...just societies have been founded upon theological intervention. The political actions and Christian involvement in the reconciliation process have been embraced in the contemporary Australian politics. The differences between the indigenous and non-indigenous Australians have been influenced by the absence of knowledge, respect, and understanding. According to the analysis of the theological principles involved in reconciliation, forgiveness and truth are the most paramount virtues of the Christian ways. The aim of the Christian involvement in the public reconciliation domain is to develop a truthful public relationship. Public theology helps in explaining the responsiveness of the indigenous perspectives concerning diversified policy matters. This paper aims at discussing some of the theological principles applicable in the indigenous reconciliation in Australia as well as the lessons that Christians derive from participating in public reconciliation debates. Reconciliation in Indigenous Australia The theological principle of forgiveness has been embraced in the political platforms as a way of ensuring reconciliation. The catholic and the Methodist churches have proposed forgiveness as a way of achieving a conflict free society among the indigenous people. The churches mentioned have also accommodated a large number of people with whom they have connected the secular politics. Forgiveness and truth values have been essential in increasing such reconciliation attempts in Australia...
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... * As long as we live in the past, we will be chained to the past, and the people who have hurt us deeply win a double victory! Once when they hurt us the first time and twice when we refuse to let go. Hurt doesn’t just happen in man/woman relationships…Hurt can happen in the church, on the job, between friends and family, hurt can happen in all areas of life. Most people stay in a place of confusion and stagnation, because they don’t know “How to Handle Anger and Bitterness.” We all struggle with broken relationships, people who hurt us, painful words, deceitful actions, friends who turn against us, and unkind words said about us or our loved ones. The following two things are true about the human condition: We always need forgiveness and we always have someone we need to forgive. * It is at this point that 2nd Corinthians 2: 5-11 becomes so relevant. In this paragraph Paul challenges the...
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...What is Baptism? Christian denominations differ widely on their teachings about baptism. Some believe baptism accomplishes the washing away ofsin. Others consider baptism a form of exorcism from evil spirits. Still others teach that baptism is an important step of obedience in the believer’s life, yet only an acknowledgment of the salvation experience already accomplished - baptism itself has no power to cleanse or save from sin. The following takes a look at the latter perspective called "Believer's Baptism:" In the New Testament, the significance of baptism is seen more clearly. John the Baptist was sent by God to spread the news of the coming Messiah—Jesus Christ. John was directed by God (John 1:33) to baptize those who accepted his message. John’s baptizing is called “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4 (NIV). Those baptized by John acknowledged their sins and professed their faith that through the coming Messiah they would be forgiven. Baptism then is significant in that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Water Baptism identifies the believer with the Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (NIV) Water Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. “When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised...
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...God’s will is for all of humanity to know this wonderful news, and it is the Christian’s responsibility to share it as stated throughout scripture. Once Christ returns, there will be no more sin and suffering. Instead Christ love will fill the earth and those who have submitted their lives to Christ will experience His joy and peace. According to John 3:17 it is God’s will for all to experience this, He wishes for none to perish. Therefore, God’s people are to preach the Gospel to all the nations until He returns. OLD TESTEMENT TEXT AS RELATED TO MISSION Some Christians disregard the Old Testament believing it is not relevant since Christ’s work. However, Jesus frequently taught and expounded on the Old Testament. He indeed claimed to fulfill it, but never to dismiss its teachings. The first book of Old Testament contains the first mission’s instructions and thus should never be discarded by evangelical mission minded Christians. Starting in Genesis 12 God calls Abram to become the father of His nation,...
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...THEOLOGY OF MISSIONS PAPER Jonathan Hudgins GLST 500 September 8, 2013 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 OLD TESTAMENT MISSIONS.....................................................................................................2 NEWTESTAMENT MISSIONS.....................................................................................................4 NATURE OF GOD AND MISSSIONS..........................................................................................5 MISSIONS AND THEOLOGY......................................................................................................6 MOTIFS OF MISSION THEOLOGY............................................................................................8 CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................... 9 BIBLIOGRAPHY 11 INTRODUCTION There is evidence from the beginning of the Biblical text starting in Genesis, to the conclusion of the text with Revelation that God desires for man to fulfill His call for missions. The story of missions begins with around four thousand years ago when God calls Abraham. The Scriptures offer a clear explanation of the original calling of Abraham. God commands Abraham, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1 ESV) Genesis 12:1-3 signifies an assurance whose completion extends throughout the Scriptures, it is the original representation...
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...We are students from University of Santo Tomas and we would like to share to all of you or reflection related to the life of St. Dominic de Guzman. The 10 lessons that we've learned from the movie. :) 1HST Group 6 Reza Farinas Alan Arriola Quina Ignacio Harley Samonte Rizelle Religioso Group Reflection on the film “St. Dominic: Light of the Church” The film is about a man, used by God to help and serve people especially those who are hungry and extremely affected by the war between Christians and Moors. Throughout his inspiring experiences and trials, there are lessons that give us enlightenment and a much wider perspective on how to be a good servant not only to others but also to God. First of these lessons is love. Dominic shows that everybody must show love and compassion to others. St. Dominic shows that aside from loving yourself, you should also love others. St. Dominic shows his love not only to his family and friends, but also to the strangers especially to those who can’t afford to buy food. Second, St. Dominic’s humbleness. He is very humble that even if he did a very small or simple mistake, he asks forgiveness to the person that he made mistake to. Even if he becomes a priest on the latter part of the film, he keeps his feet on the ground, showing that he is not unique to everyone and still a humble servant to his church and to good Lord himself. Third, St. Dominic thought us is his selflessness. He doesn’t care anymore to himself, and help all...
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...Liberty University Should Christians Pray the Imprecatory Psalms? A research paper submitted to Dr. B. Keith Lester. In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the course OBST 520 Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary By Lynchburg, Virginia Friday, July 03, 2015 Contents INTRODUCTION 3 IMPRECATORY PSALMS 3 Context Matters 4 Problematic Solutions 7 Author’s view of Imprecations 9 Should Modern Day Christians Pray Imprecatory Prayers? 10 “Wrong” is not the same as “Sinful” 12 Concluding Thoughts 13 Bibliography iv INTRODUCTION Between the September 11th terrorists, ISIS, and other terror plots and organizations which openly call for the extension of Christians, more Christians than ever are wondering how to properly think about and handle such violent and gruesome persecution. One idea which is regaining traction is imprecatory prayers or “cursing” prayers. These prayers of cursing are found throughout the Bible but the most notable examples are found in Psalms. Christians struggle, however, with whether or not praying these prayers is in keeping with the orthodox teachings of Christ whose teachings involved mercy, grace, and forgiveness. So can and should Christians utilize the imprecatory psalms as part of their regular prayer life or not? This paper will attempt to answer this question by first briefly examining an example of an imprecatory psalm and the context surrounding it and then comparing it to the New Testament teachings...
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...the medical debate over homosexuality, the gay rights movement, and the Bible, I believe I have an insightful perspective on the debates over homosexuality. In the last half of the twentieth century a divisive theological debate over homosexual behavior developed when gay activists created their own revisionist interpretation of the Bible to support their claim that homosexual behavior is neither immoral nor sinful. This revisionist theology has been labeled “gay theology.” Many Christians are not aware that in 1968 a gay activist started a Christian denomination called the Metropolitan Community Church based on gay theology. In this introduction I will point out some obvious errors in gay revisionist arguments and outline a much wider scope of biblical principles that are related to how the church deals with homosexuals and the gay political movement. Scripture and gay revisionism Gay activists contend there are only seven scriptures that address homosexuality in the Bible and therefore homosexual behavior is insignificant in scripture. Gay activists also contend that theologians have misinterpreted the seven scriptures. The seven main scriptures are the Genesis account of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), the Mosaic Law in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, the letter by Jude verse 7, and the Apostle Paul’s letters in Romans 1:26-7, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, and 1 Timothy 1:9-10. Gay activists like to point out that none of these scripture references are in the first four books of the...
