1. What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!
The one key idea of this chapter is making a difference. We see in the name of the Chapter , CALLED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, that we are suppose to use our talents to change the world. Our model of this can be Jesus Christ in that he used his gifts of teaching, compassion, and understanding to change and make a more positive change in the world. We also studied the different influences philosophies such as epicureanism, cynicism, stoicism, and magic; cults, and major icons in history that changed and molded Christianity itself. The chapter also introduced the different influences society has on us and it is up to us to accept the positive influences and reject the negative influences such as popularity and consumerism. We are called to act like Jesus in his humility and humbleness to make a difference in the world we live in.
2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
One major idea that I want to remember is the influences on Christianity. We studied how the Roman Empire, Greek culture, Jewish religion, and non-Christian religions helped shape the current Christian religion. We are also introduced to political influences such as Herod the Great in his distrust and hatred and also Herod Antipas is his cruelty. We examine the Promised land in which Jesus grew up and the three provinces listed; Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. We see Jerusalem as both a political capital and a spiritual capital. Cultures, religious and philisophical influences, and Jewish San Hedrin play vital roles in the shaping of our religion and this is why I want to remember it.
Another major idea that I would like to remember is the Jewish beliefs. Noted on page 35 are the key Jewish beliefs. As stressed in the past chapter, understanding Judaism is important in understanding Jesus. Number one is that there is one God. This is important to know that Jesus grew up monotheistic and this religion filled his heart. Number two is that God created everything, which is important because it shows that Jesus was introduced to the powerfulness and might of God. Number three is that God chose people to carry God's message and blessing though history and these people were originally called the Israelites and then known as the Jews. This vital information helps us to find ourselves growing even deeper into the heart and the mind of Jesus. Number four is that God made a covenant with the Israelites. This key belief shows how strong Jesus' relationship must have been with Yahweh and by studying this we can grow closer to Jesus Christ.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
Quote in image
4. One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.
Why do the negative influences society give us seem so appealing, but eventually hurt us and the positive influences society gives us seem so unsatisfactory, when they truly give us joy?
5. Do one of the "Living the Gospel" questions at the end of the chapter. Write out the question, reflect upon it and write out your answer.
Write a one page essay expressing the values in our society that Christians are challenged to reject.
There are many influence society gives to us, both positive and negative, and it is our job as Christians to distinguish between them and reject the negative ones.
One of the influences that society gives us that we as Christians are to reject is popularity. Society stresss that popularity is the key to truly living life. People get so caught up in themselves and there appearance to others that they forget that they should be thinkig about others. We as Christians are called to reject extreme popularity and be humble in helping the less fortunate.
The second negative influence society gives us that we are to reject is consumerism. Society gives supreme emphasis on material goods and the more good you have the better off you be. This influence can also lead to just thinking of yourself and what you want (not need) rather than those that need money and goods to survive. We as Christians are called to reject extreme consumerism for ourselves and express Jesus' humility and give to the poor so that they can receive what they need.
The third negative influence that we are called to reject is individualism. As briefly spoken of in the past two influences, the act of just thinking about yourself to the extreme and jsut about what you want is not what Jesus is calling us to do. He wants us to love our neighbor and care for him. He wants us to be a family and be united in that we can all help each other. This is what we are called to do.
The fourth negative influence that we are called to reject is sexual permissiveness. Society advertises in so many ways through newspapers, magazines, TV, the internet, etc. the need for sexual appeasement in daily life. Society stresses beauty, lust, and a new kind of addiction to the extreme. We as Christians are called to chastity and not be sexually active till marriage.
The fifth negative influence that we are called to reject is immediate gratification. Society stresses the "I want that and I want it now!" theme in everyday life. The idea of patience is completely disregarded. We as Christians are called to patience because God as he tested Abraham in his patience, tests us. If we want immediate gratification, God's grace will not be as appealing and amazing as it should be.
The sixth negative inlfuence that we are called to reject is technological fixes. The average 21st century person is very reliable on medication and technoogy to perform their tasks. Many may think if they are sad, they can "take a pill" to cure it. God and Jesus do not want us to get caught up in searching for extreme joy in technology when the true joy is in Jesus. We as Christians are called to search for God's grace not in technology, but in Jesus' heart.
These influences are brought into us everyday and it is our job to reject them and realize that all our hopes, dreams, and joy lie in Jesus Christ.
Back to Home Page