The Incarnation of Jesus Christ was a time in history when God’s word entered into the life of humans. The Incarnation brought with it multiple effects that were meant to rebuild the connection between God and his people. At the time of creation and original sin, there was a link between humans and God that was damaged; Jesus Christ was the patch for this link as he brought with him the knowledge of God and his divine message. Jesus Christ was “the impress of His own Image, a share of the reasonable being of the very Word Himself” meant to guide humans back toward the right path (33). As Athanasius says, “it was our sorry case that caused the Word to come down,” and it was done for our salvation (34). Jesus Christ’s Incarnation was what saved humans from the punishment of death that was received at the time of original sin; Jesus Christ “made a new beginning of life for us, by giving us the hope of resurrection” (59). I found it interesting to look at the Incarnation as God “uniting” with a body instead of God creating a person in his divine likeness to be our savior; Jesus Christ was the body in which God’s Word lived, and his Incarnation was forever important to our rebuilding a connection with God.
-Tori McAllister
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Letter to the Romans
I believe people write letters because they wish to communicate with a person or a group of people who is too far away to visit. Letters are often friendly and engaging and are usually between people who are friends or family. Another reason people write letters is to document what he or she may say in order to refer back to it later or for solidification of what he or she is stating in the letter. Whatever the reason may be, letters are written usually as a personal message of goodwill and have some sort of important purpose; if it wasn't important than why write the letter?
Paul wrote his letter to the Romans because he wishes to spread the Christian faith to the Romans since Jesus called for the spreading of faith amongst the Gentiles which is basically those who are non-Israelite tribes or nations and most Romans were under this Gentile category. Paul teaches the Romans right from wrong in his letters and further explains the faith and the fact that everyone passes through judgement and that even the Romans are not exempt from said judgement. Paul answers objections and provides examples of support as to how this new faith is the right one. He repeatedly makes sure that the Romans know the benefits of being a Christian such as heaven and the glory that comes with being there. He teaches the Romans the ways in which they can get to heaven and that is by suffering in this earthly life so they may be happy in the next heavenly life. His letter's purpose is to educate, to convert and to maintain the faith the Romans may establish. Paul wants the Romans to become Christians to put it as bluntly as possible and makes the guidelines on how to do so in print for all the Romans to see and use.
Emma Leary
Traditionally, people write letters in order to offer an encouragement of spirit, advice on problematic matters, or other information regarding news from your location. Letters can then be preserved over the years and shown to those who can not be convinced orally.
Paul begins his letter by reminding the Romans of whom they believe in and blessing "all the beloved of God in Rome." (Rom 1:7) Then Paul thanks God for allowing the Romans to bear witness to Jesus Christ and expresses how he wishes he himself were also in Rome. Paul warns the Romans to be humble in their belief of God least "they become vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds are darkened." (Rom 1:21) Also, he cautions them to acknowledge God and control their passions, or they shall be worthy of death. Paul reminds the Romans not to judge one another, for only "the judgment of God on those who do such things is true" (Rom 2:2); but rather to uphold their law, whether it be Interior or Mosaic. Paul then goes on to say that "there is no distinction [amongst those who believe in Jesus Christ]...all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God." (Rom 3:22-23) "We have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom 5:1) Next, Paul encourages us to "live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit" (Rom 8:5) so that we may have life and peace. Near the end of Chapter 15 Paul begs the Romans for prayers in his mission as the Apostle to the Gentiles and concludes with another blessing.
I believe my summary of Paul's letter to the Romans is to remain steadfast in our faith. We must remember that we are all God's children, despite being Jewish or Gentile, and must not judge the other believers. Rather we must have faith and live according to the spirit, not the appetites and passions of our flesh. If we succeed in following the laws of God, we "may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom 15:6) "Each of us shall give an account of himself [to God]" (Rom 14:12) and it is our actions which shall determine whether we are worthy of life and peace.
~Caitlin Gorecki
Paul wrote his letter to the Romans because he wishes to spread the Christian faith to the Romans since Jesus called for the spreading of faith amongst the Gentiles which is basically those who are non-Israelite tribes or nations and most Romans were under this Gentile category. Paul teaches the Romans right from wrong in his letters and further explains the faith and the fact that everyone passes through judgement and that even the Romans are not exempt from said judgement. Paul answers objections and provides examples of support as to how this new faith is the right one. He repeatedly makes sure that the Romans know the benefits of being a Christian such as heaven and the glory that comes with being there. He teaches the Romans the ways in which they can get to heaven and that is by suffering in this earthly life so they may be happy in the next heavenly life. His letter's purpose is to educate, to convert and to maintain the faith the Romans may establish. Paul wants the Romans to become Christians to put it as bluntly as possible and makes the guidelines on how to do so in print for all the Romans to see and use.
