The Human Factor

• Religious activity is part of the human experience
• People often try to influence deity in an attempt to control their future
• The tension between human free will and God’s sovereignty
• The pendulum effect – beliefs often gravitate to extremes
• Religion is often used to justify improper behavior
• People generally project their own values and beliefs onto others, which often distorts historical perspectives due to shifting values over time and between cultures

People from all Cultures Participate in Religious Activity

From prehistoric times, all cultures include elements of worship of some purported divine power. Regardless of whether one believes that religion is a means for ignorant people to make sense out of the unknown or is a recognition of a spiritual reality, it is hard to dispute that it is part of the human experience. Even in today’s secularOf the world in contrast to the divine. more world, it is not hard to spot elements of religious fervor and faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more in the beliefs and actions of atheists such as climate change.

Religious activities usually involve group or social behavior. Anthropologists attribute this religious social phenomenon to mankind evolving from pack animals with dominate leaders. They hypothecate that as different societies evolved, humans looked for a supernaturalIs a theological concept developed in Roman Catholic theology primarily by Thomas Aquinas that maintains that God dispenses his grace in at various times and places in ways that not only assist the natural world including human nature, but also... more alpha male to obey and around whom they developed communal worship activities. However, many religious people assert that the human need for religion exists because we were created in the image of God and our fulfillment comes from our connection with our creator. They believe that we are religious social beings because we are all part of the human family and that this interrelationship is part of our eternal nature.

Our separation from God and his loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more in this imperfect world creates a subconscious fear of abandonment and rejection. This innate fear also furthers a desire to belong and promotes conformitySee nonconformist. more within a community. Unfortunately, unscrupulous persons use this trait to exercise unrighteous dominion over others. ConstantineConstantine I (c. A.D. 272–337) was a Western Roman Emperor who, after a series of civil wars, became emperor of the entire Roman Empire. He strengthened the Empire through reforms and led successful military campaigns on the frontiers. He famously... more hoped that Christianity would become the glue to hold his empire together and facilitate his ability to control a diverse populace. Popes, priests, kings and abbots used religion to control their subjects during the middle ages. To this day, some societies use religion to maintain power and control over their populace.

Regardless of these negative aspects of religious history, it is clear that persons often experience supernaturalIs a theological concept developed in Roman Catholic theology primarily by Thomas Aquinas that maintains that God dispenses his grace in at various times and places in ways that not only assist the natural world including human nature, but also... more phenomena during some religious activities. This was one of the major appeals to Christianity in its early history. Converts experienced an uplifting power coming from outside of themselves that transformed them. This power was not due to auto-suggestion or positive thinking or accessing additional internal will power. Instead, these early converts attributed this transforming converting power to the Holy Spirit of God resting upon them.

The philosopher Justin Martyr(c.A.D 100–165) Born in Palestine early in the 2nd century, Justin was educated as a philosopher and converted to Christianity, retaining many of his Platonist convictions. He wrote an important Apology (meaning a defense of Christianity against the pagans) and... more was converted to Christianity after watching Christians conquer the most basic human instinct of survival as they serenely accepted death in the arena, a fate he subsequently suffered. This is the same power that enabled converts to overcome all other instincts of the natural man. Many of the persons we will meet on our journey through history on this site experienced this transformative spiritual power including: Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more, Martin LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more, Anne HutchinsonAnne Hutchinson (A.D. 1591–1643) was a Puritan from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. She was a charismatic spiritual advisor whose strong views on the issue of grace versus works led to her being tried, convicted, and banished from the colony. more, and George Whitefield(A.D. 16 Dec 1714–30 Sep 1770) George Whitefield was an ordained Anglican clergy who became one of the most popular Evangelist preachers during the 18th Century in both England and America. He often preached outside to thousands of listeners and... more. Each were instrumental in instigating movements that inspired many followers to experience this same transformative power.

People often try to influence deity in an attempt to control their future

From time immemorial, humans have engaged in religious practices to appease an angry god or to entreat its favor. Pagan religions typically ascribed powers to various types or deity, often from elements of nature, such as the sun, wind or animals, or to mythical creatures and individuals like the Greek pantheon.

Generally, persons believed that these gods controlled or had some influence over the forces of nature and events. Accordingly, they supplicated their gods in an effort to abate their fears of death, suffering and the destructive forces of nature, or to petition a bountiful harvest or other desired outcome.

