Religious Philosophy

Master of Religious Philosophy - Lesson 17 - Globalization Rev.Fr.Andrew Manley Q.1) Can you think of a Christian denomination that exemplifies the general Christian attitude about globalization? A denomination that is so convinced that they have the Truth the whole world needs that they will go to nearly any length to share it? A.) Jehovah Witnesses Q.2) Can you think of a Christian denomination that goes against the general Christian attitude about globalization? A denomination that is convinced that the Truth they believe they have is not necessarily the "way to go" for everyone? A.) The Mormons or rather Latter-day Saints Q.3) Where would you classify Hasidic Judaism (the strict sect of Judaism that arose in Ukraine, and which is best known for their beards, long curled payoth, fedora hats, and black clothing)? A.) A little of both.... Regionally speaking they are a strict orthodox sect. That would appeal to folks of the same belief. But there religious tolerance would not appeal to say someone that was Southern Baptist or even say Islamic. Master of Religious Philosophy - Lesson 18 - Definition Rev.Fr.Andrew Manley Q.1) If you belonged to a millenarian faith, how would that alter your behavior? If you have lived a life that makes it unlikely that you'll be one of the "chosen few to rule with Christ", would you spend your remaining days "living it up"? Would you repent, and spend your remaining days preaching and trying to lead others to make the "right decision"? Or, would you sit in the corner of your room all depressed, and fret over what was going to happen? A.) I personally would not put much faith into the millenarian concept do to the interpretation as stated in the last part of verse 9, that being: "But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them."  Altering my behavior would not matter much for I would continue to believe that the second coming of Christ Jesus will be the final factor to the end of time, so my faith and beliefs would not alter my action to any great transitional prelude. I except there to be chaos and devastation abound. I would render calm and control as order would need to be exuded and I would gather my flock and proceed in what ways my faith lead me at that time. Q.2) If you belonged to an eschatological faith, how would that alter the way you live your life? Expecting the world (or age) to soon end, would it depress you, free you to do whatever you want, or make little difference to you? How would you expect the end to come? In a sudden global catastrophe? As an instantaneous "act of God"? Or, in a slow, gradual decline (i.e. will the world end with a cosmic whimper)? A.) This question poses a bit more difficulty and thought. I already except the end to come in my life time or after. Either way it poses it's own reaction, but that reaction would still be rooted in my core belief that chaos will abound. If for some reason God imposed his will to make the event a global catastrophe then it would not matter what I was doing, because I had best be ready for the call to my judgement at anytime. However if it where to come slowly over a long period, than I would hope that my actions and faith in my belief would not falter with the chaos that would be all around. Again I would hope and pray and offer clam and assistance if possible. That is if I have that opportunity, Christ states several times that we will not know the day nor the hour. Q.3) Finally, what is your view of apocalyptic faiths? Do you believe in prophecy? If you believe there were prophets in some distant past, why are there not any today? Or, are there? If there are, how can you tell a "real prophet of God" from an insane, deluded, mad man? In other words, how could you distinguish between a Moses and a Rasputin (remember, artists conceptions say they both had beards and even looked somewhat alike)? A.) I do believe in the old prophecies, I also believe that God use's common human beings to pass instruction and enlightenment onto others. God says that many will come in his name. So one would have to have a certain level of faith that would be able to see truth or cunning in ones words. We know as Christian believers that the Anti-Christ will have all the same powers as Christ himself except for one major difference, that being the power over death, thought I'm sure Satan will use every form of deception and trickery to try to pull his deceit over as many people as he can and will. But a true, faith driven, learner ed believer of the scriptures would be hard pressed to fall for the trap and by what I hope would be divine intervention would lead those that God called to his side down the path towards the true Christ in those days. But again faith would be the pivotal sticking point for me personally. ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar