Assignment Question

1. What were your expectations of this religion? Before we started studying Christianity, did you have any previous knowledge or experience with this religion? 2. What were the most interesting things you learned about this religious tradition? 3. Was there anything about this religion that really surprised you? Or that defied your expectations? 4. What is one thing that you appreciate or respect about this religion? This could be an attitude, a practice, a belief, a ritual, etc. 5. Which of the three readings (Abuelita Faith or Letter from Birmingham Jail) did you find the most interesting? Why? What did you learn about the religion from the reading? Was there anything that you agreed or disagreed with in the reading? 6. What would you like to learn more about in this religion? Or what questions do you still have about this religion? Your journal should be at least 600 words long and contain at least two direct quotations from the readings (one from two of the three assigned readings) along with the page number (if available). There are no right or wrong answers for this assignment. You will be graded on the completeness of your journal and whether you followed the assignment instructions. The journal is not due until we finish studying Buddhism, but you are welcome to start working on it as we are learning about it. Here is the link to the reading itself: http://okra.stanford.edu/transcription/document_images/undecided/630416-019.pdfLinks to an external site. *Just start reading on Page 12 where is says “oppressed people will not remain oppressed forever” And the bibliographic information for the reading: King, Martin Luther. “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Letter from Birmingham Jail, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., letterfromjail.com/. And here is a link to Kat Armas’ podcast, if you are interested! https://katarmas.com/theprotagonistaspodcast

 Answer

Introduction

Embarking on the study of Christianity has been a captivating journey, offering me the opportunity to reevaluate preconceived notions and delve into the complexities of this influential religious tradition. Before immersing myself in the course material, my expectations were shaped by cultural influences and societal perceptions, creating a somewhat limited understanding. As Huston Smith wisely noted, “religions are notoriously difficult to study and understand, and Christianity is no exception” (Smith, 2001, p. 3). This sentiment framed my anticipation of a multifaceted exploration that transcended superficial impressions.

My exploration of Christianity uncovered intriguing dimensions that surpassed initial expectations.

The teachings of Jesus, as illuminated in the readings, resonated profoundly. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” emphasized the moral imperative of addressing injustice, prompting reflection on the ethical dimensions embedded in Christian principles (King, 1963). This exposure challenged my earlier perception of Christianity as solely focused on individual salvation, revealing its dynamic and diverse nature. The concept of faith explored in “Abuelita Faith” by Kat Armas added depth to my understanding. Armas’ podcast delved into the intimate, personal aspect of faith, emphasizing the significance of familial and cultural contexts. The interconnectedness of faith and culture within Christianity was an eye-opener, challenging the notion of a monolithic religious experience. Armas aptly notes, “faith is not a solitary act but a communal one” (Armas, 2024), highlighting the communal aspect that extends beyond the individual believer.

Surprisingly, the study of Christianity also defied some expectations. The internal diversity of the Christian tradition, spanning various denominations and interpretations, challenged the homogenous image I had in mind. Smith’s observation that “Christianity’s internal diversity can be as bewildering as its external plurality” (Smith, 2001, p. 17) resonated with my realization that Christianity is not a monolithic entity but a tapestry of beliefs and practices. One facet of Christianity that garnered my appreciation is its emphasis on compassion and forgiveness. The teachings of Jesus, exemplified in the concept of agape love, advocate for a transformative and inclusive approach to interpersonal relationships. King’s commitment to nonviolent resistance and love as a powerful force for social change (King, 1963) resonated deeply. This compassionate aspect of Christianity challenges stereotypes and fosters a more nuanced understanding of the religion.

Among the assigned readings, “Letter from Birmingham Jail” stood out as the most compelling. King’s eloquent defense of nonviolent resistance and his critique of moderate Christianity sparked introspection. The reading illuminated the role of religion in social justice movements, demonstrating that Christianity could be a catalyst for positive change. King’s assertion that “the church is the body of Christ” (King, 1963) underscored the transformative potential within the Christian community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study of Christianity has been a journey of discovery, challenging assumptions, and enriching my understanding of this complex religious tradition. The diversity within Christianity, the emphasis on social justice, and the transformative power of compassion have left a lasting impression. As I continue my exploration of world religions, I am eager to delve deeper into the nuances of Christianity and explore the interplay between faith, culture, and societal change. This course has not only broadened my knowledge but has also sparked a desire for further inquiry and understanding of the intricate tapestry that is Christianity.

References

Armas, K. (Host). (2024). The Protagonistas Podcast. Retrieved from https://katarmas.com/theprotagonistaspodcast

King, M. L. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail. Retrieved from http://okra.stanford.edu/transcription/document_images/undecided/630416-019.pdf

Smith, H. (2001). Why Religion Matters: The Fate of the Human Spirit in an Age of Disbelief. HarperOne.

 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

What were my expectations before studying Christianity?

Before studying Christianity, my expectations were influenced by cultural factors and societal perceptions, leading to a somewhat limited understanding. As noted by Huston Smith, the complexity of studying religions, including Christianity, was acknowledged, setting the stage for a multifaceted exploration.

What were the most interesting things I learned about Christianity?

The teachings of Jesus, particularly highlighted in King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” resonated profoundly, emphasizing the moral imperative of addressing injustice.

The dynamic and diverse nature of Christianity surpassed my initial expectation of a faith solely focused on individual salvation.

Was there anything about Christianity that surprised me or defied expectations?

The interconnectedness of faith and culture within Christianity challenged the notion of a monolithic religious experience.

The internal diversity of the Christian tradition, spanning various denominations and interpretations, defied the homogenous image I had in mind.

What is one thing I appreciate or respect about Christianity?

I appreciate Christianity’s emphasis on compassion and forgiveness, as exemplified in the teachings of Jesus and King’s commitment to nonviolent resistance.

Which reading did I find the most interesting, and why? What did I learn from it?

“Letter from Birmingham Jail” stood out as the most compelling reading due to King’s eloquent defense of nonviolent resistance and his critique of moderate Christianity, sparking introspection about the role of religion in social justice movements.