Many Christian beliefs and practices have perpetuated this approach. It is common for worried Christians to pray to God, or a saint, for their injured child, during a personal life-threatening health crisis, or for assistance with some other trial. Even when a Christian believes that their prayers will not change the mind or will of God, they still usually believe that the blessing they seek is likely contingent upon them asking God for it.

Most people believe that their actions will influence their eternal destiny. The Bible says that we will be judged by our works, whether they be good or evil. Christian denominations typically proscribe immoral conduct and prescribe essential actions, whether it be baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more or a confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more of faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more in ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, in order to secure salvation. The fear of eternal damnation greatly influenced medieval culture. The revivals of the Great AwakeningRefers to two periods of religious revival, the first beginning around 1740s in colonial America lead by George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards, and the second beginning in the early 1800s where Methodists played a major role. more and Second Great Awakening(A.D. 1824) Charles Finney replaces some of Jonathan Edwards’s Revivalist theology with “new measures” based on Wesleyan’s increased emphasis on free will, and ushers in the Second Great Awakening. more focused on changing one’s eternal doom by accepting ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more.

Sacrifice and asceticism in its various forms have often played a role in religious practices in many cultures throughout history. We instinctively know that the natural man is an enemy to God, so religious activity often involves an effort to renounce or control our appetites and passions. Fasting, abstinence, and even self-mortification have played a role in Christian religious life through the ages, and in many instances are examples of how some believers attempt to control their relationship with God.

Often, people from various belief systems try to influence deity in an attempt to control their future, whether it be temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more or eternal. It is a common human tendency to not trust God and his loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more, but to instead rely on our own efforts. We want to trust what we can see or do and what is under our control. Our fear of loss of control rules the day, so we make up laws to follow, rites to perform, and good deeds to do in order to control our eternal salvation.

This introduces the tension between human free will and God’s sovereignty.

Tension between human free will and God’s sovereignty

Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more of Hippo is the most influential Christian theologian outside of the Bible. In large measure this is because he was the first Christian theologian to fully develop a doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more dealing with the tension between free will and God’s sovereignty that has become the foundation of western Christianity.

His theology begins with God’s creation where everything was good. However, God gave AdamAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, Adam was the first human being created by God out of the dust of the earth as the last step of creation. All humans descended from Adam and his wife, Eve, after they... more and EveAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, all humans descended from Eve after she disobeyed God and partook of a forbidden fruit, causing a fallen world of sin and suffering. (See Adam.) more free will, which they abused to bring sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more and death into the world. Every human participated in this original sinThe doctrine developed by Augustine in the late 4th century that all human beings inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin and deserve damnation from birth. This is more than simply being born with a corrupt sinful nature that later leads... more and are condemned to hell. However, God elects some to receive his graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more that transforms their heart and makes them worthy of salvation. When we feel God’s loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more, it lifts us up to Him so that we lose our desire to sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more while we journey back to God. We still have free will, but God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more strengthens us. This is referred to as “healing graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more,” “assisting graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more” and “co-operative graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more.” Thus, graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more and free will co-operate, but God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more is irresistible to those whom God elects to give it. Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more doesn’t answer the question of why God offers his graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more to some but not everyone. He simply says it is a mystery. He viewed salvation as a journey through life where we develop habits of virtue that brings us closer to God to eventually be saved in heaven.

Over a thousand years later, Martin Luther’s epiphany regarding the conflict between lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more and gospel revolutionized the world. For LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more, the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more is the commandments of God that no one is capable of obeying, so it serves the purpose of terrifying us so that we will turn to God and seek his graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more. The gospel is the good news that ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more has died for each of us, so if we believe in him then we have full benefit of his promise of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more and are saved by our faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more alone, not good works. Indeed, using our free will to do good works is mortal sinIs the Roman Catholic doctrine that various sins are so grave that they kill the new life in Christ that was conferred at baptism, and if a person dies in this state of mortal sin he or she goes to... more. LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more hated the concept of free will and felt that it was an obstacle to trusting Christ’s promise of salvation. LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more expects us to do good works to benefit our neighbor, but they have nothing to do with our salvation. For him, life is a battle where we continually struggle to maintain our faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more in God’s promise of salvation. If we believe, then sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more is not imputed to us. We are free from the consequences of the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more.

