CCLT3203 Unit 1 Interactive Assessment Religions of the World
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CCLT3203- Religions of the World
Describe your own religious history. Where are you on your journey? What exposure to various religions have you had?
Before describing my religious journey and exposure to various religions let’s define a key term “religion”. Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that by means of cultus directs a person toward transcendence and thus provides meaning and coherence to a person’s life (Corduan, 2012, p.28). With this definition in mind, my religious journey growing up was rooted in Christianity. I was raised in a Christian household and relate to Corduan description of a typical Sunday morning. Growing up my Sunday mornings consisted of going to church, we would pray,
sing songs of praise and worship, sow offerings, and listen to the word of God from the Pastor or
another clergyman. For most of my life I was only exposed to the doctrine of Christianity. During my childhood I remember clergy shunning other religious beliefs. They gave the impression that interest in other religions was risky and may cause one to become confused and detour them from the truth. It wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I was exposed to different religious beliefs. I recall working on jobs with co-workers who had different religious beliefs. We would often have discussions about our beliefs, some were Catholic, Muslim, Atheist and some didn’t identify with
any religion. During these discussions many of my misconceptions of neighboring religions was clarified. We never tried to argue or convince each other of which belief was right, it was simply moments of sharing and understanding different religious journeys. I was able to share how being a believer of Christ is a walk of faith, and how our hope is founded
in the word of God. Also, how we believe Jesus Christ is the savior God promised way back in Genesis 3 after Adam and Eve sinned. We believe he is the light in the darkness. We believe he is
the road to redemption, that we can stand before the throne of a righteous God with confidence because of the Son of God becoming a living sacrifice and that is through Christ resurrection and
the holy spirit that we find hope to walk through this journey called life. Now in my religious journey, I believe exposure to various religions is not an act of turning from
one’s truth. It is an opportunity to learn and understand the religious beliefs of others, which can also provide an opportunity for one to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. As stated by Corduan, the word religion conjures up definite concepts. What concepts come to mind when you hear the word “religion”?
Reference
Corduan, W. (2012). Neighboring faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions (2nd ed.). IVP Academic.
Interactive Response 1
Hello Cecelia,
Thank you for sharing your religious journey with us! I love that you were transparent in sharing that you experienced a season of spiritual confusion. This is something I believe the majority of individuals seeking spiritual guidance have experienced in their search for God. In the midst of your exposure to various religions you decided to diligently seek God for yourself in order to understand his way for your life. Psalms 3:6 reminds us to, Trust in the LORD with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding; in all our ways acknowledge him, and he will direct our path. I pray God will continue to lead and guide you on your religious journey.
Unit 2 Interactive Assessment
What elements of Judaism are appealing or unappealing? How do you understand these elements now that you have become more informed?
The element that appealed to me is the attitude Judaism asserts in obedience of the laws of God. Obedience is defined as carrying out the word and will of another person, especially the will of God and is a positive, active response to what a person hears (Youngblood & Harrison, 2004, p.446).
I recalled past discussions I had with other believers in reference to obeying the laws of God. Many of the believers had a negative response and shared how the term “obedience” prolonged their decision to become Christians. They felt that obedience to God’s law was an act of him controlling their decisions, and they weren’t willing to give up control over their life. Some of them even stated how they obeyed God’s law because of the promises of blessings. In fact, to support their motive they used scriptures like Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
On the other hand, Judaism contends that it should not take a promise of reward or a threat of punishment to motivate people to obey God’s laws. They should be obeyed out of love and respect for God. (Cordaun, 2012, p.63)
Another element that appealed to me is Judaism dedication to their heritage. According to Cordaun being Jewish involves being endowed with a heritage, both culturally and religiously (Cordaun, 2012, p.88). Moreover, all Jews remember the oppression and persecution of their heritage and ancestors. With this in mind, they cherish their legacy and responsibly pass their traditions on to future generations. Now that I have become informed, I understand that obedience to Gods law isn’t an attempt to control our lives nor is a mechanism used to obtain blessings. We do not serve a totalitarian God;
he created humankind with the ability to freely choose to obey or disobey. Proof of this is evident
in the self- autonomy displayed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
References
Corduan, W. (2012). Neighboring faiths: A Christian introduction to world religions (2nd ed.).
Youngblood, R.F., Bruce, F.F., Harrison, R.K. (2004). Compact Bible Dictionary. Thomas Nelson
Unit 2 Interactive Response
Hello Celeste,
I enjoyed reading your post! I like how you highlighted that you found the lack of Jesus unappealing. I agree with your statement that Jesus is everything and
evident throughout scripture. Thus, without his sacrifice we would still be bound to the old law. Moreover, the Son is the one way to know God truly: only he revealed the Father. For on the cross, Christ glory put to death all false ideas of God, and as he cried out to his father in Hebrews
9:14, he offered himself up by the Spirit, breathing out his last, he revealed a triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit (Reeves, 2012, p. 128). For this reason, I believe Jesus Christ can never be taken out of the equation of the God head.
