THRS294 Special Topics in Theology and Religious Studies

Answers:

Theology in its Greek terminology is regarded as the discourse of study about religion and God. The term has been used by the early Christians to express the diction of the Christian faith to the community and amongst non-Christians[1]. Theology was known to have an apologetic function in explaining the religious customs and beliefs of the religion. This reflective essay aims to provide critical analysis of the concept of systematic theology. I would also focus on the factors that encourage me to learn and accept the teachings of religion and fonder on the beliefs upon the existence of God.

Considering the interpretation of theology by Augustine Hippo, the study embraced a philosophical, historical, and scientific interpretation of religion and faith. In the Christian Middle Ages, theology was started to be comprehended in a three-folded theoretical approach[2]. The study of theology offers significant opportunities to learn about the Christian faith in detail by exploring biblical history. By exploring the academic boundary of theology and religious studies. I would develop skills for analyzing the concepts to present a wider range of arguments based on my ideas[3]. The encouragement behind the decision to study theology and religious studies is to get access to career options like lawyers, civil servants, social workers, religious ministers, and so on. Systematic theology, on the other hand, is a formulation of the coherent account of the doctrines of the Christian in a rational and orderly manner[4]. The study subsequently aims to identify certain issues in ways of biblical teaching to discover the true meaning of the concept of universal God. Systematic theology directs to the ontological concept of the Holy Trinity as the principle of Christianity.

It is further regarded as a disclosure of the archetypical self-knowledge of God. It is an arrangement offering synthetic and conceptual transposition of the primary language of sculpture. However, the practices of faith within Christianity differ in substantial ways. Baptism can be considered to be one such religious sacrament that offers a medium to pertain to God’s grace[5]. The differences between beliefs and practices subsequently differentiate the opinions entitled to surging debates all over the world. The distinctive methods of worship gradually segregate Catholics from Protestants. The beginning of the collision is considered to arise from the decision of Martin Luther to reform the Catholic Church. The arguments on faith often create chaos and confusion amongst the new believers. However, faith is understood as a personal attribution of individuals which makes it subjective[6]. Through systematic theology, the pursuers get an opportunity to seek empirical assistance to filter through the different religious teachings. Following the class readings, the study of systematic theology encourages me to seek clarity in the different dictions of religious segments. The debates further discuss the practice of the second baptism in the certain community which rises from the belief that Jesus was baptized.

Most of these debates are subjective and through the guidelines of systematic theology, measurable arguments can be drawn. The practices of religious customs are often intricate with family traditions that are guided by the local church teachings[7]. The second baptism might be perceived as unnecessary by a certain community whilst it could be a prime custom to some. The contradictions in the beliefs over accepting the presence of one true God, or the Holy Trinity again depend on the perception of followers. Since both the Catholic and Protestant teachings embody Jesus as The Son consubstantial with The Father[8]. The teachings of unit six provide a new perception to consider the Trinity as three parts of the same God figure. Therefore, the deep-rooted message about every religion is to be tender to people with different beliefs. I feel that religious practices should be independent since one cannot be forced to believe something as sensitive as religion[9]. Faith should be free-flowing and focused towards the opening path of salvation for human life.

From the above analysis, it can be concluded that the ultimate purpose of the lecture with Professor Doyle was to actively encourage our peers with a difference in faith. Besides getting mental acuity, it is necessary to be united with the people in developing a critical understanding of religion. It is essential to respect the differences in values and opinions of individuals and families upon articulating religious practices. Faith is about reconciling with the spirit being acquainted by the religious teachings from different Christian communities. The importance of encouragement relies on supporting each other and our cultural differences without forcing our views or opinions. Every individual is fundamentally obligated to live with personalized beliefs and practices. 

References

BBC. 2022. "Baptism - Practices In Christianity - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize". BBC Bitesize.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/znqck2p/revision/3.

Mättö, Markus, and Mervi Niskanen. "Religion, national culture and cross-country differences in the use of trade credit: Evidence from European SMEs." International Journal of Managerial Finance (2019).

Phillips, Peter, Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero, and Jonas Kurlberg. "Defining digital theology: Digital humanities, digital religion and the particular work of the Codec Research Centre and Network." Open theology 5, no. 1 (2019): 29-43.

Rumbay, Christar Arstilo. "Christology in digital era: A socio-systematic theology contribution to the sustainable smart society." PASCA: Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Agama Kristen 16, no. 1 (2020): 15-23.

ZAUZMER, JULIE. 2017. "Do You Know What Separates Protestants And Catholics? Many Protestants Seem Not To.". The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/do-you-know-what-separates-protestants-and-catholics-many-protestants-seem-not-to/af58376b-86cf-409b-95f9-7d7951346d01_quiz.html.

[1] BBC. 2022. "Baptism - Practices In Christianity - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize". BBC Bitesize.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/znqck2p/revision/3.

[2] ZAUZMER, JULIE. 2017. "Do You Know What Separates Protestants And Catholics? Many Protestants Seem Not To.". The Washington Post.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/do-you-know-what-separates-protestants-and-catholics-many-protestants-seem-not-to/af58376b-86cf-409b-95f9-7d7951346d01_quiz.html.

[3] BBC. 2022. "Baptism - Practices In Christianity - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize". BBC Bitesize.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/znqck2p/revision/3.

[4] Phillips, Peter, Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero, and Jonas Kurlberg. "Defining digital theology: Digital humanities, digital religion and the particular work of the Codec Research Centre and Network." Open theology 5, no. 1 (2019): 29-43.

[5] Rumbay, Christar Arstilo. "Christology in digital era: A socio-systematic theology contribution to the sustainable smart society." PASCA: Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Agama Kristen 16, no. 1 (2020): 15-23. 

[7] Mättö, Markus, and Mervi Niskanen. "Religion, national culture and cross-country differences in the use of trade credit: Evidence from European SMEs." International Journal of Managerial Finance (2019).

[8] ZAUZMER, JULIE. 2017. "Do You Know What Separates Protestants And Catholics? Many Protestants Seem Not To.". The Washington Post.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/do-you-know-what-separates-protestants-and-catholics-many-protestants-seem-not-to/af58376b-86cf-409b-95f9-7d7951346d01_quiz.html.

[9] BBC. 2022. "Baptism - Practices In Christianity - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize". BBC Bitesize.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/znqck2p/revision/3.

Get assignment help from PhD stalwarts and get rid of academic troubles without hassle. Whether you need physics assignment help or CDR writers in Australia, we are here at your disposal. Give us a call if you need help with an assignment, whether you are in school or college. Now you don't have to request your friends, "I can't do my assignment. Please help." Just hire our highly qualified and experienced assignment writers. You can also connect with us on our live chat portal. Just type 'Who can do my assignment for me?' We will get back to you right away.