For Wednesday's class, please read through some of the selections on Christianity in the Novak anthology (pp. 225-264). What do you see here that hints at the potential for Christianity to become a "world" religion? What would have appealed particularly to people within the Roman Empire? What do you see that has a more universal appeal?
I’ve chosen a few selections:
ReplyDelete(Page 240, point “a”) “I am the bread of life. ... Whoever eats of this bread will live forever.”
-This point tells people how they can live forever.”
(Page 241, point “i”) “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
-This point that Jesus made told everyone how to be saved and come to live in Heaven with Him.
(Page 244, point “c”) The title is this: “You must be born again.”
-This point tells people that they can be forgiven and be a part of God’s family- adopted, or born again- they are made new in the eyes of God leaving behind their sins.
(Page 253, number 28) This point tells us of when Jesus tells his disciples that all the authority of heaven and earth has been given to Him. Jesus tells them to go to all the nations and tell people the “Good News” that they can be forgiven, saved, and come to live in Heaven with Him!
This last point especially “hints” at Christianity’s potential to become a world religion. Jesus plainly said go around the world and “make disciples of all the nations...” They obeyed.
I can't improve on your answer, Aleya. Good job.
ReplyDeleteThe example of Jesus Christ who chose to do God's will, not his own will (Novak, p 235) should impress a person of any culture. If people can see the good in a man who places the interest of others before himself, it shows a great love. "Oh how he loves you and me"
ReplyDeleteThe forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ should have great appeal to any person with a conscience. This certainly is appealing, yet often hard for people to accept, not feeling worthy of the grace. Sacrifices of lambs (etc.) need not be offered.
Love, forgiveness... how about the fruits of the spirit. Any person who wants to better himself, family, and community would want love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control?
These all make a great foundation for a world religion.