Category: Religion and Theology

These are the 5 required elements for your journal: 
Give at least one quote from the readings (cite author and page number). If there are multiple sources for readings it is fine to choose a quote from each or to use just one quote total. (However, you do need to bring all of the assigned readings into your response.) 
Ask a question of clarification or analysis.
Write a substantial 2-paragraph (meaning at least 7-10 sentences per paragraph as a minimum) response that engages with the ideas and examples, including giving your own supported perspective. Directly engage TWO assigned sources in the response section as you answer the question you posed. (The word count for the reflection portion needs to be approximately 450-475 words.)
Word count following the paragraph (457 words).
Include a works cited list formatted in MLA (or APA if you prefer).
This should NOT be a summary of the texts but a thoughtful consideration of some ideas that emerged from the readings. Include full citations for works cited.
Include your last name as part of the file name for the PDF or Word doc (Smith_Journal 7) you upload for grading. 
Guidelines: Double-space your submission and attach it as a Word doc. (Do not submit a PDF.) Format it overall so it complies with MLA or APA. Make sure you have carefully used quotation marks as appropriate and cited the sources. All Journal assignments go through the Turnitin plagiarism software, and your attention to academic honesty is critically important. The maximum similarity score through Turnitin is 20%. If your score is higher than 20% you need to revise and resubmit it with the 20% or lower score. (Paraphrase more and use shorter/fewer quotes.)
An example is provided in the file.

Instructions
For your initial post, review Chapter 15 in An Introduction to Christian Ethics, your reading choice in From Christ to the World, Ch. 13, and 7.1a PowerPoint: Lesson 14 Environmental Ethics, then demonstrate your engagement with this material.
Sources: attached and below
https://www.google.com/books/edition/From_Christ_to_the_World/JstVXOH75LwC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Boulton,+Wayne+G.,+Thomas+D.+Kennedy+and+Allen+Verhey,+eds.+From+Christ+to+the+World:+Introductory+Readings+in+Christian+Ethics.+Grand+Rapids:+Eerdmans,+1994.+ISBN:+9780802806406.&printsec=frontcover
https://www.google.com/books/edition/An_Introduction_to_Christian_Ethics/VelWCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Crook,+Roger+H.+An+Introduction+to+Christian+Ethics+(6th+ed.).+Upper+Saddle+River:+Prentice+Hall,+2006.&printsec=frontcover

ouchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can work on a Touchstone anytime, but you can’t submit it until you have completed the unit’s Milestones. Once you’ve submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted toward your final course score.
Touchstone 1: Reflecting on Major Approaches to Studying Religions
ASSIGNMENT: In this unit, you learned some of the reasons for studying religion. You also learned that religion is universally recognizable yet difficult to define. A narrow definition of religion that ties it to a belief in and worship of a higher supernatural power, can exclude religions like Buddhism. On the other hand, definitions of religion that eliminate mention of the otherworldly or divine by equating it simply with “faith” or “belief” yield an understanding that is overly broad.
Due to the challenges of studying religion, various methodologies have arisen including: phenomenology, theology, historical approaches, comparison, philosophy, and sociology. This Touchstone gives you an opportunity to reflect on these major approaches to studying religion.
In a 400–600 word short essay, you will explain the difficulties involved in defining religion. Then you will select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking, and explain its strengths and weaknesses.
In order to foster learning and growth, all work you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any plagiarized or recycled work will result in a Plagiarism Detected alert. Review Touchstones: Academic Integrity Guidelines for more about plagiarism and the Plagiarism Detected alert. For guidance on the use of generative AI technology, review Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI.
A. Assignment Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define. Review the lessons in Unit 1 as you consider your response. Then, select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking and explain what you believe to be its strengths and weaknesses.
Your short essay should include four parts:
Explain, in your own words, two reasons why religion is difficult to define.
Select one method for studying religion that you believe to be most thought-provoking, and summarize the approach in your own words.
Explain a strength of this approach to studying religion.
Explain a weakness of this approach to studying religion.
The methods for studying religion discussed in Unit 1 include:
Phenomenology
Theology
Historical Approaches
Comparative Religion
Philosophy of Religion
Sociology of Religion
As you develop your reflection, be sure to engage with the course material from Unit 1. You will use information from the Sophia tutorials to support your response. When citing material from a tutorial, please include the name of the tutorial and use the following format (using Sophia’s Indigenous Religions tutorial as an example):
In-text citation: (Religion and Food, n.d.)
Reference: Sophia Learning (n.d.). Religion and Food [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. https://app.sophia.org/course_preview/approaches-to-studying-religions-3/challenge-1-1/9/8235/religion-and-food-2
This is only an example; your own citations will be for the tutorials you use in answering the question. Please do not use any sources outside the class.
Refer to the completion checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
❒ Have you explained two reasons why religion is difficult to define, in your own words?
❒ Have you selected a method for studying religion from Unit 1 and summarized the approach?
❒ Have you explained a strength and a weakness of this approach to studying religion?
❒ Does your short essay demonstrate engagement with the course material from Unit 1?
❒ Is your short essay between 400–600 words, double-spaced, and formatted in 12-point font?
❒ Have you cited examples with in-text citations?
❒ Are the cited examples from the class tutorials?
❒ Have you proofread your short essay for mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization?
B. Rubric
Advanced (100%) Proficient (85%) Acceptable (75%) Needs Improvement (50%) Non-Performance (0%)
Reflects on the Definition of Religion
Essay reflects on the difficulty of defining religion. Any citation use must come from the course material. (No outside sources.) (20%)
Essay offers a clear discussion of two reasons why religion is difficult to define. The discussion provides unique insights and demonstrates thoughtfulness about the subject. Essay offers a clear discussion of at least one reason why religion is difficult to define. Essay offers a discussion of two reasons why religion is difficult to define. Discussion may be somewhat unclear or vague. Essay offers a discussion of only one reason why religion is difficult to define; the second reason is missing or vague. Essay does not attempt to reflect on the difficulty of defining religion.
Summarizes a Method for Studying Religion
Essay selects and summarizes a method for studying religion using citations from the course material. (No outside sources.) (20%)
Essay selects a method for studying religion and clearly and accurately summarizes it. The summary demonstrates careful reading and understanding of the topic. Essay selects a method for studying religion and accurately summarizes it. Essay selects a method for studying religion and summarizes it, but discussion may be unclear or vague. Essay selects a method for studying religion and attempts to summarize it, but the method may not be from the course material or has an inaccurate description. Essay does not select or summarize a method for studying religion.
Reflects on a Strength of the Method
Essay reflects on a strength of the selected method for studying religion using citations from the course material. (No outside sources.) (20%)
Essay demonstrates insightful reflection on a strength of the method. Essay demonstrates reflection on a strength of the method. Essay demonstrates a more superficial reflection on a strength of the method. Essay states a strength of the method, but there is no description, or the description is inaccurate. Essay does not attempt to reflect on the strengths of any method for studying religion.
Reflects on a Weakness of the Method
Essay reflects on a weakness of the selected method for studying religion using citations from the course material. (No outside sources.) (20%)
Essay demonstrates insightful reflection on a weakness of the method. Essay demonstrates reflection on a weakness of the method. .Essay demonstrates a more superficial reflection on a weakness of the method. Essay states a weakness, but there is no description or the description is inaccurate Essay does not attempt to reflect on the weaknesses of any method for studying religion.
Use of Evidence
uses specific examples from the course, that are cited appropriately, to support the response. (No outside sources.) (13%)
At least 2 specific examples are thoughtfully selected and explained to support the response. Examples from the course material are cited appropriately. At least 2 specific examples from the course are used to support the response. Examples from the course material are cited appropriately. 1-2 examples from the course are used to support the response. Examples from the course material are cited appropriately. At least 1 example from the course is used to support the response. The example is cited from the course material but may not be cited appropriately. No examples from the course are used or cited to support the response.
Conventions
Essay follows conventions for standard written English and is formatted according to the guidelines of the assignment. (7%)
There are almost no errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization; all length and formatting requirements are met. There are minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that do not impede readability; length and formatting requirements are nearly met. There are frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that somewhat impede readability; length and formatting requirements are nearly met. There are consistent errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization that significantly impede readability; length and formatting requirements are not met. Submission does not meet the minimum threshold for points to be awarded..
C. Requirements
The following requirements must be met for your submission to be graded:
Composition must be between 400–600 words.
Double-space the composition and use one-inch margins.
Use a readable 12-point font.
All writing must be appropriate for an academic context.
Composition must be original and written for this assignment.
Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition.
Include all of the assignment components in a single file.
Acceptable file formats include .doc and .docx.
In-text citations should use this style: (Religion and Food, n.d.)
References should use this style: Sophia Learning (n.d.). Religion and Food [MOOC]. In Approaches to Studying Religions. https://app.sophia.org/course_preview/approaches-to-studying-religions-3/challenge-1-1/9/8235/religion-and-food-2
All cited examples are from the class tutorials.

