Category: Religion 1596

In the introductory part, the author points out that the purpose of his writing is not to discuss the deformation associated with Muhammad by the western scholars, which has been the significant reason why Islam, unlike Christianity, has a lot of obstacles. However, Muhammad represents a model and exemplar for every believer (Schimmel, 2008). The author shows understanding differences between the old and the new biographies of the prophet. Same time distinguishing the sides held by both the Muslim and non-Muslims on who the prophet was and what he represents. In the first chapter, the author highlights Muhammads early life and the confrontations between Muslims and Meccans towards establishing the role played by Muhammad in strategically positioning Islam as a religion (Schimmel, 2008). The second chapter focuses on the beautiful model Muhammad embraced in shaping the religion, Islam. Like God taught Adam names, Muhammad was led by the Koran by God, and because of his obedience to God, Muhammad became the messenger of God (Schimmel, 2008).

To minimize any possibilities of making assumptions, the author constantly quotes the Koran to show the unique role played by Muhammad in the establishment of Islam. By basing his writing on the Koran, the author minimizes assumptions that would be the foundation of bias in his writing. Two valuable concepts stand out in the first and second chapters of this book. In the second chapter, the central concept established is the beautiful model Muhammad embraces in his position. Since Muhammad obeys God, he is singled out to be His messenger that every believer should emulate. On the other hand, the first chapter establishes the prophets life and what he had to do towards the establishment of the religion.

Within the first two chapters, two key aspects stand out, giving the reading its strengths. First, the assignment provides a very distinct understanding of the prophet, his life, and his role in establishing Islam. Second, to emphasize the role of Muhammad, in turn, in becoming the model and exemplar for every believer, the reading heavily utilizes what the Koran says in bringing out the prophet served his role in the development of the religion. The major weakness has been the lack of other sources to back what the Koran says concerning the prophet and the foundation of the Islam religion.

Between this reading and the previous readings, the critical relationship is that all lessons focus on religion. The focus is central in helping the reader understand the uniqueness of every faith and what makes it stand on its own. Further, it gives insight into why the various religions resonate with multiple believers throughout the world. Only one question comes to mind upon reading these first two chapters. Given the depth of knowledge presented on Muhammad, why does the western world still find it challenging to accept Islam as it accepts Christianity? The appropriate answer to this question lies in the inability to get all religions based on their tenets. In answering this question, the western world should eliminate bias over Islam and be as open to the faith as it is to Christianity. Peace throughout the world starts by accepting people for who they are, who/what they believe in, without judging them any less. No matter how different Islam is from Christianity, the difference is what makes it unique.

Reference

Schimmel, A. (2008). And Muhammad is his messenger. Islamic Book Trust.

Being educated and respectful of other religions

Education of other religions is undoubtedly one of the most crucial parts of a dialogue with a representative of a different faith. Ignorance in such a matter might lead to misunderstanding and unwanted conflict. Besides, respecting other beliefs should prove to be very important when engaging in a religious conversation. Being educated and respectful of other religions might ease the dialogue and help make friends. However, while trying to present the Gospel to a follower of Islam, focusing on resemblance rather than differences may be more useful (Peel, 2016). Trying to find common grounds, thoughts, and ideas between Christianity and Islam can be challenging but has a chance to yield great results; such challenges require resilience, forgiveness, and acceptance. Practicing these values might secure the success of connecting with other people and make the flow of the dialogue peaceful and calm (Campbell & Bauer, 2021). It is important to remember to love one another and be sympathetic despite any differences (New American Standard Bible, 2020). Truly, Islamic people do not believe the same truths as Christians; however, discovering what they believe in and what they value and respecting their beliefs and opinions is the key to communication. Asking them about their faith might help start the conversation. It will also set an example of listening and respecting ones values, which will make the follower of Islam or any other religion show the same level of acceptance and understanding. Making such efforts can significantly increase the chances of befriending the followers of any religion and sharing the Gospel.

Becoming friends with an individual with a different religious belief

It is difficult to disagree that becoming friends with an individual with a different belief than Christianity requires showing respect and putting their needs before ones own. Such values should be followed by any Christian at all times. Certainly, sharing the Gospel should never resolve to arguing and shouting; one must always remain courteous and respectful. Even when the Christian faith is being ridiculed by non-believers, one should never resolve to rudeness. Repaying evil with evil or insult with insult should never be considered by a faithful Christian (New American Standard Bible, 2020). Instead, answering with kindness demonstrates Christian values; any impolite disagreement is unlikely to be continued if the disrespect faces politeness and decency. When presenting the Gospel to a man of science, open and honest communication may be the key. Promoting peace and cooperation should be prioritized over a deep interdisciplinary dialogue between religion and science (Val
o & Boehme, 2017). Sharing the Gospel with family and loved ones can prove very difficult. It might be considered to be easier to show the way through actions rather than words and conversations. Serving God with a clear conscience, and promoting kindness and compassion can appeal to others, provoking their interest in the Gospel (Coulter, 2016). People who tend to believe in a simple death with no heaven or hell afterward can be challenging to appease, especially younger generations. When considering death with such individuals, acknowledging their lives might prove more efficient (White, 2017). Reminding them that their lives count not only for the sake of Gods purpose for them but also for the sake of themselves. Making sure they live happily, share their happiness with others and leave a positive impact on the world, causing no harm to others, is a Christian value that many people share, despite their worldview.

References

Campbell, C., & Bauer, S. (2021). Christian faith and resilience: Implications for social work practice. Journal of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work, 48(1), 28-51.

Val
o, M., & Boehme, A. J. (2017). Christian faith and science: Can science enhance theology. European Journal of Science and Theology, 13(3), 89-97.

White, J. E. (2017). Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the new post-Christian world. Baker Books.

Peel, J. (2016). Christianity, Islam, and Orisa-Religion: Three traditions in comparison and interaction. University of California Press.

New American Standard Bible: Holy Bible. (2020). The Lockman Foundation.

Coulter, P. (2016). An introduction to Christian apologetics. Bethinking. Web.

Introduction

God is the originator of religion. He created the world and the people in it and established some general principles and laws which they were instructed to follow. God spoke through selected prophets who heard him speak and recorded his words (Johnstone 21). He revealed to the people through the prophets his plans for humanity through revelation. Religion was created through this process of revelation.

Judaism and Christianity have the belief that religion was created through the revelation of Gods intention for humanity. The founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, also had the experience of heavenly inspiration in his quest for truth (Johnstone 22).

Why does religion exist for society as a whole?

Religion is a pervasive and noteworthy cultural occurrence. There are several theories that explain why religion exists for society as a whole. Sigmund Freud views religion as a mass obsession that is driven by a persons emotions. The theory asserts that religion illusion is psychological distress that can be alleviated by removing this distress.

