Saturday, December 8, 2007

If Jesus Christ and Martin Luther were time-warped to the present, how do you think they would each respond to each of the major forms of contemporary Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestantism)






JESUS CHRIST’S VIEW


Roman Catholicism


Jesus Christ is the Son of God. His journey on earth was the best thing that happened to all of mankind. He demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice with his Crucifixation on the Holy Cross, to forgive all peoples’ sins. My belief of Christ’s teachings would be similar to what he displayed, while preaching 2007 years ago. Jesus would approve of some of the modern Roman Catholicism ideas, but not all. The 7 sacraments, rituals that are practiced today would be pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ, as would all of today’s modern community outreach programs, such as food drives, and the Giving Christmas Tree, to provide needy people with food and gifts and clothing, during the holidays. Alcoholics Anonymous Programs, blood drives, and the Catholic School System would also be greatly appreciated. The Catholic religion has great respect for the Pope, who is the highest leader of Catholics in the world. The Pope promotes peace and justice for all nations and cultures. There are many problems in this church that Jesus would certainly not approve of. There is sexual abuse in the church, far too many divorces in the Catholic Church, and the frequent practice of abortion. Jesus in the most traditional way would not want people to steal from the wealth of the church. This has been going on for centuries after his death and resurrection to heaven. Perhaps a he would demonstrate a modern-day miracle to strengthen the belief in Him and the Roman Catholic way of life.



Eastern Orthodox


Jesus would be delighted by the fact that Eastern Orthodox Church is the least changed from its eastern traditional roots, which go back to the beginning of Christianity. They have preserved the teaching and traditions of the Twelve Apostles of 2007 years ago. It still uses the original Christian calendar, which sets the dates for the significant events in Christ’s life, in chronological order. Every Holy Day in the Orthodox religion, and every Sunday of the year are dedicated to Christ’s Resurrection. The Icons of the Orthodox Church are not idols, or objects of worship. It is the people or God who are depicted in the Icon, who are adored, and emulated.


Protestantism


The Holy Scriptures of the Presbyterian hymns and the faith in Jesus Christ would make Jesus feel proud and respected. I think that Jesus would approve and seek an increase in the amount of Holy Sacraments practiced on a regular basis. The Lord’s Supper might be served on a daily basis, not just on infrequent Sunday mornings. The Communion represents the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.





JESUS CHRIST

















MARTIN LUTHER’S VIEW




Roman Catholicism


Martin Luther had no respect for the Pope in his lifetime, but if he were alive today he would probably think differently. While he would certainly not believe that he Pope is infallible, the Popes of today are not treated like Kings of the past. The Holy Father now listens and respects all cultures, races, and religions of the world. Luther would approve of the Faith in Jesus Christ our Savior. Martin believed in “Strong Faith”. The Catholics believed in greater detail. Saints, popes, bishops, while still respected, are really only human beings who can make mistakes, or use poor judgment. Luther recognized this in his own lifetime! He would still want the Catholic Church to emphasize the Scriptures in the Bible. He would be very happy with the hymns being sung at Mass, at each religious service, or sacrament. We now have Adult Bible Study in our Catholic Church! The Catholic religion is now nearing the acceptance of married clergy. Martin Luther, would most likely speed up the process with his teachings and philosophy.





Eastern Orthodox


Jesus is the focus, which would make Mr. Martin Luther also very pleased. The Icons of the Orthodox Church are not idols, or objects of worship. It is the people or God that are depicted in the Icon, who are adored. He would be very happy with the hymns and formal use of music in this church. Luther would approve of the translation of the Bible in the church, into the native languages of the countries of the Eastern World. He would also approve of the married clergy of the Orthodox Faith.




Protestantism


The Holy Scriptures of the Presbyterian hymns and the faith in Jesus Christ would make Jesus feel proud and respected. This would also please Martin Luther. Luther would also approve of the use of native language in the prayer services, of each country, which practices Protestantism.









MARTIN LUTHER








Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wednesday 6:15 to 9:05PM
Professor Susan De George
Fall 2007

4 comments:

Loren Gessner said...

This was very well done. i enjoyed reading each religion and Martin Luther King and Jesuss point of view

stracey said...

If Mr. Martin Luther was alive today I belive that he would be upset with many of today's church and the way they practice, too often the church forget the poor even though they collect so much in offering there are members who don't know where there next meal is comming from while the leaders live in wealth. Your article is very enlighten.

Krissy said...

I agree with Loren.I really liked reading this blog. It was cool seeing Martin Luther King and Jesus point of view on religion.

Susan De George said...

Nice analysis of each form of Christianity from the perspective of Jesus and Luther. I have to wonder, though, whether they might have a harder time with some of the institutionalism than you seem to think they would.