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...circumstances that have caused a rift in the unity of the partnership of the marriage. The source of marital conflict consists of issues that have boiled up to the point of a severe lack of communication. When married couples stop communicating with each other, they grow farther apart in their marriage. If married couples have the opportunity to identify the causes of marital discord, they will develop healthier ways to resolve the complex issues within their marriage. In general, all couples have dealt with issues with finance, parenting, and domestic duties. This case study analysis will discuss the facilitator’s report of the relationship dynamics of a conflicted couple, Steve and Cindy. This analysis will focus on the identification of key strengths and weaknesses between the couple, how the couple’s personalities might be influencing their situation, and developing a strategy to counsel and support the couple. This analysis will highlight conflict resolution skills that the couple may be able to employ as a way to build upon their foundation within their marriage. Case Study 2: Steve and Cindy Introduction When a couple enters marital counseling, they are seeking to identify potential relationship issues and resolve complicated conflicts. In counseling, counselors help couples focus on the dynamics of their relationship. Couples also focus on concepts of self-awareness and self-improvement. In this case study, Steve and Cindy enter couples counseling to determine...
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...John Wesley was a powerful personality whose passion and devotion to his cause and beliefs led him to explore and change people's view on Christianity and on the interpretation of the Scriptures. During his lifetime Wesley's determination and occasional dictatorial nature allowed him to influence people and help them change their opinion on religion. John Wesley's achievements spanned the majority of his lifetime. From his journeys to preach from England to Georgia, U.S.A. To other parts of Europe. Him writing a few hundred sermons. His longevity enabling him to see the beginning of Methodism's development. In which both of them were highly involved with do to their position in the church “were leaders of the evangelical revival in the Church of England in the eighteenth century.”1 The two of them with their position helped establish a new denomination, the Methodist Church, which was to grow and flourish in Britain and across the world. John Wesley was described as “that extraordinary man whose life and acts have taken their place in the religious history, not only of England, but of Christendom.”2 Through his work and powerful persona he became one of the most famous and recognizable people in England. “His universality of influence and range of achievement in matter of faith and conduct outstripped the leading politicians, philosophers and divines of his age.”3 John Wesley was “born in 1703”4 and was a well educated young...
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...Preventing patient’s spiritual distress and promoting healing can be achieved by provider education and respectful care. Health care professionals of differing faiths than their patients must look inside themselves and use how they would wish to be treated as a model for caring for others. Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft As the world grows smaller each day those working in healthcare may find themselves caring for people of many diverse faiths and beliefs. Acceptance of these beliefs first requires understanding and empathy so that the health care process might be seen from the perspective of different faiths. The following paper explores this author’s findings regarding the spiritual components that affect healing within Sikhism, Baha’i and Jainism and what similarities and differences a Christian care provider might find. Spiritual Perspective Those of the Sikh faith have few constraints about combining modern and traditional medicines. They believe that the will of god will prevail regardless. Though life is held sacred from the moment of conception and after death a person may get closer to God through reincarnation. “Meditation on God is the medicine to cure millions of illnesses” (Guru Granth Sahib Ji, 866) Baha’i is a relatively new religion and yet it draws its teaching from prophets such as Abraham, Mohammad and Buddha (Ehman,...