According to Raines (1), Karl Marx viewed religion as an institution that is dependent on materials and economic realities that are at the disposal of its followers. It is a reflex of the real world or an illusion that keeps the society functioning as it is, and eroding the highest ideals and aspirations of the people.

Mircea Eliade viewed religion as a focus on the sacred. However, he understands religion in two perspectives: the sacred and the profane. Religion is just about belief in the supernatural that is at the center of the sacred (Kunin 2). There are timeless forms of ideas that recur in all religions that Mircea regards as irrelevant with no particular historical contexts.

The existence of religion in todays society depends on what people seek to achieve through it, and what they believe in. There are many religions, and each has a unique belief that distinguishes it from the others (Kunin 3).

However, most of the religions believe in the existence of a supernatural being that controls things that are beyond the ability of ordinary people. Religion exists because of the role it plays in everyday life. It shapes how people think and what they focus on in life.

What is the relevance of religion to the modern world?

Religion in American society has, for a long time played a crucial role in shaping politics. According to Putnam, Campbell, and Garrett (1), John F. Kennedy was a presidential candidate in 1960s and won overwhelming support from his fellow Catholics. Thirty percent of the voters were Protestants and could not vote for a Catholic candidate in any political position.

Kennedy had disagreements with the Catholic Church followers on several issues, but they still supported him. Things changed in 2004 and Kerry, a presidential candidate, was a Catholic but did not get overwhelming support from the church. Kerrys views on abortion made him lose his political bid because the church was of a different opinion. The Catholics got divided because there are those who supported Kerry and those who were opposed to him.

Kerry lost to an evangelical protestant George W. Bush. Religion played a significant role in determining who will take office as president. However, in the 2000s, the voters have not divided along denominational lines but their personal views on religion. Their concern was how religious a person is and not their religious affiliation.

American religion has today become a personal preference and not a characteristic. Society accommodates both religious and nonreligious people without any form of discrimination. There is a high degree of religious devotion and tremendous religious diversity.

The existence of religion in society influences the choices of people. In the 1960s, it influenced the candidate that one would vote for in presidential and other political races. People only voted their own. In the 2000s, people were influenced by religion to vote for candidates who are more religious than others.

Religion in society today has played an enormous role in bringing together likeminded people. People are sorting themselves into like-minded clusters where religion, social, and political beliefs determine which group a person will join. The migration from one church to another and out of the church altogether characterizes todays religion.

Why is it important to study religion?

Religion is a major force in human experience and cannot be ignored in todays studies. It is evident that most of terrorism, ethnic cleansing, economic destruction, and other felonies that have been fueled by religious agendas. Religion has also contributed positively to the human race. It has laid the foundation for human rights, social justice, and international peace, among others.

According to Seshagiri (1), religion accounts for the peculiar shape of culture and the outlook of its people upon themselves and the world around them. Religion occupies a prominent place in almost every age and society in human history down to the present.

Study of religion will help people understand the role that it plays in their lives and society as a whole. People will understand how religion fuels violence and terrorism. The image of religion in society today can only be redeemed by a person who understands it.

What is the rational choice theory?

According to Iannaccone (2), the rational choice theory is a combination of assumptions of maximizing behavior, market equilibrium, and stable preferences that are used relentlessly. The most fundamental of these assumptions is maximizing behavior. The assumption implies that people approach all actions in a similar manner, assessing costs and benefits, and seeking to maximize their net gains.

The same way, people choose the religion they want to belong to and their level of participation in it. Religious choices are not static because people tend to change them overtime.

Their level of participation is also subject to change. In some cases, they modify even the character of their religion. The assumption of stable preference explains these changes as optimal responses to varying circumstances such as changing prices, incomes, skills experiences, and resource constraints, among others.

The Rational Choice Theory also views religion producers as optimizers seeking to maximize members, net resources, government support, and other determinants of success of institutions. The church and the clergy role are to make use of opportunities in the religious marketplace and address the prevailing constraints.

Religious consumers and producers interact like buyers and sellers in an ordinary market to create an equilibrium point where both are satisfied. The consumers freedom to choose is the constraint that the religious producers face. A seller cannot survive without the support of the customers.

Works Cited

Iannaccone, Laurence. Symposium: Voodoo Economics? Reviewing the Rational Choice Approach to Religion. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. 34.1(1995): 76-89.

Johnstone, Ronald. Religion in Society: Sociology of Religion, Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson/Prentice Hall. 2007. Print.

Kunin, Seth. Religion: The Modern Theories, New York: JHU Press, 2003. Print

Putnam, Robert, Campbell, David, and S.Garrett. American Grace: How Religion Divides And Unites Us, New York: Simon and Schuster, 2012. Print

Raines, John. Marx on Religion, New York: Temple University Press, 2002. Print.

Seshagiri, Rao. Mahatma Gandhi and Comparative Religion, New York: Motilal Banarsidass Publ, 1990. Print.

Introduction

Holy Spirit can be considered as one fruit with nine parts as developing all the nine attributes makes the soul holistic and establishes a connection with God. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Howard). Letting the listed attributes into life helps to live in accordance with the Holy Spirit.

The message that the Bible conveys is the importance of learning how to love God, ourselves, one another, and even our enemies. As we are fallen humans, love is limited, and we need to work with the Holy Spirit for it to enter our personality; only after that, love is possible. By letting a Christ into your life, a person allows him to help, heal and restore, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (New King James Version Bible Ephesians 3.16-17). He can also increase it to a certain degree so an individual can feel a blissful state from knowing and serving God.

Fruits of the Spirit

Love is considered the most important and sacred fruit of the holy spirit. Love is a strong feeling that all humans seek to give and receive, but few ever encounter true love. However, Gods love is greater, transcending human emotion, and flowing through him towards mankind via the Holy Spirit. It is said, He who does not love does not know God, for God is love (1 John 4.8). By experiencing and learning about love from God Himself, it begins to define humans and transforms people spiritually as they realize the tremendous Love that God feels for them as for Christ to sacrifice Himself for humanitys sins. After all, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3.16).

Joy in the context of the fruit of the Spirit is referred to both grace or gift and the expression of joy. That joy comes from the gifts or acts of God throughout the Bible. In modern day, that joy is found in following Christ and being united in mind and spirit with other faithful. In the Bible, it says, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds (James 1.2). Life will bring both happiness and tribulations, and joy should be felt and recognized when the grace of God is felt, such as an illness being healed. However, true joy must be felt no matter what in the Giver, who is always present rather than the gifts themselves.

In the biblical sense, peace goes beyond the modern understanding of avoidance of conflict. As the fruit of the Spirit, peace is referred to a connection and trust in God. Having peace means believing in God and His plan even when life seems difficult. Peace also means finding confidence with self and working to resolve differences with others. Therefore, peace is not referring to avoidance or ignorance, but even encouraging to go into conflict to create peace by reconciling, by giving back, by being the peacemakers. It is written, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5.9). Pursuing peace is one of the most difficult of challenges for the faithful, but through the Holy Spirit, we are able to find it in one shape or another and attain a connection with God.

