Gutierrrez Mission Statement

This quote from Herman Bavinck was read to start the semester. It was intended to set the focus for the entire course, including the last few articles studied. Some ideas discussed from the last few articles assisted in the understanding of the quote, such as humans being made in the image of God, the plurality of the human race, the reverence of creation that humans are called to have, and the bias of creation (differentiating yes and no). These ideas pervade the writings of Nick Wolterstorff, John Van Sloten, and Mouw, with each being discussed separately and analyzed on how they assist in the revealing of the meaning of the Bavinck quote.

It is not good enough for Christian thought to teach about religious things or even to prescribe them; theology could do all this and still be thinking about them with a mind that has not yet been changed by Christ’s dying and rising. It is not so much thinking about theological topics that really constitutes theology, for distinguishable from this is the means by which the theological mind reflects.

As an academic discipline, theology should share mutual and erudite goals with other academic disciplines: whereas theology strives for historical accuracy, conceptual consistency, interpretive clarity and systematic uniformity, yet it is much more a hope than a science. Also problematic, there is an eternal perspective, a paradigm that we cannot understand. Theology is theory, there are no proofs, the only proof I have is in my heart, and I call that the Spirit of truth (faith). Still, I am conscience that I bring my own set of prejudices, and hopes to this matter. I have good reason to mistrust many of my conclusions. The systematic method of theology looks at many issues wherein much diversity exists, diversity of historical thought, methods, and approaches. Within all this diversity, there are constants. In examining the methods of theology, we must recognize both the diversity and the constancy. One constant is Scripture. Yet, the meaning of Scripture is divers and restricted to interpretation. I think Biblical authority at its best, most earnestly means one does not affirm it as truth without struggling to understand its meaning. I ascribe to a certain authority of scripture, and trust in a divine nature within it. For me, this means addressing questions like: What is the context and the point of this passage? What is it calling me to do? What does this say about the nature of

The lecture given by Thielicke is for the purpose and intention to speak clearly and forcefully concerning the matter of theology (vii). The discourse is given for beginning seminary students with the hope that it will be read over and over again. It is a lesson to teach students theological self-discipline (xi). Thielicke argues that each minister must be disciplined when proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ (xii).

My most significant endeavor while attending Lake Michigan College, was tutoring Emma, a high school freshman, in math, which benefited both society and the community. It is critical in life to give back, this applies to college students as well. You put life in perspective, when you give back, for instance assisting people who are less fortunate than you helps you appreciate your possessions and experiences.

During the twentieth century people began to believe that all human knowledge was scientific knowledge. Research either proved or disproved theories of the earth’s origin. People began to question the supremacy of science on the basis of the very premises that brought it to power, namely, objectivity, and rationality. 1. These developments created a resurgence of interest in philosophy as a discipline. For theology as a discipline, it presented an opportunity for acceptance and credibility. While remaining true to the tradition of our faith it is imperative that we theologize in such a way as to bring to Christianity integrity and an intellectual uniqueness that integrates and gives sense to the varied and diverse dimensions of the modern experience. One can exercise critical thinking and still hold fast to fundamental persuasions and ties of faith. To practice one’s faith responsibly, a person requires an understanding of philosophical

Whole Foods, like many other organizations, has a motto that guides their day-to-day business. Their motto is, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” (Our Mission and Vision, n.d.). This motto emphasizes that they are not just focused on food retail. Their mission goes beyond that; they are concerned for the well-being of their customers and employees, and even the planet as a whole. While whole foods does not have a separate mission statement, they do have a strong vision statement. This vision statement compensates for the lack of a mission statement because it brings them both together. They identify their deepest purpose as an organization to be “helping support the health, well-being, and healing of both people — customers, team members, and business organizations in general — and the planet” (Our Mission and Vision, n.d.). This vision statement identifies the main purpose of the company. Their main reason for existing is to provide healthy food for their employees and customers in order to help promote a healthier lifestyle. Their vision statement also emphasizes the importance of both customers and employees. By identifying their Team Members as people of importance, they are showing that they truly care about their well-being and they are not just concerned about making a profit. Their statement is also goal-oriented. It gives the company a sense of direction so that everyone knows the main goal they are to be working towards.

