...wrong more often than not. We must recognize how much God loves us and be appreciative of everything that he created. His love is unconditional and great, and we should strive to love him and others in the same manner. Putting God first will allow us to learn how to love entirely and we will make decisions that will make him proud. The Ten Commandments help us stay on the right path. The very first commandment is “You shall have no other gods before me.” This is a very important commandment to me because so many religions either believe in more than one God or put more emphasis on saints or idols. God wants us to know that he is a jealous one, he wants us to love him and praise him and no one else. 2) Eschatology in Christian theology has to do with their belief about death, the end of the world, the second coming of Jesus Christ, purgatory, heaven and Judgment day. God give us free will to make our life choices. If we live a good life and repent of our sins we will go to heaven and we will live as angels forever with God. If we do not repent of our sins we will go to hell. Christians understand that dealing with death is difficult and painful, this is something that we must all experience because of the original sin. But it is not too late to repent, when we die we go through a process of purification this is what they call purgatory. It is necessary before we are in the presence of God. We will all need to face God and account for our sins during judgment...
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...202-B06 Professor Marshall Wicks Eschatology: Is this the end? 7/7/16 Although there are several areas within theology that spark immense interest, eschatology seems to be the most intriguing. Concerning the majority of the Bible, things have already come to pass, history has already been written. However, with eschatology, this is not the case. Because so much is known about the past and so little regarding the future, eschatology is nonetheless a mystery; When will the end begin? What is to be expected once it happens? Is this the end? Such questioning and wonder surround this ominous and looming subject that I undoubtedly and inevitably had to write about it. Throughout the entirety of eschatology’s longevity, philosophical presuppositions, historical indications, biblical evidence, and theological structure consistently unravel certain aspects of this topic, yielding distorted or modified views of this intense and difficult subject. Interestingly enough, because of its unidentified occurrence, suspicion and speculation arise concerning exactly how and when the demise of the entire planet will take place. As expected with any form of speculation or interpretation, eschatology obviously has some intense critique and competition. In other words, other sciences continuously challenge the integrity of theology, specifically philosophy, and propose substantial and significant arguments. Ultimately, it seems as though only a few...
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...Tyler Niblett Turabian Format Theology 201- D02 LUO Short Essay on Inspiration and Inerrancy of the Bible The Bible. Is it authoritative? Is it inerrant? Is it inspired? These are two questions that have plagued the Church since there was a Church. People have continually fought against even the idea of the Bible even being partially inspired, let alone the whole entirety of it, although they still claim that it is still a strong moral authority. In recent years there have even been mutterings from people inside the church questioning the authoritativeness, the inerrancy and inspiration of the Bible, and even the need of it being so. In Theology for Today Elmer Towns quotes Dr. Robert Bratcher with saying, “To invest the Bible with qualities of inerrancy and infallibility is to idolatrize it, to transform it into a false God.” It seems however that since the Bible claims to be the Word of God and God can never sin and so can never lie, that it is paramount for it to be authoritative, inerrant, and inspired. We see in 2 Peter 1:3 and Joshua 1:8, the use of the word “everything”, and “all”. Most people want structure in their lives, something to give them direction. The average of major changes in college is 3; this shows us that when kids step away from the lifestyle that is usually dictated to them by their parents, and are now without any semblance of direction in their lives they are lost. People want direction; they need it, and where is the best place to find...
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...Short Essay #1 Short Essay on Hamartiology Harmartiology is the study of sin. Many people have confusion on the reason why it existent’s when God created the world. Recently, a neighbor questions the very thing. He’s having trouble with his faith and doesn’t understand why natural catastrophes, disease’s and other things that plagued humans. Before this question can be answered it’s important to know the truth of evil in a Biblical view. The problem with evil is the perception of what it is. In today’s society evil acts are not considered evil; most are justified for the purpose. Evil is an act of that is not “not in the keeping with the nature or will of God.”[1] If a person decides to commit adultery repeatedly, the excuse could be because he/she does not feel loved; therefore the act is justified and excusable. Conversely, that is not the case. The act is a sin, period. Humans are called to live according to Gods laws and when people commit sin it’s important to repent and turn from sin, which is seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”. In today’s society people do not look at sin as evil acts that hurt people, when people are hurt then the question becomes “If there was a God, why is their pain; a good God wouldn’t hurt the ones He loves.” There are two types of evil, moral...
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...David Jones THEO_201_B09_201230 Short Essay #4 Short Essay on Angelology and Satanology Anna, thank you for your call regarding the documentary you watched on common dualism. By your description this is also known as religious or ethical dualism. Kuhn in defining ethical or religious dualism says “ Ethical or ethico-religious dualism asserts that there are two mutually hostile forces or beings in the world, the one being the source of all good, the other the source of all evil.”1 Kuhn further describes the universe as the battle ground for these equally opposing forces and identifies them as light and darkness. In this definition we see God being light and Satan being darkness as equal forces in eternal hostile battle. This form of dualism is in contradiction as to what Scripture teaches. Scripture starts with God creating not only the earth but the heavens as well. (Gen.1:1) In the book of Genesis we see God as the creator of all. In the ending of Scripture God claims victory over Satan and Satan is cast into the lake fire to suffer eternal torment.(Rev. 20:10). In Isaiah 14:12-14, the prophet addresses Satan as the one fallen from heaven and cast down to earth for his prideful sins against God. In Ezekiel 28: 12-17 God addresses Satan as the King of Tyre, through the prophet Ezekiel. He addresses him as having been an anointed guardian cherub. God says “for so I ordained you.” (vs 14). “You were the model of perfection,”(vs ________________________________...