Longsuffering as a gift of the Holy Spirit shares its meaning to patient and endurance. It is a virtue that is meant to counteract anger and irrationality, which are exemplifications of hate or revenge. Longsuffering is meant to be a manner of self-control and rationality to avoid falling into the traps of anger, resulting in sinful and self-centered attitudes. The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1.20). Instead, longsuffering guides people towards love which as described earlier is a connection with God and faith, for love is patient, love is kind& (1 Corinthians 13.4).

Kindness is a direct representation of the divine kindness that God has towards humankind. In turn, Christians are expected demonstrate kindness by acting towards others as God acts towards them. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4.32). Through kindness, our human nature is becoming filled Gods spirit, allowing to receive the gifts of God. Kindness is caring, it is the first step to compassion and forgiveness. It is a complex action that may involve generosity, mercy, attention, and even self-sacrifice. However, through kind words and actions, one finds the Spirit and lets go of hateful thoughts.

Goodness is a concept that is referred to commonly in the Bible. God and His creation is good, a man can be good as well. Goodness refers not only the quality of being good or moral virtue, but a life lived for Christ and accordance to the Scriptures. Since humans are made in the image of God, then we are inherently good if not corrupted by sin. As said in the Bible, Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, [a]but he who does evil has not seen God (3 John 11). No human is without sin but attempting to overcome that nature to live righteously is goodness. The fruit of goodness allows a sinful person to do and be good, thus achieving the essence of God.

Faithfulness refers to not only the concept of religious faith, but the ability to trust God completely and the ability to be reliable in our faith and to others. In a way, it is a commitment and faithfulness are highly valued. Gods standard of faithfulness goes beyond our human understanding or even capabilities, but the most devoted are able to achieve wholehearted faithfulness, allowing for the Holy Spirit to guide us and dwell within us. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible (Hebrews 11.3). It is faith that allows Christians to grow and obey God and build a relationship with Him, similar to the prophets and saints in the Scriptures.

Gentleness also translated as meekness refers to the spirit and attitude of being humble and wanting to help others, demonstrating kindness rather than attempting to establish superiority. For humans which also seek power in one form or another, gentleness is difficult to achieve, particularly towards those who wronged us. Let your [a]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand (Philippians 4.5). However, gentleness does not suggest weakness, but rather a balance of strength and kindness, also closely tying in with forgiveness. The same God is gentle with us in sin and correcting our path, Christians are expected to demonstrate this virtue towards others.

Self-Control is the last of the listed fruits of the Holy Spirit not because it is the least important, but rather it is the capstone needed to exercise the other eight virtues. A journey that begins with love must be continued with self-control to achieve the connection to God, patience, faith, and kindness, among others in daily lives that consistently bring up challenges and temptations. Paul describes this struggle with the need to bring bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10.5). Humans by nature lack self-restraint, and self-control is vital to avoid the sinful temptations that surround us in daily life and divert us from the path of God.

Conclusion

The Bible dictionary describes peace as The presence and experience of right relationships. (Bradley). Without peace, a person becomes easily rattled and tormented. The fourth fruit is longsuffering, which is also translated as patience in some Bible versions, both of which are associated with endurance and means the opposite of anger. (Hooser). Kindness and goodness are closely related, and God demonstrated His kindness and goodness to us in our salvation (Titus 3:4). (Howard). Faithfulness is consistent obedience to the Spirit, who allows us to be faithful. Gentleness is a grace of the soul, and self-control is the ability to resist to works of the flesh (Howard).

A person who let Jesus Christ into his heart can be a perfect example to the believers as he/she represents the power of the gifts that God can give if the person believes. By promoting each fruit and establishing a connection with God, people are enduring God; hence, they endure themselves and the world around them.

Works Cited

Bradley, Michael. Love  Fruit of the Spirit Bible Verse. Bible Knowledge. 2018, Web.

Hooser, Don. The Fruit of the Spirit  Longsuffering. Beyond Today. 2008, Web.

Howard, Kathy. What Are the Fruit of the Spirit? Crosswalk. 2018, Web.

The Bible. Authorized New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, n.d. Web.

Since its publication in 1896, In His Steps by Charles Sheldon became widely popular in Christian circles. Part of the success of this religious fiction novel lies in its focus on timeless concepts of love and compassion and the responsibility we share to care for those in need. In his book, Sheldon challenges classic capitalist ideas with a moral vision and argues for the necessity of social reform (Mariz 51).

The first chapter of the novel is important because it describes a major story point that affected the course of the events of the book. The events of this chapter prompted a wave of social reform which changed the quiet town of Raymond. The main character of the book is a Reverend Henry Maxwell, the pastor of the First Church of Raymond. In the first chapter, Maxwell is depicted preparing for an upcoming sermon when he is interrupted by someone knocking on his door. That someone turns out to be a homeless man trying to find a job. Maxwell listens to the homeless mens request but asks him to leave.

At the end of the Sunday sermon, the congregation is startled by the sound of a mans voice. The man turns out to be the same homeless man who visited Maxwell two days earlier. The congregation, shocked by the sudden appearance, does not stop the man from delivering a long monolog. In his monolog, the homeless man talks about the hardships of his life: his wife died of starvation, and his little girl is living with a printers family while he is looking for a job. He talks about the fact that the minister could not help him find a job.

The homeless man then questions, what do Christians mean when they sing that they follow Jesus, but do none of the things Jesus did. The homeless man ponders, how is that those following Jesus live in nice houses and have expensive clothes, while people die in tenements and grow up in misery and drunkenness and sin (Sheldon 7). Once the monolog is over, the homeless man dies.

The main theme of this chapter is the accountability of Christian disciples who turn a blind eye to other peoples problems. The author implies that many Christians who believe they are devoted to God are devoted only to themselves. They mistakenly believe it is enough to sing songs praising Jesus to be a devoted Christian. The point of Christianity, Sheldon claims, is not in accumulating wealth but in helping others. Rather, it is in love and compassion and care which is the foundation of Jesus teachings. Following Jesus, Sheldon suggests, is in doing everything to help those in need.

The authors use such literary devices, as contrast, to compare the world of the members of the church and the poor: shabby-looking  nice clothes; living in luxury  died in a tenement. Another tool used by the author is speech characteristics. The monolog of the homeless man is very coherent, with proper grammar and a rich choice of words, which suggests that the homeless man is, in fact, intelligent and well-educated. Rhetoric questions are used to express the bitterness: Do you mean that you are suffering and denying yourselves [&] just as I understand Jesus did? What do you mean by it? (Sheldon 6).

Sheldon succeeded in creating an engaging piece of religious fiction on the timeless topic of what it really means to be a Christian and do what Jesus would do.