First, he sees that there is a disrespectful attitude to the early figures of the church (1992: 107). Second, he observes that there is a lack of faith in the means of grace. He says, “They do not speak law which reveals sin and gospel which forgive it, but they speak about God and His word in a variety of ways (1992: 108). Third, most of the current catechetical resources have a main goal to put human’s work as a centre of Christian life and this goal against the teaching of justification and the gospel (Thompson, 1992: 110). Fourth, he sees that many catechetical resources do not take the matter of God’s word and gifts seriously. Modern catechetical resources are written in the form of a ‘search for shortcuts’ that might simplify the understanding of justification (Thompson, 1992: 110). Fifth, he observes that there is ‘a confusion in ecclesiology’ in modern catechetical materials (1992: 112). He says, “We have changed the church from an article of faith to something in the visual sensorium” (1992: 112). The human’s work becomes more important in the ecclesiastical life where it should be focused on the gift of God (Thompson, 1992:

According to Ubben, Hughes, and Norris (2016), when a shared vision and purpose is present it is the one bond that holds everyone together. The purpose of a vision and mission statement is to provide a sense of direction for all teachers and staff before improvement can take place. Alice in Wonderland said it best, “If you don’t know where you are going, it doesn’t much matter what you do” (Ubben, Hughes, and Norris, 2016, p.56). If leaders do not have well-defined goals, it will be very difficult to begin the process of school improvement, because bringing about change includes implementing a plan and getting everyone involved in the process. In order for leaders to effectively improve the school’s culture, it is very important that data

He reaches his final solution about how the relationship between a pluralistic society and a Catholic institution should behave. He explains that this parable can be used in three different areas. First, faith in academic subjects should respect the fact that ideas are constantly changing, and the academics being taught should evolve as ideas change. Secondly, faculty don’t have to be Catholic, but they should respect the religion in view of the fact that they teach at a Catholic institution, and therefore should represent the character of the institution. Third, as it pertains to students, the institution should continue to spread its influence through classes, but no student should have it forced upon them. Lastly, he relates it to cosmology in saying that as more abstract ideas come into the world of science, the Catholic church needs to absorb these ideas instead of renouncing them. Overall, Ong summarizes the idea of not only accepting, but celebrating differences that the Catholic community finds itself in (Ong 5-6).

Pope Francis continues in chapter two with the discussion of religion. He first explains the role of faith in motivating the human being to care for the poor and the environment. This leads to the biblical accounts that establish human life involving three fundamental relationships with God, with others, and with the earth. However, these relationships have been broken by sin. Thus, distorting our view and use of God’s creation. Human distortion of creation leads Pope Francis to discuss creation. “Creation is of the order of love,” meaning God’s love has made everything in nature (LS, no. 77). With that, God has given every object its own place in the world. We, as humans, have no right in changing the destiny God has for any of His creation.

Chapter 2, “Avoid the World’s Wisdom: Turn to God’s Truth”, had a life changing impact on my life. The author discusses the importance of understanding what is seen as “truth”. For many, the social sciences have been deemed as the “scientifically

Normative task of practical theological interpretation asks, “What ought to be going on?”, “How might you interpret the situation theologically?” It seeks to discern. As the leader of a Christian congregation, you must take the further step of drawing on the beliefs and practices of this community in your ministry. 1531-1534 Kindle Edition

In their book, How To Think Theologically, Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke convey to their reading audience on the very first page of their introduction that “…Christian theology is at its roots a matter of faith seeking understanding.” The premise of the book argues – no states emphatically “…their (christians’) faith makes them theologicans.” It is this foundational point on which the entire work pivots. So Stone and Duke are asking their readers to buy in to the realization that by merit of our Christianity, we all are theologians. Once their readers have been garnered by this knowledge, they seek to take that audience to levels of thinking correctly in relation to theology – both methodically and methodologically. This critical book review seeks to understand theologically the arguments Stone and Duke are making and evaluate the effectiveness and thoroughness of this text.

He observed that in both living and non-living nature the evolution of science will give rise to new inquiries. That from these inquiries the church can expand the understanding of these new developments and apply them to the church’s mission regarding moral behavior to which all men are called in view of their integral salvation.