Religion and Theology

Analysis of 1 Thessalonians
This stud is an effort to explore different biblical perspectives as portrayed in different parts of the scripture. The study will explore and evaluate the meanings of some scriptures, some of which have historically been associated with controversy in Christian teachings. To start with, an analysis will be done on the book of 1 Thessalonians, a letter written by Paul to a church which was considered very young. Pauls letter to this young church carried some fundamental messages that would affect the believers in a variety of ways. It is clear that Paul was personally encouraged by the manner in which the church had stood even after having left them when so young. In chapter 2 13, he exhorts them for having remained strong despite persecutions. He also exhorts them for their imitating them as they had shown them how to be exemplary in their living (15). There is also an open exhortation based on their practice of Christian faith, which Paul asserts had surpassed those of their contemporaries in their local region in Achaia and Macedonia.

There is also an apparent concern in Paul that having left the church in its young age may have been detrimental and he therefore wrote to encourage them and clarify some fundamentals that were necessary for them to remain strong.  First, he desired to instruct them concerning Christian living and the way they were supposed to portray their Christian character. In chapter 4, Pauls strong message is on purity and the way the brethren ought to walk in their new lives in Christ. He reminds them of his charge to them to walk in purity and seek sanctification, abstaining from sexual immorality and presenting themselves as vessels of honor through sanctification.

Another strong message that Paul communicates to them is the assurance that their brethren who had gone to be with the Lord would not be left on the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. This message is repeated in almost all the chapters and this may be an indication that this church had not clearly understood the message of the second coming of the lord. Having been a young church, it was likely for there to be little understanding on some of those basics, and it is these that Paul sought to make a clearance. In sight of these messages, this letter would inspire me, one, to maintain purity as that ought to be the way of believers and secondly, to practice the basics of Christianity including love and faith. The assurance of being chosen and loved by God would be an inspiration to continually offer myself to rightful living. In addition, the assurance that the fellow brethren who had passed away would be re-united with Christ in his coming would exhort me to face life strongly and to regard death as a transition that would unite me with my savior.

Paul was concerned that the church in Thessalonians was not properly informed about the coming of Christ. As such, he sought to clarify the issue by assuring the believers that all those who had died in the lord would wake up on the second coming of the Lord. In 416, he assures them that those who are dead in Christ, at the voice of the trumpet and the archangel will rise first and those alive will rise and be caught up with them in Christ. For those who believe, this message is of great importance since it lays the basis of faith of being united with Christ at his second coming. The message serves as an exhortation to the church to remain steadfast, to disregard the fear of death and to be assured of a reunion with Christ. Besides being relevant to the believers, this message is crucial to those who do not believe in the second coming. As fundamental believers on the truth and the finality of the word of God, these scriptures serves to enlighten those who present dissenting theological ideas that opposes the truth about the second coming. The word of God serves not only to enlighten but also to give a verdict, and as such, the message of the second coming as portrayed by Paul serves not only as an enlightenment scripture but as a verdict on the events that are going to take place. For the church in Thessalonians, which was established in the midst of a gentile population, this information would serve to strengthen their faith in the future life as well as serve to dispel any possibility of being misled by false teachings. To those who do not believe in the second coming today, these scriptures should serve to enlighten, a basis for evaluating their beliefs.

Analysis of Galatians
The scriptures in Galatians 3-6 are deeply founded on teachings concerning the Sinai covenant and the covenant established through Christ Jesus. From the onset of Chapter 3, Paul is aggrieved by some of the Galatians who after being converted to believers had continued to insist on observing the law for their justification. It is on this platform that Paul writes the letter to them, desiring that they may understand the kind of salvation in which Jesus redeemed them. The concept of freedom is covered in 4 20-31. As Paul points out, there have been two covenants, an allegory to the two women who bore sons for Abraham. One son was born out of promise and it is this son who was to become the heir. The other son, Ishmael, born from the slave woman Hagar, was not a son of promise and was not entitled to the inheritance of Abraham. The same scenario is to the believers according to Paul, the inheritance that the Galatians had been introduced to in Christ was founded on a promise, achieved by faith and not by the observance of the law. Pauls distress when writing this letter is founded in the realization that some people had infiltrated the Galatians and were teaching them to observe the law so that they could be justified, contrary to the gospel that Paul had introduced to them, that of believing in Christ and being saved, not out of works but on the fundamental basics of faith. Pauls depiction of freedom therefore is founded on the understanding of the faith we have been called to. Freedom is the belief in Christ and living by faith, not through physical observance of the law. This freedom is founded on grace, that is, unmerited favor in which Christians are justified not on their devotion an observance of the law but on the redeeming power of Christ on the cross.
In many instances, Paul uses the Old Testament to reinforce the teachings in the gospel. The importance of this should be analyzed contextually, that is considering the biblical times in which the Galatians were living. Apparently, most of them had been founded on Judaism before conversion to Christ and as such, their reasoning was still embedded in the reasoning given in the law. To demonstrate the distinction between the physical requirements of the law and the spiritual requirements of the new life, he found it necessary to use biblical figures which they could easily identify with. In his introduction of the two covenants, the Sinai one and the one introduced by Christ, it was appropriate for Paul to borrow from the Old Testament, so as to build the new message on the foundations established under the law. As such his teachings were important and did not only reinforce the gospel but served to dispel the acrimony that existed between the believers and their psychological foundations in the law. By using the Old Testament scriptures, Paul was able to show the believers that the Old Testament was not essentially useless, only that it was meant to lay a foundation in which the truth about Gods plan for mankind was established.