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...Short Essay on Topic Hamartiology: The Problem of Evil Evil and its’ affects our obvious in our world and lives. Everyone, regardless of beliefs, must at some point deal with the reality of pain, disease, and disasters that seem to flow from evil. Just being a Christian does not erase these realities or a need to find resolve. All of us must deal with these questions in a honest way, or be content to deny the understanding our minds wish for. This understanding must unify the basic beliefs we have in God: If God is all powerful and good then why would He allow evil to exist? Logic would take us to remove one of these characteristics of God. Either He is not really all powerful or good. This is where some might deny God’s sovereign power. How can He allow something bad if He is good and able to stop it? This leads us to see that it is not just one issue, but a host of questions pop up in this arena. We find ourselves faced with moral evil and natural evil, just to pick two of the issues. Moral evil is defined as “evil produced by the activity of moral agents” and natural evil as “evil that occurs...int the natural order” (Elwell). These are seen daily in our world. Moral evil shows up in murder, greed and in the hearts of us all. Natural evil are those catastrophic events that are outside a moral agents’ influence. Therefore moral agents consistently choose that which is contrary to God, and sin. This is because the first man and woman fell at the original temptation (Gen....
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...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...
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...THEO 201-B21 Short Essay #4 Angelology and Satanology When you look throughout culture there is no longer a longing to know about eternal life or what God wants for our lives. People are happy to live their life how they want to without much thought to how there choices impact the world around them. When you think of religious dualism not many things come to mind. Most people would not understand it or have a good guess to how to define it. Religious dualism designates “two parts” and is the position that the universe consists of two opposing principles. These two opposing principles are God and Satan. They both exist in our world today and have an impact on the way we live our lives. They are the two forces battle for the souls of men. These forces are not equal in strength though. God, according to Scripture, is infinitely greater than Satan and will eventually cast Satan into hell. This could not be done if they were equal and opposing forces. Revelation 20:10 “and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” It clearly states here the God will have victory and has the ultimate power over Satan. Many disagree on the origin of Satan. They say that God wouldn’t have created such an evil presence in this world if it was up to him. Others say that it is all part of Gods plan for His kingdom and for saving the lost. There are two views...
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...1 Kristine Williams THEO201_D01_201240 Short Essay 1 Authority, Inspiration, and Inerrancy The word of God has been a book that has touched the lives of many, whether leading to professions of belief or unfortunate rejections of faith. In all of its glory, the Bible has complete authority, inspiration, and inerrancy from God because it is God. These three attributes go hand in hand to the overall divine nature of the scriptures while having their own impact in the argument of Christianity. Since “authority is the right and power to command, enforce laws, exact obedience, determine or judge,”[1] to say that the Bible has its own authority is a simple, but faith-demanding concept. The Bible is authoritative in that its information can be trusted and is completely valid. This is mainly due to the fact that the author sends that authority. The Lord and creator of the universe gives His word evidence simply because He is truth and portrays accuracy. As God’s word the Bible reveals God’s authority. In reference to the Bible, inspiration simply means that God is the author of all scripture. I believe this way because in His authority He says: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”[2] I am fully confident that every word in the Bible comes divinely from the creator of the universe, not only because that is what His word says, but because it gives explanation...
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...In: Religion Topics The Advancement BOOK CRITIQUE of The Advancement: Keeping the Faith in an Evolutionary Age L. Russ Bush APOL 500 (Summer 2013) Introduction to Apologetics Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Edwin S. Krzyzek (ID# 25767621) June 16th, 2013 Introduction The scales of theology have shifted. The balance of human epistemology has shifted from a higher creator to cosmic accident. The vast majority of history has shown humans to be theistic; the most recent dot on the string of time has been that of naturalism. Where Christianity has dominated western thinking for so long, it now finds itself in the minority voice of reason. Even Christians themselves have taken to blending their views to remain contemporary. L Russ Bush addresses this proliferation of naturalism in The Advancement. Brief Summary Bush produces an eight chapter discourse on the evolution, propagation and fallacy of a view that espouses inevitable naturalistic progress. One that believes biological life and humans in particular are evolving into a constant state of improvement. That believes science to be the replacement of God. Bush coins this worldview, “the Advancement”. Bush says that Christian stability has been replaced by naturalisms unstable relativity. Meaning no longer has meaning. Truth itself is subjective and new is always better. Bush begins by introducing a number of pre-modern and modern philosophers. Bush succinctly steps us through...
