Category: Christianity

Introduction

Human trafficking or trafficking in human beings is defined as the movement of people without their consent, usually by means of force for the intention of sexual or labor exploitation. Those who are mostly at risk of trafficking are women and children. Trafficking takes the form of kidnapping for the reason of sexual and domestic service, for debt discharge, the exchange of women for the resolution of disputes, forced prostitution and the sexual abuse of children. They fall victim to traffickers out of poverty and the lack of opportunity in their home countries.

Trafficking has been considered as a worldwide illegal activity. This is because it has no concern or deference of state borders and boundaries. The profits obtained from trafficking supply the reserves of organized crime. Trafficking, is then encouraged by such other criminal activities as document scams, money laundering and mostly immigrant smuggling. (Population Today 2002, 1).

Analysis

According to the US department of Justice, human trafficking is a type of modern day slavery that is of a high scale. For this reason, it is also both labor and time demanding activity. That said, according to the Department, 700 000 to 2 million people, the majority of whom are women and children , fall victim to traffickers each year. The trafficking is usually across international borders. Accordingly, 35% of these victims are usually under the age of 18 years. According to a report by population today, human trafficking is some kind of big business. It is reportedly the third largest source of profits for organized crime after drugs and guns, making billions of dollars each year. (Population Today 2002, 1, 4). Again, the Department of Justice estimates that some 17 000 people are trafficked into the United States each year and forced into labor or sex slavery for diminutive or no pay. These people are also often subjected to inhumane treatment and abuses both physically and mentally. On its part, the United Nations estimates that worldwide, there are between 20-27 million people who are being held in slavery, by violence, against their will, and for no pay. According to the US under secretary of state for global affairs, the number of victims involved in sexual and other kinds of trafficking has been growing steadily since the 1990s. As at 2000, the figures stood at 700 000 to 4 million people trafficked every year across borders. The trafficking of women and children was rampant with many of them consequently being forced into prostitution. For instance, some 45 000 to 50 000 women and children and an unidentified number of men it was estimated in 1997, had been trafficked into the US according to the US Department of State. Ultimately, human trafficking is world wide human rights crisis that involves an estimated 2 million people in a year. These victims are usually trafficked from , Asia, , Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, Latin America and Africa. Concurrently, it is also estimated that some 1 million children, primarily fro Asia fall victim to trafficking each year. Again, about 500 00 children of Brazilian origin are forced into prostitution each year while an estimated 250 000 women and children from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union are transported each year to other countries including to the United States. (Christian Century 2000, 449-450).According to international laws enforcement officials, human being are the most profitable goods that are illegally traded in after guns and drugs. (Detroit Free press, 2004).

According to Masci, with 27 million people held in some kind of slavery, forced prostitution and bonded labor, human trafficking still flourishes in the world. The problem lies in the fact that while humanitarian groups engage in the buying of captives independence as a way of putting an end to the slavery, forced labor and prostitution, the action is counter productive in that it encourages even more trafficking. This is worthwhile, booming business for the traffickers, they will just traffic more slaves whose autonomy will be bought off by the humanitarian groups. More women and children will ultimately be transported across borders to captivity. On the same line, even with the strengthening of laws and acts such as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, in the US, thousands of women are still trafficked within its borders. The problem lies in the fact that the act is not considered as tough enough. Politics is the interfering factor. For instance, certain US partners who are known to harbor notorious traffickers are usually treated with kid gloves. The reason, there seems no need to spoil the rapport that exists between these countries even for such serious issues as human trafficking. Clearly, there is no will and commitment to address and end this critical issue. (Masci, 2004).

Documented examples or cases illustrating human trafficking

Human trafficking is really alive and rampant as illustrated by the following cases.

Case 1: According to the BBC, the gangs (informal immigration officials) that are involved in the traffic of humans from China and into Europe charge as much as 30 000 dollars for each person. This is clearly a huge some of money for most victims. However, sometimes their families and even villages chip in. After all, the person will be escaping poverty and there is a likelihood that if he/she makes it abroad, his family and village will benefit too. The trafficking involves the victims targeted for Britain being hidden in the back of lorries for ferries that cross over from mainland Europe. Nonetheless, circumstances change when they get to their destination. They are usually kidnapped and held hostage where they are threatened with death unless their families cough up huge sums of money as ransom. They become hostages subjected to abuse and poor living conditions. The women are more often than not forced into prostitution. (BBC News, 2001).

Case 2: In 2002, six people were charged in New York for trafficking some 40 Mexicans and using them for forced labor. The six had been lured from the state of Arizona after promises of better paying work in New York. This marked the very first time that the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act of 2000 had been put to use. According to the Act, the penalty for using force labor on victims would attract a penalty of 20 years in prison. (Anti slavery.org, 2002).

Why human trafficking is an issue of concern, its effects and sources

Human trafficking has always been an issue, it can be traced all the way back to the bible. Most people, even the kings, kept for themselves slaves for different purposes. These slaves were obviously obtained by certain means. It would therefore be correct to conclude that trafficking was one of them. However, trafficking has reached a high magnitudes in modern day terms. Trafficking targets mostly women and children due to the fact that they are the most vulnerable members of society. These people tend to be the most affected when it come to the disparities in wealth and even income. As they search for better living standards, to escape poverty and seek better economic activities, they fall victim to the traffickers. This is exacerbated by the fact that in the developed countries, there is growing need for cheap labor tied with the need of these vulnerable groups, who mostly lead precarious lives, to experience better lives. Demand in the developing countries for cheap labor is what fuels human trafficking in countries of origin. Thus, they seek out what could be termed as informal (illegal) migration methods hence falling victim to traffickers. This is almost always supported by certain cultures where women and children occupy less status with little or no rights. In the end human trafficking results in untold suffering and even death for most of the victims. Children are robbed of the chance to experience their innocent childhood. In other cases, the families end up poorer than before as they cough out untold sums of money just to get passes from informal migration officials. In addition, it presents immense problems to countries as they seek to deal with the problem which requires large sums of money to effectively deal with. Think of all the personnel needed and even the money used by humanitarian groups to buy off the freedom of the captives. (Office of crime victims advocacy, 2004).

Approach taken by experts and analysts

For a long time policies have been formulated for implementation as a way of addressing the human trafficking issue. This is both at the international and even national levels. For instance, in 2000, the United Nations adopted the Protocol to Prevent , Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children. These set of rules were designed to supplement the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Accordingly, it was to help in strengthening preceding international agreements dating as far back as 1904. In the United States, in 2000 congress approved the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) that was intended at preventing trafficking, punishing traffickers, in addition to defending and supporting trafficked persons. The TVPA aims at protecting those considered to be victims of what is referred to as severe forms of trafficking. These includes those subjected to sex trafficking brought on by way of force, deception or intimidation and especially in cases where the victims is less that 18 years old. It also prevents the enrollment, harboring, shipping, provision or obtaining people for labor services by way of force, deceit and compulsion. (Office of crime victims advocacy 2004) Internationally there are such laws as The Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others which seeks to prevent the trafficking of women especially for purposes of prostitution. (TED case studies 2008).

Proposals for solutions or policy responses

In order that human trafficking can be effectively dealt with, there is need for certain things to be put in place. First, there is need for the drawing and execution of a service delivery system in all countries and especially where human trafficking is rampant. This means that the relevant expertise that can appropriately identify and respond to the victims of trafficking (victim assistance) need to be created. In addition, local responders and other people dealing in curtailing human trafficking such as law enforcers, medical personnel, social services and community service providers need the necessary awareness, skills and expertise. More over, a system of documentation that serves to determine the frequency and pervasiveness of trafficking within particular areas need to be put in place. (Office of crime victims advocacy, 2004).

Kemeny posits that it is important to analyze two important institutions in an attempt to address the issue of human trafficking. This then means addressing the mission of the church, the purpose of government and how the two should relate to one another with respect to the justice system. (2007) Should the laws of the church precede the laws of the state, do the traditional laws carry more weight than modern laws? According to ODonovan and ODonovan, the overriding political good rests in enhancing human freedom individually and collectively whether older or modern tradition is followed. (2004).