Analysis of Ephesians
Paul introduces the theme of partition (division) in chapter 2 14 when he asserts that those who were initially separated were made one in Christ when he broke the wall of partition. This wall could refer to the curtain in the temple in Jerusalem which was torn in two when Christ died. First, the breaking of the partition wall represented an opening in which God opened up barriers of access for the Gentiles who were initially considered aliens and separated from the promises of God. By breaking the partition, the division that existed between the nations and the Israelites was broken since it was now possible for all to gain access to Gods throne. Besides that, ordinary men who were initially restricted from going to the inner part of the temple (restricted to the high priests) were now allowed to gain access to the holy of holies, implying that God eliminated all divisive barriers that could separate men from him. In the same cue, Paul reminds the Ephesians on the issue of division, that they ought to live in unity, considering that God had also eliminated all barriers between mankind and Himself.

From a Christian and biblical perspective, some of the most imminent divisions in the world today include religious divisions.  Externally, Christians are divided from their fellow mankind who subscribe to other religious beliefs such as the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Jainists and Judaists. These basically represent the six most known religions in the world as profiled by Wenner (2001).

Religious divisions have been a source of profound suffering as followers engage their rivals and attack those who do not subscribe to their faith. In Islam, jihad is a religious belief which empowers one to fight, even to death, for the sake of his religion. For those who are in Christianity, there are also glaring differences in their approach to the Christian faith. Today, there are churches that condone homosexuality which is in sharp contrast to the teaching s of the bible. As such, there exist deep doctrinal differences. These have led to the establishments of thousands of quasi-religious organizations all over the world, each established in its own beliefs, all apparently from the bible.

In addition, there exist glaring racial divisions the world over which leads to racial discrimination, prejudice, hatred, imperialistic attitudes and has in the past been used as a base for colonialism especially to the lesser developed countries. Also, there exist glaring economic divisions. Economic analysts in the latter part of the last century and this millennium have constantly highlighted the sharp rise on the difference between the haves and the have-nots. The society is generally divided economically and people are structured in classes defined by their economic prowess. Further, there exist sharp political differences among many nations. In some countries, political differences have led to continuous loss of lives as people jostle for power and positions.

Pauls teachings concerning the way women ought to relate with their husbands, when interpreted in the right context perfectly fits the set up that God has established from the family. Essentially, the man and the woman have different roles to play, and by virtue of creation, a man in a family is regarded as a symbol of authority in that family. Being the established authority and in line with Christian teachings, it is right for Paul to assert that women ought to be submissive to their husbands.

In 522, Paul exhorts the women to be subject to their husbands in a similar manner in which they would be to God. The implication of the final part of this verse is that the submission depicted here is that founded on holiness and understanding positions of authority. This submission is not founded on authoritarian dictatorship or unwarranted exercise of power, but is established on love. When a woman subjects herself to the Lord, it is out of love and knowledge of Gods supreme position in her life. In the same manner, the submission depicted here should be one where the two parties engage in a relationship based on love and a clear understanding of roles in the relationship. This scripture does not therefore support women insubordination it supports women understanding of their roles in the family, of showing love and respect, which is right for all Christians. For Christians, they should regard these scriptures in the light of a relationship that exists between God and the Church its a love commitment where honor and reward is obtained through the rightful fulfillment of expected roles.

Analysis of 1st Timothy
The second chapter in this book is a focused instruction by Paul to Timothy in the way worship ought to be conducted. The general message to both men and women during a worship service is that of propriety and decency. For the men, he instructs them to worship appropriately, without anger or disputes. To the women, he gives an instruction that has historically been ridden with controversy concerning women conduct during a worship service. In v. 12, Paul instructs that a woman is not permitted to teach or bear authority over a man. Biblical scholars have in the past made attempts to explain the meaning of this scripture with respect to the context in which it was given. Looking at these scriptures broadly, it is apparent that Pauls aim was to direct on propriety and submission. The bible recognizes the authority that a man has over the woman and as such, Pauls intent was to guide on the way this authority needs to be utilized in the church.  Whether a woman should teach a man or not, as portrayed in this scripture depend on the nature of her heart. If by teaching, she does so showing full submission and acknowledgement of the mans authority, this would be good. However, Paul is opposed to a haughty spirit in women who may have authority and a chance to instruct. In general, if submission and recognition is recognized in the church, Paul is not opposed to such.