Works Cited

Mariz, George. Towards a Socio-Historical Understanding of the Clerical-Utopian Novel. Journal of the Society for Utopian Studies 14.1 (2003): 51-73. Print.

Sheldon, Charles. In His Steps. 1896.

Introduction

The book of Matthew is the first in the New Testament and was written by Saint Matthew, the evangelist. The book primarily discusses the accounts of the life and death of Jesus Christ. The gospel was initially written in Greek sometimes after 69 CE and depended on the earlier gospel according to (Alexander, and Rosner 44). Matthew narrates the genealogy of Jesus from Abrahams perspective and mentions significant details about the times of Jesus Christ, who was born of virgin Mary and came to rescue the human beings. This paper researches the critical issues that relate to the book of Matthew.

Critical Issues

As highlighted in the introductory paragraph, the book of Matthew was written by St. Matthew the evangelist. St Matthew was one of Jesus Christs disciples and was regarded as a tax collector. Matthew was born during the first century AD in Capernaum and venerated in Eastern Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, Anglicans Communion among others. He was also known as Levi and was one of the few evangelists who existed then (Bruce 55). The bible records that Matthew followed Jesus and was one of the witnesses of Jesus Christs ascension after His resurrection.

Most scholars have contradicted the issue about when the book of Matthew was written. However, it is believed that the gospel was written between AD 70 and 80. The range may probably range between AD 70 and 100 according to pre-70 date issues (Meade 30). According to modern scholars in theology, some of the materials which are attributed to the date range of the book cannot be verified hence it would remain the subject matter of discussion.

Occasions that led to the composition of the book of Matthew is Antioch in Syria that hosted Matthew for a long while because it was where many people used to go to church. For instance, Ignatius who quoted Matthew severally was from Antioch (Alexander, and Rosner 64). The congregation in Antioch was comprised of Jews and Gentiles and therefore, this would lead to the problems about legalism and antinomianism that Matthew sought to address then.

The Gospel of Matthew is grounded on sources that existed for some period. Matthew based his perspectives on Mark and the Logia, which is often regarded as The Sayings of Jesus. Additionally, sources such as M seem to add on the latter in significant ways as far as the gospel of Matthew is concerned (Meade 36). Some of Mathews introductory narratives are unique from other books of the gospel. For instance, the birth of Jesus, the wise men meeting King Herod, the flight to Egypt among others are stories based on oral and unknown written sources (Goldstone 731). However, the content is seen in the book of Mark and the Logia hence Matthew could have drawn his point from the latter.

Literary Structure

The book of Matthew has remarkable literature and it is arranged in ways that present Jesus as the extraordinary Jewish hero. First, Matthews work regards Jesus as the Messianic son of David, a prophet who was beyond Mosess power and the seed from Abrahams lineage that brought blessings to the whole world (Goldstone 732). Matthew presented who Jesus is and does not state the purpose explicitly. The first outline can be based on discourse in the book that showed Jesus as the ultimate prize that God had given and also the powerful person who had come from Gods place (Alexander, and Rosner 54). These discourses show the listing of the sermon on the mount, the parables, the church of the earlier times, and the issues relating to the end of times. However, this account comes after the first approach to Jesuss growth and popularity while transitioning from childhood to adulthood with His tasks highlighted.

The outline of Matthew is arranged to show a prologue that relates to Jesuss birth and significance. There follows the teaching and ministry of Jesus where there is an account of how Jesus gets the followers and the sermon in the mountain (Bruce 65). Jesuss miracles and works are done by disciples are noted in the order of literature in Matthews book. Within the context, the author narrates confrontations of Jesus and parables about the kingdom of God. Jesus is revealed as the son of God (Meade 76). The sequence then shows how people then struggled with the kingship of Jesus and the teachings about judgment and the waited kingdom that would come after the end of times. Lastly, Matthew shows the climax, where the sacrifice, victory, and commissioning of disciples by Jesus is evident.

Place in the Storyline of the Bible

The bible is a diverse collection of writings that brings the idea that is just one book. According to Gods Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible by Vaughan Roberts, the bible is not a collection of individual books together but one book telling a single story. Therefore, Matthew being one of the books fits the projections of Roberts in the attempt to recognize the storyline of the holy book. Roberts focused on the idea of The Kingdom of God and the unity as brought in the bible scriptures (Roberts 29). The book of Matthew notes various elements on the kingdom of God in the outline of its literature. Similarly, there is unifying agenda especially for the Jews and Gentiles hence Roberts opinion tallies with the entire book of Matthew and what the author intended to communicate.

The first part of the book by Roberts talks about the pattern of the kingdom. Therefore, the book of Matthew takes place in this chapter since there is a notation on Gods people, then Gods rule, and the blessings (Goldstone 732). About the Kingdom of Heaven, Matthew describes it as a process that follows various events. In the gospel book, God starts to act as the ruler, and therefore, there is a manifestation of God being the supreme in the world of people. In Matthew 3:2, Matthew is referring to the kingdom of heaven as a phrase to show the powerful regime by the creator of the universe (Roberts 59). Therefore, the salvation that shows the entry requirement to the kingdom in the book of Matthew, conforms to what Roberts argued about Gods desire to live with human beings.

Major Themes and Theological Message

The book of Matthew is centered on five themes that the Christian faithful can relate to. The major themes are compassion & forgiveness, hypocrisy, immortality, sin, and prophesy (Collins 59). Chapter 9 of the gospel book talks about what Jesus can do when it comes to forgiveness. Apostle Peter, who is mostly referred to as Jesuss main man, had turned their back on Jesus three times. However, Jesus did to hold grudges with peter rather, He forgave him all the time. Matthew 6:14-15 says For if you forgive men in their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you& (Bruce 63). Similarly, the Lords prayer which is recorded in the book of Mark, that Matthew is alleged to use as a source appended two verses that give a notion about forgiveness. Compassion comes when one is willing to forgive for instance, in incidents about debts and recovery on the same.

The hypocrisy theme is majorly seen in Pharisees and priests then, who taught about the kingdom of God but never adhered to their teaching. Immortality which centrally refers to the life after death is what Matthew taught on the kingdom of heaven. The book of Matthew would relate many instances by giving scenarios and comparing them with what the kingdom of God would be like. The theme of sin is evident in Matthew 9:1-8 the chapter talks about the authority to forgive sins (Harrison 41). To avoid sin, Jesus told His disciples to let the enemies be by forgiving them and teaching them about doing favorable actions on other people. About prophesy, Jesus started by telling the people then that He was the promised Messiah whom Isaiah had talked about.