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...Reflection Essay How has your view of theology changed over the past eight modules/weeks? My view of theology has been changed in many ways in the last eight weeks. There has been much clarity of scripture and my life as a Christian. I have always struggled with many points of view such as salvation, hell, and even sin. My own theological thought process has been given a new view of my own walk with Christ. This has enabled me to share Gods word with others with more confidents as I have gain more knowledge. Views that I would have never considered or explored; have given me a new spirit of excitement into Gods word and his plan for all mankind. I also believe that it has allowed me to let my “guard down” to other views other than my own. I have grown a new found love for scripture that I never thought I would have, even though I have been reading the good book since I was young. Since those day I have been exposed to multiple views of Christianity, like the Jehovah Witness view. Yet these views made reading scripture less appealing since they all take different approaches of scripture and give off many false interpretations. How have you been able to put into practice the principles you learned from the course? Funny thing is that ever since I have started this course there have been many times that the Lord has granted me the opportunity to discuss these topics with many people I come across. One of these topics happen to be “Hells best kept secret” by Ray Comfort...
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...Short Essay #1 Hamartiology: The Problem of Evil (Theodicy) The problem with evil is that it is hard to believe that in a world created by a God that is supposed to be an all loving all power full God then why would he allow evil to be in the world. Why would he allow for killings and cancer and natural disasters? Evil is a byproduct of free will, because we are free to choose between doing the right thing, that equates to good, and doing the wrong thing, equating to evil. If God didn't give us our own free will to choose right and wrong we would be like robots being controlled and told what to do. God then did give a gift that was good we as humans misused it and therefore have to suffer the consciences of the evil in this world. Now there are two types of evil in this world moral and natural. These two evils are distinct but not separate.[1] Natural sin the result of moral sin. For example, we are told to obey our mother and father and not pay in the road, but if we disobey and play in the road we are committing moral sin. Now by playing in the road you get hit by a car and become paralyzed that is natural evil. The reason you are paralyzed is because of your moral sin of disobeying. There are a couple of ways you can look at why there is evil in the world, one being the theodicy of Gottfried Leibniz. Leibniz believes that God is obligated to create the best.[2] I believe this to be a true statement for God did create the best when he created humans in his image which...
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...Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary The Existence of God; Science As Justification Submitted to Dr. michael chiavone Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For THEO 626 D02 By Daniel Martin Student ID: L25178504 New Orleans, LA December 12, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page I. Introduction 1 a. Thesis and introductory explanation b. Historical development of doctrine II. Arguments for the Existence of God 3 c. Cosmological Argument d. Teleological Argument e. Anthropological III. Atheism Versus Existence of God 11 f. Evidence used to disprove God’s existence g. The believers evidence to counter IV. Conclusion 13 h. Summary of the arguments i. Applications in the church today V. Introduction The existence of an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, immutable, monotheistic God has come up against enormous resistance from the beginning of time. Early believers such as Moses, Elijah, Paul, and Peter all had to demonstrate that their God is the one true God at times. These believers even encountered persecution and ridicule for holding on to these beliefs at times. Nevertheless the challenges to these early believers tended to be demonstrating that their God was greater than their accuser’s god or gods. At times, it was through the words of men that the God of the Bible was shown to be greater, and other...
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...Pannenberg both theologians from different upbringing and different walks of life, both come up with a theology understanding that will help them, and they draw closer to God, and to teach others to do the same thing. God made men in own likeness, but with different understanding of scriptures are to be applied to ones’ walk with God. In this essay, one will be able to grab a hold of both Moltmann’s and Pannenberg’s theology and see which theology will be suitable to their own understanding of theology, by comparing and contrasting the theologies of Moltmann’s and Pannenberg’s Comparing the Theologies of Moltmann and Pannenberg Jürgen Moltmann followed the theology of eschatological because of the new teachings...
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...Theology Essay 1 What thoughts do I have when I hear the word Theology? Well, my first thought is that it has something to do with the Bible and religion. Second, I believe it will give an insight on different views and interpretations of the Bible, but mostly, I believe it will give me along with many others a better perspective on the Bible. The Bible’s interpretations can be used throughout one’s life as a map of what to do and where to go, especially when you’re at a loss of what to do and where to turn. Theology will give a huge eye opening experience to many that have never read the Bible but believe in God. As the video’s and the book stated, everyone is a theologian. We all have our thoughts in God and what we believe and that’s part of being a theologian but not everyone believes in the same way and we definitely don’t interpret the Bible the same way. Many have stated that this is the time to discuss with friends, cougleges, and family to hear everyone’s point of views and comprise different takes on the discussion along with being open to another way of interpretation. I hope to get a better understanding of the Bible and its interpretations during the next 8 weeks while taking this course. I’m hopeful that it will broaden my thoughts, feelings and understanding of the Bible more. As a young child my mother or grandparents would take us to church and we could sit and listen to the sermons every Sunday. As we, my brothers and I, grew we didn’t attend church as much...
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