Was Born January 5, 1860, In Franklin County, Mississippi.

The evidence that exists to prove the diversity of the early Christian community is the many other writings which have been discovered by historians from the same time period (Harris 2014). In addition, the writings reveal that each separate group of Christians from this era had their own understanding of what Jesus was teaching His followers. The “fifth gospel” of Thomas paints the picture of Jesus as a guide towards His disciples by enlightening them with the message that God’s Kingdom already rules, but many people would not believe him. The portrait that Thomas provokes is an example of the diversity of the early writers and several of his ideas are similar to Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Harris 2014).

I strongly believe that one of the key components of a “complete faith” in 21st-century churches is the ability to enter into covenant relationship with other denominations with this same koinonia Paul so richly addresses. In small towns like the one I currently serve, I have found great joy seeing the effects of ecumenical

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one man to dissolve the social bonds by which an entire people is restricted from the truth. He holds this truth to be self-evident, that all men are to be judged as equal, that they are led by their creator through certain unalienable aspects of humanity, that among these are life, sin, and the pursuit of the gospel.

Within the African-American community, Christianity has manifest itself to be one of the cornerstones of the community. Surprisingly enough however, the church was introduced to African-Americans as a means of trying to control the thoughts and actions of the slaves. When analyzing the church in its modern state, it would be hard to come to this realization. Since its humble beginnings, many African-Americans have come to adopt the Christian faith as their own. Even as slaves, African-Americans began starting their own churches to allow them to worship how they wanted. Churches such as Greater Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church (GMPMBC) (which has been a part of the local community since 1939) are prime examples of how the church has grown to become an integral part of the African-American community. This paper will analyze the history of GMPMBC and discuss how it is overlooked in mainstream society. From there, it will transition in to discussing how the church has been neglected by the community it serves.

The conference call started with a word of payer led by Maentta Jackson. The following points were presented and discussed: Orthodoxy versus Heresy, the five central core beliefs of Christian Orthodoxy and scriptures relating to each central core belief; and lastly, a discussion regarding on how to explain the doctrine of the Trinity to heretical cults who deviate from the five central core beliefs.

The new insights I gained so far from this course is that Jon Butler begins by describing the state of religious affairs in both the Old and New Worlds on the eve of colonization. He traces the progress of religion in the colonies through the time of the American Revolution, covering all the religious groups, Protestants, Jews, and Catholics, as well as the unique religious experiences of Native Americans and African Americans. On the other hands, Wacker continues his story with a fascinating look at the ever-shifting religious landscape of 19th-century America. He focuses mainly on the rapid growth of evangelical Protestants which includes Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, and others which they were continued to increase with large immigrant

the Separate Baptist Church. This faith upheld high moral standards and believed dancing, alcohol, and slavery to be

Christianity is centered on the Gospel as proclaimed by Jesus, the son of God. The fundamental message offered by Jesus is of compassion and love. This message is astonishing to most people as Jesus instructs us to love our enemies, a concept which was not spoken of prior. Due to the loving and forgiving nature of God, Christianity still remains an excellent religion for all humanity (Comparing Christianity, 2014). Within Christianity, the Holy Trinity, God the father, son, and Holy Spirit, are the divine individuals and the Bible is the Holy scripture.

We all live our lives according to our set of personal convictions. Personal convictions are the blueprints that guide us down the path of life. We generally obtain our core convictions during childhood based on our culture, where we live and our religious beliefs. It is probably safe to say that no two people will have the exact same convictions because each of our experiences and backgrounds vary in some manner. When thinking about convictions, I am reminded of the following scripture; “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Romans 14:5).

There are many famous people and things to see in Mississippi, but the three people I would love to meet and take my knowledge of them further, that has made an impact on the history of Mississippi celebrities, are Brandy, Rick Ross and Elvis Presley.

Mullins seem to have identified with his Baptist identity. I am a Baptist, I notice most churches are concrete for the most part on principles, but traditions over the years have taken a new look. One concern that many churches had to address was how to welcome the postmodern generation. Postmodern are only concern with creating their own identities and stories. Dr. Mohler states,” Mullins was no liberal in terms of doctrine, he stood near the liberals in terms of method.” (p 25) But because of Mullin’s theological system and his reliance on religious experience, and his defense of faith shared a common starting point with the modernist. (p 10)

heart of the Christian faith and at its source of its traditions in Scripture is

He acknowledges the differences in denominations and he continues to acknowledge such differences but he doesn’t jump in the mud pit with them. Instead he focuses on how they are alike saying “ The answer lies in what all Christians have in common: a love for God.” Even going as fair to call theology an on-going conversation between friends. Also saying, “ Again, we don’t need to follow any particular formula to do contextual theology, as long as the Bible stands as the primary source in our studies”. As long as the Bible is at the center of our beliefs then we are getting what God intended for us to

1.The importance of religious pluralism is for Christians to understand the experience of suffering. Christians believe one would suffer if any sin was committed. Christians are given an opportunity to speak on the issue of suffering. The second century bishop Cyphrian of Carthage says there is no salvation. He stated that you can’t have faith on you own. You must be in a church and it can’t be salvation without a church. Ecclesiocentric position says they must be a member of the church in order to be saved. They focus on one prays to God confessing and remorseful to one’s sin. God offer salvation and the new birth in Christ. The faith claims that no one can be saved. This doesn’t make sense because most people should be saved. It’s like how would they be Christians if no one is saved. How will God determine who is a true child of God. According to Cyphrian you must remain in a church in order to be a part of salvation.

Throughout the years, Muslims have made it clear that there are aspects of the gospels that they agree with. However, conversely