The book of Matthew tells the Christian faith that Jesus came to fulfill the prophecy about saving human beings to be free from sin and also prophesying about what the kingdom of heaven would be like. Matthew had many Jewish audiences and therefore, he would use many prophecies as seen in the Hebrew bible to lure them that Jesus was the Messiah. In Mathew 1:1, Jesus is introduced as the son of David, whom God had promised to establish a dynasty from his lineage (Francis 65). Therebefore, the segment depicts fulfilled prophesy in the Old Testament about the coming of Jesus and His powerful missions.

Personal Reflection on the Book of Matthew

The gospel of Matthew is one of the technical written compositions on the contemporary issues of the world, the vision of Jesus, and the life that God wants His people to live. Through the book, it is clear that Matthew was inspired by the Holy Spirit to record various incidents on the proper life people should live (Collins 89). The book is appropriate to drawing someone near to God when they focus on the theme of forgiveness of sin, the kingdom of God, and the prophetic accounts. There is a unique approach to who God is and what Christians should learn from the narrations of the story. The gospel of Matthew presents who Jesus is including the role and manifestation He gives on the nature of God (Harrison 41). Jesus teaches Christians that by believing in Him and swerving God, that would be an assurance to Gods kingdom.

Conclusion

When believers in Christ read the book, they have knowledge and thoughts on the essentials of living a holy life. Matthews words of wisdom about the ideal lifestyle and the joy of the Lord are helpful to keep someones faith stable in Christ. Salvation is also evident from the teachings of Matthew since he incorporated the issues about living a life without impurities. The source of Matthews gospel and scriptures is not that important but the relevance of his composition and the desire of God. With the book in place, many people can get the required moral standards based on Matthews content on the importance of the kingdom of heaven.

Works Cited

Alexander, T. Desmond, and Brian S Rosner. New Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Yield Ventures, 2000.

Bruce, F. F. The New International Commentary on The New Testament. Eerdmans, 1988.

Collins William. ESV Study Bible. Wil-P, 2016.

Francis, Leslie J. Gospel for The Outsider: The Gospel in Luke and Acts; Gospel of Fulfilment: Exploring the Gospel of Matthew. Rural Theology, vol 18, no. 1, 2020, pp. 64-65. Informa UK Limited, Web.

Goldstone, Matthew. The Gospel According to The Hebrews and The Gospel of The Ebionites Ed. By Andrew Gregory. The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 80, no. 4, 2019, pp. 730-732. Project Muse, Web.

Meade, Christopher P. New Testament Alive: Vol. I-The Gospel of Matthew. Leadership Alive, Inc., 2019.

Roberts, Vaughan. Gods Big Picture. Intervarsity Press, 2003.

Harrison, Rolald. The New International Commentary on The Old Testament. NICOT, 2020.

Religion is a set of beliefs, attitudes, and practices around what a person considers holy or spiritually meaningful. For me, religion has a certain meaning, as it does for most people. I realize that the principles that religion promotes are a universal language of morality that allows people of different cultures to interact with each other. To begin with, it is worth saying that religious principles are the universal basic ideas of a person about the correct structure of society and life (OpenStax, 2015). Therefore, this is precisely how people imagine an ideal world.

It is based on these views humanity has created various social institutions that are built on these basic principles. Thus, if they disappear, then several scenarios are possible. The first, and most likely, is that people will interact to some extent based on these religious principles. However, they will be less categorical and mandatory. This is because people build social institutions around these principles because they are striving to conform to the righteousness of religious life, for which there will be some reward. In the absence of these principles, people will organize society on moral rules that are more flexible and less strict. Accordingly, negative consequences are possible in contrast to the worlds current understanding and society.

I agree with this statement since humanity has built its fundamental principles of society throughout history based on religion. Religion controls human actions through its system of values, spiritual attitudes, and prohibitions (OpenStax, 2015). It can have a very strong effect on large communities and entire states that live by the rules of a given religion. Naturally, there is no need to idealize the situation: belonging to the strictest religious and moral system does not always stop people from committing reprehensible acts and society from immorality and lawlessness. However, religion serves as an opportunity to find mutual understanding and support for each person. Any world wars can be cited as an example of faith in the best becoming one of the main pillars for maintaining the desire to fight and move on. Another example is that religion is one of the first forms that explains how society should be organized for children. In this way, the child learns to interact with other people and realize the importance of moral principles.

Reference

OpenStax. (2015). Introduction to Sociology 2e. Houston, TX: OpenStax. Web.

Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture written as a narrative dialogue in which the spiritual connotations are exemplified. The religious aspect of the book is present through Krishnas aim to guide Arjun during the princes moral dilemma. The conversation between the two illustrates religious seeking and teachings that help find the right path and motivation based on ideals and religion, not selfishness.

A prominent religious concept illustrated in the dialogue is war, ones decisions regarding fighting, and the motive for engaging in violence. It is essential to highlight the historical context in which the righteous war between Pandavas and Kauravas seemed inevitable (Fosse 13). The conflict would imply violence against the princes kin, which set Krishna up for mentoring and providing a religious overview of the events and Arjuns involvement. The spiritual connotation is exemplified through the ambiguous explanation of what a virtual path constitutes, the complexity of this concept, and the presence of the notion of self. Thus, the dogma implies inner renunciation and selflessness, which would mean that the prince can fight for values and ideals rather than personal rewards and fulfilling his individual agenda (Fosse 13). Based on this notion, fighting for selfish reasons cannot excuse violence.

The text itself is not a religious guide but rather aims to provide a path to spiritual and moral realization, which is at the basis of the spirituality within the narrative. Thus, the war becomes a strong catalyst that makes Arjun question himself, while his teacher urges him to give up the self and become selfless in order for the conflict to be resolved. Thus, knowing that a person is a material, acting accordingly, and restraining from human senses creates the outcome that is meant to be experienced without the selfish gratification purpose or any other motivations that align with the inner desires of that person.

Works Cited

Fosse, Lars Martin. The Bhagavat Gita. Yoga Vidya, 2007.

Introduction

Pope Gregory the Great became a pope when the Italian province was in crisis, and the state appeared lawless, crumbling, and semi-abandoned by visitors to Rome. A statement by the future pope had indicated that barbarians had full control of the religion. The citys state had made the Romans look for protection and leadership in the remaining standing power governed by their bishop. At the time, the greatest pope, Saint Gregory the Great, was elected. This essay will discuss the life, work, and contributions of Gregory the Great, how he was involved in the development of the catholic religion, and the effect of his action on his story.

Life, Works, and The Contribution of Gregory The Great in Religion

Gregory I was born around 590 -604 in a wealthy Roman family. The household had previously provided for two popes who is Felix III, Gregorys great- great grandfather, and Agapetus II, his distant relative. ¹ Between 572 and 574, Gregory was a prefect of Rome and had believed that the world was coming to an end due to war and plague that had invaded the country. He renounced his civic roles and changed into a monk, which led to the family line being turned into a monastery. A few years later, Gregory became the popes secretary after a recall to Rome.

