Reading analysis of foundational concepts and course materials

Browning

When Robert Browning writes "truth is within ourselves; it takes no rise/

From outward things, whate'er you may believe," he articulates an idea that is very common in modernity: that spiritual truth is found within the individual soul, rather than within the confines of an existing religious structure. This could be seen as a radical extension of some Protestant notions that it is one's inner life, rather than outer actions and deference to Church ritual that is important. The body is merely "gross flesh" which hems in the spirit and causes human beings to see the world in error. There is nothing good about the flesh. This deemphasizes the idea that Christ is 'spirit made flesh' and vice versa, and the world is God-created. Instead, it suggests that the physical world with its "outward things" (including formal religion) is an error, and what is good, divine, and light is above the flesh. The spirit is of value but it is an "imprisoned splendour." The purpose of human life is to escape the delusions of the body and its desires and to exist in pure spirit, above the "baffling and perverting carnal mesh" and find truth. Because truth lies within it likely does not come from religion, but instead comes from self-examination. 'Truth' standards are autonomous, derived from the individual self not from a theocratic system and the individual is the ultimate arbiter of truth.

Q2. See the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed

The Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed were two of the most important foundational statements of faith in the history of Christendom. The Apostle's Creed's affirmations of belief underline the involved nature of God in the material world. Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary and really suffered, as he was made of both flesh and spirit, and died upon the cross for our sins. Jesus died and was buried like someone of flesh, but he also was resurrected and has an eternal life in heaven. The fact that God sent his only begotten Son to save human beings in such a manner underlines God's palpable, strong connections with human life on earth.

The Nicene Creed further defines the essence of Christ. Christ is one with the Father and is for all time. Christ has always been in existence, since the beginning of the earth and human creation. Like the Apostle's Creed the Nicene Creed stresses how Christ came to earth, died and was buried, and adds that Christ will come again and judge all souls (living and dead) at the end of time. God is all-powerful, but in addition to that great power God also shows great caring and involvement in how human beings comport themselves. Finally, the Church is necessary because it is the conduit through which the remission of sins takes place. Believing in the Church's unbroken connection with the Apostles is just as vital as honoring the other core tenants of Christianity, such as the resurrection of the dead and eternal life.

Q3. Group Dynamics Overview

Groups are important to understand for scientific reasons: groups have a material effect upon the world in terms of how the act in science and history; groups help understand people's motivations; groups affect humans on a sociological level in the form of cultural institutions, values, and norms; groups are the main way human beings have a practical impact on the world; and on a personal level people value their membership in groups.

On a religious level, human beings have always organized in terms of groups. People have organized together to form religious communities since the beginning of time. Christianity began as a communal religion, including the taking of the communal meal and the creation of a Church. Paul addressed his famous epistles to Christian communities, not to individual Christians. "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of law" (Romans 13:10). Salvation is not viewed as an individualistic experience, but being one with Christ.