Leithart on his part opines that there is a need to explore the strengths and weaknesses of postmodernism theory. To Leithart, the theory reflects the important biblical factor of elusiveness and instability of the world. This is important in explaining why human trafficking exists. But he goes on to show that biblical faith takes us beyond pessimism and desperation. This means that all is not lost in finding a lasting solution into human trafficking. (2008).

According to Lewis, the solution lies in public education and activism. To him there are inherent ramifications in teaching relativism, as opposed to values of objectivity, the belief that a certain approach is really factual, and others false, to the type of thing the world is and the kinds of things people are. To Lewis, this is the Tao. The society needs a sense of objective values. More so morality. A proactive approach to end human trafficking is both moral and an objective value. (1944).

There is a need to implement controls that seek to ensure the enforcement of both local and international laws. This in turn calls for the strengthening of political cooperation between countries. More over, there should be a strict observance of the international standards and laws that are already in place. This means that known human traffickers should not be able to hide in the laws of foreign countries. There should be no loop holes in the laws pertaining to human trafficking. It should be put to an end and all governments should work together towards this. (Office of crime victims advocacy, 2004).

Lobbying could result in the formulation of policies that seek to protect the victims of human trafficking even more. For instance, the anti slavery international organization in Europe lobbies at both the national and international level for the application of better human rights as way of protecting the victims of human trafficking. (Anti slavery.org, 2008).

Obstacles and limitations

As much as countries would like to provide such services as victim assistance, they are usually limited by certain factors. For instance, legal provisions bar the undocumented migrants from the benefits and services linked with victim assistance. In most cases, those individuals that are trafficked but not acknowledged and documented by law enforcement as victims of severe forms of trafficking under the Trafficking Victims Protections Act (TVPA) are usually detained as criminals or deported. More over, the statutes do not allow for the legal representation of these trafficked individuals who are not documented. This has important consequences. Because the trafficked individuals are scared of deportations and detention since they do no fit in with the definition of victims of severe forms of trafficking, they never seek help. This is in turn a drawback in the documentation into the incidences and prevalence of trafficking. The result is that adequate policies cannot be formulated and implemented to address the situation.

There is also the lack of adequate funding to keep the victims assistance service running. Bills have to be paid and the personnel effectively trained so they can give services efficiently. Governments and other agencies also have other pressing issues that need to be dealt with. However, there has to be commitment and cooperation from all the stake holders involved for overall success in addressing the human trafficking issue. (Office of crime victims advocacy 2004)

Conclusion

Human trafficking can simply be defined as trade in human beings/people. Human trafficking has over the years become the most profitable trading venture after drugs and guns. It is part of organized crime. People are transported from their homes to foreign countries on the promise of better paying jobs and even better living conditions. The most vulnerable groups include women and children. Mostly, these people end up as victims in either force labor and in the case of women, prostitution. According to the US Department of State, human trafficking is widespread. An estimated 2 million people are trafficked every year. Human trafficking is an issue of concern because it traverses national and international boundaries. It results not only in the death but also the suffering of the victims. In addition it results in making their economic situations even worse than before because they pay huge sums of money to get their tickets abroad while other times they have to pay huge sums as ransom. More over it presents countries with immense legal and social problems. Thus there has been a need for appropriate policies to be put in place to effectively deal with the crisis. Still, the policies need the cooperation of all stake holders if they are to work effectively. However, there are still obstacles in the form of legal restrictions especially for those who do not qualify as victims of severe forms of trafficking. This needs to be addressed as they are the major reasons why the war on human trafficking has not been entirely successful.

References

Anti slavery.org. Forced labor case marks a first for US law. (2002). Web.

Anti slavery.org. Trafficking programme. (2008). Web.

BBC News. Human trafficking: Chinese gangs cruel trade. (2001).

Human trafficking exposes. Population Today 30, no. 1 (2002): 1,4.

Kemeny, P.C. Church, State and Public Justice: Five views. Downers grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2007.

Leithart, Peter J. Solomon among the post moderns. Grand rapids, Michigan: Branzos press, 2008.

Lewis, C.S. The abolition of man. New York: Harper Collins, 1944.

Masci, David. Human trafficking and slavery. Are the worlds nations doing enough to stamp it out? CQ Researcher 14, no.12 (2004).

ODonovan, Joan Lockwood & ODonovan Oliver. Bonds of imperfection: Christian politics past and present. Grand Rapid, Michigan: Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing company, 2004.

Office of Crime victims advocacy. Human trafficking: Present day slavery. (2004).

Sex on the block. Detroit Free Press. (2004): 4l.

Sexual trafficking on the rise. Christian Century, 117, no. 13 (2000): 449-450.

TED case studies. Trafficking in Russian women: Sexual exploitation as a growing form of international trade. (2008).

Introduction

According to Christianity, being a disciple of Jesus Christ puts a follower in privileges and blessings that the world in its entirety cannot offer.¹ It is worth noting that the Christian faith is based on the transformation of the world through the spreading of the truth and preaching about Gods Kingdom.

Believers should repent their sins, be initiated into discipleship, and be trained to become committed followers who will eventually preach to other people.^{2 ,3, 4} Gradually, the gospel would be taught throughout the world as per the intentions of Jesus Christ.

This paper discusses some of the issues pertaining discipleship in Christianity, including obedience and submission to Christ, teaching, and helping others obey and become Disciples of Christ. The paper is based on the thesis that discipleship in Christianity is based on the centrality of Christ.

The Importance of Centrality of Christ in Christian Discipleship

Jesus Christ was the initiator of discipleship. He selected a few people, made them His disciples, and trained them to be disciple-makers.²

Therefore, Christian discipleship should place Jesus as the center of focus by taking his example in teaching about the kingdom of God, applying the same procedures, having similar intentions of transforming the world, and teaching others about how to be good teachers and preachers of the truth and the kingdom of God.³

Obedience as a Reflection of the Discipleship of Christ

In Christianity, obedience goes beyond the adherence to set rules to infer to the total surrender of personal will and the submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.² When Christians submit their wills to Christ, they are prepared to follow His example and benefit from His instructions. ⁵ Thus, a disciple is expected to exhibit obedience.

Obeying Christ will result conforming to His will through fulfilling the Greatest Commandment, the New Commandment, and the Great Commission.² Christ would not expect anything more than obedience and complete submission from His followers.

Areas in Life That a Disciple Must Submit to Christ

Submission and obedience should be done in totality where everything must be surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. It is imperative to note that becoming a disciple of Christ entails total life changes. The disciple is expected to be entirely dependent on Christ rather than self. As such, submission to Christ should be evident in all aspects, including possessions, faith, family, and work among other aspects of day-to-day lives.²

Three Stages of Discipleship

Declaration (Believing in Jesus)

Human beings fall short of the expectations of God and, therefore, they require the assistance of Christ to acquire salvation. They are initiated to salvation through declaration, which is the first stage of discipleship. The stage involves new believers making lifestyles turn-around and following Christ. As such, they abandon their ways of life and are introduced to a new life, which is in compliant with Gods expectations.

The initiation/declaration stage is characterized by believing in Christ and the confession and repentance of sins, which are considered ways of becoming a believer. As such, believing in Jesus is the only way of getting salvation.²

Development (Following Jesus)

The Christian faith is somewhat comprehensive and compound and, therefore, believers should be deliberately trained to understand its vital concepts. Earley and Dempsey (2013) give the impression that this is the stage where new believers are really taken into discipleship and thus they make the decision to follow Jesus.

It is worth noting that transforming a human being from the original sinful nature to the nature acceptable to the Christian way of life is demanding and, therefore, should be done in meticulous and deliberate manners. As such, the new believer would be fully equipped and grounded on the Christian faith. The development stage, therefore, is intended to make a disciple a devoted follower with in-depth knowledge and strong faith in Christ.²

Deployment (Going out/Working for Jesus)

Equipped and trained workers require places/fields where they can employ their skills. This is the case with Christian discipleship processes. After being initiated and trained, disciples become fully equipped with the knowledge about the kingdom of God and are, therefore, expected to work.

In the deployment stage, therefore, the disciples are expected to work for Christ and multiply as they teach the good news to other.²

How the Stages Work Together

The three discipleship stages could be equated to recruiting, training, and deployment of workers in a company. The three exercises are interconnected and work together. It is also vital that the exercises are performed in appropriate phases to enhance efficacy.