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...Running head: INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY CASE STUDY 1 Individual Psychology Case Study of Tyler Marks A Conceptualization and Treatment Plan Lori Masters Liberty University INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY CASE STUDY 2 Abstract Key components of Alfred Adler’s Individual Psychology Theory are presented and applied to a case study and treatment plan for an adolescent boy. Individual Psychology therapy techniques are utilized to help the adolescent develop insight into his struggles and assist him in developing strategies for change to increase his interest in being a part of his family and society. Credibility of Adler’s theory, from a Christian perspective, is discussed. Conclusions are drawn as to the effectiveness of this theory in assisting the adolescent boy in coming to terms with, and changing his negative behaviors, so that he can live more harmoniously with his family following the divorce of his parents. Keywords: strive for perfection, ‘lifestyle’, significance, sense of community, communal life, social interest, love, private logic, birth order, masculine protest, ‘basic tasks’, tasks of life’, movement, faulty logic, faulty goals, faulty ‘lifestyle’, goals, social contribution, ‘acting out’. Individual Psychology Client’s Presenting Concerns Tyler Marks is an 11year old Caucasian boy. He came to counseling at the request of his parents to address problem behaviors that are affecting his relationships at home and in school. Since...
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...fabric of living. Fear gives us burst of strength and speed when we need and is a good thing in a survival instinct situation. When fear becomes negative it then becomes a phobia. This is when fear and reason does match up. When fear becomes ill rational, it becomes a shackle that bind us and put us into bondage. This bondage will keep us from the routine things in life of working, playing, living and serving God. There are so many varieties of fears. This is a listing of six general categories that we face in fear: poverty, criticism, loss of love, illness, old age and death. When we read the bible we can see that those living in biblical times often were tormented by the same fears that we face today. It would seem that Christians would not have the same challenges with fear as the unbeliever instead the fears are the same. Fear does five major things in God’s will for us. It disregards His plans, distorts His purpose, discourages His people, disbelieves His promises and disobeys His principles. In the passage of Deuteronomy 1:19-21, we...
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...The Catholic View on Abortion Inside of the Catholic religion, there are many religious views that one should follow. One of the main religious views throughout the Catholic Church is being against abortion. The Catholic Church opposed all forms of abortion procedures whose direct purpose is to destroy an embryo, blastocyst, zygote or fetus, since it holds that “human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception”. Catholics are against murder and according to the Ten Commandments, it states “thou shall not murder” and they believe that destroying any type of human life is a huge sin. They believe that God has given precious life to grow inside of a woman and it must not be aborted. In the bible in the book of Jeremiah 1:5, it states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Souls, 1) From the first moment of the unborn child’s existence, they have their rights as a person and it is wrong to take an innocent persons life. From that bible verse, it proves to Catholics the reason as to why abortion should not be done in all stages. Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo before viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is often called a miscarriage. It can also be purposely caused in which case it is known as an induced abortion. The term abortion most commonly refers...
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...THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMAL REGENERATION: AN ANALYSIS OF ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT A Research Paper Submitted to Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Online In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course Systematic Theology II (TH 530-D09) By Justin Hartpence (23828793) May 12, 2013 THESIS STATEMENT This paper shall argue that this is an inaccurate depiction and seek to put forth the common view of baptism in the Restoration Movement as distinct from the common understanding of baptismal regeneration, while pointing to key factors that play a role in popular inaccuracies. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 DEFINING REGENERATION 2 DEFINING BAPTISM 3 The Mode 3 The Subject 4 The Meaning 6 According to Classic Baptismal Regenerationists 7 According to Restoration Movement Theology 8 BAPTSIM AS THE OCCASION OF SALVATION 9 John 3:5 9 Titus 3:5 11 BAPTISM'S RELATION TO FAITH 12 CONCLUSION 14 SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 15 INTRODUCTION Change: it is an inevitable fact of life. Whether it is plant, animal, human or thought nothing exists for very long without addition or subtraction of some kind. Unfortunately theology is not immune. One need only survey the history of Christianity to see this disconcerting fact. Like a pendulum, however, as theology sways outward from its starting point there are inevitably forces that pull it back. This happened most notably in the Reformation under the guidance of reformers...
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