Reference
Reeves, M. (2012). Delighting in the Trinity: An introduction to the Christian Faith. InterVarsity Press Academic.
Unit 2 Devotion
Read Hebrews 1:1-3: The book of Hebrews appears to be a sermon to Jewish-Christians who are contemplating a return to Rabbinic Judaism. How is Jesus shown to be superior to the angels, the
prophets, and other aspects of the old covenant? What is the nature of Jesus’s superiority?
In Romans 1:4 Paul reminds the church that Christ was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. How Christ was always the Son of God and his heir before time existed. However, when Christ had made purification for sins and triumphed over death and Satan, he reigned as the God-man Jesus Christ—the Son of God not only by his eternal right, but now by the right of his victory over sin and death. Christ sat down at God's right hand, establishing him much better than the angels or any other prophet that had ever lived in the earth.
Jesus Christ did in the earth what no one else was qualified to do. He lived a pure life on earth, overcame every temptation of Satan and fully obeyed the assignments God gave to him.
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So, you meet a Jew…Video Presentation
After watching the short YouTube video, "Jewish Scientist (James Tour) Makes the Greatest Jewish Discovery!!," create your own three (3) minute video that analyzes Tour’s video in comparison and/or contrast to Corduan's "So You Meet a Jew . . ." section of the "Judaism" chapter (pg. 88-90).
Some sample questions you will want to address in the first two (2) minutes of your video include: How does Dr. Tour's story in the video illustrate what Corduan says about witnessing to Jews?
How does the centrality of Christ figure in both Dr. Tour’s video and Corduan's presentation? What figures prominently in Dr. Tour’s video but is not addressed by Corduan? The main idea is to analyze Corduan's presentation in light of this one man's story.
In the last minute of your video, present how you would talk to someone who is on a similar journey as Dr. Tour. Imagine that this person has not yet converted to Christ. What are some specific things you would emphasize or say?
You may use notes during your video, but please avoid just reading verbatim. Be sure to be specific when drawing from Corduan, but you do not need to cite page numbers in your presentation.
Unit 3 Interactive Assessment
Critique Corduan’s suggestions in the “So You Meet a Muslim” section beginning on p. 130
of Neighboring Faiths. Identify central Christian attitudes and actions in approaching a Muslim
.
According to Corduan Christians evangelizing Muslims is a huge undertaking because, because both are a missionary religion. Both sides are concerned for the other’s salvation, for the Muslim by submitting to Allah, for the Christian by receiving Christ in faith (Corduan, 2012, p. 134).
Hence, Corduan suggest that Christians need to know the fundamentals of their own faith. I can recall several conversations I have had with Christians who couldn’t clearly define or share their faith especially when it came to explaining the triune God. I agree with Corduans suggestion, how can we evangelize anyone if we do not have a clear grasp of what we believe in. Most Muslims living in Western countries are trained to know why they do not believe in certain Christian aspects.
One aspect is belief in the Trinity or in Christ as God. Muslims believe God is one and the Trinity constitutes polytheism, Christ cannot be God, the Bible is full of errors and the Quran is
direct revelation from God in its original and purest form, and accept the faith of Islam by submitting to the one God and keeping his commandments (Corduan, 2012, p.131).This brings us to another suggestion on how Christians should respond to the argument of the God head. Ideally, Christians should be able to summarize the biblical picture of God, that is precisely in order to preserve belief in the essential unity of God (Corduan, 2012, p.132).
As described by Reeves, (2012) the Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct individuals who are inseparable and always operate as a cohesive unit. With this in mind, to claim that God is triune is to affirm that God of all creation is the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, each is God individually
and yet they are together the one true God of the Bible (Pritchard, 2022).
As stated by Corduan, Muslims are human beings, and we need to separate the message of the gospel from cultural factors. In our day and time, it is easy for us to get distracted by media, politics, power, and social status. 1 Corinthians 3:7 says, “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters are anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” We must keep our focus on the main concern of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and allow God’s spirit to transform them. References Pritchard, R. (2022). God in Three Persons: Trinity Doctrine We Barely Understand. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/god-in-three-persons-a-doctrine-we-barely-understand-
11634405.html
Reeves, M. (2012). Delighting in the Trinity: An introduction to the Christian Faith. InterVarsity Press Academic.
