Christian History Lesson 7

Lesson 7 master of Christian History Course

 

1 what were the factors that caused the persecution of the Christians by the roman state

 

               The Jewish faith and the roman state are the factors the reasons are :-

Political, religious social and economic.

The roman state would only recognize Christianity if it was a member of the Jewish faith or a state faith i.e. making tributes to the gods or emperor ,unfortunately this was not in the Christian doctrine as such no incense was used in the Christian faith as a tribute to the emperor and the Jewish faith was not going to recognize Christianity.

               Due also to the way the Christians met for worship i.e. in darkness it was seen more as a secret society Romans also worshiped idols which the Christians did not .the Christian faith fell open to all unlike Rome this included the slaves and as such would cause the Romans to again think of possible uprisings due to the Christians accepting all classes into their faith. With the advent of plague and famine and political unrest it could also be seen by the Romans that the gods where angry due to many turning to the Christian faith.

 

2 why is ad 250 a pivotal point in the persecution of Christians by the roman state

 

Ad 250 became the pivotal point in the persecution of Christians because before this date persecution was by rabble as opposed to the state which organized large scale fights despite the ensuing persecution which could be very violent the factors and reasons are given in question 1 although it would appear that the Christian faith fell foul of the Jewish faith and the roman state due to meeting in secret and not paying tributes to the gods or emperor .

 

3 when was the persecution of Christians the worst? When did it end and why ?How did the persecutions effect the Christian church.

Around 284-285 ad saw the worst of the persecutions start this was during Diocletian this ruler had no tolerance for religions he believed was a threat to the state in 303 ad he ordered the closure of Christian churches and they be destroyed .the believers could fall foul of numerous punishments from death down to labor prisons this declined when around 305 ad when Diocletian abdicated.

Mystical Christianity Lesson 20

Questions For the Heart and Mind

1. How have you experienced the intimacy of God in your life? I have experienced God from my earliest memories as a tangible Presence next to me, always there. Sometimes He seems far away - sometimes very near. Sometimes I have not felt His Presence at all, however at these times there is a knowledge in me that He is there; but giving me time and space as part of His Plan for me.
2. How would you distinguish the difference between prayer and meditation? What role do each of these play in your life? Prayer to me is communing with God in every aspect of my life; in joy, sorrow, grief, pain, difficulties, anxieties, quandaries, dilemmas in which I need to make difficult decisions. God is there, and when I reach out to Him to talk to Him, within my soul I sense He answers me. Meditation to me is the structured taking time to close my eyes and senses to the world, to fix my mind on God - or a passage from the Scriptures or a holy writing - or repeating mantras such as 'Om' (God) in my mind, until I drift into a state of mindlessness where He somehow is there. Both prayer and meditation play a vital role in my life.
3. How do the lives of Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Avila illuminate the mystical way? Are they relevant for the twenty-first century? Julian and Teresa illuminate the mystical way by sharing their own personal experiences of the development of their unique and individual mysticism in a spirit of sharing with us. This is helpful, as they both make it clear that mysticism is intimacy with God. I believe that each person's personal mysticism is a unique development of relationship with God, that no other person duplicates. It is the personal relationship between God and His earthly daughter or son; the familial love between the Father God and we, his children of the Most High, as Jesus told us in John 10;34. Yes, Julian and Teresa are relevant for the twenty-first century; the first-hand account of any daughter or son of God describing their unique journey (mysticism/prayer) in relationship with their Father-God is compelling, inspiration and helpful to us in the growth into maturity of our relationship with God in mysticism/prayer.

Rev. Whittle
Universal Life Church Minister

Master of Religion

Final Essay

Master of Religion

Rev. Tami

The study of Theology through the courses of faith and beliefs brings us back to our own back yard. Meaning often our structure and spiritual roots may be more of what is passed to us, and not necessarily always what resonates within us, as far as religion is concerned. Our Growth depends on our own inner belief and how it resonates through us and by us. This is how we grow spiritually. To personally re-examine, and break down the biblical texts more closely, it brought an array of clarity. To know ourselves and others more profoundly we can spread love and understanding, which can enable us to make a difference in our world by helping others - one person at a time if necessary. It makes us more complete in the service of ministry and missions.

Can we read the words and not embrace the meaning of the message? And yes, I think that can be so. Can we have religion and yet not have it resonate in our spirit? And yes, I think it can be so.

Ahhh but can we learn to grow? Can we learn to grow through understanding by embracing the deeper meaning of faiths as a whole? Yes, I think it can be so.

I found the course to be true to itself, on the basis of Christianity on a world wide perception. It opened the doors of biblical doctrines, through researching what has been written. Giving those, like myself, that selected this course something more to embrace and be compassionate towards within the biblical senses.

