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
We must remember that at the time that Paul is writing the Church has been in existence for a very short time. Catholicism was still in turmoil as people were coming together to form the Church and establish doctrine. To spread these doctrine to the entire Mediterranean and growing areas quickly required the apostles to be running everywhere at once.
ReplyDeleteOne of St. Paul's ways of dealing with this was to send letters to the communities he had converted as he traveled around the majority of the Mediterranean proclaiming Jesus' teachings. He understood that without reminders people can fall from their faith and re-embrace what is easiest in life: simple pleasures and self-beneficial acts. His letters served to constantly remind the people he had encountered and converted to Catholicism that the teachings of Christ must be followed at all times.
~Nicholas Shields
Letters are written in order to inform someone. In the letters that Paul wrote, they inform us that we are called to belong to Jesus Christ. We are considered gentiles. We the gentiles, understand God through the things that he has created. The people that did not acknowledge God, became improper. The people who do good will not hear the wrath of Jesus on Judgement Day. If we live or die it is for the lord.
ReplyDelete-Lindsey Ritter
People write letters for many different reasons but mainly people write letters as a form of communication to another person or to a group of people. Letters are a way of expressing concerns or ideas concretely and in a more permanent manor. Mainly letters are written as a way to share joys with family members or close friends who live far away and whom it is hard to communicate with. Letters are usually extremely personal as well; they contain personal opinions or struggles pertaining to an individual’s life.
ReplyDeleteI think that Paul wrote his letters to the Romans in hopes to spread the word and faith of Christianity and the word of Jesus Christ. Through his letters, he tries to glorify the life of Jesus and he tries to portray the Christian life as one that is abundant in love and protection. Paul is trying to convinces the Romans into practicing and believing in the word of God and the work that Jesus Christ did.
- Nicole Dillon
People write letters to communicate something (generally something important) to another individual or group of people, whether it's positive, negative, or neutral information. Paul's letter overall seems to be generally positive, filled with reminders and encouragements, exhorting the community to whom he's writing to live in accordance with God's teaching. More specifically, he reminds them to not put undue importance on the law, but instead remember that they are justified through their faith and not solely by their own actions. Additionally, he reminds them to live out of love for God, and not to judge one another. Overall, it seems that the purpose of his letter was to instruct, encourage, and remind (almost warn) the community about their duty to live a lifestyle that conforms to God's will for them.
ReplyDeleteChelsey Sterling
Paul's Letter to The Romans proclaims God's plan of salvation. He emphasizes the fact that God will save all those who believe, who are empowered by faith, "It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes". Paul reminds us that there is no partiality with God for one specific people, "God's judgment is just". He then reminds us not to be quick to judge others, but rather pursue what will lead to peace and the strengthening of our brothers. Paul is writing this letter because of his role as a minister of Christ. Paul's mission, and the purpose of the letter is to encourage the Christians in Rome to help him with his new mission which is to proclaim God's word in Spain. He asks for prayers and their support as he helps others to see and understand. He also warns them to watch out for those who create obstacles instead of building. What is important for us to keep from this letter is that it states we are "Children of God and cannot be separated from the love of God"
ReplyDelete-Carolyn Spero
People write letters in order to share information about something. A letter is written when a person knows specifically who the receiver or audience should be, and the author of the information is typically sharing their personal thoughts on the subjects mentioned. In the case of Paul, this is exactly what he is doing for the Romans. He is writing this letter to share his religious beliefs and give that information to the Romans. His letter is interesting because its format is different from the style we normally see a letter in today; Paul's letter is set up as information about God, Jesus, and other aspects of the faith. Paul presents questions and then answers them, and this pattern is consistent throughout his letters to the Romans. It is obvious after reading the letters that Paul is trying to lay out for the Romans the beliefs of his religion/followers of Jesus Christ: "I do not want you to be unaware, brothers" (1:13).
ReplyDeleteTori McAllister
I feel like a big reason for writing letters is for documentation. Like Paul, he is writing letters to the Romans about laws and dealing with this newly branched faith. Although a letter is probably mainly just a means of communication, I think that his letters had the purpose of concrete documentation on what the followers of Christ should/shouldn't do. The letters also try and answer many questions that probably arose during that time, such as who will ultimately be saved? Just Jews or even Gentiles? Of course the answer Paul gives is everyone including the Gentiles. The letters are a huge importance because even though that was probably a prominent question during that lifetime, it still continues to be questioned today. The letters serve us today as a means of understanding the basics of our religion, who it serves, and how we can incorporate it in everyday life.