A couple of decades later, JohnJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond with Jesus. John outlived the other Apostles and heavily influenced early Christian thinkers... more CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more came along and took Luther’s doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more a step further and introduced the concept of double predestinationis a view of predestination that God not only predestines some individuals to go to heaven but that he also predestines others to go to hell. This concept was arguably originated by Calvin but there are traces of this idea... more, that God predestines those he elects to go to heaven while everyone else is predestined to suffer in hell. CalvinJohn Calvin (A.D. 1509-1564) French Protestant theologian who lived most of his adult life in Geneva. He was the most influential figure in Reformed theology and author of the Institutes, the most important systematic theology text of Protestantism. more further teaches that each personDerived from the Latin term persona and the Greek term prosopon. It is a technical term in Christian theology for the concept that the Trinity consist of three separate persons united as one essence with one of the persons (the... more can, indeed needs to, know that he or she is one of those individuals whom God has predestined to be saved. This certainty is realized when one receives an inner call from God, later referred to as conversionThis term is derived from the Latin word for “turning,” and is a theological term that refers to one turning his will from evil to good and is generally used to denote one becoming a Christian and/or joining a particular... more or being born again. Good works follow those who have received this call and have been converted by the Spirit of God. This eventually led followers like the puritans to focus on good works as evidence to prove to themselves and others that they had been saved.

Both Calvin’s Reformed movement and Lutherans accepted Luther’s teaching that the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more had two purposes: 1) to terrorize us so that we will seek God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more, and 2) to direct civil authorities to maintain an orderly society. After Luther’s death, protestants adopted a third purpose of the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more: to help believers know how to live a Christian life. Thus, LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. He was known for his doctrine of justification by faith alone and his insistence on distinguishing between Law and Gospel. more and Calvin’s sharp contrast between free will and God’s sovereignty was somewhat mollified to the point where some Protestants have gone full circle with beliefs more aligned with Augustine’s idea of co-operative graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more where free will and graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more dance in perfect harmony. This tension between free will and graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more is primarily a western Christian issue, but it is still present in all cultures, generating various types of good works that are essential or contribute to one’s happiness and or salvation.

What we generally refer to as “good works” actually consists of three distinct types of actions:

• One set of activity is rites, rituals, sacraments, and ordinances such as: sacrifices offered by pagans as well as by Israelites under the Law of Moses(Died c. 1400 B.C.) Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led his people out of slavery in Egypt. He instituted the Mosaic Law consisting of both ritual and moral elements. Many Christians believe that this law is part of God’s... more, baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more, the sacrament more of the Lord’s Supper, and Catholic confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more.
• A different type of activity consists of strict personal adherence to a set of rules and standards or life style such as: practices imposed by the Law of Moses(Died c. 1400 B.C.) Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led his people out of slavery in Egypt. He instituted the Mosaic Law consisting of both ritual and moral elements. Many Christians believe that this law is part of God’s... more, the oral traditions of the Pharisees, an ascetic lifestyle, the regimen of monks and groups such as the Jewish Essenes who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls, and devotion or penanceIs an old version of the word “repentance,” and refers to: 1) the Catholic sacrament also referred to as Confession where remorseful sinner (the “penitent”) confesses sins to a priest (the “confessor:”) who grants absolution; 2) the activities stipulated by... more through prayers, fasting, abstinence, and suffering including self-flagellation.
• The third category of activities that fall under the rubric of good works are acts of kindness, service and charitycomes from the Latin word “caritus” that was a translation of the Greek term “agape.”, which refers to a pure love of god and neighbor. It should not be confused with the modern usage of this term which is equivalent... more that are generally offered from the heart but not necessarily, as in the case of giving donations or service out of a sense of duty or for praise.

