Consequences of the Fall and Contemporary Response

Consequences of the Fall and Contemporary Response Name: Course: Date: 11/10/2020 Instructor: Part One: Human Nature in Genesis 1-3 1. What is revealed about human nature (from Genesis 1-2)? Cite and reference the textbook. Your answer in 100-150 words: The “Genesis 1 and 2” is scripture from the Bible and is in the beginning of the Old Testament which reveals that humans were meant to have a wise andgood natured life alongside the animals and land (Bancroft). Our Sovereign God created the universe and mankind in His image so that we could help take care of the Earth and all that inhabit it. Adam and Eve were in a “right relationship” with God and nature. Their actions disappoint God our Father because He is all knowing and with his wisdom, he created mankind only to ultimately be disappointed by man’s weakness (Diffey). 2. What are the consequences of the fall for human nature (from Genesis 3)? Your answer in 100-150 words: Briefly, I spoke of God’s disappointment in mankind because of the weaknesses of imperfect humans like us have for sin. Adam and Eve are forbidden by God to nourish themselves off the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and are permitted to eat off any other plants in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, Eve and Adam sin against God and humanity suffered the consequences; which included: breaking man’s relationship with God, the broken relationship between Adam and Eve, a broken relationship with the natural world, death enters the world, and all descendants are also transgressors in the eyes of God (Diffey). 3. What is revealed about human purpose? What does it mean for humans to flourish, in other words, to achieve spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being? Cite and reference "The Mystery of Original Sin" article. Your answer in 100-150 words: y are in connection with their God, they are at peace with the world, they are free from burdens and suffering. When we are not connected to God we lose sight in our true purpose. “It is only when our relationship of glad obedience to God governs everything that we will be truly free” (Shuster, 2013) In Genesis 1:26, God does into great detail describing his purpose for mankind on Earth that includes being fruitful in filling the planet, govern the sky, seas, and land while taking care of all living things. To have a pure, glorious relationship with God, it is best to avoid temptation and take care of the world around you. In the article “Mystery of Original Sin” it says that “[only] when our relationship of glad obedience to God governs everything that we will be truly free “(Shuster). Meaning that maintaining our faith, connecting with the Lord, and showing others how to do this will bring your great happiness in life and the afterlife. 4. How would pantheism or atheism (choose one) view human nature, human purpose, and human flourishing? Your answer in 100-150 words: An person who practices atheism knows their human nature includes being kind to others and showing the planet respect. Since they do not believe in God, they do not look to the heavens for answers or assistance in their lives. Atheists not believing in God means that they are not afraid of the judgement that can-do hand in hand with the paths they choose along the way. Without belief in God, means that Adam and Eve are not a part of the story of creation so that means that Atheists see the world as broken since the beginning. Shuster’s article, Mystery of the Original Sin” reiterates this point of view saying, “Still, something within us is corrupt from the beginning, so that we do not love what is good with our whole hearts and are deeply inclined to evil”(Shuster). 5. The question, "How can an all-powerful, all knowing, and all good God allow suffering?" is called the problem of evil and suffering. Briefly summarize the Christian worldview's response to the problem of evil and suffering. Cite and reference the topic overview and/or the textbook. Your answer in 100-150 words: In this week’s Topic Overview, Professor Gleghorn wrote, “Sinful and selfish choices cause suffering for oneself, for others, and for creation itself”(Gleghorn). We know there is a God because he warned Adam and Eve of the consequences of temptation and they fell for sin and God carried through with his warning. In the story of creation, Adam and Eve are lured in by Satan as a serpant and Eve eventually falls for his tricks. She includes Adam in her endeavors which leads to Adam being mad at his wife. This action breaks their relationships with God because of the consequences of sinning (Diffey). Part Two: Consequence of the Fall Today - https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn 1. Based on your research, address the following: highlight how the consequences of the fall are evident in the issue(s) that the organization addresses; include statistics, causes, and impact on people (victim, perpetrator, others as appropriate). Your answer in 75-100 words: There are sisters and brothers that walk with Christ and experience such tragedy. They go without necessities while others have more than they need. The Salvation Army impacts people who have gone through domestic violence, are homeless, starving, or need spiritual support from their community. This is a place where suffering is apparent but so is healing. Domestic violence occurs when one person’s sins cause pain onto their partner and ten million people each year are a part of these relationships. The website states that 65% of cases go untreated but 100% of people looking for support at the Salvation Army are welcomed for salvation. 2. Describe how this issue creates dehumanization and diminishes human dignity. Include statistics, causes, and impact on people (victim, perpetrator, others as appropriate). Your answer in 75-100 words: The issue of domestic violence goes far beyond the safety between a couple. As mentioned on the Salvation Army website, abuse effects the whole home even if the children are never a part of the abuse firsthand. When children are exposed to domestic violence, they are four times more likely to become abusive themselves. It is like the original sin being passed on to all of Adam and Eve’s descendants- children from battered homes are more likely to harm others like their parents own sins. These sins affect a person’s self-worth and confidence and harms their body which is a gift from God, these actions harm the dignity in the victims minds and dehumanizes them in their own home. Part Three: Analysis of a Christian Organization's Solution Write how the Christian worldview ministry that you selected is combatting the consequence of the fall. 1. What organizational statement reveals that this organization is operating from a Christian worldview? Your answer in 250-300 words: The Salvation Army claims that their purpose is to follow the words of the Christian Church and the ministries involved. The Salvation Army must also do the most good they can for His people without discrimination. This is the most Christian statement I have heard from an organization. In the bible, John quotes God saying, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you"(John 15:12). No gray area in that statement, it is clear in saying that you must love one another how God loves us all. Without discrimination, love and help those in need as God would love and help you, this is why I believe this statement reflects a Christian Worldview in their organization. Aside from saying the words, they show it in their actions by providing resources to whatever someone may need. Throughout their website the heading say “How do we meet local needs?”, “Learn how you can help”, and “All are welcome in love’s army”. These headings are welcoming to other helpers for the Lord, showing other’s what they can offer victims, and providing a safe atmosphere for everyone of God’s children. Another item the organization states is “Save Christmas”. This is a bold statement as they are not a huge department store or retailer, they simply want to save Christmas for the memories and religious notions for the community. 2. Explain how the organization uses a God-centered worldview (as defined in the "The Mystery of Original Sin" article) to address dehumanization and restore human dignity. Your answer in 250-300 words: In Phoenix, as well as a couple other locations in the United States, the Kroc Family declared these communities as in need and developed a family center to serve all of the needs of a modern family. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that developed this space to be the center of a families whole world with after school care and additional support. With God being present throughout their time here, he becomes a center of a members whole world much like as described in the “Mystery of Original Sin”. The point of this is to ensure that God is not squeezed in or a last thought at the end of the day. By having an organization like this, families are praising God each day they know there is somewhere for them to utilize resources and for their children to safely enjoy company of other naighbors they have. This safe haven is God-based and the people of the community are eternally grateful for the Lord because of this place at the center of the worlds’. The Salvation Army address dehumanization and restore human dignity by transitioning people from destructive home environments to safe places. They create a safe space through counseling and spiritual healing making God and Jesus the main healers in this huge struggle to earn back their dignity. This will help God and the victims regain their dialogue to rekindle their connection so they can remember the purpose God has for them.