...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 New Testament that record...
Words: 3990 - Pages: 16
...The end of Salt… or Not There were many aspects to our class that I found interested and engaging, even for one who has never been fond of history education. For so many years I have never been able to appreciate the founding of historical beings, artifacts, traditions, and even religion. I did enjoy our text that we were given this year; it was easy to read, didn’t bore me, gave illustrations that were factual but also entertaining, and also intrigued my mind. So many things in our age we take advantage of, we have no idea where things originated from, and in all honesty may be the wrong direction in which most of our generation and future generation are choosing to go in. Salt for example, I would have never thought to be such a significant mineral, or asset to a particular era or development of. I first have to address the way in which the author of our salt reading wrote. She was funny, educational, and I would think appealing to most readers. Maybe to some it seemed insignificant but to me it made me begin to look at the littlest of things and wonder where, when, and why did it originate. Salt was the beginning of something huge for this time. As we learned it was the most common commodity used in its times. As I spoke about in my first journal entry, the Egyptians using Nortran to preserve those that passed bodies, they also used it for fresh food so that it would not spoil. Most importantly while reading I began to see how the importance of trade became....
Words: 1037 - Pages: 5
...THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS: EVALUATING THE CONTEMPORARY STANCE ON ABORTION ABSTRACT The willful taking of another man’s life has been termed immoral not only in the religious parlance. In the political realm, fundamental human rights and humanitarian principles hold the protection and preservation of human life as the most important exigency to be unflinchingly promoted among nations. While the principle of “right to life” has been promoted by many UN nations, the phenomenon of abortion has become a reality not frowned at among these nations but one that is encouraged as an expression of human freedom and an instrument of population control. In this article, we shall provoke, and not just provide, theological cum sociological reflections on the act of abortion so as to lay bared the often taken for granted assumptions of its right and left wing proponents. INTRODUCTION The term “Abortion” is etymologically rooted in the Latin word “Aboriri” meaning “miscarry”. Going by this etymology, one may literarily define abortion as either a mechanized or unintended termination or miscarriage of a pregnancy. Technically speaking, abortion is the deliberate act or a medical operation purported to end a pregnancy at an early stage. It is the ending of the life of a fetus before it is able to survive on its own. Most of the arguments that have ensued on abortion recently are based mainly on whether the fetus is a human or a tissue. They all in like fashion gear toward showcasing...
Words: 2205 - Pages: 9
...God. First, it is necessary for Christians to be rooted in the Word of God so that everything that is put into their mind is screened through “biblical lenses”. As we read in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, knowledge without the love of God “puffs up”, produces arrogance (1 Cor. 8:1). In addition, Christians need to be careful of the material that they put in their minds. In the same letter, Paul commanded the church to expel any evildoers from their presence because of the influence they would have on the others (1 Cor. 5:11). Christians should fill their minds with things that will inspire worship of God and service to others (Phil. 4:8). Moreover, it must be understood that many people claim to be Christians, but trust in their own understanding rather than Scripture, which is a direct contradiction of the Word of God (Prov. 3:5-6). People have become wise in their own eyes after consuming knowledge based on human wisdom. Society often influences and dictates the actions of most people and one finds it difficult to see a difference in the behavior of many professing Christians and the rest of society. One does not need to study literature to understand the problems with society. The Bible is sufficient for all of our needs (2 Tim. 3:16). The debate of evolution vs. creation or the age of the Earth are good examples how knowledge and science can manipulate our minds to question the reliability of the Bible. The teachings found in the public school system often contradict...
Words: 730 - Pages: 3
...Secularism A Religion Profile from International Students, Inc. Secularism: An Overview Number of Adherents Demographer Davit Barrett estimates that there are 150 million atheists and 768 million nonreligious people in the world. The combined total comes to more than 918 million people (Barrett). Toward the end of the Renaissance, the modern method of empirical science began to develop. The key players were Nicholas Copernicus (1473-1543), Johannes Kepler (15711630), and Galileo Galilei (1564-1642). Although it may seem ironic now, each of these men believed in the Christian God. They viewed science as studying the handiwork of an almighty Creator and discerning His natural laws. Galileo considered God to have written two “books”: the Bible and nature (Hummel, p. 106). Contrary to popular belief, the cause for the diversion between Christianity and science originated not with the Church but with the university professors who were threatened by Galileo’s revolutionary ideas. These professors were steeped in the Greek scientific method, which included observation to a small extent, but mostly explained the workings of nature through rational deduction from first principles, or assumptions, an entire view of the universe had been built up. Consequently, the professors embraced such misconceptions as the sun having no imperfections, the moon being a perfectly smooth sphere that shone with its own light, and the earth alone having a moon since the earth was at the center of the...