I have been on a personal journey of seeking not only my own truth, but the truths of divine faith by spiritual growth. This course afforded certain definite possibilities by illuminating the ideals that are presented in the holy written words. If you are open to see, I truly believe things can be allowed for you to see, no matter what particular faith you adhere to. Sacred Text- whether canonical, apocrypha, or those considered the lost ones, the scriptures personifies the purpose of life. Some are stories that provide powerful lessons in life, while others teach us the deep way the universal energies work. Scriptures give us instructions, teaching us how to be there for one other as neighbors, parents, spouses, and children. They advise us how to live and pray. Some scriptures were letters written to churches ministering to them how to have fellowship, by honoring God. These many letters written by prophets of long ago still hold honor today through these teachings. These sacred texts that have been passed down time and time again, give strength to those who are weak, give courage to those that are scared, give wisdom to those that are lost, and give hope to those that have none. We not only have the wisdom of the prophets, but lessons on their strength to persevere through the judgment of others, by embracing faith. Truly, this brings me to one of the most honored blessing given to us, and one we as humans tend not use as much as we should. I personally feel blessed by this most valued gift, and try to remind myself often not to forget to oblige it. "Judge Not" -- For we need not to judge others, as that is not our job, it will be done in accordance just as we will be judged too. It has given me a deep compassion for FAITH. Learning more so, to appreciate those who may walk a different path, and yet there is a correlation - a parallel within each that it brings us all together. We debate over differences yet seldom seem to embrace the likeness. Which is why I say this, "Though many faiths may use the ! same bib lical scriptures, I think it imperative that we try to find the common threads that bind us, rather than the differences that separate us." Even Christ washed the feet of bums in the street. Those less fortunate, those that where lost. He sought Them out. He did not look down on them, and only visited with those of like mind. No, nor did he bring fear, but to share love and hope. To me that is what it is all about. Whether we call it religion, beliefs, or faiths. It is knowing your own mission and being right with the divine powers that be. To work in the light and do that which is right.

Blessed Be

Always in the Light

Until,

Rev Tami

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Mystical Christianity Lesson 21

Questions For the Heart and Mind

Mystical Christianity Course from the Universal Life Church Seminary.

1. How does the vision of the prophet Joel relate to our world today? I believe that Joel's vision has indeed come to pass in our world today, as God's Spirit pours out on young and old, female and male, and inspires us all to speak of Him and join hands globally to worship Him. God has blessed servants with the great gift of ministry, such as Gladys Aylward, who was parlourmaid before carrying out Christian ministry in China where she became known as Ai-weh-deh. Great signs and wonders are from our God, and what else could be a greater sign than that of God inspiring us to follow our higher calling to be prophetic sons and daughters of God

2. How can you unite the sacred and the secular in your life and in the world around you? I can unite the sacred and the secular in my life by inviting God into the everyday decisions and situations in my life. I can unite by praying to God and listening to His Voice in the depths of my soul, as I await His answer.

3. What do you find attractive about the mystical way? If you chose to pursue the mystical path, what would be your greatest challenge? The mystical way would be attractive to me in that, by attempting to follow this way, I follow in the Footsteps of the Greatest Mystic of all, Jesus Christ. I love Him and trust Him, and fully believe that if, where He goes, I follow, I will be guided and blessed in my life. My greatest challenge would be not to fear the unknown on the path following Christ.

Rev. Whittle

Re: Religious Theology Lesson 19

I don't believe that the mixing of the customs of different religions by the Cao Dai weakens or dilutes their religion. Personally I think this proof to me that all of the gods of the different religions are actually the one true God.

The Ainu, although they are traditionally animist,  from what I understand is one of the closest to Jesus's commandment that most, love your neighbor as you love yourself. I guess if you believe there are spirits all around you you may have a tendency to be more appreciative of everything and everybody.



Rick Robbins +

Father, Give me the serenity to accept the things I can't change, the courage to change those I can, and the wisdom to know the difference

The Personality of Jesus

What makes the personality and character of Jesus Christ special

 

The personality and characteristics of Jesus Christ where unique or profoundly original this is to say they was different from other teachers and preachers of the day as of Jewish descent he was brought up with the teachings of the old testament as with rabbis of the day Jesus had his own interpretation of  life which is he believed we should follow the law of the land along with his teachings of brotherly love, when questioned by his followers he would use the phrase "I would say" this would be giving a direct approach and made him original in thought.

Another aspect of his personality and characteristics is that he was observant both as a child and in manhood this could be from his early years of being in Nazareth which is a major trade route, this would have been ideal for learning about life outside of his own world by listening to conversation and conversing with the populace and asking questions ,Luke2:52 tells us Jesus grew in body and mind. Could this mean Jesus was also outgoing at an early age for him to be able to develop his communication skills ready for his teachings.