Gregory returned to the time when plagues and war had invaded Rome. He could resolve problems swiftly as he was efficient, intelligent, and energetic in accomplishing his work. Gregorys actions, which included interacting with the poor on several occasions and mealtimes, arranging for the collection of food in churches, and its distribution to the less fortunate, surpassed the expectations of many. Moreover, he exported timber to Egypt as a means to recover from costs incurred during difficult times. In ensuring Rome was safe, he made a negation on an armistice with the Lombards.

Nevertheless, Gregorys outstanding reputation had a negative impact on the Emperor in Constantinople, who feeling threatened accused him of interfering in non-spiritual events.¹He capitalized on the crises and converted the people of England into Catholics. His moves were different from the previous Pope Victor I as he made a clear pathway to the Bishops whereby they were not to follow Romes previous rules and therefore each church could be governed by its customs. He also realized that churches as institutions needed reforms as they were failing the people.

The title Universal Bishop was considered a name of vanity by Gregory¹. This label was previously used by both the Rome bishops and Constantinoples patriarchs and also, by the imperial decrees and the churchs councils. On Gregorys election, he protested against the patriarch and Emperor Maurice by calling the title foolish, profane, and other terms. He claimed that any person who was designated was similar to Lucifer.

Gregorys Teachings on the Theology of Asceticism

Gregory made a brief sermon to the people who had assembled in celebration of St. Andrew the Apostle. ² The reading of the feast was from Matthew 4; 18-22 on the call of Christ to the four fishermen. According to Gregory, the meaning of the passage did not need an explanation as it was clear. He clarified the call of saints, which made people abandon their needs to follow Christ. Gregory used the charity to measure the stick of conviction as he was distressed that people in his time lacked apostolic zeal, which prevented them from fully following Christ.

In addition, Gregory instructed his believers to abandon their desires by following the right path. He taught them how to know whether they had left their yearnings by fearing for their neighbors and not themselves if the desire of suffering of their enemy became theirs, and finally offering their souls to God. ² Furthermore, the conclusions in his sermons, the virtue of St, Andrew, and finally enjoining the audience on the beginning of withdrawing from the world outline the way to proper living. It is through ascetic discipline that he promised them that they would advance in a step-by-step process. Additionally, the progress on the abandonment of ones desire for other peoples property, which is greed for charity, involves nonfixation on ones property, results in a will of one suffering for others.

The early Christians believed that rejection of material possession like wealth was an application of an ascetic way of life. Gregorys register on the abstinent life housed all forms of early Christian renunciation, which included food regulation, money divestiture, and rejection of the desire for sex. Gregory reasoned that sober commitment was the expectation of each one on Christ being God. His arguments of the austere are that the true abstainers are those who cared less about themselves, felt concerned for others, abandoned the life of enjoyment, and sacrificed for other people.

Furthermore, Gregory argues that the knowledge of God is from the scripture. He continued by saying that the scripture provided for the soul drink and food, and also, the Devine speech. ³ He also believed that the scripture laid the foundation for the Christian beliefs and provided an aspiration to live life in Christ. Pope Gregorys theological topology is characterized by hierarchy and axiology. ² This means that several Christians have a more understanding of the scripture than others. According to Pope Gregory, equipped Christians needed to have an exceptional degree of ascetic improvement coupled with authentic humbleness.

However, Gregorys teaching on the ability of the mind in knowledge acquisition is limited. He described cognitive as something contingent on both humility and grace. Gregorys characterization of the minds ability to acquire information is reflected in a statement he made on discernment, which focused on intellectual activity. He stated that knowledge is obtained by contemplating the scripture or the study, and it is not meant for oneself but for everyone. Moreover, Gregory had a belief that through spiritual advancement, one received the knowledge of God for the benefit of both oneself and others.

In the twentieth century, scholars had a keen look at differentiating Gregorys biblical commentaries and dialogues because they believed they had differences in genre, sophistication, and content. For example, Gregory Distum, famous from Moralia, had three distinct interpretations of the scripture: historical, moral, and symbolic. However, the pontiffs asceticism hermeneutic is seemingly able to reach the goal of the didactic practices. The goal is to lead Gregorys audience to the Bibles practical and moral application expressed through the abstinent register.

Gregory led to the spread of the religion among many non-believers in Christianity (Catholic). ² He engaged non-Romans in his work, and in his career, the barbarians frequently appeared. Gregory sent letters to the Saxons in Kent, the Merovingians in Gaul, and the

Lombards in Italy; the mails were mostly convivial and deferential. He also wrote about the Barbarians in messages he sent to other parts. Richards conclusion states that Gregory hated the Lombards, and Markus also postulated that Gregory preferred a dead Lombard to a live one.

The second book reveals Gregorys encounter with Benedict and Totila, who were the notorious kings of Goths. He encountered the first chronicles which were an attempt made by Totila to test him. Moreover, Benedict had spotted the deception immediately. ⁴ Afterwards, Gregory said King Totila subsequently decided to pay a visit to the monastery in person. The king was afraid upon seeing Benedict and fell to the ground. Later, Gregory makes a statement and says that the king asked for blessings and went away.

Through Gregory the Greats work, it is essential for Christians to analyze the knowledge of God. The comprehension of the revelation through the scripture was connected to the pontiffs way of reading it. There are many ways through which the past authors had successfully recontextualized Bible verses and words to support a reading on ascetics that was aimed to help their own beliefs for their life of abandonment. Pope Gregory, I used the Bible in his teachings to demonstrate the value of abstinent living in relation to discipleship and eternity.

The outstanding work of Gregory the Great can be characterized by Homilies. In the theme of preaching, for Gregory from Moralia to the regular pectoralis, he gained his first exposure to evangelization in Moralia. ⁴ He used illustrations of Lion as the Christ, the roosters as the Holy preacher, and the ram as the spiritual father. After Gregory was made pontiff, he soon developed his first intuitional book and stated that a regular pastoral structure, which retreated the preaching was an essential task of a bishop.

Moreover, the regular contained four books as a collection on Gregory the Great. In the first book, Pope Gregory I explains the conditions necessary for one can rise to the top position of the church in the government. ⁵ In the second book, he gives a detailed elaboration of pastors moral life. In the next book, he provides guidelines on how the pastor must preach, and finally, the fourth book talks about how pastors should examine themselves.

Introducing the gospel Sermons made Pope Gregory to be considered the pinnacle of predictions where he addressed many people, including the laypeople. The homilies were a mode of discourse known as the exemplum that can simply be sad as a story used to illustrate the moral truth. ⁵ The deliverance of the lectures was done after the reading of the gospel pericope during the mass, focusing on some sermons that were ascribed on select dates. These include a homily for Christmas that was dated on 25^th December 591 AD and also a speech for the Pentecost that was elucidated on the 3^rd June 591 AD.