Emma Leary
Traditionally, people write letters in order to offer an encouragement of spirit, advice on problematic matters, or other information regarding news from your location. Letters can then be preserved over the years and shown to those who can not be convinced orally.
Paul begins his letter by reminding the Romans of whom they believe in and blessing "all the beloved of God in Rome." (Rom 1:7) Then Paul thanks God for allowing the Romans to bear witness to Jesus Christ and expresses how he wishes he himself were also in Rome. Paul warns the Romans to be humble in their belief of God least "they become vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds are darkened." (Rom 1:21) Also, he cautions them to acknowledge God and control their passions, or they shall be worthy of death. Paul reminds the Romans not to judge one another, for only "the judgment of God on those who do such things is true" (Rom 2:2); but rather to uphold their law, whether it be Interior or Mosaic. Paul then goes on to say that "there is no distinction [amongst those who believe in Jesus Christ]...all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God." (Rom 3:22-23) "We have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom 5:1) Next, Paul encourages us to "live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit" (Rom 8:5) so that we may have life and peace. Near the end of Chapter 15 Paul begs the Romans for prayers in his mission as the Apostle to the Gentiles and concludes with another blessing.
I believe my summary of Paul's letter to the Romans is to remain steadfast in our faith. We must remember that we are all God's children, despite being Jewish or Gentile, and must not judge the other believers. Rather we must have faith and live according to the spirit, not the appetites and passions of our flesh. If we succeed in following the laws of God, we "may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom 15:6) "Each of us shall give an account of himself [to God]" (Rom 14:12) and it is our actions which shall determine whether we are worthy of life and peace.
~Caitlin Gorecki
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Prologue to The Gospel of John
The Gospel of John 1:1-18 did not give me a different understanding of Jesus Christ because of the way I was brought up. I was taught that Jesus Christ was the all powerful, and loving son of God. The passage in the Gospel of John writes about the people who excepted Jesus Christ as God's son. The Gospel goes further into stating Jesus was full of grace and truth. This also does not give me a different understanding of Jesus Christ because I think of him as the epitome of power, grace, love, and truth.
Elise
Elise
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Gospel of Mark, part 2
The endings of Mark's Gospel reminds me the of the epilogue to some great narrative or epic. I feel that the author, after reaching the climax of this work (the Passion), has now decided to tie up any loose ends left. In a way, it really helps readers come to understand and realize the transformation of our faith from the teachings from the Son of God, to a universally practiced religion. If this Gospel had merely ended right after Jesus was crucified, readers would have been left wondering to themselves whether or not he rose from the dead and what his disciples did in the aftermath. The multiple endings serve to bridge that gap. The disciples do go on to preach Christ's message and heal those in need. Jesus does ascend into Heaven to be reunited with God the Father. It's like one of those moments when you sit back and think to yourself aha, now I understand. So this is were we go from here.
Sophia
Sophia
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Gospel of Mark, part 1
I believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God. Jesus was sent in human form in order to help us understand his father and to also showing us the value of salvation. Jesus improved our lives by showing us that if we are faithful miracles will be performed in our lives.
In Mark's Gospel Jesus is depicted as a hero and a prophetic messiah. In the beginning John the baptists says " the beginning of the good news about Jesus the messiah, son of God " which reinforces the fact that Jesus, even before he was born was already seen as a holy gift that would impact there society. Throughout the story Jesus has proven himself to be a holy messenger of God . Jesus lived a life of purity an he never turned his back on those who doubted him, healed the sick, commanded nature and also fed the hungry. ultimately Jesus is a hero of humanity, he has proved that through many of his actions that he is wise and can forgive the sins of people as long as they seek redemption.
Jewel
In Mark's Gospel Jesus is depicted as a hero and a prophetic messiah. In the beginning John the baptists says " the beginning of the good news about Jesus the messiah, son of God " which reinforces the fact that Jesus, even before he was born was already seen as a holy gift that would impact there society. Throughout the story Jesus has proven himself to be a holy messenger of God . Jesus lived a life of purity an he never turned his back on those who doubted him, healed the sick, commanded nature and also fed the hungry. ultimately Jesus is a hero of humanity, he has proved that through many of his actions that he is wise and can forgive the sins of people as long as they seek redemption.
