Kiley+Ferrill-+Connection

"We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race." ~ Kofi Annan



__Connection to the Readings__

I learned a lot of new things after reading //The Seven Faith Tribes// and //The Living Church//. After reading //The Seven Faith Tribes//, I learned new and interesting characteristics of religions that I did not know or understand. I did not know that there were defined names for Christians that are fully devoted to Christ (Captive Christians) and those who do not fully commit themselves to Christ (Casual Christians). I did know that there are many people in this world that say, "I'm a Christian" but do know live a Christian life. I also learned a lot of new things about religions that I did not know much about such as Mormons and Pantheists. It was interesting to me how Mormons are very similar and believe some of the things that we as Christians do. Sometimes I feel that other religions such as Mormon are almost more devote in their faith than we as Christians are and should be. Because of learning more about different religions, I have been affirmed in how very important it is to treat everyone with respect no matter what religious background they come from after reading Barna's book. I feel that it is important to learn about other religions to be able to understand other people and know how to talk to them and bring them to Christ. I find it really important that we practice tolerance.

A cool video:

Don't Call Me Stranger!

One thing that I feel connects the two books is the idea of bringing each faith tribe together to coexist and I believe this goes along with the idea of creating fellowship and how important that this is for each religion especially Christianity. Stott discusses how important it is to fellowship and have intimate relationships with others because it helps us do what God asks us to do. I believe that when we do God's work, we are able to understand how to help our society in leading it the right way, in God's way.

The one thing that I disagreed with was Barna's list of Shared Values that all the faith tribes he discussed have in common. I do not believe that all religions believe in the same values. An example of this is the idea of practicing self-restraint. I do not agree with this because not every tribe follows this idea. Pantheist do not follow this idea because they are heavy consumers and they always want what is better in areas such as technology. They always want to have the up to date technology. How can this be called self-restraint when they want to keep up with every new item. The second reason I do not like the Shared Values list is because of the idea of belonging to a caring community. I do not agree with this because one tribe that I can think of would rather be an individual and do things only for themselves are the Pantheists (according to Barna's book). They would rather spend time doing things for themselves than being involved in a community.

Matthew 28:19

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

I feel that this verse helps fit the topic of salt and light because it tells us that we should go out and be disciples for Christ. We are responsible for bringing others to him and showing them his love. It does not matter who the person is, we are to share the good news to them. Another verse that I feel fits the idea of salt and light is:

"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44

I feel this fits because if we are loving our enemies, then we are setting an example for those around us. It is important that we realize that the world and actions we say and do are watched by others. We need to make sure that we are continuing to always set an example and be the light and salt of this world.

The last verse that I feel fits the idea of being salt and light is:

"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

I feel this is another way we can show through our actions God's grace and love for us. We are to be kind and loving to our enemies and I feel this helps show that we can be salt and light to the world. It does not matter how mean or nasty someone has been to us, we must treat them with kindness and love because that is what our father asks of us to do.

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