Similarly, other sermons were distributed across the year on Sundays, along with the major feasts. However, some pericopes by Gregory were the same as those used on Sundays in the Roman church. The reconstruction is founded in some liturgical manuscripts, which are highly considered witnesses to the early practices of the Romans. Gregory ordered the collection of the discourses, which were to be arranged according to the years.

Pope Gregory wrote several sermons for the saint feast, and in some instances, he combined a Sunday homily with a saints feast. The representation of the saints cults was well done, including Mennas, Felistas, Andrew, Sylvester, Sebastian, Agnes, and others. It was arranged in order of collection based on the year and time. Gregory also covered sermons by Ezekiel, which he indicated were delivered before the audience. Each of these discourses end is marked by doxology and an average of an hour more than a Gospel sermon.

Pope Gregorys gospel of homilies was tremendous and profound in influence as 450 or more medieval manuscripts exist to date. At the beginning of the 7th- century, there was a relic book traced to Gregorys dating that was brought to England by the Roman Monks, which are said to be sent by Gregory. At the end of the 7th century, the use of Sermons had gone far to Liber Scintilla rum of Defensor of Liguge. The discourses had a significant influence across Anglo- Saxon England that got through Aelfric. In Germany, some of the homilies scripts contained Germanic glosses about the Suburbicarian churches.

In his teachings found in the sermons on Ezekiel, Pope Gregory talked about Holy Jacob, who had a desire for Rachael, but in the night, he got Lia.7 He explained that when someone has a conversion on the Lord, he/she desires a life of contemplation, and longs for an eternal country. However, in the present life, one must first work hard for the best by laboring as was the case of Lia. Later Jacob gets Rachel and appreciates his diligence in giving him rest. For Rachael, she is said to be very beautiful but sterile, which implies that the comparative life is so beautiful in the mind of many, but in silence, it long to rest, and preaching does not generate sons.

Gregory contributed to the sacramentary, which is presently used in the Catholic Church, and other worship rites utilized by liturgical churches by setting the foundation with his writings. He also started a school for singers resulting in the chant popularly known as Gregorian chant, which accompanies church ceremonies worldwide to date. Also, through the Privilegia, monasticism guidelines were laid down and the chain of command in relation to taking orders was set, which is still applicable in the papacy.

Gregorys Tragic Life History and Eschatology

The work Gregory had faced many challenges from plagues and wars. The greatest encounter was the justianic plague, which first happened in the Nile delta around 541AD and then spread to Syria to Constantinople around 542 AD5. It is said that every ten years, the plague struck different regions. In around 590AD, the plague had reached Rome and claimed many lives, including Pope Pelagius II. A sermon by the title oratio de mortalities was delivered when processions arrived from the seven distinct churches.

Although his life and work were accompanied by challenges ranging from plagues to wars, Pope Gregory was encouraged by eschatology. This is evident in his two sermons, which were separate from the corpus of the forty Gospel Homilies, the Ontario, and by encouraging the people in entering the Basilica of St. Mary Major. During Gregorys pontification, the Oratio was mostly reused, and a warning on the false prophecy was done indirectly through a sermon on the sabbath and the rules of eating to the Jews.

The work of Gregory also housed on the teaching of Exempla, and his work was more like a predictor preacher.⁵ As a predictor, a Christian spreads the Gospel through speech and actions. In Gregorys expression, he stated that action is life, and achievement is the life of a Christian using the Bible as it gives leading examples. He used examples from the Old Testament or direct examples from the New Testament. Gregory also used the life encounters of saints as examples. Gregory was finally able to come up with new forms of examples called anecdotes.

Teaching About Death

Gregorys teachings covered the transvaluation of life and death as part of his outstanding contribution to Christianity. Like other theologists, he wrote a stern warning about death. He stated that the more one approaches mortality, the more careful and fearful they become. Additionally, he explained that death should be a source of motivation towards embracing purification, which helps one be encouraged to repent and reform their ways.

Moreover, Pope Gregory the Great believed in life after death, referring to it as vera vita. He taught about death as the gateway to eternity, how it is a virtue to the life of the soul, and it marks the end of ones life. Gregory ironically stated that one should welcome and fear death simultaneously, with all the actions which include living and dying done for God and not about oneself.

Thoughts of Gregory about death dig deeper into layers of doubts. On one hand, he offered consolation and assurance that the end of a body should not create worries citing many reasons.⁶ On the other hand, centering his argument on the platonic tradition, he said that it is a way of separating the soul and the body where the soul is freed from the prison of the flesh. Furthermore, not even the dissolution of what he called solver of ones flesh should be feared as the decays of the body facilitates the souls way of fragmentation into liberation. In his preaching, he declared that it is certain that death awaits everyone, so people should not resist pondering the strange form of this temporal life. He had so many teachings on the uncertainties that lie beyond human understanding, but he concluded that death is inevitable.

Comparing the Work of Gregory and Maximus

Looking at Gregorys work, he was a great theologian because he played a significant role in the medieval religion, though his writing was centered on medieval thought, mostly in the Carolingian period. His life involved traveling and he lived in Rome and Constantinople. Besides, he had his work in writing presented by the many letters sent to people all over the Mediterranean. In his career, Gregory greatly influenced the eats and western theologians. Gregory as a pope and ruler was a creative thinker. He took the ideas of previous theologians and altered them to make them relevant in his sermons.

Other works include that of Carole Straw in her Monography Gregory the great: perfection in imperfection. Straw argues that Gregory the Great reworked other theologians ideas and brought new unique theology with new paradoxical structures and focused on absolute opposition. ⁷ One crucial work of the Gregory the great was examined in 2000 and composed in 2013, showing Gregory as ascetic and pastoral.⁸ On the Song of Songs, there is less to talk about as many theologians have not spoken much about the book.

When comparing the work of Gregory the Great and Maximus on the Song of Songs, the research uses the same sources because they both expound on the topic through the biblical passage. In Corinthians 12:13, they both dig deep into the ideas of love, hope, and faith. Besides, they dont just focus on them as virtues but also looked at them as laying the foundation of Christian advancement in their holiness. The work of Gregory and Maximus on 1 Corinthians 13 does not only cover virtuality but also puts more emphasis on Christian Mysticism.

In both the works of Gregory and Maximus⁷ it is portrayed that the Desert Fathers idea had diffused on the eastern side and the western side. The writing about the Desert Fathers builds the foundation for both the Biblical exegesis and ascetic practices of theologians ideas. Gregory in the Song of Songs proves that the Desert Fathers had their origin in the west. Furthermore, he explains Origens commentary on the Song of Songs with the kings bed-chamber in illustrating the importance of humility when entering the bedchamber.

