Questioning

 Hello class,

    Asking questions is super important in theology. It helps us dig deeper into big ideas and figure things out. When we question stuff, like why we believe what we do or what God's all about, we're actually learning more about our faith and getting closer to understanding it.

    It's important to understand questioning does not mess up our faith; it actually makes it stronger. It's like when we're not sure about something, and we start asking questions, we're taking our faith seriously. We're exploring and figuring things out, and that helps us trust in God even more and feel more connected to what we believe. 

    So, asking questions in theology isn't a bad thing, it's how we grow and learn. It sparks curiosity, leads to deeper understanding, and helps us feel more connected to our beliefs. So let's keep on asking, because that's how we unlock the truth about God and our faith.

Ethics in Religion

 Hello class,

    For beginners in theology, diving into how religion and ethics connect is like stepping into a new adventure. It's all about discovering how ancient teachings fit into today's world. As we start this journey, we bump into a big question. How does what we believe guide how we act? Some people find clear answers in their faith, while others struggle to match old teachings with what's happening now. It's like figuring out how tradition and today's ideas can get along.

    But as we explore, we find something cool. Every step teaches us something new. Thinking about ethical questions from a religious angle makes us think harder about what we believe and how we understand others. It's like unlocking secrets about how to be a better person in a complicated world.

Finding God

 Hello class,

    In theology, we talk about two big ideas: transcendence and immanence. Transcendence means God is way beyond everything, like the stars in the sky. Immanence means God is close to us, like a friend who's always there when we need them.

    What's cool is how these two ideas work together. If God was only far away (transcendence), we might feel alone. If God was only close (immanence), we might forget how amazing and powerful God is. But with both, we get the best of both worlds: a big, powerful God who's also like a close friend. It's like having an idol or someone to look up to that's always there for you. Understanding this helps us see God in a new way and figure out where we fit in the big picture.

    So, next time you look at the stars or feel a comforting presence, remember: God is both out there in the big universe and right here with us in our everyday lives. It's a pretty cool idea that can make us feel connected to something bigger while also feeling supported and loved.

Forgiveness

 Hello class,

    In Christianity forgiveness is a big deal. It's not just about saying sorry; it's about showing love and mercy even when someone has hurt us. Jesus talked a lot about forgiveness. He said we should forgive others just like God forgives us. That means letting go of anger and showing kindness, even to those who have wronged us.

    Forgiveness isn't just for others it's for us too. When we forgive, we free ourselves from anger and hurt, just like God frees us from our mistakes. In a world full of hurt and anger, forgiveness brings hope. It reminds us to let go of grudges and show kindness to others, just like God does for us. So let's remember the power of forgiveness in Christianity. Let's choose to forgive, just as we have been forgiven. And let's spread love and kindness wherever we go.

Beliefs

    When it comes to beliefs about religion and the existence of gods, two terms you might hear are "atheism" and "agnosticism." Atheists are individuals who have taken the time to study scripture, examine evidence, and delve into philosophical ideas. After careful consideration, they've concluded that they don't believe in a god. It's not a decision made lightly; many atheists have thoroughly thought through their beliefs and come to their own conclusions based on their studies and experiences. In contrast, agnostics are more unsure about the existence of a god. They might say, "I'm not sure if there's a god, and maybe we can't ever know for sure." Agnostics are comfortable with uncertainty and recognize that there may be things beyond human understanding. They're open to exploring different ideas and are willing to admit that they don't have all the answers.

    Some people may identify as both atheist and agnostic, indicating that while they don't believe in a god based on their studies and examination of evidence, they're also open to the possibility that there are things about the universe that we may never fully understand. Ultimately, whether you're an atheist, agnostic, or somewhere in between, it's all about exploring your beliefs and being open to asking questions about the big mysteries of life.

