Introduction
The understanding of essential information about God and Christian faith is an inherent part of one’s religious education. However, a person who wishes to know more about this religion has to learn not only about God or Jesus, their characteristics, and actions but also their connection to humanity. Moreover, analysis and reflection are vital in understanding the roots and the underlying causes for all situations. In order to interpret verses and texts, it is essential for one to see which principles lay at the foundation of Christianity. First of all, the identity and personality of God should be understood. Second, the role and place of humans in this world, as well as their actions and nature, need to be examined. Overall, Christianity is defined by such notions as that God is perfect – good, harmonious, pure, and merciful, and that people can transform and restore their heart by fully entrusting themselves to God.
God
The presence of God and his benevolent nature are the pillars of Christian thought. First and foremost, God is a part of the world, but he is also above and beyond it, existing outside of people’s ability to envision his person fully. God is perfect, and his every feature is a “perfection” because it pertains to him – “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48, King James Version). There are multiple aspects to God’s perfection that set him apart. First of all, God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient – he is “is beyond our current best human comprehension” (Peterson, 2018, p. 73). God’s perfection also lies in his benevolence, compassion, and purity. Gog created everything – the universe, humanity, and all other living creatures. As Peterson (2018) notes, the scientific exploration of space allows people to see the power and reach of God’s limitless ability to create.
Humanity
In Christianity, two major concepts are prevalent when describing humans. First, it is stated that “God created man in his own image,” meaning that all people are created by God to be similar to him (Genesis 1:27, King James Version). Second, after the fall, all people became sinful – a quality that is now inherent in every individual (DiVincenzo, 2014). In the Bible, it notes that “the wickedness of man was great in the earth,” pointing out the inescapable nature of humans to behave in evil ways (DiVincenzo, 2014; Genesis 6:5, King James Version). Thus, according to Christianity, the fall changed the purpose of people, whose initial role was to merely abide to God’s intentions. Now, humans should seek redemption to restore themselves and their faith (DiVincenzo, 2014). As God is merciful, he helps people to return from their exile after the fall – the main problem and the root of their sins.
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth was an ancient Palestinian man and a real historical figure, although some skeptics deny his existence (DiVincenzo, 2014). In the Bible, Jesus Christ’s life is described in the four Gospels which present various accounts of his story. However, while not much is known about his childhood, his actions as an adult show that he was a compassionate and kind-hearted man. For instance, he was considered a messiah, preaching the word of God and spreading ideas about the Kingdom of God – “and he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” (DiVincenzo, 2014; Luke 9:2, King James Version). His existence and actions are important to Christianity because Jesus accepted the punishment that was intended for humans who failed to follow God’s word. After crucifixion – an event closely related to God’s judgment, Jesus became the symbol of sacrifice and atonement, both showing God’s unconditional love and his kind nature.
Restoration
The process of humanity’s restoration started after the fall, as God wished to help people return to their initial state of purity. In his first step, God created laws to assist humans in leading their lives in the new world (Esqueda, 2014). Next, he brought Jesus to humans to show them how these absolute laws would guide them, where human-made laws would lead them astray. Moreover, Jesus becomes the ultimate solution for humanity’s sins, embodying God’s unconditional love for people and representing a Savior who will bring truth into one’s life. The fall broke the connection between humanity and God, and through faith, they can be redeemed to rebuild this relationship again (DiVincenzo, 2014). Indeed, faith – both in God and his teachings, is the primary way to live to reach restoration. Laws of God are based on compassion and grace, good deeds performed not out of self-interest but selflessness (Luke 6:35, King James Version).
Analysis
As a faith, Christianity is based on love, benevolence, and selflessness. These qualities can be considered as strengths of the religion – they inspire people to care about each other regardless of their circumstances. The notion that God loves all people unconditionally is also a beneficial thought for humanity as a whole, as it becomes a great example for human relations. Here, the connection between love and God is projected onto humans – “every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God” (John 4:7, King James Version). On the other hand, a Christian concept that may confuse people is the nature of a person as a sinful creature. It may be difficult to explain why people need to agree that they are born to think in evil ways. Nonetheless, this acceptance is what changes people’s behavior as they realize that, by adhering to God’s word, they can learn how to act.
Reflection
As a Christian, my everyday actions are shaped by my faith in many ways. The necessity to learn that all acts should be done not out of self-interest but selflessness and care for others was difficult for me at first, but it gave me an opportunity to understand more about myself and surrounding people. Currently, I use this knowledge to behave in ways that support and inspire my family, my community, and all others. Furthermore, my faith has allowed me to reflect on my personality and experiences. While the pace of the modern world is focused on accelerating the speed of each action to reach better, more efficient results, I remind myself that reflection upon my deeds is what is sometimes necessary to stay on the right path (Esqueda, 2014). My academic education is also significantly influenced by Christianity, as I interpret the world using holistic notions described by God.
Conclusion
Christianity is a faith that is founded on God’s notions of love, selflessness, grace, and humility. While it perceives humans as sinful creatures, thought God’s beliefs, it guides people towards salvation and restoration (DiVincenzo, 2014). Humans’ nature is a result of their actions considered to be a just punishment for their failure to follow God. The sacrifice of Jesus is what opened the way for people to regain their virtue of returning to God and showed the meaning of unconditional love. God’s omnipresence is pivotal in establishing a connection with people that is universal and individual at the same time. Every person can understand God in his/her own way, but all are united by his ultimate laws. While for some persons, the concepts of Christianity may be challenging to accept and fully embrace, its benevolent nature is what brings many people to follow in the steps of other devoted Christians.
References
DiVincenzo, A. (Ed.). (2014). The beginning of wisdom: An introduction to Christian thought and life. Phoenix, AZ: Grand Canyon University.
Esqueda, O. J. (2014). Biblical worldview: The Christian higher education foundation for learning. Christian Higher Education, 13(2), 91-100.
Peterson, J. C. (2018). Learning of God from creation. Perspectives on Science & Christian Faith, 70(2), 73.