Final Project: Christianity

Sophie Uralowich MW 2:30-3:50

Project Outline

1. Project Schedule a. Weekly schedule of visits and research 2. Introduction a. Brief History of Christianity 3. Theological Traditions a. Beliefs b. Practices c. Understanding and Interpretation 4. Disciplinary Traditions a. Sins b. Repentance and Reconciliation 5. Services a. Sermons/Worships b. See Appendix - Field notes 6. Devotions a. Prayers b. Connection with God c. Devoted Time at Home and at Church 7. Appendix a. Field Notes b. Schedule c. Map d. Methods

Christianity has turned into one of the leading world religions in our day and age with a beginning that came about in mid first century. Since then it began to spread and transform to fit many cultures around the world with the help of syncretism as well as holding a complete structure of its core beliefs throughout its time. Many of the traditions within Christianity that were altered, dropped or kept as is included parts of theology, discipline, services and devotions, also known as ecclesial traditions or church traditions. Many of these traditions will be discussed not so much in detail from research but from observations and interactions that have taken place throughout the course of this project. -Theology is a system of beliefs and practices that is used to provide understanding, interpretation and also critique of the Testaments for a variety of reasons. Part of the Christian doctrine states belief that Jesus Christ is absolute, fully human, and atoned for the sins of mankind. The human race was made in the eyes of God, but is naturally separate from him and we are responsible for our own sins but were given salvation, redemption and forgiveness as gifts from Jesus when we accept him as our savior, becoming a child of God who will spend eternity with the Lord. At Calvary Mountain View Church they believe strictly in the Bible being truly the word of God and that it should be followed as an authoritative standard for faith, theology and life. It is a sufficient text for the salvation and sanctification of all true believers in Jesus Christ and can be used as a way to spread the word of God and convert non-believers to a path of truth righteousness. While engaging in a number of Sunday Church services I was surprised to hear the Pastor continuing on through the scriptures with interpretations of each line, creating an understanding that would be easier and relatable for the modern world. There was a connection I was creating from my experiences and the interpretations of the scripture versus that made it easy to understand that in Christian eyes people were sinning more now than in the past because it was easier to and many sinners wanted to be saved. Christianity became one of the most popular of the world religions because the interpretations of the Bible can be different person to person but will always have a huge connection with many people from each of those versions. -Discipline for the religion is the act of refraining from sins and if one has sinned they would need to repent and be reconciled with God before returning to a path of righteousness.

What I learned from my personal experience from the visits to Calvary Chapel was that humans are sinners by nature and by choice and in a modern society it has become even easier to sin either physically, emotionally or mentally. Within my field notes I have described one of the occasions where the pastor had discussed sins of the flesh vs. the spirit and how your eyes lead your feet onto an unholy path. A section of the Bible proclaimed how Jacob was told to go south towards a city in a direction away from sin and being tempted by his brother to go east, which he refuses knowing that was not his path but instead goes west towards a city of sin with his family in tail. Although he didnt follow his bother he also didnt follow the path that was preordained unto him from God and therefore he was still sinning, following the flesh rather than the spirit. Jacob, by choice, was simply following what was in his sight and what was distracting him and not following in his faith in Gods plan. Sins in this century are simpler than that including smoking, drinking, sexual intercourse, entertainment and not following the word of the Lord or Bible calls for repentance. People need to be saved and are looking to be saved by God from all corners of the world. Reconciliation with Jesus as savior of your soul and forgiving you of your sins will ultimately save you to become a child of God. But just repenting isnt enough. You must continue to live a life by the word of God, following the interpretations of the Bible with full belief and faith. -Services include worships and sermons performed usually on Sunday, the day of rest, which components can change to a variety of styles over time and for particular circumstances. The Calvary Chapel had a similar service every day; beginning with singing, short prayers, fellowship and community events then readings from the Bible that continued from the previous weeks readings. The songs were different, there were new faces and familiar ones and community happenings were new every day. You started to see a general pattern in the way services would go. But the content was what was different. The Pastor could pull me into a story using a modern example that I wasnt expecting and soon we would all be a laughing or seriously thinking about changes needed to be made in our lives or thinking about a friend or family member that could benefit from a scripture that was read. Instruction on how God should be worshiped is based how they interpret the Bible and what has been written in the Bible from the beginning. Creating a service that is inspirational and intelligent while reading a book written so many years ago could be a huge challenge when

it comes to teaching a modernized society including young adults the ways of worshiping God as he would want it to be. In short during services they are teaching how to observe sound doctrine and live a morally pure life by sharing Christs death, resurrection, disciplines and praising/baptizing believers. -Devotions in Christianity are ways followers connect and re-connect with God and are also a way to remind them of the sins in the world putting everything one learns from each of the Churchs services and applying it to everyday living. This includes prayers, living unselfishly and putting the religion first. Prayers are a huge part of Christianity in the Church and at home. Praying offers a special one on one connection each believer can have with God at any time they need it. During services the Pastor could ask for prayers for soldiers around the world, for families in distress or just ask attenders to say a prayer for anyone they know that needs to find faith in God. In any case this form of devotion can create a connection between the people as a whole and with God. Another important part of devotions is creating time at home to establish and mold a full life in accordance to the Bible to what God wants you to be and what God wants your family to be. Living holy, having a heart felt worship, regular fellowship and diligent study of Gods word are important to follow every day of the week, not just on Sunday during services. Being able to use the scriptures from the Bible for teaching yourself or your children life lessons shows your devotion and faith in Gods path for mankind and that following that path will take you towards an eternity spent in a conscious state of blessedness.

