Premium Essay

When Gods People Disagree

In:

Submitted By wscutie
Words 823
Pages 4
CAROLINA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE DISAGREE

BY LATASHA BARR

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
DR HANCHELL
9 JULY, 2012

Conflicts are part of life. We all have experienced situations where we found ourselves on one side of an argument. From playground fights, to board room debates or the emotional dispute of a couple, it is inevitable at some point we will disagree. The church is no different. When we join our selves to the body of Christ we bring along all of the attributes that make us who we are. What should separate us from the world is how we handle the differences that arise amongst us. Acts chapter 15 is filled with conflict, and provides details on dealing with conflict when God’s people disagree.
Acts 15 opens in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas are in a fierce debate with some fellow believers from Judea. The Jewish believers from Judea were teaching in order to be saved, one must believe in Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ; but in order to be part of the covenant community, Israel, one must become a proselyte, which is entered into by circumcision and obligates the individual to keep the Law of Moses¹. Paul and Barnabas disagreed with these teaching and this made for heated discussions. The debate raged on in such a manner that the group was ultimately sent back to Jerusalem to present their arguments before the council which remained there. It is important we realize there are no good guys and bad guys in this equation. Both parties are Christian believers and when the debate ensued both parties were out evangelizing and teaching the body of Christ. Each party had a different means to the same end result, the salvation of the lost and the building of the church. So, what we are seeing is an internal conflict that stands to damper the progression and momentum of the church.
The Jewish leaders believed that

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Miss

...Practice Questions Q) Explain how Muslim upbringing may lead or support belief in God? Muslim upbringing may lead to or support belief in God because when the child is just the born the first words that he hears are the Athaan. From the minute the child is born he is listening to the word of Allah. Also, when the child is born certain things are carried out such as the Aqiqa. This is where the Muslim is given a name and the hair is shaved off, and the weight of it in gold/silver is given to charity. Furthermore, when the child is about 4 years old he goes to a Madressa (Islamic school) where he learns to pray Salah and the Quran. He is given Islamic knowledge from childhood which makes him steadfast on his belief from birth. Praying Salah and the Quran constantly from a young age makes the child understand that this is a big part of his life. Q) There are no such things as miracles. Do you agree? Why would people disagree? I disagree with the statement because miracles are events that go against the laws of science and can only be done by God. In the modern day when people are cured from an incurable disease, science fails to explain why and they don’t have an answer, however the disease was cured by God. Furthermore, there is evidence today to prove that miracles can happen, such as Islamic Arabic written inside a fruit which scientists cannot explain. Furthermore, another example that proves miracles are real is the way the sun is positioned. It’s a miracle that the...

Words: 408 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Re 2011 Questions

...Reconciliation between God and Humanity. (b) Do you think Jesus died to save people?(4) Give two reasons for your point of view. • yes because Jesus says in the Gospels that he was dying to save people from sin. This is the reason why we are born without sin. This is important for Christians as we can get to heaven. • Also as a christian The catechism teaches that Jesus’ death brought salvation upon us people yet again providing evidence that Jesus did die to save us people on Earth. (c) Explain how one religion community expresses its love of God.(8) They take vows to be obedient to God, one community is the Carmelite nuns who take vows. These vows are very strict and by following them you are showing your love to God. Also religious communities should spend time with God in private prayer. The Carmelite nuns spend almost 12 hours of everyday in pray2011-Beliefs And Values 2011-Beliefs And Values er, worship and contemplation. This truly shows they are committed to God. Also in religious communities the people give up their freedom. In order to show their complete love towards God, the Carmelite nuns give up things like money and sex so theres simply no distractions. Lastly, the Carmelite nuns live in an enclosed area away from the rest of the world simply not to get distracted allowing them to show full devotion and commitment to God. (d) “Christian should not believe that god is three” (6) Do you agree? give reasons for your opinion. I disagree with this statement...

Words: 1928 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Sartre Vs Kierkegaard

...The next aspect of Kierkegaard’s philosophy is the ethical. Which is when you summon good and bad in your life. This section is all about your choices, which, as all Existentialists believe, is what creates the action in your life which, in turn, creates the being that influences your existence which gives you your essence. Yet this is when you live your life by the approval of others and make your choices from them also. This is the aspect of life that guilt comes from. Humans feel guilty because they can never do their job perfectly. The ethical person wants to serve others, they want to do right by others and thus anxiety and guilt festers because they cannot achieve every person’s wish perfectly. There will always be something...