Conclusion

Gregory the Greats religious and well-grounded family provided him with the knowledge significant to his work. Also, he had a great advantage of having grown up in the house of a rich Romanian family. Gregory made remarkable achievements after he became popes secretary in the Roman Empire. At the time, Rome was experiencing many problems and had been invaded by war and plagues. He helped the poor by providing food for them; he exported timber in Egypt to recover the high expenses and made many reforms in Catholicism.

Moreover, his work was marked by homilies, and he wrote many letters to Christians and non-Christians, such as Saxons addressing the spread of Christianity to non-Romanians. He preached on humility and abstinence, the knowledge of God, and condemned the leaders who were against the Universal Bishop, a term used at the time. In addition, the work of Gregory the Great and the creation of Maximus deal with faith, hope, and love. Gregory the Great also contributed to the political power and doctrines held by the papacy up to the present time.

Bibliography

Demacopoulos, George. Gregory the Great: Ascetic, Pastor, and First Man of Rome. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2015.

Holder, Arthur. Gregory the Great: Ascetic, Pastor, and First Man of Rome by George E. Demacopoulos. Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality 16, no. 2 (2016):280-282.

Judic, Bruno. Preaching According to Gregory the Great. In A New History of the Sermon, edited by Anthony Dupont, Shari Boodts, Gert Partoens, and Johan Leemans, 232-252. Boston: Brill, 2018.

Lascelles, Christopher. Pontifex Maximus: A Short History of the Popes. London: Crux Publishing, 2017.

Leyser C, George, Demacopoulos.2017. Gregory the Great: Ascetic Pastor, and First Man of Rome. The American Historical Review 122, no. 3 (2017): 909-910.

Straw, Carole. Jobs Sin in the Moralia of Gregory the Great. In A Companion to Job in the Middle Ages, edited by Franklin Harkins and Aaron Canty, 71-100. Boston: Brill, 2017.

Straw, Carole. Gregory the Greats Transvaluation of Life and Death. Church Life Journal. 2020.

Zuiderveen, Caleb N. 2018. After Faith, Hope, and Love: The Unique Divergence of Asceticism by Gregory the Great and Maximus the Confessor. Theses and Dissertations, 1024 (2018). Web.

Footnotes

1. Christopher Lascelles, pontifex Maximus: A Short History of the Popes. (London: Crux Publishing, 2017).
2. George Demacopoulos, Gregory the Great: Ascetic, Pastor, and First Man of Rome. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2015.
3. Arthur Holder,  Gregory the Great: Ascetic, Pastor, and First Man of Rome by George E. Demacopoulos. Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality16, no. 2 (2016):280-282. Web.
4. Carole Straw, Jobs Sin in the Moralia of Gregory the Great. In A Companion to Job in the Middle Ages, edited by Franklin Harkins and Aaron Canty, 71-100. Boston: Brill, 2017.
5. Bruno Judic, Preaching According to Gregory the Great. In A New History of the Sermon, edited by Anthony Dupont, Shari Boodts, Gert Partoens, and Johan Leemans, 232-252. Boston: Brill, 2018.
6. Carole Straw. Gregory the Greats Transvaluation of Life and Death. Church Life Journal. (2020). Web.
7. Caleb N. Zuiderveen, After Faith, Hope, and Love: The Unique Divergence of Asceticism by Gregory the Great and Maximus the Confessor. Theses and Dissertations, 1024 (2018). Web.
8. George C. Leyser , Demacopoulos, Gregory the Great: Ascetic Pastor, and First Man of Rome. The American Historical Review, Volume 122, no. 3 (2017): 909-910. Web.

Introduction

Attention-Getter

Religion is one of the most important phenomena of human existence that psychiatry faces. It significantly affects the emotional sphere, thinking, and behavior of a person.

Thesis

Although psychiatry was formed as a natural science discipline, yet many years ago, psychiatric care was provided in religious institutions. The mentally ill could find help in monasteries and churches.

Connection with the Audience

In my speech, I want to take a closer look at the impact of religion on peoples mental health and demonstrate how the government uses religion to set public standards.

Credibility

Reliability is represented by five sources of literature and quotations from them.

Preview

The speech has two main parts, which describe the influence of religion on the psyche of people, as well as the use of religion in setting living standards.

Body

Doctors and nurses working with mentally ill people need to be aware of various aspects of different religions. This knowledge can help in the treatment and the recovery of some patients (Koenig 6). This is because religion and faith can be a manifestation of a healthy personality for some patients. As a result, even in the presence of a disease, religious faith helps the patient to resist the painful process, adapt to it, and compensate for the defects introduced by the illness into the patients personality.

Negatively, excessive religiosity of mentally ill people can lead to various problems. The observed visual and auditory hallucinations can lead a person to suicide under the guise of Gods decision (DeAngelis and Ellison 342). In addition, some people with mental disabilities are prone to religious delusions when they consider themselves saints, close to God, the son of God, and the Virgin Mary. This deviation can provoke a person to inflict serious bodily harm to themselves, as well as to people around them.

The authorities deliberately and persistently drag religion into politics, most of all because it has a vast spiritual influence on citizens. In addition, religion has confidential information about them and strong levers of psychological impact on their behavior, and it also affects the attitude of citizens to power (Fox 118). The rulers of states always and under all political regimes seek to use the influence of religion on citizens, inclining them to unconditional obedience to the rule. History shows that such an appeal for spiritual support to faith in many countries effectively consolidated state power (Bomhoff and LanSiah 168).

State can use the influence of religion to regulate some important and topical issues. For example, abortion and divorce are prohibited in some religions, and conditions can use this and thereby influence the lives of citizens. The state can use religion as an establishment of ethics, which regulates some areas of peoples lives and exerts a certain pressure on citizens (Freeman 38). The state also uses religion to control some local government bodies, namely, to ensure specific standards of education, medicine, and other institutions of life of the population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, religion impacts each individual and on some states. Religion can significantly positively impact peoples mental health through assistance in communicating with God and citizens turning to him. In addition, religion can hurt peoples mental health, as some people are characterized by causing physical damage to themselves and people nearby due to auditory or visual hallucinations. In addition, religion and the state often actively interact, and governments can apply specific provisions of faith to regulate the lives of citizens.

Works Cited

Bomhoff, Eduard and LanSiah, Audrey. The Relationship Between Income, Religiosity and Health: Their Effects on Life Satisfaction. Personality and Individual Differences, vol. 144, no. 1, 2019, pp. 168-173. Web.

DeAngelis, Reed and Ellison, Christopher. Aspiration Strain and Mental Health: The Education-Contingent Role of Religion. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, vol. 57, no. 2, 2018, pp. 341-364. Web.

Fox, Jonathan. An Introduction to Religion and Politics. Theory and practice. Routledge, 2018.

Freeman, Samuel. Democracy, Religion & Public Reason. Daedalus, vol. 149, no. 3, 2020, pp. 3758. Web.

Koenig, Harold. Religion and Mental Health: Research and Clinical Applications. Elsevier, 2018.