In order to understand cultural and social context of religion of people, the study of theology will be considered ideal. Theology, therefore, is referred to as an ancient intellectual approach that relates region or Christianity and people. Theology study provides an understanding of religious context and studies to individuals. This paper seeks to give a reflection on Powell’s publications in relation to Christianity and the Luke’s gospel.
In the context of theology and religion, there are three classes of concepts that are used as a foundation for understanding the nature of religious culture or tradition. Inclusivism, pluralism, and exclusivism are the key identified fields under this context. Luke’s gospel has remained to be a clear publication as one of the most popular gospel books in the bible (Hill et al, 38). The verses and overall organization of the book are ideal for purposes of reading and inspirations to Christians. This is realized based on the organization, content, and context of the book.
According to Powell, these three approaches to Christianity and belief have different approaches to the way people view gospel and faith. Inclusivism asserts that God exists, and his presence is felt even to non-Christians who do not believe in religion(Hill et al, 41).This is justifiable since even the book of Luke indicates that Jesus lived among believers and non-believers who never trusted in God. In his publication, Luke mentions that only those who believe can see the kingdom of God. This directly reflects that perception of people falling under the class of inclusivism. They are individuals who work or live under assumptions of the majority.
Pluralism, on the other hand, works on the assumption that communications of truth among Christians is a reflection or justification of God’s presence (Hill et al, 44). It justifies the fact that humans can have many religions or different believes but all still lead to one God who lives in heaven. Luke also mentions this where Jesus says that upon his death, “he would resurrect among the dead, arise to heaven and prepare a living for his people in his father’s home, heaven.”
Finally, exclusivism refers to the final position of Christians in relation to their faith in God (Hill et al, 46). Their belief is that non-Christians will never experience salvation in their lives. It reflects on different concepts that explain the true nature of Christianity and how it influences the choice of salvation from God. Individuals under this category believe that salvation can only be experienced among people who are Christians. Non-Christians are viewed as sinners who will never see the kingdom of God. It also shows that Christians have personal commitments with God, and this offers entitlement to salvation to them.
Faith and learning, therefore, are identified as key principles that offer governance to individuals in a day-to-day activity. There are a number of specific evidences provided in one of Powell’s publications regarding theology and religion. These show how significant the understanding of Christianity is in relation to biblical perspectives.
In conclusion, the study of theology enables Christians to understand various religious concepts that open up the biblical interpretation and perspectives. It assists in justifying true meaning of Christianity, faith, and believes that people develop in real life. It also assists in justifying different classes of people that exist in relation to religious practices.
Works Cited
Hill, Brennan, Paul F. Knitter, and William Madges. Faith, Religion & Theology: A Contemporary Introduction. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 1997. Print.