Complete Only Module 5: Week 5:
Module 5: Week 5 – The Gospel and Culture Project: Part 1 — Engagement
Engagement Motivation Assignment What are some of the deepest cultural debates that have arisen in culture over the
What are some of the deepest cultural debates that have arisen in culture over  the past twenty years? Why should Christians want to engage in these issues? Is
pietism the best way to engage these issues?

watch movie and fill in the blanks
movie:The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Link to watch movie: https://fmovies24.to/movie/the-count-of-monte-cristo-j68n/1-1https://fmovies24.to/movie/life-is-beautiful-n3mm/1-1

Your task is to address the question, “What evidence do you find that the New Testament possesses a sense of continuity and integration?”  In other words, what ties it together by means of theme or connectivity?  In a formal essay of 2,000 words and in a Word document, make your case.  Use at least 10 credible, academic sources

To review the assignment information, click on the document name to view or download the document. Scroll to view or download the embedded rubric.

Gospel Interview Writing Assignment Instructions
Overview
World evangelization and sharing the gospel one-on-one with people is an essential part of the church and Christian faith. The biblical teaching that everyone is a sinner (Romans 3:23) is a direct result of the fall in the Garden of Eden (Romans 5:12). But even though sin and death entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, salvation and peace with God can come through Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:1). If you are a Christian, God desires for you to make disciples, which includes sharing the gospel with others so that others may know how to go to heaven by believing in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; John 3:16-17). If you are not a Christian, God desires that you accept His Son, Jesus Christ, and repent of your sins so that you too can be in a right relationship with Him (Luke 5:32; II Peter 3:9). 
Instructions
For this assignment, you will show an understanding of the gospel message by writing out two different approaches to gospel presentations. You will also interview a non-Christian asking them important questions that can help to prepare a person to hear the gospel message (I Peter 3:15). Sharing the gospel (#10 below) is optional but encouraged. 
Use the Gospel Interview Template to complete this assignment. 
• Cover Page: Add a Cover Page using APA, MLA, or Turabian Style in The Gospel Message Instructions. 
• Part One: (250–400 words) – Describe in detail two (2) methods of sharing the gospel including the scriptures(Don’t quote the verse just add the text) used in communicating it. “Sharing Jesus without Fear”, The Roman’s Road, FAITH, and Evangelism Explosion are examples of these methods. Add a Reference, Works Cited, or Bibliography at the bottom of Part One based on the formatting style of your choice (APA, MLA, or Turabian). The word count for this part is based on the methods addressed. The word count must be sufficient to adequately communicate the methods clearly. 
• Part Two: (300–500 words) – The Gospel Interview Questions – Note: You are encouraged to audio record, with the person’s permission, the interview you have with them. That will help you to complete the assignment below after you meet with them. The word count for this part is based on the interviewee’s answers. The word count must be sufficient to adequately communicate their responses to the questions.
Note: If you are not a Christian, you have the option of answering these questions yourself. Also, after question 9, please finish the assignment by completing the alterativeassignments/questions.
1. Who did you interview? Were they a family member, neighbor, co-worker, friend, or stranger?
2. What has been your religious upbringing? Did your parents, or those who raised you, have religious beliefs? If so, what did they believe and practice?
3. If you could ask God a question, what would you ask Him and Why?
4. What has had the biggest impact on your current beliefs about God and Christianity?
5. What do believe regarding the Bible?
6. What do you believe about Jesus Christ? 
7. Has someone ever shared with you how you could go to heaven? Explain their response.
8. What has been the greatest barrier to you becoming a follower of Jesus Christ? 
9. If heaven exists, and you could go there, would you like to know how you can go to heaven?
10. If not, Why? 
11. If they want to know how to go to heaven, share the gospel with them using one of the methods you shared in Part One or a method in which you are comfortable (This is optional but encouraged). 
12. What happened? 
Alternative Questions if you are not a Christian:
10.  Please read The Gospel Message found in Module 2: Week 2.
11. What are your thoughts regarding The Gospel Message?
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.

Hello,
I will need a one page reflection paper on the sermon entitled “Give Me What You Love”.   The link to the video is below.    The reflection paper needs to address the following:
What was the thesis (sermon in a sentence) of the message?
Did I think this was an effective youth sermon?   What elements of the preacher and message made it effective?
What improvements or areas of constructive consideration would I offer?

9 discussion questions need to be answered based on the Bible (Mark and Matthew) and any other references.