A Kindred Spirit

I enjoy reading your post, The Universal Declaration was stated to be a common standard of accomplishment for all peoples and all nations, commencing a range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights for all humans. These are high standards which were designed to change the whole focus of governments and humans. The adoption of the Declaration is a step forward in a great evolutionary process, the first occasion on which the organized community of nations has made a declaration…

In general, the work of both Hull and Sanders complemented rather than contradicted each other. Sanders more biblical approach of defining discipleship and its costs, using the beatitudes of Matthew 5, clearly identifies the characteristics needed of a disciple that obviously mimic Christ and His ministry. Hull’s approach to defining discipleship was based upon the perspective failings of the church here in the 21st century. In essence, Sanders greatly expands upon what a disciple is, and…

In this chapter, we get the chance to explore the amazing parables that Jesus spoke to the crowds and explained to the ones who were in close relationship with Him. Although parables are not allegories, they do resemble allegories in that they have metaphors, similitudes, similes and the fact that they have a beginning, and ending with a plot. The point of Jesus's parables was to call forth a response from the hearer who understands the reference points within the parable. Think of it like a…

baptism is to truly accept the faith that one claims to have. It is a statement of belief and a sign of acceptance (Acts 19:4, Mark 16:16). This symbolic event also relates us to Jesus Christ and once we have done this, we have truly accepted the Holy Spirit into our lives. (Galatians 3:27, Acts 2:38). However, this all comes down to the question “is baptism essential for salvation?” This is a tough question that I do not have a definite answer for, but rather I’m leaning towards one side than…

Reflection on Fr. Barron’s ‘Catholicism’ Fr. Barron opened my eyes to new insights about the church that I did not know about before. He helped me understand why certain things in the church are the way they are today and the symbolism behind some of the things the Catholic Church does. The Catholic Church is unified and considered as one. We are a community that shares the same belief in God and Jesus Christ. We come together to celebrate and share the good news. I had learned this before in…

Your Next Move. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” Acts 2:17 AKJV. Imagine for a moment, as boy awakened early by his father: “Hey, buddy, you up for an adventure today?” Trusting his father, the son nervously with anticipation: says yeah dad, let’s go! Now imagine the son who says, Na. I’m tired, I just want…

SIX KEY THEOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES FOR INTEGRATING LITURGY, SPIRITUALITY, AND ECCLESIAL MISSION 1. All participants are called to have a “full, conscious, and active participation” with their appropriate ritual behaviors in order to participate in the liturgy of the church (as works of Christ) and in the life of God. (Searle 10, 16; Gaillardetz 89-90; Bruteau 114). 2. Practicing spirituality (in prayer and contemplation) draws human attentions for justice. This connects human life to God (divine…

The most pressing issue in the world today is a mentoring leadership. Most leaders don not invest in their juniors, they do not intentionally prepare young people for future leadership. Mentoring is a means by which leaders “can provide opportunities for the development of capability in young people” (Brian Gay, 1994). De Pree (2004) summed it up as “one of the chief duties of any leader” and that it essential in leadership development. Several biblical passages echo the importance mentor-ship.…

known world. Jesus is telling His disciples that although they might be killed, no one can stop the advancement of the Gospel. Paul even states in Colossians 1:5-6 that the gospel has gone out ‘in all the world’. Jesus encourages them that the Holy Spirit will testify through them when they face persecution. He encourages them to persevere to the end in verse…

When reading this prompt, I am reminded of earlier studies on the Psalm lectures where Luther’s wrote, “The law is the Word of Moses to us, while the Gospel is the Word of God into us.”(LW 11: 160). The important distinction here is the work that is within the Christian. I think this passage is a helpful framework to understand Luther’s view on the effects of the Law and the Gospel as the Lord’s workmanship. The imagery Luther uses of plane and saw and, “He must use large axes, hatchets, saws,…