Words: 2215 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Do You Tend to Agree with the Right-to-Die or the Right-to-Life Advocate?

...fact, euthanasia is a very controversial subject. Some people argue that it is a solution for patients who are terminally ill. However, I totally disagree with this kind of solution because there is a point of living, you live to die that's true, but you also die to live. Jack Kevorkian invented the suicide machine in 1989. Kevorkian known as Dr. Death point of view on medical humanism allows patients and family determine the moment of death in which he calls it a “Positive Death”. Many of us today wonder why do we have to live when we didn’t ask to be born? Well the truth is that you do not "have" to live. You do have a choice in that. But like any other murder, taking your own life is cruel and unjust. If euthanasia was legal then patients might give up when they are fighting against a difficult disease and also could make the wrong decision. Therefore by law, killing is illegal and Euthanasia is just supporting on killing someone therefore euthanasia should be illegal. To kill oneself, or to get somebody else to do it for you, is to disagree with God, and to deny God's rights over your live and his right to decide the length of your live and the means your live ends. In many religions euthanasia is not acceptable generally because God gave us a life and no matter how bad we think our life are, we should live our lives to the fullest. Suffering has value. People consider that dying is just one of the tests that God places for human beings, and that the way they react...

Words: 607 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Protestant Problems

...Protestant Problems When it comes to the Protestant faith, it is extremely hard for me to understand their faith and what they believe in. I was born into a Catholic family and was baptized and confirmed, but I am not practicing at all. I actually did not even believe in the Catholic faith when I was confirmed, which I know was bad at the time but I continued with the sacrament for my family. Although I do not practice any faith, I associate myself with the Catholic Church because I believe it is easier that way and it keeps my family happy. What is really weird is that when I learn about other faiths that do not have the same thoughts or beliefs as the Catholic faith, I become very angry at that faith. I do not understand why I become angry at other religions besides Catholicism when I do not even believe in the Catholic faith. My boyfriend’s family is Lutheran and they are extremely religious. We sometimes have talks about our different faith backgrounds but when we do talk about it, I immediately put up a wall and do not even care what they say. There are a ton of things about the Lutheran faith that I do not like believe in or like. The first, and most important, problem I have with the Lutheran faith is that they believe in scripture alone. I strongly believe that traditions are necessary for any religion because I believe they lay the foundation for a religion. Without tradition, nothing would be passed down from generations that symbolize that faith. I believe...

Words: 771 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

St. Augestine

...Augustine once said, “For we have our existence from God, and it is from him that we deserve punishment for doing wrong and reward for doing good.” This quote draws up two philosophical propositions, which was taken from Book two of Augustine, “On Free Choice of the Will”. St. Augustine was a Christian theologian and philosopher and was the bishop of Hippo Regius, which was in Numidia; providence in Africa ruled by the Romans. He is seen as arguably the most important Western Christianity Church Father due to his influential texts in the Patristic Era. One could agree with St. Augustine’s philosophical proposition and one could disagree with his philosophical proposition. One could agree with St. Augustine’s philosophy “For we have out existence from God, and it is from him that we deserve punishment for doing wrong and reward for doing good” by analyzing biblical texts and having strong Christian beliefs. This claim can be interpreted that in the end of one’s life God will judge them at the gates of Heaven. Those who have lived a life full of good deeds will be rewarded; while those who have lived a life full of sin and wrongdoing will be reprimanded. When St. Augustine refers to those who will be punished for living a bad life one could interpret it that he asserts that person will receive his punishment in hell. Hell is a place of torment and punishment in an afterlife for people who have committed serious sins for which God will not allow them through the golden gates of Heaven...

Words: 732 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Manifest Destiny Analysis

...Manifest Destiny is clear fate offered by God. The colonists believed that they were destined to expand their country westward. I disagree with the Manifest Destiny because Native Americans live on the west side of the country during that time. The first reason why I disagree with the Manifest Destiny is because the colonists moved west to spread their religion. In “The Great Nation of Futurity”, it says, “Our future history will be to establish on earth the moral dignity and salvation of man -- the undeniable truth and goodness of God.” This means that the colonists wanted to influence other people about what they believe in. They believed that it was God’s will that they expand westward. The Native Americans have their own beliefs and the...

