Part 1: Reflection
This week’s lecture has talked about the essence of the Church in implementing religious traditions and beliefs. Ecclesiology refers to the study of the Church regarding its role in Christianity as a religion. The Church is considered a holy place of worship among all descendants of Christianity. A sacramental is a symbolic object that shows respect to God, and it is administered in a Church. The process of taking sacraments is expected to excite pious and attract devotion from God. Ecclesiology and sacraments are symbols of Christianity, yet the Church has failed to uphold the gospel virtues within its religious scope.
The definition of Ecclesiology notes that the study of the Church is broad in scope and deep in details. The traditions of Christianity are passed from one generation to another through the Church. Ecclesiology also notes that the Church is an essential worshiping part among followers of Jesus Christ. Most religious ceremonies take place in the Church overseen by religious leaders of different cadres. In modern times, however, the definition of the Church has taken a new dimension. For instance, it is common to find temporary structures representing the Church during a popular religious event such as a wedding. In some cases, political debates are taking place in the Church among some countries. The true Gospel has eroded from the values of Christianity as a result of accusations made against Christian leaders. The current generation of Christians seems to have a distorted interpretation of the Church as guided by Ecclesiology.
The sacrament is defined as a material thing or process which done to pay the respect due to Sacramental. According to Ecclesiology, rituals are symbols of respect to the Church and appeals to God in unique ways. Sacramental ensures that Christians acknowledge the essence and spiritual importance of the sacrament as a means of respect. The sacrament is a common practice in most Catholic Churches. Some Churches have invented additional practices that resemble sacraments. Misinformed Church leaders in developing nations capitalize on economic gains of Church activities. For instance, some pastors claim to have spiritual leaders by using chemical compounds to perform vague “miracles”. The role of the sacrament loses significance with the invention of misleading Church practices, which are against the fundamentals of Ecclesiology.
The discussion above notes that the Church is an important element of worship among Christians. Ecclesiology has been influential in maintaining the Gospel virtues of Christianity as described in the Bible. It is through the study of the Church that modern Christians understand the role of religion in peace and unity. Sacramental is a useful symbol that connects Christians to the Church. Christians from all walks of lives congregate in a Church during the administration of the sacrament. It is unfortunate, however, that the Church has taken a new shift due to varying factors. In modern times, Churches act as haven for people experiencing all kind of life challenges. In some regions, religious conflicts arise due to spiritual beliefs causing imminent deaths to worshipers.
Part 2: Interaction Questions
Question 1: According to Ecclesiology, the Church deserves respect as a holy place of practicing religion. If respect in the Church should begin with religious leaders offered this mandate, why do the same individuals get caught up in immoral cases such as molestation against children?
Question 2: It is wise for all Church-goers to pay respect to the Church by participating in different religions practices. Invented practices with immoral values are condemned in the Bible and Jesus Christ played a practical role to prove the importance of the Church. Then why do modern pastors and fathers invent contradiction religious ceremonies to attract a huge audience to the church?