Words: 5984 - Pages: 24
...servant to her mother in law, doing all she could to make sure Naomi was cared for and properly looked after. She trusted Naomi completely and followed her directions to the letter. Naomi was caring and wanted to make sure she saw her daughter in law cared for in the way Ruth had always been caring to others. She instructed Ruth on how to get Boaz to marry her and how to seal her fate in a wealthy household. The author of Ruth isn’t actually known but some believe it to be Solomon (source). The time of the writing also isn’t clear but it is believed to have been between the years 1021-924 B.C. There are many things we don’t know about the origin, actual date, writing, author of this book, but we can agree there is a simple beauty to the words and the imagery created in this text. This book plays a key role in furthering the line of David and therefore the lineage of Jesus. The Story of Ruth: The story of Ruth is one filled with hardships and victories. She, to me, has always been on of the most fascinating people in the entire Biblical text. From the information I have been able to find, Ruth was born before 1300 BC, since that is near the time chapter one of the book of Ruth occurred. (SOURCE) Ruth, a Moabite woman, lost her husband, brother in law, and father in law, so she pledged her loyalty to Naomi, her mother in law. After taking this pledge, Naomi and Ruth move to Bethlehem, where Naomi was originally from. They...
Words: 1056 - Pages: 5
...with emotional, personal and religious connections. The title “Viva La Vida” just with his title he shows his purpose for a connection, when translated from Spanish to English Viva la Vida means “Long Live Life”. This Correlates life with the French saying “vive le Roi!” Martin wants this song to worship life wishing it a long and well lived existence for everyone. This song comes from the album released by Martins band Coldplay in 2008, Death and All His Friends. The album in a whole is about the different parts of death and life and how together they make life worth living even after so much has happened to someone. The opening of the song is: “I used to rule the world| Seas would rise when I gave the word” Martin hits that he had all this power and that the “seas” meaning the masses of people rose with him and stood at his side when he needed them (1). In the second half of this quatrain “Now in the morning I sleep alone| Sweep the streets I used to own” meaning he lost everything including his love in the one second it took to transition from the first two lines to these (2). In one quatrain he went from having all this power and being able to have seas of people stand with him to being alone and doing what is seen as the dirty work, just to make a living. He is already making a personal connection to everyone who would feel on top of the world then all of a sudden lower than the lowest. Starting out with a bold connection Martin is setting himself up for a powerful message...
Words: 1213 - Pages: 5
...Development Dr. Robert Pace Contina Roby August 14, 2013 Abstract The purpose of this research paper is being done in reaction to the Mississippi’s Potential Initiative 26 Law. In response to Initiative 26 Law personhood is describe as “all human being from the second of conception, replicating or the functional corresponding thereof”. This would forbid abortions and certain birth control pill. Biblically it says “Thou Shall not Kill” but what transpire when a minor is raped and get pregnant. Should she be made to bring the child to term? After Mississippians went out to cast their votes, Initiative 26 was not approved. The persistence of this paper is to analysis this subject Biblically and then analysis it based upon how people view it. Key Words: Abortion, God, Murder Abortion: Is it Right or is it wrong? Abortion has become very popular in recent years. There are many people who support it and many that don’t. Sometimes abortion seems necessary but still God’s word, “Thou Shall Not Kill” stand. Many people will refuse to accept God’s word as a standard by which they should live and make decision. This is their right to reject it. Having an abortion is basically killing an innocent child. It has become a manufacturing, an elucidation, an excuse to avoid responsibility (Anderson, 2003). Abortion is wrong because God said we are not to murder, but not all people believe what God says and do whatever pleases them. However, a baby...
Words: 3095 - Pages: 13
...TREASURE- SMITH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First of all I would like to thank god my creator who has given me the knowledge to understand this project that My religious education teacher Mrs Treasure smith has given to me, I also thank Aunty Donna for putting a little effort in helping me With this project. Once again a big thank you all……………………………………………………!! INTRODUCTION This project is base on Judaism festivals or festivals in Judaism. it plays a very important role in our life because it helps you to know more about religious education. Many children nowadays take religious education for granted the important of other religions and our religion which is Christianity. Without thinking about how important it would be to know about other religions and ower own religion. Understanding how ower religion and other religions operate, the good ideas that lies behind reading and knowing more about what happening in different part of the world and what type of rules do some Caribbean places followed by like for example India which is where you can go and find Hinduism let their young ones married at an early age but like we Jamaica ower children start that at the latest 18 years of age. This is what religious education set for us to learn. TABLE OF CONTENT ROSH HASHANAH……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5 ROSH HASHANAH PICTURE……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 ROSH HASHANAH RITUALS.....................................................
Words: 4751 - Pages: 20
...THEOLOGY OF MISSIONS PAPER INTRODUCTION At the beginning of time, the pinnacle of God’s creation was man. From man God created woman, and they were sinless and called “very good.” Adam and Eve’s purpose was to have dominion over the earth and to multiply. They were given the ability to choose to follow God’s plan or their own lusts, which is a test they failed. Sin entered the world because of their failure to obey God, Adam and Eve were no longer considered pure, resulting in their separation from God. The sin curse exists today in every human because people are the seed of Adam. Separation from His creation is not what God wants. His utmost desire is for humanity to spend eternity with Him. This desire to pour out grace and mercy was demonstrated through the miraculous work of Jesus Christ on the cross, which provided redemption and restoration for sin. 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...
