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In your response, please address the following 3 items:

1.Explain how the authors of Ecologies lay out a biblical framework for understanding spiritual formation. This explanation should be 100 200 words (no less than 100 and no more than 200).

2.Identify your aha! moment from any 2 of the 4 chapters of the Ecologies book and provide a brief summary for why that issue stood out. This summary should be between 100 200 words

3.Identify one question based on the Ecologies book you would raise for further discussion by your fellow learners. This question should be framed broadly enough to invite a range of responses.

Initial Thread: As we begin our study of intercultural communication and engagement, answer the following questions in your initial thread.

1.Why should we learn the Grand Narrative of Scripture in order to effectively cross cultures with the gospel?
2.What is so important about cultural understanding within the context of gospel proclamation?

Choose an example of Cross-cultural communication in scripture. How did the person(s) adjust their message or communication style to meet the needs of their audience?

HISTORY OF RELIGION WRITING ASSIGNMENT
INSTRUCTIONS

Through various rituals, festivals, and commemorations, religions have attempted to shape and define time by creating their own calendars. On May 31, 2020, Christians celebrated Pentecost (originally a Jewish festival--the Feast of Weeks), traditionally seen as the birthday of the Christian church. A key primary source for this birthday and the early years of the church is the Acts of the Apostles. Read the Book of Acts and then write a 10 page paper that addresses the following:
1. How does the source depict the organization/structure and message of the early church?
2. How does the source depict the relationships of early Christians:
  a. b. c. d.
3. Can a a.
b. c.
within the Christian community itself? with the Jews?
with the Greeks?
with the Romans?
reader of this (Christian) document draw any general conclusions about: how Christians viewed themselves?
how Christians viewed non-

Sixth Lectio Divina (Mt 25: 31-46)

Lectio
1. Summary (3-5 sentences)
2. Important elements (2 sentences)
3. Keywords and Key concepts (2 sentences)

Meditation
1. What is the message and values expressed in this text? (3-5 sentences)
2. What does this mean to me in my life now? (3-5 sentences)

Contemplation
1. Two questions that could help to reflect on this text and what it means for my life now

One of the major components of teaching the Scriptures is understanding what is being communicated in the biblical text. Thus, understanding and utilizing sound principles of inductive Bible study are important foundations for teaching a Bible lesson. Using the information, skills, and tools (resources) from BIBL 360, choose one of the three following passages working through it by answering the following questions.

Choose one of the following passages:

Galatians 6:1-10
Matthew 6:25-34
Romans 12:9-21
Answer the following questions in your initial thread:

What do I see (Observations)?
What does it mean (Interpretation)?
How will I respond (Application)?

Question: Imagine you are a Muslim living in Iraq during the period of Umayyad rule (after Husayns assassination). Which theory of leadership would you find more persuasive: the ideal of the caliphate or the ideal of the Imamate? Why? (Be sure to support your answer with evidence from the readings.)

Please answer this question correctly from the reading
I have uploaded the required reading

The sacred writings are extremely important in the Abrahamic traditions. Study the principles to keep in mind when reading them in a scholarly way (rather than or in addition to a devotional manner), and then read Mirabai Starr's reflection. Discuss how her interpretation of the story about Abraham and the idols differs from older, more literal interpretations and reflects a pluralistic view

The student will write a 5-page review of Simply Christian by N. T. Wright. Your goal in reviewing
this book is to provide a brief summary and careful evaluation. A good review should include the
following components:

1. Identify the purpose and overall structure of the book;

2. Briefly explain some of the main points of the book;

3. Briefly evaluate the clarity and organization of the book; and

4. Evaluate whether this book has provided insight into Christianity and achieved its stated
purpose. Does the author satisfy my curiosity about the subject with the questions he raises
and the answers he gives to them? Is the authors research sound and has it drawn valid
conclusions? Is the author consistent and logical? Do biases (and be sure to realize that you,
the reader, also have biases) influence the authors conclusions? Be sure to critically evaluate
the book, giving specific examples from the book with detailed argumentation.

He

1) Most people think in categories of this life and the life to come. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says,Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life (John 5:24) .  How does this claim impact how you think about this life and the life to come?

2)  In the fourth Gospel Jesus is both the Lamb of God (John 1:29) and the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).  Which metaphor for Jesus do you like better and why?

3) Some people feel the Book of Revelation is disturbing and dangerous. Others find it attractive and appealing. (Be sure to note the global perspective at this point.) How would you account for these differing views?

How do you view the Book of Revelation, especially if it is read as a series of cycles/spirals?

4)  In my introductory video I made connections between three parts or thirds in John and the Jewish festival/calendar year. Here

There were 2 key international trade routes running through Israel during Old Testament times (King & Stager, pages 176-177). The first was the Way of the Sea (Isaiah 9:1 and compare Matthew 4:15) and the second was the Kings Highway (Numbers 20:11, 21:22).

Download the Ancient Near East Map (linked as a PDFPreview the document and a PowerpointPreview the document for your convenience).

Complete the map by illustrating both of these international trade routes from their beginning in Egypt (the Nile) to Mesopotamia and down the Euphrates to Ur as they travel through Israel/Canaan and Damascus. Label key locations, especially in the land of Canaan, that these 2 trade routes connected or ran through. Upload your completed map to this assignment. Be sure to put your name on the assignment.