Jesus Christ is the center of discipleship and, therefore, the three stages work around Him. They are based on the Great Commission where following, transforming, and fishing for others are emphasized. A new follower is expected to make a declaration of following Christ, be developed (transformed) to be deployed. The stages work in that sequence in an individual and in the entire body of Christ.

Helping Disciples Take the Steps of Obedience

Obedience is key in the Christian faith and in the course of discipleship. As such, it is imperative to provide obedience-based discipleship.^{2, 3} Being an obedient disciple is deliberate and, therefore, disciples should be deliberate in deciding to be submissive to the will of Christ. It is worth noting that disciples need help in obeying since it may be a challenge to many. Therefore, it is prudent that the disciples are provided with the help they need.

The disciples can be assisted in various ways. First, it is worth teaching on the benefits of obedience. Disciples should be constantly reminded of the benefits of obedience, which Walker (2013) described as nothing that the world can offer.

Second, it is imperative to put in place structures that will help disciples obey Christ as they grow in faith.⁴ The structures will enhance proper communication, fellowshipping, and accountability in the processes of taking the steps of obedience.

Third, it should be made clear on what the disciples should obey. As such, the definition of terms such as discipleship should be part of the teaching and training for disciples.⁴

Lastly, it is imperative to ask for help from the initiator of discipleship, Jesus Christ. ⁶ Praying and reading from the teachings of Jesus on discipleship should be used to provide guidance in taking steps of obedience.

Conclusion

It is evident that discipleship is a critical aspect of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ and His teaching on the kingdom of God are the centers of discipleship. As such, discipleship was initiated by Jesus and is now propagated by His followers.

It is worth noting that obedience is an integral element in Christian discipleship. In His teachings, Jesus gave various commandments, including the Great Commandment, The New Commandment, and the Great Commission. Adhering to these commandments and the absolute submission to the Lordship of Christ reflects true discipleships.

Obviously, submission of personal will by Christians to the Lordship of Christ should be done in absoluteness. As such, Christs disciples should deliberately submit all aspects of their lives to Christ for discipleship to be realized.

Earley and Dempsey (2013) provide a three-stage process through which discipleship should occur. The three stages, including declaration, development, and deployment, and can be equated to the exercises recruiting, training, and deploying of workers in a company, which work in harmony.

Obeying Christ and becoming a disciple of christ is challenging, especially to new believers. It is, therefore, imperative to provide the needed help to all disciples. Some of the ways in which disciples can be helped to obey include teaching, creation of organizational structures, and having standardization of terms definitions during goals setting.

Bibliography Style

Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Discipleship making is& Nashville, Tennessee: B&H Publishing Group, 2013.

Jackson, Bill. Becoming a Church that Makes Disciple-Making Leaders: Part I. William Carey International Development Journal, 1, no. 4 (2012): 11-18.

Kagema, Dickson Nkonge. Marks of True Christian Discipleship: Reflections from Mark 10: 35-45. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 4, no. 7 (2014): 122-127.

Putman, Jim, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. Discipleshift: five steps that help your church to make disciples who make disciples. Grand Rapids; USA: Zondervan Publishers, 2013.

Walker, Jeremy. Life in Christ: Becoming and Being a Disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grand Rapids; MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2013.

Wright, Don. N.T. Wright. Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship. Wm. B. Eerdmans. Journal of Lutheran Ethics 16, no. 1 (2016).

Footnotes

1. Walker Jeremy, Life in Christ: Becoming and Being a Disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ (Grand Rapids; MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2013), 1-176.
2. Earley Dave and Rod Dempsey, Discipleship making is& (Nashville, Tennessee: B&H Publishing Group, 2013), 21-84.
3. Jackson Bill, Becoming a Church that Makes Disciple-Making Leaders: Part I, William Carey International Development Journal 1, no. 4 (2012): 12.
4. Putman Jim, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman, Discipleshift: five steps that help your church to make disciples who make disciples (Grand Rapids; MI: Zondervan Publishers, 2013), 41-54.
5. Kagema Dickson Nkonge, Marks of True Christian Discipleship: Reflections from Mark 10: 35-45, Research on Humanities and Social Sciences 4, no. 7 (2014): 124.
6. Wright Don, N.T. Wright. Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship. Wm. B. Eerdmans, Journal of Lutheran Ethics, 16, no. 1 (2016).

Introduction

Christianity remains one of the contemporary religions in the world today. Religion emerged during the first few decades of the Roman Empire. This was after several religious leaders began to get rid of various rituals and practices that characterized the Jewish way of worship. This means that the religion was not directly influenced by the Romans or the Jews. Instead, it emerged as a separate ideology that resonated with the needs of the poorer members of the Jewish society.

At the same time, the ideals of Christianity are attributable to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. The earliest followers of the religion acknowledged that Jesus was Gods son. This means that Jesus Christ can be singled out as the founder of Christianity. The worldview of this religion is informed by the teachings of the Bible. Followers of Christianity believe that religion is a representation of Gods kingdom on earth. This worldview originated from the teachings of Christ as described in the Bible. The practices and beliefs embraced by followers of this religion also emerged from the lessons given by Jesus Christ. Individual believers are usually encouraged to develop their worldviews, beliefs, and practices.

How Did I Get Here?

From a Christian perspective, human beings were created in the image of God. In the book of Genesis, it is indicated that God created the universe and every living organism. He went further to use His creation to create mankind. This is how humans found themselves on Earth. It is also the reason why people should obey Him and follow every commandment. Followers of Christianity also acknowledge that God created man in His image (Boyce 22). This origin of humanity explains why it is appropriate for human beings to live following Gods teachings.

The Bible offers meaningful ideas and lessons that can be used to explain or describe the reasons for every Christians existence. It asserts that human beings were created to glorify God and live following His commandments. The reason and meaning of human beings existence are to worship and proclaim Gods greatness (Novak 18). People should always be keen to accomplish Gods tasks and wishes while they are on earth. Those who follow His teachings will have a meaningful purpose in life.

Followers of Christianity believe that their successes, failures, and hardships occur for Gods glory. As every individual pursues his or her objectives in life, it becomes easier to determine the true meaning of life and how it should be used to praise God. Whitney asserts that Christians can praise and worship their creator by completing their roles diligently as mechanics, mothers, engineers, and even laborers (51). This is a clear indication that the ultimate objective of a persons life is to do every activity properly since this is following the teachings of Christianity. Believers should go further to follow Gods commandments, support those who are in need and make the world a better place for all.

Purpose of Humanity

As described above, human beings are in the universe to glorify God and do everything by His teachings. The Bible (in the book of Matthew) indicates that human beings should not lay up their treasures on earth since it is full of moths and thieves (Boyce 32). As they praise God, people can engage in the most appropriate practices and behaviors that are pleasing in His eyes (Novak 48). The ultimate goal is for every Christian to focus on heavens treasure since it is the most rewarding gift. This is something necessary since every earthly treasure will wither or be destroyed.

To achieve this objective, all Christians are expected to live by the moral code taught by Jesus of Nazareth. This teaching goes further to explain why human beings should pursue a life of charity, humility, and love.

They should also be keen to get rid of every earthly practice or concern. Those who focus on such lessons will remain faithful and be willing to see Gods kingdom. Many followers of Christianity acknowledge that the Final Judgment is quite near as prophesized in the book of Revelation. Those who obey Gods laws while on earth will eventually be rewarded by their righteousness. Consequently, such believers will become part of Gods kingdom and lead an everlasting life (Boyce 37). On the other hand, the Bible goes further to indicate that all sinners shall be condemned to a life of anguish and pain in hell.

Those who promote or uphold these teachings will attain an everlasting life full of happiness. Christians are encouraged to spread the gospel and educate more people about Gods kingdom. They should also spread love, remain sympathetic, help those in need, and engage in practices that are pleasing in the eyes of their creator. In a nutshell, people should seek to bring the required glory to God since He is the creator of the heavens and earth (Whitney 28). These objectives can be achieved by remaining prayerful and reading His word continuously. Christians should also strive to become better people every single day.

What Happens After Death?