Jewel
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Isaiah and Handel
Isaiah 6 - 12, 55 - 62
Chapters 6 - 12 deal with two distinct ideas that provide a basic history of the time period. The first is the call and establishment of Isaiah as a prophet of the Lord. A coal is touched to his lips by a Seraphim and he is cleansed of his doubt and filled with the fire of the word of God. The rest of this section discusses the fall and rise of several different leaders and their lineages through the conquering of the Northern Kingdom by the Assyrians. God seems to take a very active role in what is going on at the time as He gives direct instructions to many people Isaiah mentions. Chapters 55 - 62 focus more on teachings and warnings for the people of that time. These chapters address the welcoming arms of the Lord for those who do not know his word, and the construction of their faith. They also address how many have become faithless, from this it continues on to discuss the processes men must go through for redemption in the eyes of the Lord. While the first section of Isaiah definitely felt like a history lesson, the second section that we read seems much more like teaching the way to the Lord.
Handel's Messiah contains a great deal of Isaiah throughout the composition. This is probably because Isaiah was the first messianic prophet. Most of his writings foretell of the coming of a messiah and because this was the first anyone had heard of the coming of the messiah, they are probably the strongest and most moving in that message.
~Nicholas Shields
The first section of Isaiah that we read (Isaiah 6-12) outlines the call of the Lord that Isaiah decided to accept (in the story of the ember that cleansed the lips of Isaiah). It goes on to talk about Isaiah’s dedication God and how he “wait” for the Lord because of all that God had given him (himself and all his children). Throughout the first section, leaders are called to stay true to the Lord in faith, but instead the Assyrian’s took over Judah, and then Jerusalem.
The second section we read illustrates the call to all the people from the Lord. Promises are made to the people by God, so long as the people hold true to God’s commands and His covenant. Also, those who do not keep to the instructions of God are warned of their fate that will come from disobedience.
In these readings Isaiah is taken from being a sinner to being one of the most important prophets in the Bible. Also, the foretelling of the coming of Christ is laid out by Isaiah, which is also told in Handle’s music. The journey of the coming of Christ is represented both in Isaiah’s writing’s and in the music as well.
Thank you,
Tom Berry
Chapters 6 - 12 deal with two distinct ideas that provide a basic history of the time period. The first is the call and establishment of Isaiah as a prophet of the Lord. A coal is touched to his lips by a Seraphim and he is cleansed of his doubt and filled with the fire of the word of God. The rest of this section discusses the fall and rise of several different leaders and their lineages through the conquering of the Northern Kingdom by the Assyrians. God seems to take a very active role in what is going on at the time as He gives direct instructions to many people Isaiah mentions. Chapters 55 - 62 focus more on teachings and warnings for the people of that time. These chapters address the welcoming arms of the Lord for those who do not know his word, and the construction of their faith. They also address how many have become faithless, from this it continues on to discuss the processes men must go through for redemption in the eyes of the Lord. While the first section of Isaiah definitely felt like a history lesson, the second section that we read seems much more like teaching the way to the Lord.
Handel's Messiah contains a great deal of Isaiah throughout the composition. This is probably because Isaiah was the first messianic prophet. Most of his writings foretell of the coming of a messiah and because this was the first anyone had heard of the coming of the messiah, they are probably the strongest and most moving in that message.
~Nicholas Shields
The first section of Isaiah that we read (Isaiah 6-12) outlines the call of the Lord that Isaiah decided to accept (in the story of the ember that cleansed the lips of Isaiah). It goes on to talk about Isaiah’s dedication God and how he “wait” for the Lord because of all that God had given him (himself and all his children). Throughout the first section, leaders are called to stay true to the Lord in faith, but instead the Assyrian’s took over Judah, and then Jerusalem.
The second section we read illustrates the call to all the people from the Lord. Promises are made to the people by God, so long as the people hold true to God’s commands and His covenant. Also, those who do not keep to the instructions of God are warned of their fate that will come from disobedience.
In these readings Isaiah is taken from being a sinner to being one of the most important prophets in the Bible. Also, the foretelling of the coming of Christ is laid out by Isaiah, which is also told in Handle’s music. The journey of the coming of Christ is represented both in Isaiah’s writing’s and in the music as well.
Thank you,
Tom Berry
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