Appendix
Field Notes October 6th 2013, initial visit to Calvary Mountain View Church. First service beginning at 9am Sunday morning. No physical notes taken, only observations made during services. Older members of the church are standing at the doorways welcoming everyone as they enter the chapel room handing out papers that provide information on upcoming events, services and a welcoming section as well as sections that allow for note taking on bible references and personal notes on the other side. During the beginning of the services the room is filled with men, women and children of all ages with music and singing of gospel songs setting the mood and spirit for the days services. After a few songs the music ends and the children leave to another part of the church I assume is particularly for younger members considering the content may not be suitable for them. The pastor appears and begins the speaking portion of the service with a short prayer and welcoming everyone to the service. He starts reading from a specific section of the bible and interpreting what the scriptures mean with stories and examples from the world now. This goes on for about an hour ending the service with a summary of the scriptures read and one more gospel song. I would also like to note that I was indeed extremely nervous attending a religious service alone and my sister pleasantly agreed to attend with me to ease my nerves. October 20th 2013, second visit attending the second service beginning at 11am Sunday morning. I received one of the previously stated papers/flyers being handed out at the doors by the members of the church to take physical notes. Service begins with music. Everyone starts with standing and singing along with gospel music. Soon after, they say a short prayer for loved ones, strength through hard times, praise the lord and have a moment of silence followed along with more music and more short prayers after each song. As they are singing and/or praying some are raising their hands towards to ceiling others have their eyes closed. This seems to be a way they show their connection with god or are having their one on one moment with the lord while singing/praying at that moment. A few people even say their prayers out loud for others to say a small prayer for them. Lyrics are shown on four screens throughout the chapel so people father back can sing along even if they dont know the lyrics or possibly for new members or visitors, including myself. When gospel ends fellowship begins. Fellowship is

basically going around the room and introducing yourself to people you do not know or have a moment with people they do. As this is going on children are leaving the room before scripture readings begin. After fellowship concludes there is talk of upcoming events for the church. Mostly discussed Halloween and donating candy for children for their trick or treat event at the church. Then a video was played discussing their outreach/mission program in Sudan. They bring religion, food, water and medicine to help men, women and children during the war they are fighting. Personal interview of a member of the military group who finds faith in Christianity and through all the killings and other violence says that he still has faith in Gods plans for us. The video is followed by a short prayer for soldiers fighting all around the world. Service moves on to readings from the bible starting from Genesis 33. While reading, the Pastor is interpreting and simplifying the meanings of each verse. This made it easier for me to understand but I also couldnt help thinking that each person could interpret these verses differently. A few summaries I noted from the discussions that caught my attention. Unbelief and disobedience leads to a less than life, you wont receive what God wants you to have. Commission and omission are both sins in the Bible. Flesh vs. the Spirit. Temptation to give into the flesh competes with the desire to follow the Spirit. Feed the Spirit not the Flesh, or there are consequences. Be 100% dedicated to Jesus Christ or you could be feeding the flesh.

October 27th 2013, third visit attending second service at 11am Sunday morning. Service beginning with opening music, leading to short prayers in between, including talk of Gods love for Christians, similar to the weekend before. Fellowship begins with the meeting of your neighbors and the children going off to a different room where they are taught the bible by youth pastors. There was no discussion of community events this time. Pastor begins readings from bible continuing where he had left of previously with a tiny summary of topics moving on to Genesis 33 and 34. He begins communicating the connection between versus and present day stories/situations as well as the world/society. Short notes I jotted down while Pastor was speaking.

Messages from the Bible prepare Christians for the real world challenges. Avoiding sins/dangers in the world doesnt always work. Good Christians need to know how to handle the hard situations.

Be separate from the world, be cautious of the world and be wise in the world. Temptations in the world o o What we choose to see. Visuals (porn, violence, murder in movies) Where we choose to go. Physical (bars, clubs, etc.)

Ponder the path of your feet. Your eyes will lead your feet.