According to the Bible, Christians should never view death as the end of life. This is true since all human beings shall be raised to face judgment. They believe that all righteous people will lead a life of eternity after death. This kind of hope is embraced by Christians since Jesus resurrected on the third day after death. This is the reason why many followers of this religion argue that death is not the final destiny of the life of a Christian (Whitney 55). Since God conquered death through His only son (Jesus Christ), many believers acknowledge that they will eventually be separated from this painful experience.

Jesus encouraged his disciplines and promised them that the righteous would eventually join Gods kingdom. Mailhot argues that Jesus teachings, sermons, and miracles revealed what Christians would encounter after achieving this objective (19). His act of resurrection was a clear indication that God had power over death. It also proclaimed how God was willing to transform peoples sufferings after becoming part of this promised kingdom. The Bible goes further to indicate that those who accept every teaching will rejoice when Jesus Christ comes for the second time.

Those who remain holy and obedient will lead a new life after death for eternity. They will rejoice and be united with Christ forever. Since the Holy Spirit brings human beings closer to God, they should be prepared to do what is righteousness to be part of His afterlife (Novak 72). This promise is what compels Christians to remain faithful and continue proclaiming Gods name in every activity they do.

Evil and Suffering in the World

The origin or source of pain and human suffering is an issue that has been studied carefully by scholars, archeologists, and historians. The Bible has been referenced by many people since it details the possible origin of evil on earth. In the book of Genesis, it is indicated that God instructed Adam not to eat the forbidden fruit. Failure to do so would open his eyes and be able to differentiate the evil from the good. According to this story, the nature and existence of evil in our world is something that exists because of mans first sin.

The Bible goes further to indicate that Satan was in the world and ready to ruin what God had already made with His hands. The devil went further to introduce evil by deceiving Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden (Prothero 27). Since that time, human beings have continued to struggle due to the problem of sin.

It is agreeable that an evil and a good deed will depend on the personality and views of a given individual. However, Christians believe that actions are good if they are pleasing in the eyes of God (Siker 69). This means that they should be pursued by the teachings of the Bible. For example, human beings should not lie, steal, or oppress others. People should also act by the Bible and follow the examples demonstrated by Jesus Christ while he was on earth (Prothero 42). On the other hand, an action is treated as evil if it against Gods commandments. For instance, stealing is an evil act according to every Christian.

From this kind of understanding, it becomes clear that true believers should get rid of evil by doing what is right. The occurrence of temptations, according to Christians, is something that can be attributed to the existence of the devil on earth. Human beings should, therefore, be keen to pursue what is holy and get rid of evil (Mailhot 62). This means that they will be acting following Gods teachings and eventually join His kingdom.

Conclusion

Christianity is a religion that has been in existence for many centuries. Its teachings are embraced and followed by many believers in different parts of the world. Some specific strengths and weaknesses characterize this religion. The first one is that it is organized. This means that it brings meaning to different people and makes it easier for them to lead their lives comfortably and conveniently. It also provides social coherence by encouraging believers to share common moral systems and values.

Religion also curbs the excesses or animal instincts in human beings. Christianity as a religion also encourages or promotes socialization in the world. On the other hand, religion has specific weaknesses that should be analyzed carefully.

For instance, it promotes or forces people to pursue unachievable goals or ideals. This is the reason why it has resulted in hypocrisy and frustration in the world. Religion also discourages people from expressing their thoughts or ideas. It has been associated with bigotry and oppression of minorities such as lesbians and gays. Religious teachings have been observed to present a fallacy that forces human beings to act according to supernatural laws or forces. This analysis explains why all people should pursue their religious goals carefully to achieve their potential and lead meaningful lives.

Works Cited

Boyce, James. Born Bad: Original Sin and the Making of the Western Mind. Schwartz Publishing Pty Ltd, 2014.

Mailhot, Jamie. Epic Christianity Companion Guide: A Resource to Help You Live Your Purpose, Reach Your Goals, and Create Your Best Life. Epic Christian Publishing, 2016.

Novak, Philip. The Worlds Wisdom: Sacred Texts of the Worlds Religions. HarperOne, 1994.

Prothero, Stephen. God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions that the World. HarperOne, 2011.

Siker, Jeffrey S. Jesus, Sin and Perfection in Early Christianity. Cambridge University Press, 2015.

Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. NavPress, 2014.

Introduction

Many religions are observed to manifest and follow eight unique elements. These elements include community, worldview, myths or general stories, ethics, rituals, emotional experiences, sacredness, and material expression (Guyette, 2014). These elements play a critical role towards bringing followers of the religion together. This discussion describes how Rastafarianism and Christianity appear to fulfill these eight elements.

Christianity

My religious belief is that of Christianity. This religious movement appears to fall into the same pattern. To begin with, the belief system follows the teachings of Christ described in the Holy Bible. The believers strongly believe that God is all knowing and dictates the fate of every human being (Guyette, 2014). This belief system is shared by members of the community. The religion is practiced in many regions across the world. Many people follow Christs teachings and Gods commandments. Such teachings dictate their actions, practices, and relations with other members of the society.

There are numerous stories narrated by members of the religion. For example, the stories of Noah, Moses, Jonah, and Jesus Christ have been observed to strengthen the Christianity faith (Guyette, 2014). Many believers also follow most of the parables described in the New Testament. There are also different rituals that are taken seriously by members of this religious group. Some of the common rituals embraced by Christians include Christmas and Easter celebrations. Followers of the religion are baptized in order to become true followers of Christ. Death and birth ceremonies are characterized by prayers. Additionally, prayers are used to communicate with God. These ceremonies are embraced by many Christians in different parts of the world.

The other issue revolves around ethics. The religion guides its followers to respect, protect, and guide others. Specific sins such as stealing and fornication are discouraged. Christians believe strongly that such sins should be treated as a rebellion against Gods teachings. These rules are usually narrated and guided by the Holy Bible. These ethical rules have guided the behaviors of many believers. Specific emotional experiences such as inner peace, joy, happiness, and devotion are evident in this religion (Guyette, 2014). Grieving and mourning are common when loved ones die. Material expression is evident because believers use certain objects to perform rituals. For instance, Catholics are known to use rosaries during prayers. The cross is a representation of Christ on earth. Churches are sacred places for worshiping. Finally, sacredness is supported by holy people in the Bible such as Abraham and Isaac. Jerusalem is treated as a holy place by many Christians. The above eight elements have more or less the same weight in Christianity (Guyette, 2014). The elements support the beliefs and doctrines of the Christian faith.

Rastafarianism

Several religious movements have emerged in the recent past. Rastafarianism is one of these movements and follows most of the ideals held by Christians (Yahudah, 2014). Members of this religious movement share common beliefs and ideals. They form the Rastafarian community and believe that Jah (or God) is the creator of the universe. Several stories or myths have been narrated by members of the community for decades. One of them is the coronation of Haile Selassie as Ethiopias emperor in 1930 (Yahudah, 2014, p. 21). It is also agreeable that rituals are embraced by members of this religious community. Such stories and rituals are used to support the peoples beliefs. For instance, the smoking of Cannabis sativa (marijuana) and singing of reggae music are some of the rituals embraced by members of this religious movement.

The religion outlines specific ethics that dictate the manner in which people behave. The smoking of marijuana and respected Mount Zion are powerful expressions of the religions beliefs. New guidelines such as respect for human rights have emerged in the recent past. Emotions such as devotion, mystery, and pain are shared by members of this religion. Inner peace is embraced by Rastafarians in order to avoid disagreements (Yahudah, 2014).

Material expression is supported by a number of objects such as sacred places and holy people. The followers believe strongly that Ethiopia is a holy place. According to Rastafarianism, Mount Zion is in Ethiopia. The followers argue that Mount Zion is the holiest place on earth. They also believe that Ethiopia is the origin of man (Yahudah, 2014, p. 63). The Holy Bible is also respected and read by many Rastafarians. The religious movement is characterized by the famous Rastafarian colors. These include yellow, green, and red. Cannabis sativa is another unique material that occupies a unique position in the religion (Yahudah, 2014).