ReplyDelete-Katie Lamb
I think a lot of Paul's writings have to do with clarification and explanation. As we talked about in class, Christianity and its teachings were something new and different and unfamiliar to people. So as Paul went about throughout the Mediterranean spreading Christianity it was inevitable that misunderstandings would arise based on a wide range of circumstances. In the case of Romans, Paul spends a great deal of time focusing on salvation and justification and the implications that being a Jew or Gentile brings to that. Paul shows the growing importance of Faith and how Jesus has saved us from the condemnation of the Law. This letter not only serves as a personal answer to a present problem but a last precedent and foundation of Christian theology of salvation and justification.
ReplyDeleteI've always felt like a letter is a more personal but very clear and direct way of communicating. It takes more time and thought to create than merely speaking. It perhaps suggests that the topic and the person addressed hold a place of importance.
ReplyDeleteAs Katie said, I think the reason for Paul's letters to the Romans was mainly to clear up any shady or confusing areas manifest in the early Church. However, Paul wasn't only sharing the true Church teachings, he was also forming a spiritual and personal bond with the community he was addressing. He was writing a letter to imply the importance of what he was saying as well as the importance of the people he was specifically speaking to.
-Sophia Pileggi
To me, a letter has a few purposes. One, it can be used to tell someone about yourself in terms of catching up or educating them for something like a cover letter. The other purpose is to argue a point to someone or argue something you wished to see done in a certain place. The letters to the Romans seem to fall under the latter option. The letters are being used to establish the ideas about this new church that is forming, The Catholic church. The Romans were incredibly powerful at this point in time and Paul needed them to understand what this new church would mean so that the Romans wouldn't completely annihilate the church.
ReplyDelete-Tara Costello
People write letters to convey a message to others. In Paul's letter to the Romans he conveys a message of hope and encouragement about living a faithful and nonjudgemental lifestyle. Overall Paul explains that it is important to be relentless in your faith and it is also very important To love Jesus and to not look down on others no matter what their belief is.
ReplyDeleteWhen one writes a letter it is so share a story or send a message to them. Sometimes a letter is sent out to spread word of something, In paul's letter to the Romans he sends an important message to the readers. He wanted to spread his knowledge and belief. Paul wanted sent out this letter to let people know about the catholic church and the existence of Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeletemary vogt
People write letters for all sorts of reasons. Some to correspond, others to recommend, and still others write letters to plea for a cause. Each letter has a particular purpose that the writer is trying to convey to the recipient. Letters are written to communicate these goals in hopes that the readers will understand and respond. Paul probably wrote to the Romans to spread the word of Jesus Christ so that they could grow in their faith in him. He taught them through his correspondence what it meant to be a Christian and how they could live their lives as children of God. His primary goal was to demonstrate to them how to love and follow the teachings of Christ so that they might be reunited with him in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteLetters are written for multiple purposes, some being to seek understanding or comfort, give a statement, ask a question, rely important information, to keep in contact or continue a relationship etc., all of which are done so in the hopes of succeeding an objective in its recieving of the respondant. In this example, Paul writes to the Romans to primarily convey the ideas which build the forum for the Christian religion. He states morals and laws that must be abided by any followers and the penalities and rewards for doing such. Paul describes the significance of Christ and how we must and how we could display our love and respect to God. The definition and importance behind being a Christian is heavily portrayed throughout the text as well as the idea behind life after death. Paul's intentions of writing these letters were to create an understanding and awareness of how to be a good Christian and what kind of life on earth and the thereafter can be achieved if done through and with God.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Smedley
People usually write letters to communicate information that cannot be spoken due to distance. In Paul's case he was unable to be with the Romans, so he chose to write a letter to communicate his thoughts. As the "apostle to the Gentiles," Paul's aim in writing his letter was to explain to the Roman Christians that salvation can be reached through faith. Paul calls the Roman Christians to the mission of the Church and to holiness. He also writes to warn them that "the wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness" (Romans 1:18). In addition, Paul writes to speak of how the relationship between Jews and Gentiles should be: they should live harmoniously and realize that they are both children of God. Paul says, "There is no partiality with God" (2:11). Furthermore, Paul writes to encourage in faith, hope, and love.
