...My Progression in Christian Thought Introduction My progression in Christian thought addresses three particular areas of growth. I have always known it is imperative to share my own personal testimony when ministering to the lost. I believe it allows them to understand that I haven’t always been a Christian and we’ve all fallen short of God’s glory. So I try very hard to maintain a standard of living which pleases the Lord because I long to become more and more Christ-like every day while doing his will. I am a part of a body of Christ (a local church), therefore, it is my duty to make sure the love of God is displayed within my community. Why personal testimonies are important in sharing the gospel Sharing my personal testimony is very important to me, because I have seen my past in others right before my eyes. I believe sharing our personal testimonies with those who are lost or in disbelief can help them realize the existence of Christ as well as his goodness. Testimonies are meant to be shared, because God wants us to go out and spread the gospel. We are warriors for Christ and are called to serve him. How else will the world know of a being in which they already cannot see? Sharing our testimony is evidence of Christ’s existence. God loves us and moves in our lives and delights in our sharing to help others. As Christians, we have gone through a period of conversion; so the world needs to know and see that through testimony. Testimony...
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...Christianity has thus been introduced more of a discipline of philosophy since it as the best way to present the Christian values through logic presentation of facts. During the medieval age of Christianity, it shaped and curved both intellectual and political wellbeing of the society. The Christian knowledge more so, the first instance of Christianity being Catholicism introduced the concept of universalism. The church in the west was a very powerful organization that dictated the social economic welfare, as well as the political governance of the world. After the fall of Roman Empire, Christianity took root in the moral fabric of the society and condemned most of the ancient cultural practices. Practices such as witchcraft were highly discouraged and individuals who got caught were punished and even killed. The catholic power at the time determined those who were to be kings and the kingdoms to fall and strongly condemned paganism as well as those who practiced indigenous cultural behaviors. Barbarism heavily faced fierce hatred as the catholic priests and nobles persecuted the barbarians and also those who protested Catholic Church. Great Christian thinkers like Augustine got educated through the Greek philosophical education. The staunch Christians could not accept this since it was not clear if it was possible to learn from the pagan ways and still follow the Christian values. However, the advantage were that learning from both extremities helped one to...
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...Learning to be a Christian Leader in Today’s World. There is more to running a Christian based business than hanging a Cross in your window. Gerald J. Zalecki Bluffton University Whether it is in business or our own personal life we all will face struggles in the choices we make. Many times we know the right thing to do but do the opposite because the outcome is more to our liking. It takes more than talking the good talk to really impress and change the world around us. We all need to let our actions and deeds speak the loudest for how we think. The common business ideology is growth and success often mean more then integrity, but what about the Christian in business? For a Christian to succeed in business they need to do more than push their beliefs on others, it means a style of doing business in your community. As we began our look at what it took to be a Christian in the business world we needed to first look at what God wanted from us. Looking into what God wants us to do and how he wants us to treat each other is as simple as opening the Bible. As I read the Sermon on the Mount, in Mathew 5, I heard how God wants us to treat each other fairly and nicely. We are not to make a show of the good things we do we are supposed to just do them. Again in Mathew 6:3 we read, “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” In other words do not do good deeds for rewards do them because it is right. Too often we get caught up in...
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... About the Author Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Crabb Jr. has a PhD. In Psychology and has been writing books for over 35 years. He is a popular conference and seminar speaker, teaches Bible classes, and is the founder and director of NewWay Ministries. Since 1996 he has been the scholar in residence at the Colorado Christian University and currently serves as the Spiritual Director for the American Association of Christian Counselors. He has a minor in speech therapy and philosophy of science from the University of Illinois where he obtained his PhD.. He and his wife, Rachel, live near Denver Colorado. Once Dr. Crabb suggested that should he ever write a book about himself, he will entitle it: “Sovereign Stumbling” as God has led him on a journey where he stumbled and God picked him up and carried him through with Sovereignty. Summary of Theory Dr. Larry Crabb is a very spiritual writer whom has integrated the psychological aspects of secular counseling with that of the Christian counselor in such a way that multitasking can be implemented by way of running everything past the Biblical principles presented in God’s Word. There are three types of counseling that are thought to be important with the third being the focus of this book. Although many believe that trained professional counselors are helpers who lead their clients to happiness; Crabb (1977, p. 29) maintains that the goal should be growth toward Christlikeness and happiness will be the result. The focus should be on the...
