Religion and Theology

The first and second Letters to the Thessalonians were written by the Apostle Paul during the years 50 and 51 A.D., respectively.  Here, Paul addresses the newly-formed church in Thessalonica, of which became the focus of his ministry after the Jews in this Macedonian province rioted against their teachings the first letter being of gratitude and blessings after Timothy reported a progressive and dynamic Christian church, and the second being a letter of warning to the Thessalonians and its religious leaders who seemed to have been practicing a faith that is contradictory to his teachings.  Perhaps more important than the literary and historical significance of these books in the New Testament, its real essentiality lies in the knowledge that I was able to gain from these readings, and its being able to effect a change in my persona based on the divinity of these writings as well as its implications on my very existence. 

Admittedly, my knowledge on the Holy Bible prior to this course was very limited, such as with the case of the first and second letters to the Thessalonians.  All I was aware of was that these letters were written by Paul for the Thessalonians, without knowing the exact details for their writing, and the specific purpose for which these books were written for.  Although like other people I have read most of the New Testament, especially the four Gospels, somehow these letters of Paul to the Thessalonians were always excluded from my previous readings.  Thus, gaining insight from Paul, who is generally regarded as one of the pillars of Christianity, had benefit me with the wisdom of how he himself had drawn the lines on subjects that is an enigma to many followers of the Christian faith, such as the resurrection of the dead, the vocation of every Christian, the Anti-Christ, on the proper regard on wives, and of unlawful sex practices, among others.

First among the several insights that I was able to gain from these readings had been Pauls own conviction and faith in the power of prayers.  His vocation that all believers of Christ should unceasingly pray and give thanks to God, is a reiteration of the Christians belief that prayers are indeed heard by God and will be answered in His own time.  Likewise, with regards to the church that he had founded in Thessalonica, it is truly surprising to learn that even during the churchs early existence, there had been religious leaders who were found lacking of the necessary virtues to be regarded as rightful leaders of the church.  This was evident in 2 Thessalonica 311-18, where Paul eventually suggested the members of the faith not to treat them as enemies, but rather to peacefully remind them of their offenses as a brother would his own brother. 

Also, it is remarkable to learn that several Christian denominations during Pauls lifetime had been expecting for the arrival of Jesus second coming, where He will pass judgment on every person, whether presently living or deceased.  Here, it is worth noting that Paul reminded the faithful to disregard such claims, as a man of sin must come first, preceding Jesus second coming.  This man will be the anti-Christ, and he will perform several miracles to justify his own claim of being God-sent, and even of being God himself.  It is especially astounding that the early church already had its own concept of an anti-Christ who will lead an army of unbelievers into a final battle with those who believe in Jesus Christ.  Hence, Paul had been clear that Jesus second coming will not transpire until the reign of the man of sin will first come into completion. 

In 1 Thessalonians 41-8, Paul also lectured on the necessity to be holy in the sight of the Lord by abhorring the practice of unlawful sex.  It is truly saddening, especially in our contemporary times, how the sexual act seemed be disrobed of its sanctity, as evidenced by the general acceptance of sexual promiscuity in our societies, in the mass media, and in the manner that the female gender is being portrayed as objects of sexual pleasures.  Paul intended sex solely for married couples.  His furthering this tenet by reminding husbands to respect their wives, rather to be lead by lust, tells of Gods purpose for sex. Based on this comparison between the society in Pauls era and the present-day scenario, it seemed that humanity had degenerated, particularly on how we perceive women. 

Of all the passages that comprise Pauls first and second letters to the Thessalonians, 1 Thessalonians 413-18 was able to affect me in a very personal level.  The very fact that these passages delved on the sorrow that is felt by those who had lost loved ones made the abovementioned passages seem like personal letters written especially for me.  Despite of the remorse, grief, and sadness caused by my recently losing my father, Pauls message has been a great source not only of consolation, but more importantly, of hope.  Through Pauls letter to the Christians of Thessalonica more than two millennia ago, I have been benefited with his comforting words of assurance, that a day will come when I and my father, and all of the others who have believed in Jesus as the Messiah, will be reunited in a world where happiness will be unconditional, complete, and eternal.

Conclusion
It is truly astounding to discover that the true essence of Pauls letters to the Thessalonians can be based on its relevance on the lives of Christians who are faced with a particular dilemma.  Perhaps it would be safe to declare that the influence of the Holy Spirit had manifested in Pauls writings, that they still hold true despite of the passing of millenniums.  As such, it is able to offer guidance as it does comfort, especially to those who are mourning at the loss of their loved ones.  The hope that Paul is able to offer to anyone who believes, particularly on the Lords promise that those who believe in Him will once again live and join Him in paradise, has always been sufficient grounds for Christians to rejoice in anticipation of their own judgments.  If only or this assurance of an after-life of eternity with Jesus Christ and all the other believers, my experiences in this class had truly been worthwhile.