Conclusion of Theology 2

This final blog post for Theology 2 is my thoughts on this course in regards to what we studied, what I learned from each of the points we looked at and how they are still impacting me today. The learning approach was different this term than in the previous term. Instead of as many study guides and papers, we as a class were challenged to practically apply the theology to our lives. The topics of study were:

      -The incarnation/kenosis of Christ

      -Substitutionary Atonement

      -The scapegoat/taking up your cross

      -Identity gaps

      -Ekklesiology

Some of these topics I have dwelt on more since it was studied in class. Other topics, I have even tried to communicate my experience with others to further my understanding. Some topics, I have encountered while evaluating deeper issues in my life. This concluding blog is not creative, but has been enjoyable to go back and recapture the assignments and the reasoning for actively applying them. 

The incarnation/kenosis of Christ: 

This is the act of Jesus when he as God took himself and became human nature. The theory of kenosis is that Christ gave up his divine attributes while he was on earth as a man. The greek word means "to empty." The scriptural passage that is referred to in regards to this topic is Philippians 2:5-11. This passage states that Jesus became nothing in order to take the nature of a servant and human nature. This defines Jesus as God who became man. He is equal with God (vs.6), humble (vs.8), took on human flesh in the physical and the emotional sense (vs.7). And he experienced death (vs.8). 

By Jesus being fully God and fully human made it possible to atone for our sins. 

Substitutionary Atonement (forgiveness):

The atonement was a topic I liked studying because it is so necessary to daily life. We do not deserve the forgiveness of our sins, but yet Jesus died on the cross to pay the price necessary for us to commune with him. The separation between God and humanity is because of sin. With the cross, Christ atoned for our sins. We are to forgive and keep no record of wrongs, just as Christ forgave us. To apply this practically, we took a rock or a rose to demonstrate someone we wanted to extend forgiveness to, or the burden we carry around with us of un-forgiveness. A lot of what I wrestle with in regards to identity is rooted in places where I have not forgiven someone. 

The Scapegoat:

The scapegoat was presented alive before God and then sent out to the wilderness to represent the sins of the Israeli society. This was not a sin offering, because it carried all the sins of the society rather than just one individual's sin. The hand's on learning experiment was done by building our own cross out of wood, and then carrying it around with us everywhere we went. I found that I had more conversations about what I believed when I forgot the cross. I was embarrassed by the cross depending on where I went with it. As I think about that assignment now, it has crossed my mind that no one really cared that I carried a cross around with me. It's not the topic of conversation at my work. Therefore, I should not have been embarrassed about it. But what is talked about is how I live my life and conversations about religion and what I believe happen regardless of the cross I carry around for me. "Take up your cross and follow me." Matt. 16:24

Identity Gaps:

Jeff Roth challenged us to think about the lie we believe about ourselves and to write a verse or truth the counteracts that lie on a notecard. This I carried around with me for a week. At least that was the assignment. But since that week of discussing our identity, I have continued to remember that I am not alone. I have a tendencay of putting myself in a form of isolation when I feel misunderstood or begin to compare myself to others around me. I even did this when I read the assignment for this final project. I'm not a poet. I don't have a beautiful writing style. I can't write a song to save my life. But I instantly compared and put myself down for this. Then I remembered how God views me. And how people don't like me because I can do what they can do. I want to live in the kingdom of God. The kingdom that is present right here on earth. The truth I held onto the week of this assignment is, "I am a citizen of heaven, seated in heaven right now!" (Phil 3:20; Eph. 2:6)

Ekklesiology:

Ekklesia is the Greek translation as "church" in the New Testament. It literally means "assembly." What I learned by going and attending a church that was a different denomination than my upbringing was different people assemble together using different methods of coming together. However, the reasoning for coming together is to worship God. I was reminded of biblical truths about who God is and His worthiness to be praised. 

In conclusion, Dr. Dangaran asked us at the beginning and at the end of this term to not let God's word and truths become head knowledge. The approach to this term was different than a typical theology class because of the desire to know these truths in our heart. Learning these things is not to be smarter or set apart based on knowledge, but to lead us to reverence of God and grow closer in awareness of ourselves because of the relationship with Him. These topics helped me do that this term. I will carry these practical theologies with me as I continue to learn and journey with God.