Reflection Paper
Reflection Paper 1
THEO 104 Liberty University
July 19, 2013
I. Introduction
This reflection paper will highlight some of the insights I have gained during the first four weeks of Theology 104. This course provides information relevant to living an inspired Christian life. I have chosen to write my paper on character development and conscience. As believers, we should be constantly striving to develop our character to be more Christ like and to have a clear understanding of what is right or wrong. II. Character Development a) Theological Definition: The Bible defines character as any behavior or activity that reflects the character of God (Wikipedia, “Moral Character”). The Book of Genesis tells us that God created man in his own image (Gen. 1:26-27, New Century Version). Being made in God’s image is not in reference to physical characteristics; instead it is referring to man’s immaterial nature. The article Original Creation of Man in the Image of God, explains we are not created in the physical image of God, but instead a reflection of God (Towns, n.d.). Since we are a reflection of God, our personal character should mirror God’s Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.” a) Biblical Foundation: As believers we should always strive to live a life that is filled with the Spirit of God and mirror God’s character. When God created man, He gave humans the ability to reason. In fact, God gave man the distinct ability to discern moral judgments (Towns, n.d.). The Bible is the believer’s tool to character development. By immersing oneself in God’s word, the believer will find his or her life transformed. Towns writes, “Perhaps the greatest influence of the Bible is its convicting, convincing, converting power to all who honestly accept its message and believe in Jesus Christ”
THEO 104 Liberty University
July 19, 2013
I. Introduction
This reflection paper will highlight some of the insights I have gained during the first four weeks of Theology 104. This course provides information relevant to living an inspired Christian life. I have chosen to write my paper on character development and conscience. As believers, we should be constantly striving to develop our character to be more Christ like and to have a clear understanding of what is right or wrong. II. Character Development a) Theological Definition: The Bible defines character as any behavior or activity that reflects the character of God (Wikipedia, “Moral Character”). The Book of Genesis tells us that God created man in his own image (Gen. 1:26-27, New Century Version). Being made in God’s image is not in reference to physical characteristics; instead it is referring to man’s immaterial nature. The article Original Creation of Man in the Image of God, explains we are not created in the physical image of God, but instead a reflection of God (Towns, n.d.). Since we are a reflection of God, our personal character should mirror God’s Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.” a) Biblical Foundation: As believers we should always strive to live a life that is filled with the Spirit of God and mirror God’s character. When God created man, He gave humans the ability to reason. In fact, God gave man the distinct ability to discern moral judgments (Towns, n.d.). The Bible is the believer’s tool to character development. By immersing oneself in God’s word, the believer will find his or her life transformed. Towns writes, “Perhaps the greatest influence of the Bible is its convicting, convincing, converting power to all who honestly accept its message and believe in Jesus Christ”
References: Gutierrez, G. E. (2012). Praxis beyond theory. Virgina Beach, VA, USA: Academx Publishing Services, Inc. The Holy Bible, New Century Version. (2005). Fort Worth, TX, United States of America: Thomas Nelson, Inc. Towns, E. (2007). Core Christianity, [What is christianity all about]. Chattanooga, TN, USA: AMG Publishers. Towns, E. (n.d.). Original Cceation of man in the image of God. Retrieved from http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-21356998-dt-content-rid- 150021436_1/courses/THEO104_D50_201330/NEW%20Creation%20in%20the%20Im age%20 Of%20God.pdf Towns, E. (n.d.). The material and immaterial aspects of man. Retrieved from http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-21356998-dt-content-rid- 150021421_1/courses/THEO104_D50_201330/NEW%20The%20Material%20and%20 Immaterial%20Aspects%20of%20Man.pdf Wikipedia. (n.d.). Moral Character. Retrieved July 19, 2013, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_character