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...book is to explore the claims and the strains, “given the historical animosity of some psychologists toward religion and some Christians toward psychology” (p.217), that arise from the intertwining of psychological and Christian theological views, in order to help us understand and appreciate humanity better than viewing from either perspective individually. “The closer one gets to considering psychotherapeutic and pastoral concerns, the greater the common ground and the greater possibility for conflict” (p. 36). The book’s focus is on integrative approaches in a well comprehended Christian worldview by which “we can evaluate our beliefs and behavior in light of the biblical message (p. 63), and “form a body of theories from which all prejudice, bias, and unjustifiable conjecture have been eliminated” (p. 199). The historical opposition and advocacy of the integration of the two views, along with the current integration research and application, is presented with the help of multiple psychological researchers. Entwistle’s view is that integration is possible if the proper cautions are taken; that “human nature can be mapped from two directions” (p. 198), if the disciplines participate in a productive interchange of complimentary findings. He seeks to treat the total patient - mind and spirit through integration, noting that ethical teachings of Christian faith are integral to psychology, not merely parallel to it. Entwistle takes the position that if we keep the books of God...
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...have, the purpose of the Lord will always stand (Proverbs 19:21). Ruddell describes these views as Christ the Transformer of Business Culture, Christ Above Business Culture, and Christ Against the Business Culture. Each of these views portrays a different choice that each of us can make as we take part in our place of business. As we make our decisions, we should always remember that as much as we can I believe that as Christians we should all be Christ the Transformers of Business Culture. By choosing to be a transformer, we stand firm against the worldly theory of ‘business is business,’ which is often portrayed by those with the Christ of Business Culture View. In order to transform others, we need to believe in sharing our faith by example, and not falling into worldly beliefs and activities of those around us. The Christ the transformer of Business Culture view tells us that we should hold high to our standards in the workplace, for them not to be lost, and to make ethical business decisions in regards to our Christian beliefs. This model portrays Christians as people who work hard, treat others well, show wisdom, show fairness, and follow the intent of the law, all while being a leader who changes others (Ruddell, pg. 40). A leader who is focused on transforming their workplace is not deceptive; they are real and...
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...On 23rd April, a lot of people celebrate St Georges day. Though I never understood why and who is exactly St George? There is a lot written about St George, some of it is fact but some is fiction. Let's start with what is believed to be facts. George was an excellent soldier and was chosen to protect the Emperor, Diocletian. Emperor Diocletian was not a Christian, in fact he hated Christians! He order that any Christians within the Roman army should be killed! George disagreed with the emperor and told him that he was himself, a Christian. The emperor didn't want to lose one of his best soldiers and tried to convince George to stop being a Christian. He even offered him land and money! Time and time again, George refused the emperor's offers, saying that his Christian faith was too important to him. Eventually Diocletian lost patience and had George beheaded on 23rd April 303. Christians were so proud of George's bravery that he made a saint. They built churches in his honour and George's story was used to demonstrate the power of faith and to convince others to become Christians. So those were the facts. Now for the fiction. Long ago in Turkey lived a solider called George. He sailed across the sea to a land called Libya. When he got there a man told him that his village was being terrorised by a dragon. Each day they had to feed a maiden to the dragon, and now only the king's daughter was left. He threw his spear at the dragon, but it hit his...
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...sermons to about 80 million people and millions more over radio or television. For about 3 million people, he helped by guiding them in their decisions to join Christ and has given confidence to countless more Christians. Billy Graham, as you may know, has helped at presidential inaugurations and presidential funerals. He has been comfort in times of need and even influenced Christians during the civil rights movement by stating his belief that all people of America should be treated equally, including black people. The most honorable characteristic of Billy Graham is the fact that he does all that he does simply because he believes it is the right, Christianly thing to do. He has definitely contributed a lot to the Christian society and it would probably be very different without him, seeing as he was a major factor of developing contemporary Christianity. Not only is the Christian community different, but possibly also the African American society. During the civic dispute about the rights and freedoms of black Americans, Graham invited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. over to discuss the issue. He made it clear that he was in favor of equal rights. This set an example for Christians and could possibly have been a huge factor in many decisions. As a Christian, I am personally grateful to...