All of these activities are often viewed together as evidence of piety, yet each has a distinct role in understanding the interplay between faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more, graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more and works. For example, the Pharisees and Essenes were fanatical in their personal observance of rules in order to set themselves apart from the Greek influence around them and other groups they viewed as less devout. They vehemently opposed the Sadducees who generally adopted Greek culture. Sadducees did not believe in spirits or a life after death, yet were generally comprised of the priests absorbed with the rites of the temple. Individuals gravitated to these divergent belief systems partially because it helped them feel that they controlled their future through their works. Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more was referring to both the rites and the rules of the Law of Moses(Died c. 1400 B.C.) Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led his people out of slavery in Egypt. He instituted the Mosaic Law consisting of both ritual and moral elements. Many Christians believe that this law is part of God’s... more when he refers to “works” in his epistles, not to acts of kindness. Yet, all aspects of “good works” were implicated in the dispute regarding graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more and works between the Protestants and Catholics during the reformation.

Rites or ordinances have been involved in the Judeo-Christian religion from the time AdamAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, Adam was the first human being created by God out of the dust of the earth as the last step of creation. All humans descended from Adam and his wife, Eve, after they... more offered sacrifices to God. However, throughout its history, Christianity has struggled with the tension between the effectiveness of its rites verses the intent of the participant. Does baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more automatically save a child or a sinner from his sins? Does a confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the sacrament of Penance, that is often called “Confession;” 2) reciting a creed or... more of faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more in ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more save a soul without a change of behavior? Is the ordinance or sacrament more an outward symbol of a spiritual reality having no effect without the participant’s sincere intent? What authority is required for the ordinance to be effective?

Throughout our study of the history of Christian theology we will see how these issues dealing with the tension between human free will and God’s sovereignty have played a role in the beliefs and actions of believers and thus influencing the theology of various denominations.

The pendulum effect – beliefs often gravitate to extremes

It is human nature to gravitate to extremes. We see this today in social and political groups where groupthink and confirmationis a term derived from the Latin word for “strengthening,” and is one of the seven sacraments of Roman Catholic Church and of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In Catholicism and Orthodoxy this sacrament involves anointing with oil and the laying... more bias prevail. We are social creatures who instinctively create social boundaries whether they be geographical or ideological. Conflicts often occur when these borders are threatened. Therefore, a natural group dynamic develops to keep members away from the borders where they may stray, leading to entrenched beliefs and behavior, even different languages.

Religion defines one of the most common and powerful social groups, so it comes as no surprise that this human phenomenon shows its face in religious settings. The history of Christianity is full of disputes regarding the need and scope of authority, the difference between veneration of icons and idolatryFrom a Christian perspective, the worship of anything that is not the one true God. During the Reformation era, many Protestants, particularly those from the reformed persuasion, accused Catholics of idolatry for their veneration of the Eucharist, religious art, and... more, graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more verse works, that unfortunately have led to violent conflict. In the early Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more, the monks were extremist foot soldiers similar to the Islamist terrorist today. Monks even defeated the Roman army in Alexandria before Caesar sent over a formidable force to reclaim the city. The century of religious wars in Europe were inspired by uncompromising religious furor in addition to the political and economical forces at play.

Is religion the problem? No. Humans are social creatures. We want to belong. Sadly, a phenomenon of modern society is universal loneliness. The disintegration of the family and communities has left individuals adrift, disconnected from the moorings of the past that securely held society together. Today we witness people gravitating to polar opposites where groupthink replaces independent thought and pits the left against the right, creating animosity and conflict.

The only solution to this catastrophic dynamic is to increase the ability of individuals to feel secure in their own independent identity and self-worth. This is not based on what we do or did. We intrinsically are not a lawyer, an “A” student, an athlete or a mom. This is not based on what we like or believe. We are not intrinsically a Yankee fan, a progressive, a Christian or a patriot. This is not even based on our personal characteristics. Our intrinsic value does not change because we are smart, strong, kind or tall. Self-worth and identity built on any of these perceptions is unstable.

A solid self-worth and identity are founded on understanding one’s relationship with God and on one’s connection with the divine. Identity that transcends eternity is not vulnerable to the winds of time. We are then able to stand, independent from the whims of social pressures yet connected to everyone and the universe. We can align ourself and connect with the divine by seeking the eternal principles of loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more, light, truth and goodness, i.e., the light of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more in each of us. Then, my identity is me, a flawed individual of infinite worth and potential, a child of God. Internalizing this truth is our only hope.