Sacredness in Rastafarians is expressed using a number of people, places, and actions. Some of these practices include smoking of marijuana, singing reggae music, and honoring the birthplace of Haile Selassie. Individuals such as Leonard Howell, Bob Marley, and Mortimer Planno are respected by Rastafarians. Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie are some of the central figures of this religion. Rastafarianism puts more weight on some of these elements. For instance, material expression and myths are the ones taken seriously by members of this movement. Elements such as worldview and ethics do not have much weight (Yahudah, 2014). However, each of the eight elements is embraced by members of the religion. This discussion therefore shows conclusively that the above eight elements are critical towards strengthening the values and principles held by members of different religious groups.

References

Guyette, F. (2014). Faith, friendship, and justice: Elements for a Christian social ethic. AMITY: The Journal of Friendship Studies, 2(1), 46-61.

Yahudah, A. (2014). A journey to the roots of Rastafari. Bloomington, IN: Trafford Publishing.

Introduction

One of the major features of the Christian faith is the teaching that the believer must never stop growing in knowledge, wisdom and character. This development can be summed up in one word  maturity. Therefore the goal of every true believer is to be mature, like Jesus Christ. It would have been difficult if there was no standard available to measure ones progress but the Epistle to the Galatians by the Apostle Paul provided a road map that Christians can use to determine if there is evidence of Christian life, growth and discipleship. The marks of maturity that can be found in this epistle are called the fruit of the Spirit and the true believers must endeavor to see these evidences in their lives.

Maturing Believers

One of the major features of the Christian faith is the exhortation that the believers must grow in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note that mere confession of belief is simply just the beginning. Membership in the body of Christ  more popularly known as the Church  requires the yearning to be mature. Thus, the believer could not afford to simply forget about his faith because once he has made his intentions known that he wanted to be a part of this family then he or she must begin the long journey ahead. It is a life journey that will help the person be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christs character.

It has been made clear that end goal is to be like Christ but this change does not happen in a twinkling of an eye. It is a laborious process requiring faithfulness as well as the discipline needed to undergo the discipleship process. This is also achieved through delegated authority. The shepherds of the flock are in reality under the only true Shepherd which is Jesus Christ but they are given the authority and the responsibility to take care of His sheep and lambs until his return to planet earth.

The process of discipleship aims to produce mature Christians who will be pleasing in the eyes of God as well as being ready for service in His kingdom. It would have been very difficult if Jesus left earth without giving specific instructions with regards to the process of maturity. But thankfully there were instructions relayed through the apostles that can be sued to help a Christian become mature in his faith in the Lord. One of the more helpful verses dealing with marks of maturity can be found in Galatians 5: 22-23 where the Apostle Paul listed down the fruit of the Spirit:

• Love;
• Joy;
• Peace;
• Patience;
• Kindness;
• Goodness;
• Faithfulness;
• Gentleness; and
• Self-control (New International Version).

It is very much helpful when the Apostle Paul referred to the marks of maturity as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This gives the believer two important ideas about the so-called marks of maturity. First, it is not achieved through human willpower. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. The second most important thing that one must remember regarding Galatians 5:22-23 is the fact that there must be a basic knowledge of the Spirit of God and at the same time there must be collaboration with the Spirit to allow Him to work inside the heart and mind of the Christian.

Moreover, the Scriptures did not disappoint when it comes to providing a contrast so that the believer will have some sort of a guide to help him or her realize if the Holy Spirit is not working in them. So in the same epistle the Apostle Paul pointed out the effect of the absence of the fruit of the Spirit and these are: a) sexual immorality; b) impurity; c) idolatry; d) witchcraft; e) hatred; f) discord; g) fits of rage; h) selfish ambition; i) dissensions; j) factions; k) envy; l) drunkenness; and m) orgies (New International Version). There is no mistaking the absence of the Holy Spirits work in the person because the following sinful marks are very much obvious.

In the aforementioned list there are at least three major marks of maturity that require serious study. The first one is love. A person can be happy and kind without having reached maturity in his or her walk in Christ. The unbeliever can even appear deliriously happy and at the same time show signs of being a good person yet this is not the true sign of maturity. Therefore one of the important standards that one has reached maturity in Christ Jesus is love. The ability to love ones neighbor is difficult to do. A person can be nice but deep inside there is an intense struggle with regards to loving his or her neighbor. Loving another person requires the work of the Spirit because it would be impossible through human effort alone.

Love is different from like. Liking someone is different from loving the same person. Love requires tremendous sacrifice because love only becomes operational if the other person has nothing to give and nothing to offer in exchange for expressing unconditional love. This is the reason why it is on top of the list when talking about the marks of maturity. The believer who learns how to love is following in the footsteps of Christ because he is the one who demonstrated what it is like to love someone that is unable to repay the gesture. Jesus did this by dying on the cross for those who are his enemies.

Aside from love, another important mark of maturity is peace. Love is used to show the world what Jesus is like  that he is full of love. The person who has peace on the other hand tells the world what is like if someone has a personal relationship with the Lord. The one who has peace does not only experience tranquility in his life but also the assurance that God is with him and that there is nothing in this world that can harm him without the express consent of the Lord. Peace is important because the believer who possessed this mark of maturity can help a world full of anxious and despairing people.

Finally, the third mark of maturity is self-control. The absence self-control in the life of a person will allow him or her to commit evil deeds that will surely be regretted at the end. With the help of self-control the Christian believer can refrain from doing things that lead to a destructive path. Self-control is the main evidence that the person is not led by lust but led by the Spirit of God. Self-control is something that every believer should desire because it will enable the Christian to accomplish greater things.

Conclusion

There are other marks of maturity that can be found in Scriptures but the book of Galatians offered a clear description with regards to what a believer must expect when it comes to determining if he or she is growing in his walk with the Lord. The marks of maturity that can be found in Galatians are particularly helpful because Apostle Paul framed it by saying that it is the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, no one can boast that it is through his willpower that he was able to develop love, peace and self-control. It was made very clear that apart from the Spirit of God maturity would be impossible and that no one will be able to become Christ-like  the ultimate standard for Christian maturity.

Introduction

Christianity and Islam share many similarities, although they are two distinct religious traditions. Sufism, one of the Islamic traditions, consists of a variety of strict rules and laws, as well as an appeal towards asceticism as the main way of going through the path and reaching Allah. Christianity, however, is more flexible, although its teachings are also designed as a path for guiding people. The main difference between the two traditions is their view of God and Jesus and the practices that people use as their path. This paper will compare the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam using the Bible and the mystical path of Islam. Christianity and Islam are two prominent religious traditions, both of which teach their followers how to go through life using the path as an internal experience.

Christianity

Christianity emerged based on Jesus teachings, his life, and death, which are depicted in the Bible. The main principle of this tradition is that each individual is born with original sin. This is a monotheistic religion, which means that people adhering to it believe in one god. However, they regard him as a Trinity, or a being that can exist in three distinct forms. The following quote from the Bible helps one understand the basic principles of this religion  I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths, they do not know (Isaiah 42:16). Here, the theme of the path and God leading people through their lives are explained, as to enter heaven, one has to live a life in accordance with these rules. Notably, because Christianity is based on the idea of heaven and hell, the free will of a person to choose what life they want to live and what consequences of having is important.

A path that one must go through over the course of this life is a theme depicted in the Bible. For example, in John 14:6, it is stated, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Here, it is shown that Jesus shows people the way or the path through which they can become closer to God. Being Gods son, he teaches the people how to live their lives according to the vision of his Father. Thus, the figure of Jesus is essential in the view of Christian religious tradition.

Islam

The basis of this religious tradition is presented in Quaran, and Muhhamad is the Prophet, whose mission was to preach and teach people the basics of Islamic mysticism. Islam can be interpreted in several ways because different traditions exist within this religion. One of them is Sufism, one of the best-known traditions explaining the mystics of Islam (Eliade, 180). Sufism is a version of Islam that emphasizes personal discipline as the only way of adhering to Allahs teachings. Both Eliade and Schimmel outline the process of a person going through this path, following their master, through different experiences of being renounced and renouncing the world (182; 107). Therefore, Islam and Sufism, in particular, pay great attention to the path of a person and the renouncement of pleasures and attachment to things.