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...University Christian Worldview and Contextualization HTH 655 Professor Robert Prescott-Ezickson October 09, 2013 Kingdoms and Cultures Oscillatory has exercised vast inspiration by what method we abstract the link among Christianity and philosophy. The situation has converted several societies’ circumstances to vision their culture of resistance to foremost characteristics of the common philosophies as rather of which to be humiliated, as well as rather that desires to remain rejected with the intention to convert traditionally liable. Niebuhr debates that Yoder’s forceful analysis of his book has not been offered the extensive revelation it justifies, particularly his reason that Niebuhr's situation is vitiated with a fragile Christology plus an abuse of the policy of the Triad. Niebuhr has initiated vast misperception into the argument by considering the Christ against Culture method as principle imperfect, while the subject remains his personal situation that advances from “Nicene orthodoxy” (Carter, 2003). Culture comprises of the traditions, knowledge, ability, conducts and community relationships that a culture develops. Culture is the contextual in which all individual predictably their daily existence (Atkinson, 1995). The delinquent of “Oscillatory” is generally engaged to define the connection concerning Christians and the fundamental culture in which we reside (GCU, lecture). On the other hand, this disguises a significant opinion: similar when Christians discard...
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...experiences. For Christians, worldview is formed by one’s faith. Even though some people might not recognize it, everyone has a worldview. It is especially imperative for believers to know their worldview so that they can apply it to their everyday lives. It is important for Christians to develop a worldview in order to be a witness for Christ, defend one’s faith, and discern what is good. Being a witness for Christ is one of a Christians primary purposes. Scriptures say that people were created for God’s glory and to proclaim his praises (1 Chronicles 16:23-25); therefore, a worldview is necessary in order to know exactly what to believe and teach it. A worldview is a person’s ultimate beliefs and assumptions about the universe. In order to be a witness for Christ, believers must follow the basic set of beliefs Christianity teaches. For example: there is a God, God is everything, we were created by God in his image, morality is grounded in Gods character, etc. Without these basic principles there is no basis for what is being taught and what the prophet believes. Jeremiah 1:7-8 says, “But the LORD said to me,’ Do not say I am too young, you must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them for I am with you and will rescue you declares the LORD.” The Bible teaches that Christians are expected to spread the Lord’s message no matter what the circumstances may be. In conclusion, in order to witness as the Bible instructs, Christians must develop...
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...ABSTRACT : This paper will cover the Agnostic, Atheistic, Christian, and Pantheistic views on Evil and why bad things happen to righteous people. The above religious viewpoints will be looked at from a Christian world view to see the differences and rationale behind the thinking. The subject of if the Christian God is a loving God that wants us to be happy, why does he allow bad things to happen. (incomplete sentence as written, the end of it is phrased as a question, and to what degree is our happiness God’s primary desire?) As a Christian [comma] I look to the book of Job. The book of Job tells the story of a righteous man who was allowed to suffer. The theme and composition of the book is “Why are the righteous allowed to suffer?”. The answer to this come (form of word) in an interpretation of the story of Job. He was subjected to the most suffering allowed sans (?) him dying and he remained a devout follower of God. This showed the Devil who had made a bet with God that Job would be a follower with or without God’s blessings. After the Devil admitted defeat, God showered Job with blessings as reward for his patience and belief that God was looking after him. This shows that God rewards those who trust him in times of trials and tribulations. God wants us to choose him in my world view, free will based, and this fits with why he allows us to experience hard ships (one word) because it teaches his followers patience and also...
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...quite a large number of people in Western Japan but towards the end of the sixteenth century, the Jesuits lost their influential power when Toyotomi Hideyoshi reversed the policy of his predecessor and began persecuting Christianity in 1587. Another Portuguese Jesuit missionary, Christovao Ferreira, was sent to Japan in 1609 and held the highest respect and had been a source of inspiration to priests and other Christians in Japan and abroad. Silence begins in 1637, a time when martyrdoms and apostasies are of daily routine. Hearing of Ferreira’s apostasy, Sebastion Rodrigues, alongside two priest companions, set out to Japan to investigate what happened to Ferreira and to carry on as missionaries. When they arrive in Japan in a small town called Tomogi, Rodrigues meets Kichijiro, a Christian and quickly realizes that Japanese Christians are living under heavy persecution. He is limited to administering their faith from a secret hut high upon a hill. Although conditions are not ideal, they have the necessities in Tomogi to practice Christianity. The Japanese Christians have been practicing their religion for the past six years since any priests have lived along them. As a result, they have devised their own religious order, led by the “jiisama” who baptizes children; next are the “tosama” who teach and lead prayers;...
