Reference no: EM133712384
Assignment:
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."
"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."
The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"
The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
Acts 10:9-23
Resources
- Bible
- Evans, T. (2022). Kingdom Race Theology: God's Answer to Our Racial Crisis. Moody Press.
Background Information
Issues of race and racism are unfortunately deeply rooted in the history of the United States. In recent years, conversations, challenges, and conflicts around racial issues have increased in response to police shootings, politics and the promotion of ideas and language related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism both in social work and the popular culture.
However, for Christians, regardless of the issue and the cultural attention or support it may receive, the main priority is to seek the truth and understand ideas, language, definitions and meaning from a Biblical view to properly address a problem. Christians believe that through God's word as found in the Bible, God provides the proper perspective, principles and solutions needed to address the challenges of life and culture and that God's ideas and ways are better than human ways.
Because issues of racism, oppression and empowerment and pursuing positive cultural change are vital to social work and Christian faith, you will complete a series of devotionals focusing on issues of racism, diversity, and justice as you explore ideas presented in the book, Kingdom Race Theology.
Instructions
Read chapter, the Focus of Kingdom Race Theology, and chapter, the Practice of Kingdom Race Theology, in your Evans (2022) text.
Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following discussion questions citing ideas and concepts used in the text in your responses in APA format:
- Dr. Evan's distinguishes between the importance of the content of the gospel that brings people to salvation through Christ and the scope of the gospel that also transforms lives and relationships, even across racial barriers. Explain the difference between these two and how they can become unbalanced in focusing too much on one side over and against the other. Give an example if you can.
- Identify and describe two important aspects of Biblical justice as described by Evans (2022). Share your thoughts and insights on these ideas.
- How does Dr. Evan's define freedom in the chapter and how is it similar or different from current cultural views of freedom in your view? Explain.
- Dr. Evans states that "Jesus' gospel includes both the spiritual and the social" (p. 86), but emphasizes the importance of the order, and why having the right order and perspective is vital to achieve real social justice. What are your thoughts on his perspective?
- Finally, discuss your thoughts on what Christians can do to address racism and racial issues as explained by Evans (2022). What can you do?