Old VS New

    Hello class, let's explore the fascinating contrast between the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, we journey through ancient stories, laws, and prophecies that lay the foundation for faith. It's a rich tapestry of history, morality, and divine revelation, showcasing the origins of faith and the cultural heritage of the Jewish people. Fast forward to the New Testament, where we encounter a revolutionary message of love, redemption, and salvation through Jesus Christ. Here, we find a profound spiritual journey that transcends religious observance, emphasizing grace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

    While the Old Testament prepares us for the coming of the Messiah, the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. Together, they form a seamless narrative of God's love and redemption, inviting us to embark on a journey of faith and discovery. As we get into scripture, let's cherish the richness of both the Old and New Testaments, recognizing their unique contributions to our spiritual growth and understanding. After all, in the tapestry of divine revelation, every thread plays a vital role in weaving the story of God's boundless love for His creation.

Vatican II

    If you're new to theology, you might have heard of the Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II. It was a big deal in the Catholic Church from 1962 to 1965, called by Pope John XXIII to update things and connect better with the modern world. Vatican II changed how Mass was celebrated, making it more understandable for everyone by allowing it to be in languages people spoke. It also emphasized that everyday Catholics, not just clergy, have an important role in the Church. Another big thing was its focus on unity among different Christian groups and even other religions, promoting dialogue and understanding.

    Vatican II matters because it brought significant changes to the Catholic Church and reflects a desire to adapt while staying true to core beliefs. It shows how theology isn't just about old texts but also about engaging with the world we live in. So, when you hear about Vatican II, now you have a basic idea of what it's about. It's a fascinating part of theology's journey through history, and you might want to explore it further as you continue your theological journey.

Black Theology

     James Cone's groundbreaking work in Black theology drew inspiration from leaders like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Their advocacy for social justice and equality resonated deeply with Cone's theological framework, which posited that God is actively present in the struggle for liberation. In Cone's theology, the voices of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. are integral. Malcolm X's call for self-determination and King's message of nonviolent resistance both spoke to Cone's vision of a God who stands with the oppressed.

    Cone's approach prompts us to consider what might have happened if these leaders had not emerged to champion the cause of equality. Would their voices have been drowned out by oppression and systemic racism, or would others have risen to continue their work? Their legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. By reflecting on their teachings and actions, we are inspired to confront injustice and work towards a more equitable society.

Feminism in Religion

    Today in class I was introduced to the topic of feminist theology. Beginning my theological journey, the recent introduction to feminist theology has sparked a newfound curiosity and ignited a desire to explore faith through a gender-inclusive lens. As a beginner in the realm of theology, the concept of feminist theology is both intriguing and empowering, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of gender, spirituality, and social justice within religious traditions. While I may not have extensively explored the intricacies of feminist theology yet, its principles of equality, inclusivity, and the amplification of marginalized voices resonate deeply with me.

    As I start to navigate feminist theology, I am eager to explore how it challenges traditional interpretations of religious texts and doctrines through a feminist critique. I am excited to learn about the diverse range of feminist theologians and their contributions, from reimagining sacred narratives to advocating for gender equity within religious institutions. As I embark on this journey, I am filled with anticipation for the ways in which feminist theology will expand my understanding of faith, inspire critical reflection, and empower me to actively engage in the pursuit of justice and equality.

Liberation

    How do you explain the oppression of individuals through the lens of religion? Many theologians in history attempted to answer this question and sought justice for those facing poverty by giving them a say in social and political reforms. Liberation theology is how some chose to explain immense poverty combined with religion. 

    Thanks to Gustavo Gutierrez and early Latin America liberation theology emerged quickly as a new viewpoint in religion focused on the liberation of the oppressed. In this region it was adopted by a vast majority simply because there were so many marginalized communities that were facing the exact preaching's of liberation theology. Although its not as popular in todays society, liberation theology is a focal point in history as it forced the church to answer social injustice.

Faith Seeking Understanding

Early on in the semester we established that theology is considered to be faith seeking understanding. At first this concept was confusing to me. As I've established a foundation for  what theology actually is this phrase has become quite relevant to me. There is lot's of interpretation when it comes to the understanding of this statement.

