Textbook Response Assignment: Molloy 333-365
One part of the New Testament that I find most interesting is “The Epistles.” Something that I find interesting is that each “letter” in the epistles is very different as they all have a unique
theme such as joy, freedom, or hope. These letters were written to instruct, encourage, and solve problems. The Epistles have also provided an insight into the beliefs of early Christianity. The Eastern Orthodox Church is different than many other branches of Christianity because of the Eastern Orthodox belief that the Holy Spirit proceeds only from the Father. I chose this particular Eastern Orthodox belief because this branch has a very different understanding of the Trinity from other branches of Christianity. For example, Western Christianity believes that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. The first quote I connected with on page 342 states that “Jesus had his own followers carry on John’s practice by baptizing others.” I connected with this sentence because it reminded me of the time that I was baptized as a baby at my church. Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist with the water of the Jordan River and he ordered disciples to baptize others. The second quote I connected with on page 338 states that “on the following Sunday, the gospels report, the followers who went to care for his body found his tomb empty.” I connected with this sentence because it reminded me that Easter is this weekend, and many Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter. Jesus was crucified on a Friday and rose from the dead three days later.
