Context
God is a relational God. How does God’s nature as relational shape the world that you live in and how you understand that world? How does the world shape the relational God? How do you see the impression and influence of organized Christianity in today’s world? This assignment asks you to prepare to have courageous and uncomfortable conversations with yourself and others about organized Christianity.
Instructions
Research and read 2–4 resources beyond those assigned in this course (the optional readings each week are a good place to start). Then prepare a brief 5-minute narrated presentation with visuals exploring the following aspects of today’s organized Christianity:
1. How do concepts and voices from your additional research connect with both the nature of today’s organized Christianity and the nature of God as relational and missional?
2. How do standard faith practices address the following needs? What works and what is not working?
1. Relationships/belonging
2. Loneliness/isolation
3. Wisdom
4. Vocation/purpose
3. What are some questions for further study that result for you from explorations for this presentation? How might you be called to a journey similar to Abraham and Paul?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Influence of Organized Christianity in Today’s World: Exploring the Nature of God as Relational and Missional
Introduction
Organized Christianity, with its vast influence and presence in today’s world, plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of the world and our relationship with God. This essay aims to explore how the nature of God as relational and missional influences organized Christianity, as well as the impact of organized Christianity on our lives. By examining additional research and reflecting on standard faith practices, we can gain insights into the ways in which organized Christianity addresses various needs and the areas where it falls short. Furthermore, this exploration may lead to questions for further study and a personal journey akin to that of Abraham and Paul.
Connection between God’s Relational Nature and Organized Christianity
God’s nature as relational deeply influences the fabric of organized Christianity today. As we delve into additional research, we find concepts and voices that align with this understanding. For instance, scholars like Miroslav Volf emphasize the importance of building inclusive communities within organized Christianity, echoing God’s desire for relationship and connection. Similarly, authors such as Henri Nouwen advocate for a spirituality rooted in vulnerability and mutual support, reflecting God’s relational nature.
Moreover, the missional aspect of God’s nature shapes the way organized Christianity engages with the world. Missional Christianity emphasizes being active participants in God’s mission to bring about healing, justice, and reconciliation. Research reveals various initiatives within organized Christianity that seek to address societal issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. These endeavors demonstrate the influence of God’s missional nature on organized Christianity.
Addressing Needs through Faith Practices
Standard faith practices within organized Christianity aim to address fundamental human needs. However, there are areas where these practices succeed, as well as areas where improvement is needed.
Relationships/Belonging: Organized Christianity offers opportunities for individuals to form deep and meaningful relationships within a community of believers. Through regular gatherings, small groups, and shared experiences, people find belonging and support. However, there is room for improvement in ensuring inclusivity and embracing diversity within these communities.
Loneliness/Isolation: Faith practices provide solace and companionship for those experiencing loneliness or isolation. The emphasis on fellowship and mutual care can alleviate feelings of isolation. Nevertheless, more intentional efforts are necessary to reach out to marginalized individuals who may feel excluded or disconnected from organized Christianity.
Wisdom: Organized Christianity offers a rich heritage of wisdom through scripture, tradition, and theological insights. The practice of studying and reflecting on these sources provides guidance and spiritual nourishment. However, there is a need to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary issues faced by individuals in today’s world.
Vocation/Purpose: Through organized Christianity, individuals are encouraged to discover their vocation and purpose in life. The integration of faith and work allows believers to see their occupations as avenues for service and mission. Nevertheless, there is a need to cultivate a holistic understanding of vocation that encompasses all areas of life, beyond just professional pursuits.
Questions for Further Study and Personal Journey
Exploring the influence of organized Christianity on our lives raises several questions for further study:
How can organized Christianity foster greater inclusivity and embrace diversity within its communities?
What are the ways in which faith practices can better address the needs of marginalized individuals?
How can ancient wisdom be made relevant to contemporary challenges faced by individuals today?
What strategies can be implemented to help individuals discover their true vocation and purpose in life?
In contemplating these questions, one may be called to embark on a personal journey similar to that of Abraham and Paul. Like Abraham who stepped out in faith into an unknown future, individuals may be prompted to seek new ways of engaging with organized Christianity or exploring spirituality outside traditional boundaries. Similarly, like Paul who underwent a transformative journey from persecutor to apostle, individuals may feel compelled to challenge existing structures within organized Christianity and advocate for change.
Conclusion
Organized Christianity holds significant influence in today’s world, shaping our understanding of God’s relational nature and our place within society. By examining additional research and reflecting on standard faith practices, we can identify areas where organized Christianity succeeds in addressing fundamental needs while also recognizing areas for improvement. This exploration invites us to ask further questions and embark on a personal journey akin to that of Abraham and Paul, seeking a deeper understanding of our faith and its impact on our lives and the world around us.