John4 showed another original approach with Jesus in his discussion with the woman at the well in this he shows his ministry is open too all regardless of gender this included none Jews alike.

The best attributes to his personality was the sermon on the mount by not just following the law he embraced it thus showing compassion for all mankind and not just Judaism this was added to his preaching and healing abilities, this must have been a wondrous experience as oppose to a person just reading form a scroll .

What we have is a unique young man who developed his skills at an early age and as such was full of confidence but also compassion which gave us a teacher who was willing to give his time explaining the old testament and answer new question along with being a healer of the sick and able to run a seminary ( teach his disciples).

 

Rev. Andrew Longsden
Universal Life Church

Religious Philosophy Lessons

Religious Philosophy

 
1. I feel that in earlier times the values of the parent could be passed on to a child. I believe this was because most of the parents back in the times when I was a child (I am 56), were basically the same, and in most homes the parent was ever a presence. But as time passed values changed, and what people find important now has changed so the parents values are not as important. There was not the amount of social networking as there is now, not referring just to the computer, but to cell phones, television, music, and such that influences children now.Peer pressure is also a major factor that is important in what a child finds important. Now that in a lot of homes both parents have careers and do less child rearing this leaves a child vulnerable to join with peers to find values. So, I believe in some homes the presence of religion is still present and passed on, but not to the extent it use to be.

2. I do believe that chemistry in the brain has something to do with the way people feel. I don't  believe however the God gene theory. There may be a a release of serotonin when a person is worshiping and feels calm due to them being assured that there is a God, but does that mean there is a Buddha gene, a Alla gene,.... I am sure these people feel the same way when they worship.

I do feel that focusing on the inner you does prevent these religions from progressing, and I am not sure that its such a bad thing. I feel sometimes that with all of the progress that civilization makes, we bend and form religion to meet our needs and not necessarily the makers. I admit I am included in that group. I feel that somewhere along the line in all of the progress and advancements that have been made in the civilized world, and the changes that have been made to get religion to fit, that somewhere along the line either now or in the future we will lose the concept of what really what we are to do.

With these "inner self" religions, the same customs are handed down from person to person, helps keep it closer to what was originally taught.

 

Rick Robbins
Click here for course information

Master of Religion

 Master of Religion Program

Final Essay

Rev. Nick Federspiel

      Where did our Bible come from and which is the most accurate version of scripture and who speaks for Bible based doctrine?  Lesson 2 digs right into the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments, to me also known as the ten basic commitments as recorded in variant text in Exodus and Deuteronomy.  Lesson 3 discusses the textual edits made by many to resolve the emerging church's diversity in "scripture" and doctrine not to mention politics.  Lesson 4 discusses the missing books which raises the question of how really objective was the canon process. 

     Collectively, is this inerrancy at its worst or inspired God breathed text at its best?  Of all the lessons these initial few are perhaps the most disorienting to a new (and perhaps previously protected) student to the Bible's heritage and Christian history.  Today scholars write book after book discussing just what language the Books of the Bible were written in: Akkadian, Old Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek – which was first, which is the oldest, which is the most accurate?  Does anybody have a clue what is what?  Then many compound the issue and degenerate into condemning the Bible as a whole!

     One truly has to wonder.  In researching issues the course brings to the surface, I went down the following thread, web site by web site including a few books altogether summarized tosses 2 Timothy 3:16 right out the window – for that matter taking 1 Timothy 3:16 with it.  Nineteenth century Julius Wellhausen (1844-1918) in Sources of the Pentateuch claims Moses had nothing to do with the first four books (viswjk.com).  That lead to the suggestion that the four Gospels were written from a master version called the "Q."  Exodus 34, the second set of tablets, was written by "J" c 848-722 B.C.E.  (re: relgioustolerances.org.)  Deuteronomy 5 was written by "D" c 622 BCE."  The Eastern Church considers Exodus 20:2 a preamble, and on and on it goes. 

     The Cave 4 Qs Gospel fragments, 25% in Aramaic we are told, date 1^st century A.D.  The Qs brings to the surface the whole concept of Biblical Criticism which starts with Moses authorship of the Pentateuch being "improbable" (jewishvertuallibrary.org). 

     Given the volumes of data from Biblical Archeology and the remarkable correspondence of the Qs with today's best translations a lot of Bible critics bite the dust.  It turns out all the reported text based bickering and confusion following the emergence of Christianity, under persecution during its initial centuries, created an extraordinarily homogenous message book.  Those today that persist with atheistic views based upon "differences" in this verse and that wastes our time and do the service of Satan by turning many away many thus confused from the word of God.  Many once curious about this new religion were simply mislead and misinformed by "experts." 