ReplyDeleteI find Paul's letters to be a source of instruction for those reading them-namely the Romans. Paul expresses that "I am under obligation; that is why I am eager to preach the Gospel also to you in Rome" (Romans 1:14). Paul outlines the atrocities humans have committed against their God, in hopes to reverse their ignorance. These atrocities include revolting against law (both God's and man's) and leading an immoral life. Paul's letters rebuke man's actions, in order to promote a stronger following of the faith. Placing his instructions in "letter" format creates a more personal relationship between the Romans and Paul. This quasi-conversation bolsters the chances of the Romans paying attention to what he has to say. People naturally react more strongly to the words of people they feel close to. Thus, I find Paul's format to be relatively strategic. Paul successfully outlines what the Romans must do to live the life of a Catholic.
ReplyDeletePeople write letters to communicate news, feelings, and thoughts to each other. Paul wrote his letter to the Romans for several reasons. He wanted to communicate the "good news" of Jesus Christ to the Romans, and to explain that Gentiles could be included in the faith and salvation as well as Jews. Paul's letter gives hope in the salvation through Jesus, and proclaims God's love for humanity by Jesus's gracious offering of His life.
ReplyDelete~Risa Eskew
people have been writing letters as means of conveying important information and as means of informing others. The letter of Paul to the romans are no different. Paul is conveying the important message of Jesus to the Romans through the use of these letters in an attempt to help them in the overall end. He spoke of wonderful news that not only could the Catholics be saved but also the Gentiles too, he was trying spread the catholic faith to all. He gave hope to those whom were not Catholic, and showed those around him of how Jesus and God were forgiving and loving of all not one specific group.
ReplyDeleteWhen people write letters, it is either because they can communicate more effectively through writing, to educate/inform, or to record important events/information. Paul wanted to convey the story of Jesus to the Romans and the Gentiles to help spread the Catholic faith. He wanted to show others that Jesus did not discriminate and, as we’ve said before, that he is all loving and caring. One line in particular stuck out to me, which is: "We have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This entails that if we have faith and turn to God/Jesus, our lives will be much better.
ReplyDelete-Kate Shannon
In general, letters are a form of written communication used to express ideas across distances. Since they are written, letters have the benefit of being more permanent and official than oral communication.
ReplyDeletePaul's letters to the Romans can be viewed as an evangelical movement. As a Christian, Paul has the duty of spreading the good news of God. He clarifies teachings concerning topics ranging from circumcision to diet. He states convincing reasons for belief in God, saying that we do not hope for what we see, and if we are for God, who may be against us.
Supplementarily, or if Paul's audience remains reluctant to believe in God's presence, Paul's letters to the Romans also function as practical advice. The archetypal Christian is humble, generous, and magnanimous; in short, he exemplifies virtues that are invaluable virtues to most.
-Caleb Capozella
People write letters for many reasons. They write them to keep in touch with other people, as a way of informing someone about events that have occurred, and as a way of conveying thoughts or ideas to one another.
ReplyDeletePaul probably wrote his letters to the Romans because he was off converting other to Christianity, and could not stay in touch with the Romans any other way. He needed to remind them of their faith, as Christianity had only been founded recently.
Tom May
Paul's letters served to be the first form of written Word. Before his letters, Christianity was taught through oral tradition. There are many potential issues with this: oral tradition 1) leads to discrepancy, and 2) is limited to the people who are able to hear the stories in the immediate area. If it had continued through oral tradition, Christianity could become inaccurate and limited to a small group of people, which would not then serve the disciples' goals at the end of the Gospels to go out and tell of the Good News.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, in his way, Paul was the first (that we know of) who had branched out and spread the Word to a large mass of people, as well as the first to write some of the Word down.
In doing this, Paul gave his audience (and his future generations of audiences) advise on how to act as good Christians, as well as a persuasive insight into the Word as proclaimed by Jesus Christ.