Words: 2041 - Pages: 9
...Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Liberty University DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES PROJECT Submitted to Dr. Morris L. Baker In partial fulfillment of course requirements for DSMN 500 – Discipleship Ministries Arlen Pfenninger Dover, Delaware July 7, 2012 Table of Contents Cover Page----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Introduction of Spiritual Development of First Baptist Church-----------------------------------3 Needs Within Adult Ministry--------------------------------------------------------------------------5 Objectives of Honor Bound Ministries---------------------------------------------------------------6 Goal Statement-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 Target Group---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 Competencies Expected of Leadership---------------------------------------------------------------7 Goals of Honor Bound Ministries---------------------------------------------------------------------8 Selection of Content-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 Organization of Content---------------------------------------------------------------------------------10 Learning Experiences------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Organization...
Words: 4983 - Pages: 20
...Introduction to Pastoral Theology (P7101B) Assessment 2 – Class Presentation DEFINITION OF MISSIO DEI What is ‘missio dei’? It is a Latin theological term, which literally means ‘the mission (or the sending) of God’. Although the concept is as old as the Bible itself, the theology of missio dei originated in an essay written by noted theologian Karl Barth in 1932. It did not gain wide acceptance until 1952, when it was presented at the Willingen Conference of the International Missionary Council Meeting. Throughout history, God has been working towards the restoration of His creation – this is the essence of missio dei. God has been calling on His people, from within and beyond the church, to take part in this ongoing mission to build His Kingdom on earth. David Bosch in ‘Transforming Mission’, defines missio dei as: “God the Father sending the Son, God the Father and the Son sending the Spirit, and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit sending the church into the world”. He goes on to state that, “Mission is not primarily an activity of the church, but an attribute of God. God is a missionary God. Mission is thereby seen as a movement from God to the world; the church is viewed as an instrument for that mission. There is church because there is mission, not vice versa. To participate in mission is to participate in the movement of God’s love toward people, since God is a fountain of sending...
Words: 3109 - Pages: 13
...God! My paper will be on 2 different poems and there from the book “Talking Dirty to the Gods”. The first poem is called Silkworm and the second poem is called Janus. Both the poems focus on the culture, beauty of life and history. My paper will in tell about the art of poetry and the art of how to tell a story inside of a story. When slaves were to tell stories, they couldn’t write down there dreams or there life and what they went through, so they were to say it in a story form. So they, meaning the kids would never forget there heritage. Therefore, when they became slaves they would sing songs and they would also make other things to remember there past to show there future. The first poem I chose was Silkworm on page.53 when reading the poem it made me think about love and how it was taken away from a lot of African Americans. In the first line it says “they made a fancy catch for a nightgown out of me”. When I first read this poem I, at first didn’t understand what the book was insinuating, but after reading that line about three times it made me think about the slaves and there body being taken advantage of and body being sold as if we were animals to be bought and used for pleasure. To look at this in a different way would be, were you are made to be someone else’s toy and to also not have a real purpose to have a say in anything. The second line of the poem that I would like to go more in depth is: “against her skin eager fingers fought each other to unhook...
Words: 1702 - Pages: 7
...being hones, true, chaste, benevolent, and in doing good to all men. Indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.[i] It regard to the treatment of Americans of African descent, it is no secret that the nation, at large, treated individuals with great contempt. The question is whether or not this new faith group was any different. How did treatment of African Americans among the Saints differ from that of the general population of the United States during the period from 1830, the church’s founding, to the end of the century? What was the LDS church’s position on slavery and did practice follow policy among members of a church founded on the principles of “faith, hope, and charity”?[ii] And, how was the view towards and treatment of free colored persons different that that toward slaves? The Contemporary view The treatments of African Americans in the United States varied throughout the general population. From the slave states of the south, where cruel masters held little hesitation in inflicting whippings, lashings, food deprivations, and other inhumane treatment, to the...
Words: 3618 - Pages: 15
...r Divine-Human Synergism in Ministry Dennis Bratcher A paper presented to the Breckenridge Conference on Clergy Preparation I. Introduction II. Synergism: A Biblical and Theological Base III. The Church's Mission and Ministry: A Recovery of Balance IV. Divine-Human Synergism in Ministry Footnotes Bibliography I. Introduction The Issue In Context The Church In this series of conferences begun last year, we are in process of reflecting on the direction and focus of the ministry and ministerial training in the Church of the Nazarene as our community of faith moves into the twenty-first century. We have attempted to approach our task from two complimentary perspectives, caricatured last year as the "field" of hands-on work and the "realm" of reflective inquiry (although I think there are serious problems inherent in such an artificial dichotomy of responsibilities). -1- From our initial attempts, it has become obvious that we face a multiplicity of issues in such an endeavor. The range and diversity of these issues arise partly from the variety of theological, historical, and practical concerns operating with each of us as individuals and partly from the assumptions and perspectives imported from particular arenas of ministry. One common element that keeps reappearing in various forms is the issue of the nature and mission of the Church. This issue is not unique to our enterprise in these conferences, as the new eleventh Article of Faith on...
Words: 14067 - Pages: 57