     The rubric theory says one of the 'two tablets' was the law and the other the obligations.  That same logic is extend to propose that Exodus is the law and Deuteronomy includes an extension and explanation of the moral obligations introduced in Exodus in regards to the Ten Commandments – which I tend to agree with.  Why?  Well, there is a lot more depth in Deuteronomy about laws, promises, instructions, duty, demands and teaching.  Thus, to me, Deuteronomy is a forty year project review in preparation for the departure of Moses and the assumption of command of Joshua.  It states what it means; and one to one correspondence with Exodus would be, simply, redundant.

     Unless a student has his faithful feet firmly planted on Holy foundations one might sway and slip and slide off the path as one wades through volumes of diverse opinions as to the purpose, cause and effect of Biblical history which is wrought with champions, martyrs, scribes, councils, Popes, Kings, priests, lay witnesses and persecutors; all with scribal pen in the ink well.  I am not a literalist when it comes to Bible interpretation so all this is academically very interesting, but the derivative attacks I concluded long ago were about as valuable as a stock broker's options and his worthless derivatives are today.  They both lead to bankruptcy, one moral and the other ethical and financial. 

I consider scripture to be God breathed, as if it were not in no way would the net result of 3000 years of editing from 600 B.C.E. to 2009 ever have produced a reasonably coherent document with a central theme of moral obligation and commitment, monotheism based upon the obvious, a Creator God, and the sacrifices representing Salvation sought by one Jesus Christ and bound it with one covering that within for all of us who read - be it as it may be an anthology of thought – ONE BOOK - with ten easy to understand rules.

Great course……

Thanks

Rev. Nick Federspiel

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in different aspects of  Christianity, two in  Wicca, several in Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so become an ordained minister today!

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have enjoyed the new spiritual article directory.

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Four Gospels

Judas:  Sinner?  Or follower of God's will?

Having just recently completed the course portion of the "four gospels" course, I spent awhile to actually sit and think about what to write my essay or thesis on. After a few weeks of thought I decided rather then pontificate on my likes or dislikes of the text book, or trying to write something that would cover everything I would choose one area within the text and expound my thought on it.

Oddly, one might say my theory of Judas Iscariot was a good Christian is bogus but before judging it and my virtue of him, let us think things through. Did Judas betrayal his Master Jesus to the Pharisees? On the more obvious surface layer, yes of course he did. Yet that does not take in to consideration several important factors. First and foremost, Jesus was aware that he HAD to die in that manner and it was God's plan on the why, whom, and how it would happen.

Something to really analyze is this…Is doing the will of God a Sin? Most would say no. We are all aware that as humans we have freedom of choice to follow God's will and to not follow it is a Sin. Using that simple logic is following God's will a Sin if the act is a Sin? This question is a bit of a sticky point of thought. While traditionally the act would be a Sin, but it being God's will would make it NOT a Sin since you can not say God's will is a Sin, since it is God's will. A simple yet easily seen example of this is the making of war, while we are commanded to not kill, yet commends and even helps the Israelites commit the act of war, as it was God’s divine will that they so do.

Now on to poor Judas, was the betrayal a Sin under normal circumstances, yes of course. Was his betrayal of Jesus a Sin in this context, I would say no its not. Let me explain, God's will being perfect and never a Sin, is what is the root cause of Judas' betrayal. He had free will to betray or not betray Jesus. To NOT betray him would be Against God's will and divine plan as the betrayal was a necessary part of his offering of Christ for all of us. Why do I say Poor Judas, put yourself in the position of Judas, You can not betray your friend and Master, and commit the Sin of not doing God's will, or commit was is seen as a sin and do God's will. Either way he feels like he is committing a Sin. Fortunately for all of us, did follow God's will, betrayed Jesus, who was then crucified and became our Lord and Savoir.

Using the biblical text, not much is said of Judas’ calling to be an Apostle, his ministry or part in any miracles. Based on that, we can assume one of two things, either he was removed by the writers to vilify him or that is calling was that of being the betrayer. While writers do say the “Devil” entered him, that does not make sense given that God wanted Jesus to be betrayed and crucified, and it would not have been advantageous for Satan to help create the Savior of Man if we are to take Satan’s traditional role as basis of our thoughts on his actions.

Yet even in doing God’s will, Judas still felt guilty of a Sin, giving back the silver and then later committing suicide. This shows that Judas obvious had repented for his “transgressions” against Jesus regardless of the divine will of God, a trait often admired by Christians of all denominations and flavors. Based on all of this, I would have to disagree with Dante that Judas is in the inner circle of hell, but in heaven still serving his earthly and heavenly Masters. This theory is similar in overall effect, but not specific thoughts to an early Gnostic sect known as the Cainites.

Joshua D. Copeland

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in different aspects of  Christianity, two in  Wicca, several in Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so become an ordained minister today!

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have enjoyed the new spiritual article directory.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.