Pauls assertion in chapter 4 is that there will emerge false teachers in the last days. These teachers would be recognized through the doctrine that they propagate. False teachers as depicted in this scripture are those whose doctrine would not be in full accord with the teachings of Christ. In todays society, false teachings would include the propagation of doctrines such as those that teach people to observe specific days of worship, those that prohibit people from taking certain foods, those that prescribe physical observance of regulations and customs, those that are directly opposed to the authority of the word of God on matters concerning the Holy spirit, baptism, the Lordship of Christ etc.  In addition, it would include doctrines that do not emphasize on the things that the true gospel ought to emphasize on such as holiness, grace, and the fruits of the Holy Spirit etc. Teachings that teach people to observe rituals not authorized in the word of God such as carving tattoos on ones body, using specific patterns of worship in private places etc. There is also the issue of idolatry, where teachings encourage believers to worship certain individuals or objects.

Analysis of James
James mentions religion at the latter part of the first chapter. In the scripture, he points out that true religion is opposed to mere talk and bragging. Further, that one who is religious ought to exercise control of his words and character. He therefore asserts that being religious is manifested through the expression of inner character through outward goodness of showing concern to the needy in the society. The implication here is summed up in faith without works is futile, that faith ought to be backed up be physical acts that correspond to what one professes. In todays society, a great deal of religion is etched up in theoretical beliefs. A majority of denominations who profess Christianity do not show regard to the needy and poor in the society. Religion today has been reduced to an affiliation to  a group, observance of some practices which are deemed religious and that are not necessarily strongly backed by deeds such as the ones portrayed by James those of helping the poor, visiting the sick and doing good unto others. From a biblical perspective, religion must go beyond an outward physical show. In the book of Isaiah, God condemns the religious fasting practiced by the Israelites and he admonishes them on the best fating practice that backed strongly by showing concern to the needy in the society.

The scripture in James 21-7 and chapter 5 portrays the futility of the riches that are founded on worldly principles. According to James, this wealth makes men to be arrogant and boastful. It also makes men to mistreat other people, especially the poor and those that are of faith. As a cautionary scripture, it is meant to teach the Christians on the kind of wealth they ought to pursue, that founded on righteous deeds. In todays society, wealth is associated with money, property and fame. In Jamess perspective, these things do not benefit and should not be the primary focus for Christians.

In James chapter 2, he portrays faith differently compared to other gospel scriptures. His teaching, commonly referred to as faith without action is founded on doing good works as a show of faith. In an in-depth analysis of the scripture, one can closely correlate it with the works that are produced by the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Most of the other scriptures require Christians to practice faith without a close mention of the physical acts required. I regard to suffering mentioned in Chapter 1, it is his perspective that suffering is good for a Christian and that perseverance builds a strong character in a Christian. Besides, he also points out that suffering is not a temptation by God but rather a reflection of the human nature of desiring evil. In other scriptures, suffering is portrayed as undesirable for Christians and is sometimes equated with persecution. As such, this scriptures exposition on this topic stands out as different. For a mature Christian, the topic of suffering would be clearly understood from this exposition considering that the basis and foundation of Christianity has a hint of suffering as portrayed by the cross.

Analysis of Revelation
The scriptures found in this book are undoubtedly founded on mysteries that are not easy to fathom. As mentioned in the first chapter, it is based on the revelation of Jesus to John when he was in the Island d of Patmos. Of importance here is to note that most of these scriptures when evaluated on todays events and the shape of the church reflects what is happening today. In the message to the seven churches, the book of revelation communicates in-depth facts about the different shapes and conditions of the church today. As such, the book of revelation is important in addressing and summarizing the fundamental message contained in the gospel such as that of righteousness, stability and the consciousness of the future in Gods view. In the current world, this book is of utmost relevance for a number of reasons. First, it acts a standard of measure of the events that have already taken place. The scripture addresses prophetic messages that reflect events some of which have already happened. For the Christian, it is imperative to be conscious of seasons and times in which one lives. This book is therefore relevant in guiding the believers on interpreting times and major events happening in the world such as those of war, pestilences etc. Secondly, the revelation communicates and reinforces the fundamental messages contained in the bible such as those of remaining holy and possessing faith.

Since the book of revelation is based on not so familiar patterns of scripture, it has in the past been a source of great fascination. The interpretation of the scriptures in this book requires an in-depth analysis of other related scriptures such as those in the book of Daniel. Interest and fascination with this book is healthy for the church and individuals today. First, it instills a Godly desire to dig more into the truths of the bible. Secondly, attempts to explore this scripture through different media serves as a tool for educating the many who may find the book hard to understand. Though there has been misinterpretation of this book, a great deal of efforts in the book has served to inform Christians of mysteries and things that look hidden in the modern world