One of the key features of this dimension of Islam is asceticism, or significant self-discipline as a lifestyle, where an individual refuses to benefit from sensual pleasures. In accordance with the Sufi traditions, there are three stages of asceticism  renouncing the world, happiness, and the realization that the world does not matter (Eliade, 181). Eliade explains the origins of this tradition in the following manner  the spiritual ancestors of Sufism were found among Muhammads Companions: for example, Salmân al- Fârîsi, the Persian barber who lived in the Prophets house and who became the model for spiritual adoption and mystical initiation, and Uways al Qaranî, whose devotion Muhammad exalted (180). Hence, these people served as a model for designing the future principles of Sufism and the rules by which individuals must abide.

To understand Islam, one should examine the main concept of this religion  mysticism. According to Schimmel, mystics in different religious traditions aim to describe the path that leads a person to God (98). Tariqa is a path that describes ones spiritual journey and the learning one has to undergo. Although this path is complex, in the end of a person reaches an understanding that God is One (Schimmel, 99). The journey is mainly a way of learning, in accordance with the religions laws. This religion implies that every Muslim has to learn these laws, created by God, and abide by them in their day-to-day life. The three key elements of this tradition are the words of the Prophet, his actions, and interior state, or sharia, tariqa, and haqiqa (Schimmel98). Therefore, Islam clearly defines the laws that a person must abide by and the path one must follow.

As part of the journey, in accordance with Isam, a person goes through three stages of viewing oneself and the property he or she owns, and at the marifa stage, everything is perceived as universal. This is the divine unity where all people perceive things around them as universally owned. Prior to this, at the second stage, an individual should choose others over himself or herself. This, in general, is a significant transformation of the individuals and their values, since, at the first stage, the perception is yours is yours, mine is mine (Schimmel, 99). This describes not only the virtue of sharing material things but also the ability to live in a society understanding that everyone within it shares the resources, space, spiritual values, and other elements. By achieving the third stage, one sees these interconnections and, therefore, can live a life that benefits not only him or her but also the community.

This, perhaps, is a result of the development that human beings have undergone, since historically living in packs and tribes was common and allowed to get resources, such as food and protection. This implies sharing and valuing others because if one individual chooses to take all the food that was gathered by his community, others will starve. These are the basic principles that should govern the way society operates; however, at some stage, they are overlooked for the benefit of one person.

Similarities

The key similarity of both religions is the fact that both Christianity and Islam have variations and different ways of interpreting the Bible and the mystics. For example, there is Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, Protestantism, and others, that use similar sources and rituals but have slight variations in the interpretation of Gods words. Similarly, in Islam, Sufism is one of several dimensions that Muslims follow, which differ in their interpretation of the path and Allahs words. Therefore, both Christianity and Islam have a variety of dimensions and interpretations, although they all share the same basic principles.

Both are monotheistic, meaning that in both traditions, only one god is worshipped. As Schimmel mentions, one of the key concepts in Islam is reflected in the passage, there is no God by Allah (99). This means that this tradition clearly indicates its belief that only one God, and therefore, only one true path to reach God exists. Here, it should be noted that although both religions have one God, Christians accept his three forms  the Holy Trinity, which is not the case with Islam.

Additionally, the two share a mystical view of God and religion in general. Both religious traditions include the notion of a path that will lead one towards God. In Christianity, it consists of three elements  the via purgativia, the via contemplavia, and the via illuminativa (Schimmel, 98). In comparison, Islam tradition has three elements that are similar  sharia, tariqa, and haqiqa. Therefore, the basis of these traditions is a persons subjective experience and his or her journey. Both traditions outline the way in which one can reach God. Moreover, these experiences are based on ones feelings rather than facts, as the person has to adhere to some rules, follow rituals, and do other things to reach their goal.

This need for performing certain acts or mental exercises suggests that reaching God does not come naturally. Instead, an individual has to practice and make sacrifices. As was mentioned, in Sufism, one goes through this path through renouncement and asceticism. In Christianity, the main emphasis is on abiding by Gods rules, and this religion does not imply the same structure and stages through which one can become closer to God.

Differences

The Sufi understanding of Jesus and poverty differ from that of the Christians, which is the main distinction between the two traditions. Poverty is one of the mandatory steps in Sufism, together with repentance and trust in God (Schimmel, 100). Through these stages, one can archive happiness and love, which means that Sufism tradition regards poverty as a necessity. This is consistent with the asceticism and the ability to renounce the world that is all part of the path in the mystics of Islam. Christianity does not directly order the followers of the tradition to adhere to an ascetic lifestyle and does not praise poverty. Heaving wealth is not regarded as a sin and can be viewed as Gods blessing. Other things that can be associated with it, such as lust or greed, are, however, considered to be a sin. Therefore, Sufism is based on the practices of asceticism and renouncing the world as the basis of this tradition, while Christianity does not directly condemn wealth and praise poverty.

Additionally, the Sufi dimension of Islam requires one to not think about heaven or hell, while in Christianity, this is an ongoing theme (Eliade, 181). This is a distinct difference because, as was mentioned, the use of heaven and hell can be interpreted as a manifestation of a persons free will  one can choose what life to live. Another important aspect is that Christianity considers Jesus to be Gods son, while Muslim tradition does not share the same view. Therefore, Sufi disagrees with the Christian view on poverty and Jesus, as they consider asceticism to be an integral part of the path, and they do not consider Jesus to be the son of God.

In accordance with the Christian tradition, one can speak directly to God through the Holy Spirit, which is usually manifested through dreams and can serve as an additional guide for people. Dreams, where an individual has a revelation, are, in general, a common theme in the Bible. One example is Peter, who had a vision, where God showed him a sheet of animals one can eat:

He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, Get up, Peter. Kill and eat (Acts 10:9-16).

This demonstrates an important aspect of Christianity  this tradition accepts that some of its principles and guidelines can be changed, since God can send messages to people, guiding them and ensuring that they are on the right path. Here, Peter has received a list of animals that can be eaten, which allowed Christians to eat pigs, as prior to the event, it was forbidden. Muslims have a more strict view of their religious teachings, as they perceive the Quran as the main source of their tradition.

Finally, a distinct feature of Sufism is the path a person goes through as a way of experiencing God. As was mentioned in the paragraph dedicated to the basics of Sufism, there are three stages of renouncement and three elements of the spiritual journey  sharia, tariqa, and haqiqa. Although a similar depiction of ones spiritual journey exists in Christianity, Sufism emphasizes the importance of this path more clearly. Schimmel mentioned that Sufi is undergoing this path, which is sometimes referred to as a ladder (105). People would have to go through initiation and work with a trusted master to go through the path and experience things such as isolation for thirty days.

Conclusion

Despite Christianity and Islam being two distinct religious traditions, they share many similarities. One example is the concept of a path that a person has to undergo through learning and abiding by Gods laws. The difference, however, is the view that the two traditions have on the figure of Jesus and understanding of poverty and the path of a religious person. For Christianity, Jesus is an important figure, as he is considered to be the son of God.

Works Cited

Eliade, Mircea. A History of Religious Ideas, Volume III: From Muhammad to the Age of Reforms. The University of Chicago Press, 2014.

The Holy Bible: New International Version. Zondervan, 1984.

Schimmel, Annemarie. Mystical Dimensions of Islam. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 1978.

The successful expansion of ideas and beliefs relies heavily on the methodology chosen by those who embark on this mission. The purpose of each Christian missionary is to transmit the ideas provided in the Gospel to a new audience, taking into consideration its cultural code and particularities. The effective choice of methodology at this stage is a crucial element of the missions overall success. Multiple historical accounts reflect how Christian activists approached the discussed objective. An examination of such stories reveals that the Gospel demonstrates high potential in terms of its communication capability. From the historical perspective, this important feature enabled the outreach mission to pre-Christian civilizations, ensuring the further expansion of the Gospel across the globe.

The missions primary difficulty consists of the fact that the audience may demonstrate a complete lack of knowledge regarding the principles and the message of the Gospel. Hunter (2000) writes that such civilizations, unfamiliar with Christianity, were widely believed to be unreachable. Nevertheless, the Celtic Christian movement managed to devise an effective approach, which allowed it to establish communication with Western Europe, Ireland, England, and Scotland. Hunter (2000) highlights the importance of background and context in each communicative situation, as they enable specific persuasive opportunities in particular scenarios. Celtic missionaries recognized the power of imagination in the context of their objective, taking a corresponding approach to explaining the Gospel. In other words, they took the time to familiarize themselves with the audience, as well as its principles and beliefs. Consequently, mutual trust was established, allowing Patrick and other British missionaries to seize the complexity of the mindset of the local population (Hunter, 2000). The case of the Christianization of the British Isles highlights the importance of agility and the process of communicating the Gospel.