Unit 3 Interactive Assessment Response
Hello Benjamin,
Thank you for sharing an intriguing critique of Corduan’s suggestions. I especially like how you researched about Muslims and terrorism in relation to the Quran. I remember when the terrorist attack of September 11
th
occurred and afterwards being under the impression that all Muslims hated the USA and were terrorist. However, you have made it clear that all Muslims groups do not promote the “Terrorism Myth. I agree with you that in discussing the topic of terrorism we should simply discuss it like we would with anyone else. We must be respectful to others with different religious or political views. We do not have to agree or affirm their beliefs, however, we should still be respectful. We should share our Christian perspective in the spirit of love and respectfully be open to listen to a differing perspective. So, it is imperative, and commanded to us by Jesus, to openly speak the truth of God's Word to the world. At the same time, we are instructed to present the gospel in love (Eph. 4:15) and with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Chapter 3 of Jones & Butman discusses Freud and his contributions to psychoanalysis. Based on your personal Christian worldview, provide a critical analysis of this theory. You may use the
Christian critique of Jones & Butman, but do not simply summarize their analysis—critique their
critique! Use Scripture.
Freudian Psychoanalysis focused on the emphasis on sexual and aggressive drives as the motivational bases for behavior, the deterministic and naturalistic assumptions of the model, and the direct attacks on religion. (Jones & Butman, 2011, p.94). Moreover, the theory assumed that all human behavior was determined by the impact of early childhood experiences on the management of psychic energy.
Psychoanalysis addressed the concept of “religion” as a wish-fulfilling illusion. Freud argued that adolescents and adults experience a cold and threatening universe, where death is the inevitable outcome. For self-protection we created a comforting illusion of shielding ourselves and in a desperate attempt to maintain a sense of security and well-being, we embrace some form
of religion. (p.115). Furthermore, psychoanalysis address the concept of “sin” as a symptom of illness thus, an individual is not “bad” but “ill” (
Jones & Butman, 2011, p.152)
From a Christan perspective, the concept of religion is not just an illusion, defined as a thing that is or is likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses. Religion is a system of beliefs
and practices that by means of cultus directs a person toward transcendence and thus provides meaning and coherence to a person’s life (Corduan, 2012, p.28). Classica Psychoanalysis errors in crediting that all human experiences are shaped and determined by irrational, unconscious forces, it follows that we are ultimately locked in a closed system where everything that humans think or believe can be rendered as a function of early childhood factors (Jones & Butman, 2011, p.118).
I believe this theory leans toward an atheist point of view in that it doesn’t give credit to the existence of God as being the creator of all things. Death seems to be end all be all in this theory.
However, form a Christian perspective we do not exist in this world to simply die in the end. We understand according to Gods word that we were placed in the earth to fulfill Gods mandate for the life of the world. Simply stated, humans are stewards here to develop the hidden potentials in
God’s creation, so that the whole of it may celebrate his glory (Bartholomew & Goheen, 2014, p.30). Genesis 1:28 affirms this mandate, “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful
, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
Furthermore, this theory says that sin is more so an illness. If sin is an illness that would mean that some people may not be cured of their illness which would leave them without hope. From a
Christian perspective sin is an immoral act considered to be a transgression against the divine law, morals and intended purpose of God for the world.
Moreover, sin is deliberate and purposeful violation of the will of God and ultimately causes harm to the individual and other people. In believing, repenting, and giving up our old life and accepting Jesus Christ into our life we are freed from the bondage of sin. John 10:10 says, “the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I come that you may have life and more abundantly.” Accepting the Christian view of sin gives each individual an equal opportunity to receive an abundant life and to be made whole through Christ.
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Reference
Jones, S.L., Butman, R. E. (2011). Modern Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal (2nd ed.). Intervarsity Press.
Corduan, W. (2012). Neighboring faiths: A Christian introduction to world religions (2nd ed.).
Chapter 4 of Jones & Butman considers contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapies. What are the commonalities of the psychodynamic models as presented in Chapter 4? Consider the Christian critique that Jones & Butman provide. In your opinion, is the critique adequate and accurate? Critique the Christian critique. Use Scripture.
The commonalities of the psychodynamic models are object- relations which claims that humans
have an inherent capacity and need for relationships. Ego psychology emphasizes the functions of the ego in controlling impulses, planning, and dealing with the external environment. Self-
psychology emphasizes the experiences of the early years in the development of a sense of identity after a process of differentiation and integration. (Jones & Butman, 2011, p.138) The models are relational in nature, balance a cautious optimism with a deep appreciation of our capacity for self-deception and have a substantial understanding of our rational capacities as humans (Jones & Butman, 2011, p.161).