Religion is often used to justify improper behavior

We all have a conscienceDerived from Latin and literally means “shared knowledge” such as an accomplice to a crime. Modern usage of this term developed out of the practice of private confession in Catholicism in the late Middle Ages. The concept of conscience was... more that knows right from wrong, but we often hate to hear it tell us to stop or to change. Inertia is as real in our human psyche as it is in the physical realm. It is part of our human nature to resist internal change, and to grasp at anything convenient to help us extinguish the gnawing realization that we need to change and become a better personDerived from the Latin term persona and the Greek term prosopon. It is a technical term in Christian theology for the concept that the Trinity consist of three separate persons united as one essence with one of the persons (the... more. So, what better mechanism is there to sooth our conscienceDerived from Latin and literally means “shared knowledge” such as an accomplice to a crime. Modern usage of this term developed out of the practice of private confession in Catholicism in the late Middle Ages. The concept of conscience was... more than religion itself? If God says something is okay, then we feel justified in telling our conscienceDerived from Latin and literally means “shared knowledge” such as an accomplice to a crime. Modern usage of this term developed out of the practice of private confession in Catholicism in the late Middle Ages. The concept of conscience was... more to shut up.

Throughout history people and nations have used religion to justify improper behavior. Anciently, people engaged in idolatryFrom a Christian perspective, the worship of anything that is not the one true God. During the Reformation era, many Protestants, particularly those from the reformed persuasion, accused Catholics of idolatry for their veneration of the Eucharist, religious art, and... more partially because it enabled them to feel good about themselves while they did whatever they felt like doing. Often, idolatryFrom a Christian perspective, the worship of anything that is not the one true God. During the Reformation era, many Protestants, particularly those from the reformed persuasion, accused Catholics of idolatry for their veneration of the Eucharist, religious art, and... more involved promiscuous sexual activity. In Old Testament times, there was a significant problem of sodomites intermingling idolatryFrom a Christian perspective, the worship of anything that is not the one true God. During the Reformation era, many Protestants, particularly those from the reformed persuasion, accused Catholics of idolatry for their veneration of the Eucharist, religious art, and... more with homosexual activity. People bought indulgences during the middle-ages to avoid the effort to truly repent. Horrific atrocities were committed during the crusadeswere a series of wars instigated or approved of by the pope in the Middle Ages principally directed against the Muslim empire that controlled the Holy Land. more under the guise of divine justice. Often the most devout followers of the various religions are the most resistant to change and to following the voice of their conscienceDerived from Latin and literally means “shared knowledge” such as an accomplice to a crime. Modern usage of this term developed out of the practice of private confession in Catholicism in the late Middle Ages. The concept of conscience was... more.

We think our modern world has evolved beyond this influence, but it hasn’t. Today, Islamist extremists believe that they will go to heaven by killing innocent people. Some born-again Christians believe that all they have to do is profess their acceptance of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more without allowing him to change their charactercomes from a Latin word that basically means an “indelible mark” like a tattoo. Under Roman Catholic theology, this word is a term of art that refers to an indelible mark made on the soul by the sacraments of baptism,... more. Others try to prove their worthiness through their works in an effort to feel good about themselves while ignoring their conscienceDerived from Latin and literally means “shared knowledge” such as an accomplice to a crime. Modern usage of this term developed out of the practice of private confession in Catholicism in the late Middle Ages. The concept of conscience was... more telling them to not judge others. Regardless of our personal religious conviction, we need to be on guard against letting our religious beliefs placate our conscienceDerived from Latin and literally means “shared knowledge” such as an accomplice to a crime. Modern usage of this term developed out of the practice of private confession in Catholicism in the late Middle Ages. The concept of conscience was... more. Please recognize that this has been a common human flaw throughout history.

People generally project their own values and beliefs onto others distorting historical perspectives due to shifts in values over time and between cultures

People often fall into the trap of misjudging the past due to their own myopic perspective. One’s life experience impacts what one values. What is important to each individual varies based on his personal circumstance and upbringing. Someone trying to survive has different priorities from someone living in the lap of luxury. The customs, family traditions and religious beliefs vary from culture to culture.

Judging the past becomes even more difficult due to historical amnesia and the lack of good historical records. Historians try to construct a narrative and so they often supply sequence, motivations and causes based on what has been preserved through the ages. Human perspective skews every stage of our historical records from the writer’s point of view, the value of what is preserved, what is translated, edited, published and eventually read.

Conclusion

We will greatly enhance our understanding of the history of Christian theology if we are aware of the role human frailties played in its development.

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