Words: 599 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

The Attainability of Happiness

...The Attainability of Happiness Can one attain happiness in this life? St. Thomas Aquinas is very opinionated on this subject. To know if one can attain happiness in this life, Aquinas first analyzes different possible sources of happiness to determine whether or not man’s happiness consists in these sources. Aquinas asks if any created good could consist of man’s happiness. St. Thomas says it could seem as if happiness consists of created goods because “man is made happy by that which lulls his natural desire”(1). Created goods satisfy us because they are what we crave, so when we attain them we could achieve happiness. Aquinas argues that while this is so, created goods cannot possibly be the source of man’s happiness. This is mainly due to the fact that created goods are “less than the goods of which he is capable, as of an object, and which is infinite. And the participated good which is in an angel, and in the whole universe, is a finite and restricted good” (2). What this means is that it does not make sense for man to solely derive his happiness from created goods because they are finite; there is only a set amount of these things in existence. Man would always have to worry about whatever good that is fueling his happiness from running out, because it is not eternal. For Aquinas, this means that our happiness cannot possibly consist of created goods because by definition, happiness is that state in which nothing is left to be desired. One is completely satisfied and at...

Words: 2070 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Religion

...the context of health. Many religious people have strong opinions about this because of the Sanctity of life. They believe that all life is sacred and a gift from God. There are parts of the Bible that shows life is known by God even before we know it. ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…’ Abortion The Law • Abortions can take place up to 24 weeks for social reasons; unable to care for the child financially, physically or mentally unable to have a child as well as the mother or the foetus’ life is at risk. • Abortions can take place after 24 weeks IF the foetus is seriously ill or the mother’s life is in danger. • Two Dr’s must agree before an abortion can take place. • After 28 weeks the foetus is considered ‘viable’ about to survive outside of the womb, this is why abortion then is not an option. • Catholics believe abortion is murder and the 10 Commandments in the Bible say ‘do not murder’. It also says in the Bible ‘Before you were formed I knew you’ and also ‘The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.’ • Protestants believe that abortion may be the best way out of as bad situation. They think you should ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ they also believe that God is forgiving. Fertility Treatment • This is given to couples who want to have a baby, but cannot conceive naturally(get pregnant) • The most common fertility treatment is IVF. Catholics disagree with IVF because sometimes the sperm or egg...

Words: 792 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Bible Means What It Says - and That Is the End of the Matter

...of the matter.” Discuss. This is a topic that has been debated many a time, and by a large group of people. This is because it has such a large effect on a large amount of people. This statement can be said to be the reason for splits in religions such as in Christianity where there are denominations based on how each group of people perceive and understand the Bible. Examples of this are fundamentalists who believe the Bible should be taken literally as it is the direct word of god; another example is liberalists who believe that the Bible is more a set of guidelines that should be interpreted to modern day to help conquer more contemporary issues such as abortion and euthanasia. An argument that would disagree with the statement put forward is that by not taking the Bible at face value and looking deeper you can find its true meaning. Some people are put off believing in the Bible due to unrealistic stories within it such as the creation account instead of looking at it as a metaphor which makes it easier to understand and still maintains the meaning and teachings of the Bible. The method of hermeneutics (the art of interpretation) also enables us to put stories into context and discover the deeper meaning that can make sense to our present day. It also helps us to relate the bible to contemporary issues such as IVF Treatment as issues like that were not present when the Bible was written. This is supported by Bultmann who believes by interpreting the bible it allows Christianity...

Words: 848 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Rene Descartes

...in the 17th century. Many regard to Descartes as the father of modern philosopher. His famous statement "Cogito ero sum" is widely known and studied. He contributed much to mathematics as well as philosophy. What does my philosopher believe is real? One thing my philosopher believes is real is the certainty of the existence of god. René Descartes has an awareness about god. And acknowledges the existence of god. One of Descartes metaphysics is his certainty about god which is examined in his Fifth Mediations “Descartes holds that the idea of God is a true and immutable nature and hence it is not something that can be rejected at all in so far as it is ultimately an innate idea”. His view is similar like mine regarding the belief of god. Though his process for believing in god is quite different then of mine, we both have a strong belief in god. My View on Rene Descartes metaphysics regarding the existence of god is disagreement. Descartes argues that god exists beyond any doubt, but I disagree. My view is not like his because, I believe his proof of good relies mostly on false premises. Descartes argues that god exists but what is the actuality of god he does not answer. An example of this can be illustrated by a student doubting whether or not they will make a good grade on the test, because it cannot be guaranteed. The truth is doubt does not grant certainty. If you have to doubt something till you make it certain it was not certain to begin with. Another thing believed by...