The example discussed above is not unique in the history of the mission. As a matter of fact, the expansion of the Gospel faced multiple challenges caused by the Christian leaders inability to establish effective communication with the recipients of the Lords Word. According to Pierson (2009), numerous failed attempts at presenting Christianity to new people were explained as the inability of the latter to appreciate the message. At the same time, the actual issue behind such unfortunate developments lies in the fact the missionaries failed to adjust their presentation to the cultural context of their audiences. If the Gospel and its principles had been presented inconceivable terms, it would have been possible to expect better results in a shorter period. This was the case of Patrick, who managed to launch a full-fledged Christian movement in Ireland in the 5^th century A.D (Hunter, 2000). Therefore, the correct methodology of the mission consists of a culturally aware, pointed approach to each population. It demonstrates respect for the audience and its values, thus increasing the chances of receiving trust in return.

Overall, the methodology has been the key aspect of the mission for centuries. Depending on its choice and implementation, the methodology can become both an enabler and an impediment. The history of the Christian church has seen examples of poor selection of approaches, leading to a complete lack of response from the audience. If a culture-oriented methodology had been selected, the Church would have been able to fulfill the immense expansion potential of the Gospel with better efficiency. While there are numerous historical accounts, both positive and negative, the principle of culture-oriented methodology remains particularly relevant today, when society is characterized by a high level of diversity.

References

Hunter III, G. G. (2000). The Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can reach the West&Again. Abingdon Press.

Pierson, P. (2009). The dynamics of Christian mission: History through a missiological perspective. William Carey International University Press.

Globalization has become one of the leading trends in the modern world. As progress strengthens the connection between nations and entire continents, all areas of human activity undergo a major transformation. Globalization has changed the landscape of industrial and business environments, and religion was inevitably affected by it, as well. Communication and transportation opportunities have reached an unprecedented level of development by the 21^st century, making the exchange of beliefs and ideas different. At the same time, globalization suggests a wider spread of democratic values, which contributes to the freedom of speech and expression across the globe. Naturally, the Christian mission has had to adjust to the new environment in order to maintain the desired level of visibility and effectiveness.

It appears possible to trace the roots of the present framework of globalization to the middle of the 20^th century. The entire course of humanitys development was changed in the period of twenty-five years between World War II and the Moon landing (Winter, 2001). Before that point, the dogmas of imperialism prevailed, as European civilization-centric goals and ideals determined global processes. The middle of the 20^th century saw the beginning of true globalization, during which the significance of the European empires rapidly decreased to a minimum, creating new opportunities for less fortunate states after centuries of oppression. This period marks the beginning of another key aspect of globalization, which is widely observed today  diversity. People from various cultural backgrounds have finally received an opportunity to speak and to be heard. The described decades entailed a positive shift in the psyche of the Western people, leading to a more open society. Therefore, democratic values have spread across the globe, urging nations, organizations, policy-makers, and individuals to show fair, inclusive treatment to everyone.

Naturally, as globalization increased its pace around the globe, the process encompassed the area of religion, as well. Christianity had to undergo major changes as it approached the 21^st century in order to remain relevant in the globalized contemporary society. According to Jenkins (2011), the modern period can be characterized by the increased influence of so-called Southern Christianity. This notion refers to the countries of the Third World and former colonies, which have adopted the worldview promoted by the Gospel and actively implement their policy-making process. For many people, the church became the symbol of freedom, and the concept of liberty reflects the spirit of the era. Moll (2006) writes about the emerging role of new vanguards of Christianity across the globe. According to him, the further development of the mission will depend largely on such countries as South Korea, which will continue amid the decline of Western imperialism (Moll, 2006). Therefore, Christianity and the mission have been subject to similar globalization tendencies, promoting the role of emerging countries and reducing the dominance of the West.

In conclusion, the mission of the Gospel ministry exists in a broad context, which influences it to a considerable degree. Globalization is a relatively recent yet powerful tendency, which has reshaped the landscape of most areas of human activity. Religion is one of the spheres which has had to undergo considerable transformations in order to adjust to the new reality. Scholars are unanimous in their evaluation of the decreasing dominance of the West in the current environment. Emerging countries have been receiving growing opportunities to speak and to assert their importance in global affairs, which comprises Christianity, as well. Overall, the further development of the mission will depend on the new centers of growth, which continue to promote its values in a globalized world.

References

Jenkins, P. (2011). The Next Christendom: The coming of global Christianity (3^rd edition). Oxford University Press.

Lai, P. (2005). Tentmaking: The life and work of business as missions. Authentic

Moll, R. (2006). Missions incredible. Christianity Today, 50(3), 18.

Winter, R. D. (2001). The 25 unbelievable years 1945-1969. William Carey Library.

Fish symbols and images have a special sacral meaning in Christianity. The mentioning of the fish is correlated with the ancient rituals and can be found in the Bible. Some Christians associate Jesus Christ with the image of fish as a symbol of holy ablution. Today, there are different fishing styles that have become a promising market direction. The popular one is bass fishing, widely spread in North America. However, this flourishing activity originally had a sacral meaning and was a vital ritual to be united with God in each Christians life.

The correlation between the fish and Jesus Christ appeared at the time of the Roman Empire. The Romans persecuted Christians, and images of Jesus Christ were banned (Linzey 192). Therefore, secret symbols began to emerge in Christians everyday lives. One of them became the acronym ™§O¥£  ichthys (Seven Symbols of Protestant Christianity). It translates as fish and stands for Jesus Christ, Gods Son, Savior (Parke). Fish was often depicted in Roman catacombs in the second century before Christ. This is how Christians designated the places for their secret meetings. Instead of Christ, who carries the sacrament, they painted a fish with a basket of bread and wine on its back (Parke). The fish also served as an identification symbol: upon meeting, one of the strangers drew an arc on the ground, and the second completed the second (Konisky 280). They understood that both professed Christianity and could not be afraid of each other through such a ritual.

The fish symbol can also be found in the Gospel. Many of Christs disciples  the apostles Peter, Andrew the First-Called, John the Theologian  were fishermen. Jesus himself told his followers that they should fish for people (Bible, Luke 5:10). Another appearance of the image of fish is when the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish for three days (Bible, Jonah 1:17). This action implies the purification of Jonahs soul and ablution of the sins. The fish is also associated with one of the miracles of Christ: he fed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. In the 1970s, the Jesus fish image became part of popular culture (Konisky 272). Young Catholics and Protestants hung fish pictures on bumpers of cars and wore them as decorations to demonstrate their religious affiliation.

Based on the information provided in the Bible, it is necessary to respect the life of fish because it was given to people by God. As a result, Christians should be wary of any form of cruelty or disrespect for life. Fishing is a direct dialogue with God and can be treated as blessed activity. However, it is essential to mention that turning fishing into a sport is disrespectful to Gods gifts. Bass fishing is the sport direction that requires profound skills and efficient instruments (Maahs et al. 102). There are even annual competitions held in some states of America (Maahs et al. 102). Basically, such actions contradict the sacral image of fishing and should be avoided by Christians.

Therefore, fishing is an essential concept for understanding the nature of Jesuss doctrines. Being mentioned in the Bible many times, the image of fishing becomes the inevitable mediator between people and God. The famous bass fishing today can be treated as a tool to be closer to the Cristian doctrines. However, this direction was corrupted by the sinful nature of humans. Christians should consider fishing as the connector to God and the opportunity to be purified of the sins by this sacral activity.

Works Cited

Bible: New International Version. Biblica, 1984.

Konisky, David. The Greening of Christianity? A Study of Environmental Attitudes Over Time. Environmental Politics, vol. 27, no. 2, 2018, pp. 267-291.

Linzey, Andrew, et al. Orthodox Christianity: Compassion for Animals. The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Animal Ethics, edited by Clair Linzey, Routledge, 2018, pp. 188-197.

Maahs, Brandon, et al. Influence of Largemouth Bass Behaviors, Angler Behaviors, and Environmental Conditions on Fishing Tournament Capture Success. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, vol. 149, no. 1, 2019, pp. 93-107.