I also took note of Bible references discussed during service. 1. 2 Corinthians Chapter 6 2. Hebrews chapter 11 3. Job Chapter 31 4. Proverbs Chapter 23 Verse 31 5. Psalms Chapter 119 Verse 37 November 10th 2013, fourth visit attending second service at 11am Sunday morning. A pattern is established within my last few visits beginning with gospel music being played; members are standing and singing along with the music some with hands reaching up to the lord or eyes closed to connect more personally. A few songs are played with prayers at end of each song. Music tends to last about 30 minutes each service. Fellowship follows and children go out to youth rooms before service continues. Ministries talk about church activities such as its movement to a new building as well as fundraisers to help the church with the move. The Pastor also take a moment to speak about the new site for the church and that although it has taken 6 years to acquire the building, it was all part of Gods plans and it had actually helped them save money for waiting so long. He then goes into a small sprayer about revival of Christianity in people around the world. The Pastor moves on to scriptures from the Bible, Genesis 36 with summary of last weeks scriptures. Continues to interpret and clarify meaning of each section with examples that are easy to understand and relate to. I did feel better connected to understanding the religion and what the Bible was teaching when he did this, although for the most part I felt

like one huge sinner sitting right in the middle of their sanctuary and their goodness. Some of the short-handed notes I took this Sunday which may elaborate as to why I felt so guilty: Sins sound good and look good but to God have a stench in his nostrils that smells like death. There has been changing of the names of sins over time such as sodomy to gay and whore mongering to entertainment, but sin has always been sin. Worry more how God sees sin rather than how God sees people. Gods Economy vs. Mans Opinion What happens if we treated our Bibles like our cellphones? 3 Sins to flee from o Idolatry- idol worship/false gods. Idol towards teams, people and things are bad. Need moderation when showing support. Show more dedication to God than anything else. o Immorality- drinking from a well of pleasure or a well of personal holiness. o Infidelity- Lack of belief in God and refusing moral standings. Belief that God wont save. Temptation affects us all differently Fully committed to Gods word and the Bible. If not followed completely, youre not with God completely. This service made me realize that each section of Christianity is different. This church is strongly dedicated to the word of the Bible, following what is interpreted and stated to the word.

Project Schedule
Christian Religion
Calvary Mountain View Church located at 340 East State Street in American Fork Utah

First Visit: October 6th 2013 for the 1st Service at 9:00am (Observation) (1.5 hours) Beginning Research: October 6th Observations during 1st service Initial Internet Research: October 12th and 13th Brief online internet readings on interesting topics: Traditions, History and Sermons (2 hours)

Second Visit: October 20th 2nd Service at 11:00 am (Take Field Notes) (1.5 hours) Internet Research: October 31st through November 7th researching deeper into sub-topic of Theology and understanding Christian Beliefs. (2 hours)

Third Visit: October 27th 2nd Service at 11:00am (Take Field Notes) (1.5 hours) Internet Research: November 11th through November 16th researching on sub-topic of sins and ways to repent. (2 hours)

Fourth Visit: November 10th 2nd Service (Take Field Notes) ( 1.5 hours) Internet Research: November 18th through November 23rd researching on sub-topic of services and devotions. (2 hours)

Beginning Rough Draft Paper: November 22nd through November 29th (2 hours) Photo/Blueprint Opportunity: November 10th after 2nd Service Construction of Appendix: December 1st through December 4th Polishing and Proofing of Final Draft: December 1st through December 4th ( 3 hours)

Map

Methods
Going into an assignment such as this one I was very skeptical as to choosing a religion to write this project on and also going to the place of worship for that religion. Growing up I had been to both Catholic and Christian churches but never really understood what they were talking about because I was a young child. But since I had had a previous experience with Christian churches I decided that would be my religion of choice. Staying inside my comfort zone but also putting myself out there for a new more understandable experience as an adult. Choosing a Church to attend was easier than I thought. The Calvary Mountain View Chapel was a few blocks from my house and my sister had been there a couple times before. Since my sister had been there before I wasnt going in totally blind when it came to how to dress and/or how the service would play out each visit. Dress was casual so typically I would just wear jeans with a covered shirt or sweater and boots. There were no seating arrangements so families and friends would sit together, individuals would sit a seat space away and generally families with children or babies would sit near the back in case they needed to step out. I would always sit in the back with my sister and her baby because often she would need that quick exit. Singing and praying were an issue for me at first. Im not a fan of singing religious hymns or praying but I do feel that it did help me to understand more about Christianity by watching everyone as they did each of these traditions. The sincerity and honesty they portrayed each visit was something that I myself couldnt do and wouldnt fake just to engage in normal service worship. But towards the end of my visits I did find myself closing my eyes while they prayed to show my way of respecting their private moment with God. Since I see myself as a non-religious person a project such as this did make me uncomfortable to follow through with. Physically attending the church made me feel like I was lying to everyone who was fully devoted to this religion just by walking into the service and although I wasnt a follower of the Bible, when they did read scriptures about sin I did feel like an even worse person in their eyes. But at the end of it all I realize that we are all just people and if I am a sinner according to a religion then thats fine because they wouldnt judge me for it only God would.