this opening in your explanation: “Matthew’s Gospel was cherished in the early church, since it provided…”

Efforts of Catholic missionaries (Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits, etc.) to spread the faith among the conquered Amerindian peoples.

The Purpose of Nehemiah- Nehemiah

As we have seen in previous weeks, the Gospels are remarkably similar in many respects, displayed in our harmony study. At the same time, as redaction criticism has shown, each Gospel offers a distinctive portrait of Christ, presenting unique themes, events, and structure. First, we will explore Mark 1–8. To learn about the distinctive contributions of each Gospel is important for any theologian. Read and watch the following resources in order to better understand the first portion of Mark’s Gospel: Mark 1–8 Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus, pages 213–228, 240–257 Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Chreia (Links to an external site.)” Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Authority and Power (Links to an external site.)” Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Clean and Unclean (Links to an external site.)” After reading and viewing, find or create an image that you think connects to 1 of the articles in the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Post your image/picture. Next, state the article and a 1-sentence description or summary of that article. Finally, explain in 2–3 sentences how the image/picture reflects the concept in the article that you have chosen. For your replies, review what your classmates saw in the unique images they have posted. Then, reply to at least 2 others with the new ideas you have gained from seeing the image they selected and shared. Discuss with one another how the use of these images has helped to shape your thinking and revealed new concepts/connections.

Which gifts of the Holy Spirit could be mentioned in the Drum Major Instinct speech and how we can use them in our lives. Using quotes from the speech.

Now it is time to express your own religious beliefs. How would you describe yourself in terms of religion and faith? Devout and traditional, not very profound in your beliefs, or uninterested in organized religion?

In this assignment, you will demonstrate your understanding of the Christian worldview, including the main topics you have covered up to this point. You will summarize and analyze the essential elements of the gospel (nature of God, nature of humanity, nature of Jesus, and restoration) and reflect on implications for the Christian worldview. Write a 1,500-2,000-word essay using at least four resources. The four resources need to include at least two course resources (textbook, topic overviews, the Bible) and at least two other sources from the GCU Library to support your points. Remember, the Bible counts as one resource regardless of how many times you use it or how many verses you cite. Begin your paper with an appropriate introduction, including a thesis statement to introduce the purpose of the paper. Present the gospel essentials (nature of God, nature of humanity, nature of Jesus, and restoration), the Christian foundation, and an analysis of the implications of the Christian worldview. Use the “Gospel Essentials Essay Template.” Based on the Christian worldview, write at least one paragraph for each of the following components.  1.     Nature of God: What is the triune God like? What are God’s characteristics? What is his creation? 2.     Nature of Humanity: What is human nature? What is human purpose? What is the root cause of human problems? 3.     Nature of Jesus: What is Jesus’s true identity? What was Jesus’s kingdom purpose? Why is Jesus’s identity and work significant for the Christian worldview? 4.     Restoration: What is the solution to human problems according to the Christian worldview? What role do grace, faith, and repentance play in Christian salvation? How do Christians think that the transformation of self and society happen? 5.     Christian Foundation: Summarize how the concepts of the gospel essentials (nature of God, nature of humanity, nature of Jesus, and restoration) constitute the foundation of the Christian worldview. In other words, how are these concepts essential to the Christian worldview? 6.     Analysis of the Implications of the Christian Worldview: Based on the previous five prompts, analyze the implications of the Christian worldview by addressing each of the following questions: 1.     What are the benefits or strengths of the Christian worldview as it relates to human value and dignity? 2.     Compare the Christian concept of salvation in contrast to any other worldview perspective. 3.     How the Christian worldview influence a person’s thinking and behavior? 4.     What do people find troublesome or confusing about Christianity and why? 7.     Conclusion: Synthesize the main points, pulling the ideas of the paper together. 8.     References Use at least four required resources to support your claims: at least two course resources (textbook, topic overviews, the Bible) and at least two other sources from the GCU Library. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. Review the APA Template for formatting and utilize the attached “Gospel Essentials Template” to complete the benchmark assignment.   This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance. Benchmark Information This benchmark assignment assesses the following competencies: MC1: Critical Thinking MC2: Effective Communication MC3: Christian Worldview Knowledge 3.1 – Examine the ideological foundation of the Christian worldview. 3.2 – Analyze the implications of the Christian worldview as it relates to human value and dignity.