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..."THE CRUSADES: SALVATION OR EXPLOITATION?" (Insert Name) (Institutional Affiliation) A crusade was a term mostly used in the eleventh and sixteenth centuries BC to describe Christian campaigns against Muslim brethren (Oludyke, 2012). Initially, these campaigns were meant as avenues for Christians to affirm their devotion to their faith and to win the hearts of non-believers. The first of such public rally was demonstrated by Pope Urban II of 1095. This was a botched mission meant to restore access to the holy lands around Jerusalem by Christians (Oakland, 2007). This war lasted 200 years in favor of the non-believers. In the modern world, however, rogue evangelists and religious leaders have misused these forums as strategies for exploitation. According to White (2012), unlike the early Church whose lifestyle was one of denial and total devotion to the gospel, our present religious leaders flaunts a flashy and opulent lifestyle. To achieve this standard of living, many evangelists in the modern society organizes highly hyped multinational and expensive crusades designed to arm-twist naïve and poor followers into enriching church coffers (Bravia, 2014). Believers from all walks of life flock at such gatherings in anticipation to finding solutions to their problems or receiving miracles of some form as promised by these selfish evangelists in a bid to woo attendance. Further, these crusaders trick their congregations...
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...Crusades In Usama Ibn Munqidh’s Book of Contemplation: Islam and the Crusades, the main focus is on the relationship between Muslims and Christians in the East after the Christians capture Jerusalem. After the capture of Jerusalem, the east was basically a hot zone wherever Muslim and Christian armies were set up. Although there were multiple crusades after the capture of Jerusalem, crusaders from past crusades stayed back in the crusader states for many reasons. Some did not have anything back in the west to go back to. Others wanted to start a new life in the crusade states or even spread the Christian word wherever it may take them. Although there were some instances of peace, most of the west was stained by war and carnage. Usama writes about an encounter with Tancred of Antioch on page seventy-seven. After a year’s truce between Muslim armies and Tancred’s Antioch, Tancred set out for battle against a Muslim army. He told the story of Hasanun watching his brother in cavalry, Kamil, fight in battle. Hasanun was beginning to get impatient while watching Kamil drive his spear into the bodies of Christian infantry. After waiting for his armor to arrive for quite some time, he decided to go ahead without armor. Not long after he charged into battle, he was captured by Tancred’s army. Usama soon began to explain that although Hasanun did surrender, he was tortured in a variety of ways. He did not explain all of them, but he did mention that Tancred wanted them to cut out his...
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...light of another viewpoint seems lost. Culture and Lifestyle •Christian Science •Christianity •Religion •.My dictionary says that the primary sense of the word “opinion” involves “fixing in the mind.” It goes on to say that it is “the judgment which the mind forms of any proposition, statement, theory or event.” When we are going to vote for people or proposals in government, civic events, or even church, or we need to make a decision in our own lives, how can we make sure that we are resting our judgments on a certain and solid basis – on something more permanent than human opinion? One simple way is to begin with prayer to God, who is the Mind of each of us. We can always sincerely ask God how to think about any issue that crosses our path. This prayer may lead us to actively turn away from what circumstances are telling us about a person or situation, and to drop some fixed ideas we have habitually clung to. Today as yesterday, God, our true Parent, tells us of the constant and all-powerful good that belongs to each of us and is our only real experience as His children. Prayer can help us feel the power of this message, even in the midst of conflicting opinions. When we want to make the best decision – to follow our highest sense of what is right – we can prayerfully acknowledge each person’s oneness with Mind as the perfect image and likeness of intelligence. We can know that only Mind gives us pure thoughts, which reveal present harmony and clarity. At one point, I...
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