However, Jones & Butman criticize that the models do not embrace a Christians perspective regarding free will. Human nature and behavior are deeply based on instincts and past experiences which ultimately mold and shape an individual. Which gives birth to a “limited freedom” I believe we are influenced by our human nature, past, present, and environmental experiences. Some of them have been negative experiences and caused bad behaviors on our end. However, I don’t believe that we are held captive by these so-called internal instincts. Romans 3:23 says,
“
For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. I believe the limited freedom theory eliminates humankind’s ability to accept accountability for their actions and gives a false narrative that one can is not fully free. Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” 1 Peter 2:16 says, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”
After watching the YouTube video, "Abdul Al Faidi Testimony,” create your own three (3) minute video that analyzes the A. A. Faidi video in comparison and/or contrast to Corduan's "So You Meet a Muslim . . ." section of the "Islam: Basics and Issues" chapter (pg. 130-136).
Some sample questions you may want to address in the first two (2) minutes of your video include: How does A. A. Faidi’s testimony in the video illustrate what Corduan says about witnessing to Muslims? How does the centrality of Christ figure in both the Zacharias video and Corduan's presentation? What figures prominently in the Faidi video but is not addressed by Corduan? The main idea is to analyze whether Corduan's key points makes sense in light of A. A.
Faidi’s testimony.
In the last minute of your video, present how you would talk to a Muslim friend who is considering the claims of Christianity. What are some specific things you would emphasize or say?
1.
How does A. A. Faidi’s testimony in the video illustrate what Corduan says about witnessing to Muslims?
Muslim faith teaches that the Quaran is the final revelation given to Muhammed by God. That Christians have corrupted the bible with false teachings. The Quaran came into play to correct these errors. Faidi shares that Muslims do not believe in the Trinity and that to believe that Jesus is God is blasphemous as there is only One God. Fighting for God and dying for the cause
2.
How does the centrality of Christ figure in both the Zacharias video and Corduan's presentation?
Corduan presents that muslims need the hope and assurance that is possible only through Jesus Christ. We should be imitators of Christ so that onlookers can see the uniqueness within us and bold in sharing the message. So, ppl will understand there is a need for a savior. Jesus Christ. 3.
What figures prominently in the Faidi video but is not addressed by Corduan? He did not discuss the spirit in which we are to approach Muslims when witnessing. Faidi
shared how the characteristics of love and kindness of the Christian spoke volumes to him a peaked interest in the discussion about Jesus Christ. The word of God says through love and kindness he draws. 4.
How would you witness to a Muslim.
I would approach witnessing with the tone of sharing my beliefs as a Christian and not with a mindset to convert them or correct the errors of their belief. One man sows the
seed and other waters it. I would share and sow my beliefs what the realities of the cross and salvation are with the spirit of love and kindness and allow the spirit of God to water and touch their hearts. In this assessment, you will reflect on the nature of truth. What is truth? How do we define it? What makes something true? How do we distinguish which is true between two diametrically opposed statements?
Truth is the conformity to fact or actuality, faithfulness to an original or to a standard. In the Old and New Testaments, truth is a fundamental moral and personal quality of God
(Youngblood & Harrison, 2004, p.446). All of God’s works, precepts, and judgements are
done in righteousness and truth. According to 1 Samuel 15:29 and James 1:17-18, he is perfect in nature and will therefore, he has to speak and act in truth he cannot lie. Moreover, the idea is that truth is the agreement between a statement, idea, or thought and its counterpart in reality. We
can determine the truth between to completely different statements by implementing r
easoning through the process of logic, evidence through the process of verification, and ethics through the evaluation of moral principles.
John 18:37 says, “Pilate therefore said unto Him, “Art thou a king then?” Jesus answered, “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice.” Jesus became the definition of truth. He used reason in witnessing, discipling, and dealing with the Pharisees and Sadducees, especially when
it came to the laws of God. Also, he performed countless miracles, signs and wonders throughout his ministry and exemplified morals of love, forgiveness, servitude, and faith. Jesus’ meaning about truth, the truth that comes from his voice and the voice of his spirit, goes much deeper than our definition of truth. Thus, Jesus spoke of this truth often and he always spoke of truth in relation to God being revealed through himself. In essence, for believers’ truth is doing and being in God’s will in a consistent and obedient manner. As believers of the triune God, we are not oblivious to discoveries of science in matters like creation and other aspects of the Bible. It is okay for us to study and share the findings of science. However, we should remain humble in our humanity by crediting or honoring God as the author of those revelations. Reference
Youngblood, R.F., Bruce, F.F., Harrison, R.K. (2004). Compact Bible Dictionary. Thomas Nelson
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Interactive assessment response
Hello As you stated, Our faith gives us purpose, it guides us, and lends us strength. Even when we feel isolated or alone, our faith teaches us that we are a community in Christ. We must
help, support, and care for our fellow man.
1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms... so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” I believe serving others is a form of worship, and a
way to express gratitude for what Jesus Christ has done for us. As believers we may have different personal goals and career paths. However, I believe that each economy that we work in should demonstrate God’s mandate for us to unify and
serve one another in the spirit of his perfect love.