Letters were written in the days of Paul because they were the only direct way of communication at the time. I believe that this letter was written to the Romans because Paul wanted to keep them consistent with Christian teachings. Distance between new Christians, especially with little communication between the groups, can lead to the evolution and changes of the vulnerable, and young religion. People are still understanding and defining what it means to be a Christian, so changes are being made in order to adapt to this new lifestyle. I believe that Paul write these letters in an attempt to unite Christians all over the world, and prevent them from diverging in beliefs. This communication allows for these two groups of young Christians to mature in their faith together instead of creating two different denominations. Because of this, I feel that these letters of Paul to the Romans are crutial to the unity of early Christian religion.
ReplyDeleteLetters are needed when one wishes to convey an important message to an individual or group of individual but one can't because of distance or the inability to communicate verbally to the target. Paul wished to convey his understanding of Jesus Christ to the Roman church but could not verbally communicate it because he was traveling for a few months. Therefore, he wrote this letter to give the group of Christians some guidelines he felt were essential to Christian understanding. One example is his comment on avoiding temptation. Jesus gives us an example to follow in order to avoid temptation, so we as Christians must follow in Jesus's example to become closer to God. Reasons such as this were vital to understand in the early Christian church, so Paul made it easier for the church to understand Jesus's teaching by laying it out for them.
ReplyDeleteJay Garrick
Letters are written in order to talk to someone that is too far away to contact. Also, people write letters in order to convey a message that may be too difficult to explain in person. I believe that Paul wrote these letters to the Romans in order to justify belief in Christ. At this time, many people were condemned for being Christians because they are thought to be unlawful by disobeying the law and religion (Idolatry and Judaism). In this reading, Paul was revealing to the Romans the lawfulness of Christianity. He talked about how believers support the law through this faith. Paul also offered hope to the Romans by explaining how people are sinners, but we are reconciled through Jesus' grace. Overall, Paul is attempting to convert Romans to the faith, or for those believers, reaffirm their faith in Jesus.
ReplyDelete-Elisabeth O'Toole
I believe people write letters in order to portray a story, emotions, or information. People write letters to get their point across over paper rather than in person. I think people do this because it is easier to read paper than listen to someone talk. I believe Paul wrote letters to send out the message of Christianity, and Jesus Christ.
ReplyDelete-Elise Ariens
I think that people often write letters to convey a thought or thoughts and in Paul's case, clear up any misconceptions. In Biblical times, if an important message needed to be passed along, it was risky by word-of-mouth. This is because it is inevitable for the language and emphasis on certain parts of the story to stay consistent throughout the journey. Paul wrote this letter to the Romans to, in a way, condemn the practices of the Jews at that time. He wanted the lawful practices of Christianity to not be confused with the wrongful practices of the Jews. Paul explains to the Romans that they should “according to the flesh” but instead by the Spirit. (8:4)
ReplyDeleteLetters are written with the intent of informing people or keeping in touch. Also, not so long ago, people used to spread information in the form of letters. Letters sometimes took a long time to travel, but they were the only way to communicate to people in far away places.
ReplyDeletePaul wrote his letter to the Romans with the intent of spreading the Word about Christ. Paul’s letter to the Romans was geared towards introducing the Word to them and teaching them of what will put them in the best position to be a person of God.
People write letters for basically one simple reason, to tell someone or a group of people about anything that they want to tell them. Common letters include people writing to one another to tell of how they are doing or for other reasons. Some write to tell of happy events like maybe a young adult getting accepted into a college or university. Other letters may be more dreary and dreaded such as letters of foreclosure on ones home or other such issues (basically any letter from the government). Paul wrote his letter to the Romans to inform them of Christianity and to clarify things that may not have been completely clear to them about Christianity.
ReplyDelete--Nicholas Darin
Writing letters was very common years ago. It is a form of communication that still is popular today. The purpose of writing a letter is to inform someone of something relating to a particular topic or a personal matter. Paul wrote several letters to inform people that we are children of God and that we should follow Jesus. He wrote letters to the Romans to spread the Christian faith. He emphasizes that we will be rewarded by doing God's work on Earth. He must follow the examples of his Son Jesus Christ.
ReplyDelete-Katelyn Bockin
Letters are written to communicate when verbal communication is impossible. If Youtube existed in Paul's time, he would have used it. He wrote letters to the Romans for the same reason our priests today give homilies after the Gospel: to explain the Gospel and clear out any misunderstandings; and to relate it to us as a cultural group and as individuals.
ReplyDelete