Words: 1980 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Thomas Aquinas

...guidance. So how do philosophy and the Christian life intersect? One of the ways to understand that is to look at the early church philosophers that have shaped our knowledge and understanding of the scriptures. In the following paragraphs we will examine the philosopher Thomas Aquinas. Thomas had a way of understanding God that you may or may not agree with but hopefully will learn about him in the paragraphs ahead. Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican theologian and philosopher that is believed by many to be one of the most influential thinkers of Scholasticism and is also know as the father of the Thomistic school of theology. Thomas Aquinas was born in the year 1225 in Roccasecca, in the Kingdom of Sicily also know as present day Italy. He combined the theological principles with the principles of reason and he is ranked by many as one of the most influential thinkers of medieval Scholasticism. Thomas was the son Landulf of Aquino and is believed to be born in his father’s castle. At the age of five Thomas began his education at Monte Cassino to train among Benedictine monks. He remained there until he was around the age of 13 when political tempers began to flare and that forced him to move to Naples. It was while he was studying at the Benedictine house in Naples that he was introduced...

Words: 2371 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Rap Music

...___________ on _____________________. DR. ROSARIO C. CRUZ Director DR. GELARIO C. CRUZ __________________ Principal DepEd Representative MRS. SEGUNDINA BANZON __________________ Member Member Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Secondary Education Date: ______________ ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to dedicate this thesis entitled “A STUDY ON A STUDY ON THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MALE RAP ARTIST AMONG 50 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NEWLAND CENTER FOR EDUCATION, S.Y. 2013-2014” to the following people who inspired mo to make this study became a reality. First, I would like to thank our Heavenly Father. He who was and is to come; He who is giving high hopes; for being my source of strength; for being true to what He promised me. I praise you and I thank you my Creator and Savior. To God be the glory. To Dr. Gelario C. Cruz, our beloved Principal who is equipped...

Words: 10428 - Pages: 42

Premium Essay

Homosexuality Paper -Philosophy

...it. I disagree with this point of view because I choose not to judge homosexuals but instead I accept them as members of our society. Middle Eastern societies do not accept homosexuals because their beliefs are against it, but sometimes different behaviors can add to the diversity in a society. We should not let homosexuals feel like they are being looked down upon or treated differently than any other human being. Rather, we should try to understand the basis of their behavior and take consideration into the causes that led these people to practice homosexuality. Some causes are social while others are biological. There may have been many social causes or experiences that might have lead to homosexual behavior. The main biological cause for homosexuality has been identified to be related to the abnormally high levels of the female hormones progesterone and estrogen. Also there have been studies indicating that some parts of the brain that control attitude and behavior are slightly smaller in homosexual males compared to normal male brains. Homosexuality is a very debatable issue and some people view it as morally wrong and others such as myself don’t. According to the natural law theory, everything in nature has a purpose just as Aristotle believed. For example, the rain falls to nourish the plants and the plants exist for the sake of animals that eat them and the animals exist for the sake of humans who feed on them. But Aristotle did not discuss the existence of God and believed...

Words: 1511 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Book Review

... facts, and theories all play a part in our society. What we think is right and what we think is wrong can be different from somebody else’s views just because of the way they may interpret it or the way they may look at it. Religion itself directs certain individuals to a path that says that God is the reason for everything while scientists may disagree with such findings because of the facts that they have reached over time. Then you have the theories that you cannot really prove true but it does not mean that it is wrong. “The Metaphysical Club” is a book that may even cause you to question what you believe by the end of the book. It took place around the time of the Civil War and involved philosophers, scientists, mathematicians, and idealists. It describes the life of four intellectuals who share their views on how they feel about things and how they perceive the world. These individuals somehow link back to Harvard and have something in common. They all are thinkers. These fours thinkers are Charles Pierce, William James, Oliver Holmes Jr., and John Dewey. Each one of these individuals had their own exploration of ideas and shared them to one another to either agree or disagree on how to define modern American Life. They formed a club called, “The Metaphysical Club.” “The Metaphysical Club” based a lot of their discoveries and beliefs and built them into a category called pragmatism. Pragmatism is basically a way of thinking or doing things based on the situation instead...

Words: 1227 - Pages: 5