I believe the term faith in this attributes to one's initial belief or faith in a religious tradition. With this initial faith it's important to start seeking a deeper understanding of the topic through thorough reflection and inquiry. In the Army we have this idea of a life-long learner. I believe it's easy for me to relate these two because regardless of how much information you think you know or how smart you think you are, you can never learn to much. Faith seeking understanding is a perfect example of being a life-long learner as it promotes a broader understanding of religion which is typically someone follows for their entire life on earth.

Crosses

     Have you ever paid attention to the details of a cross? The first time I did I noticed the letters INRI written above Jesus's head. INRI stands for Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews. When you start to notice the small details of the regular crucifix you may see that Jesus is being pinned in the center of his hands. Not that this is a huge factor but it isn't realistic. This is why there have been different forms of the cross adopted. 

    There are many variations to the cross however  I want to specifically mention the three that we have learned about in this class. These crosses are the regular crucifix, the papal crucifix and the priestly/altar Christ. I simply wanted to bring light to the difference's in these crosses and allow you to do your own research. Based on your research feel free to comment on the blog and let me know which one interest you the most.

Predestination

    Do you believe that everything happens for a reason, and that as humans we have no control over out future? If you do you may believe in a form of predestination. Predestination is essentially the idea that God had predetermined who will and will not receive salvation.

    When learning about this in class it was a tough concept for me to wrap my head around. As a Christian I've been taught that no matter the severity I would be able to repent my sins. If these were to be true simultaneously it's seems conflicting. There are ways around this view and the main one that stick out to me is the idea that God already knows what acts an individual will commit, because of this it is possible for both scenarios to exist simultaneously. What situations do you think allow for both of the to be plausible.

Televised Stories

 Is it morally correct to have Jesus's life televised? At a simple glance I would say yes however, upon critical evaluation it seems much more complex. I grew up with Christianity as the main religion being exposed to me. Over the years I can admit that I lost touch with my sense of religion and it's something I'd like to implement back into my life. Since starting this theology course I noticed I have a deeper understanding of various religions and though I'm not sure exactly what I believe in I have a true sense of respect for all.

Recently I've come across a show on Hulu called "Jesus: His Life." Being intrigued from what I've already learned in class I decided to give it a try. I found that it's really easy to understand Jesus's story now that I have studied him from an academic standpoint. The threat I can see a televised version of his life imposing is the  potential for dramatization. I don't want to go to in depth on this topic I just wanted to propose a question to get everybody's brain working. My answer to this question is that as long as it does add to scripture and it is also aligned with scripture then this shouldn't be an issue. In this case I believe it to be morally correct and it can even promote an easier way of understanding and reach a broader audience.

Joseph's Response

    Imagine the woman you love being away from you for months only to return home carrying a baby that you know for certain isn't yours. Anger, betrayal, disgust, these are all feelings that I can only imagine Joseph felt upon the return of Mary. I feel as if this is a hard pill to swallow for anybody that could've possibly found themselves in this situation. To make matters worse Joseph had been diligently working towards building a home for his family; imagine thinking all of this hard work had just gone to waste in the blink of an eye.

    An angel came to Mary asking her to conceive a son. "Mary said to the angel, 'How can this be, since I am a virgin?' The angel said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God" (Reflection on the Annunciation, n.d.). Hearing these words must've been confusing followed by a swarm of pondering questions. However with faith Mary took on this great responsibility without regard to her family back home.

    This story is so raw and true that it makes me wonder what else could've potentially happened if Mary and Joseph were not chosen for this great honor. If it had been someone else with little faith would they potentially have told on Mary for Adultery? There are many questions that can stem from this story. What is something that comes to your mind?

Reference

    Reflection on the annunciation. (n.d.). Merton College - Oxford. https://www.merton.ox.ac.uk/socially-isolated-spiritually-connected/reflection-annunciation#:~:text=In%20the%20sixth%20month%20the,The%20Lord%20is%20with%20you.