Parke, Blair. Ichthys, The Christian Fish Symbol: Five Origin and History Facts. BibleStudy, 2020, Web.

Seven Symbols of Protestant Christianity: Fish (ICHTHYS), Cross, More. Christianity, Web.

Introduction

Discipleship is a core element of Christianity and it enables believers to start their journey in the companionship of Christ. Nonetheless, before embarking on a journey someone needs to be aware of his/her current location in relation to his/her destination. In this scenario, discipleship will be addressed as a journey from the beginning to the end. In addition, this paper will show that without knowing his/her stage of the journey, it is easy for a disciple to be lost altogether. The paper will begin by summarizing and analyzing the five stages and four spheres of discipleship. Furthermore, the paper will offer a reflection of the stage of discipleship that I am currently in and analyze this position scholarly and biblically. Finally, the essay will focus on what it takes to be in complete submission to the Christian faith.

Five Stages of Discipleship

The first stage of discipleship involves being spiritually dead whereby an individual has not yet accepted the fellowship of Christ. In the first stage of discipleship, individuals are supposed to be raised, as they are spiritually dead due to their lack of companionship with God the giver of life¹. Therefore, in this stage individuals fail to recognize their sins and transgressions. Individuals might choose to remain in this stage when they deny the supremacy of God, refer to themselves as spiritual beings, continue to seek God in their own ways, and consider themselves to be Christians even though they do not exhibit the fruits of the holy spirit ². Having the fruits of the Holy Spirit is the only ticket from the first stage of discipleship.

The second stage of discipleship involves being a spiritual infant and this level covers new believers or individuals whose faith has failed to mature. In the Epistles, Peter equates newly initiated Christians to babies who need spiritual guidance just as babies need milk³. Nevertheless, individuals who are in the second stage of discipleship have some spiritual fire in them but they need to graduate from infancy. This graduation involves familiarizing oneself with advanced teachings of the Christian faith. It is important to note that individuals in this stage are well equipped but they only require practice for them to graduate to the next level of discipleship. However, in this second stage, individuals are vulnerable and they might be harmed by various outside influences.

In the third stage of discipleship, one is a child who has moved from being born and he/she is done with infancy. In addition, it is possible for individuals in the higher stages to slip back to the child level. The most important activity for third-level disciples is to pursue activities that lead to growth. This stage also calls for individuals to start establishing spiritual relationships with other believers and not just with Christ. One of the important factors to note during this stage is that it is not the amount of time that passes that marks the difference between the mature and immature; it is what has happened or not happened in a relational discipleship process during that time⁴.

The fourth stage of discipleship is that of a Young Adult and it marks the combative level of growth. The people who are in level four have ideally adopted spirituality and triumphed over evil. In this level, one progresses from being self-centered to being God-centered and starts practicing the word of God⁵. Furthermore, believers begin realizing their life purpose during the fourth stage and they harness their God-given gifts to accomplish their functions. Some of the needs that individuals have in this stage include learning how to serve and having spiritual mentors.

The final stage of discipleship is being a parent whereby an individual has become a mentor to other disciples. Essentially, mentoring is the hallmark of individuals who have achieved level five because at this stage individuals must begin to reproduce⁶. Failure to reproduce relegates individuals to the level of young adults as evident from Timothy 2:1-2. Achieving stage five of discipleship does not necessarily indicate that an individual has become perfect. However, at this level of growth an individual is able to react and cope with the various elements of discipleship. As parents, individuals should also be able to help other disciples in their spiritual journeys.

The Four Spheres of Discipleship

The first sphere of discipleship is the centrality of relationship with God and it signifies that individuals are called to serve under Christ. This sphere is responsible for linking an individual to the other spheres⁷. Furthermore, this sphere motivates individuals to act in a manner that indicates that they are in fellowship with Christ. The second sphere of discipleship is involved with being in a Gods family or the connection between an individual and the church. In the Epistles, Paul stresses on the importance of belonging to the body of Christ⁸. Therefore, if the first sphere is fellowship with Christ, it is only logical for the second one to involve relationships with others. The importance of the second sphere relationship is elaborated by Bonhoeffer who tracks the journey of Christ by noting that He became human, was crucified, and is risen therefore Christians do not form the world with their own mind; instead it is Christ forming us into His image⁹.

The third sphere of discipleship applies to a persons familial relationships. This sphere is central to the teachings of Paul when he talks about the pecking order in a Christian family. Therefore, it is important for husbands to love their wives, wives to respect their husbands, and children to honor their parents¹⁰. The point of the third sphere is to ensure that family relationships are not sacrificed at the expense of the ministry of Christ. The fourth sphere of discipleship involves a believer and his/her relationship with the world. A believer who is in a working relationship with Christ should be able to represent his/her master in a certain way when he/she is out in world. For instance, remaining humble and transparent in our activities and intentions is the right way to represent Christ to the rest of the world. When all spheres of discipleship converge, individuals can become effective in their services to the ministry of Christ.

Current Stage of Discipleship

After a brief assessment of my journey, I reckon that I am at the parent stage of discipleship. Nevertheless, there are times I find myself acting in the ways of spiritually young adults. For example, acting with bravado in times of spiritual turmoil is something a parent-disciple should not do but I sometimes react in this manner. As a final level disciple, I should know that I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength¹¹. Therefore, my own strength does not matter in the course of my discipleship.

Submitting to the Centrality of the Cross

According to Bonhoeffer, all believers should be aware that the cross that they bear has its origins in the suffering of Christ¹². Therefore, it is important for us to endure suffering and at the same time recognize that it is for our own benefit. In this regard, I need to factor out the element of material and social success in the course of my discipleship. Most modern Christians, (myself included) are susceptible to forming connections between their journeys and their worldly fortunes. However, as Bonhoeffer has pointed out each person bears a custom-made cross and not each of us goes through unique tribulations. Overall, the only thing I should concentrate on is having a teachable spirit.

Conclusion

Salvation is not a simple fact of life or a destination but it is a journey that dedicated Christians embark on as evident through the concept of discipleship. Therefore, submitting to Christ should align with the teachings of Apostle Paul when he said that every individual who is called by Christ has a specific mission and purpose¹³. Becoming saved does not mean that a destination has been acquired but it indicates that a journey has started. Good Christians should enjoy the journey of salvation from infancy to parenthood.

Jim Putnams five stages of discipleship show that an adequate Christian has the ability to transform from being a self-centered agent to God-centered living and by applying Putnams four spheres of life we understand the importance of oneness with Christ, relationships, encouraging one another, and bearing each others burdens¹⁴. Submitting to Christ does not only entail giving into the pleasures of life but also to its difficulties. Therefore, Christians should not take up the ministry with the view of escaping the toils of life but for the purpose of making sense out of these difficulties. This sentiment is found in the book of James where these words appear: consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds¹⁵.

Bibliography

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works Vol 4. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2003.

Bruce, Frederick F. The international Bible commentary: with the new international version. New York, NY: Marshall Pickering, 1986.

Falwell, Jerry. Building Dynamic Faith. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2007.

Putman, Jim, Bobby William Harrington, and Robert Coleman. DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. London: Zondervan, 2013.

The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.

Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2014.

Footnotes

1. Jim Putman, Bobby William Harrington, and Robert Coleman, DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (London: Zondervan, 2013), 23.
2. Ibid., 45.
3. Peter 2:2-3 (NIV).
4. Jim Putman, Bobby William Harrington, and Robert Coleman, DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (London: Zondervan, 2013), 23.
5. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works Vol 4 (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2003), 45.
6. Jim Putman, Bobby William Harrington, and Robert Coleman, DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (London: Zondervan, 2013), 31.
7. Donald S Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2014), 34.
8. Frederick F Bruce, The international Bible commentary: with the new international version (New York, NY: Marshall Pickering, 1986), 98.
9. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works Vol 4 (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2003), 55.
10. Ibid., 48.
11. Philippians 4:13 (NIV).
12. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works Vol 4 (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2003), 57.
13. Jerry Falwell, Building Dynamic Faith (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2007), 18.
14. Jim Putman, Bobby William Harrington, and Robert Coleman, DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (London: Zondervan, 2013), 31.
15. James 1:2-4 (NIV).