Jesus on Money and Material Possessions

I do not believe that detachment from from money and material Possessions is necessary to enter the kingdom of God, but disregarding material things does make it easier to become closer with God. In today's society, it is easy to become materialistic because new ideas and inventions are constantly coming into our world, and when you grow up with accessability to these technologies, the desire for more is hard to shake. However, more often than not, those who do not have as many privileges are more grateful when one comes along. To me, appreciation is a huge aspect of the kingdom of God, and those who truly appreciative are able to become closer with God.

Theology of Suffering

In the article, "The Mystery of Suffering: How Should I Respond?" I understand Kenneth R. Overberg's 3 important points about Jesus and suffering to be very simple and concise. The 3 points outline that Jesus does all he can to heal, comfort, and love all of those who suffer. In point #1 Jesus heals those who suffer from blindness and sickness, even though God the Father presented these individuals with ailments.In point #2 Jesus rejects that suffering is a form of punishment for sin. Lastly, point #3 illustrates how Jesus always remains faithful to God and never loses trust in him, no matter how tough his suffering becomes. "The Theology of Atonement/Ransom" states that Jesus' life was created then taken by God as a punishment for our sins. God sought for a ransom in order to make up for the mistakes and wrongs of all people. On the other hand, "The Theology of Incarnation" states that God created all things with life, love and purpose. It also states that Jesus was not created human in order to be taken away as a punishment, but created as an example of how all of God's creation is to live. I agree with "The Theology of Incarnation" because I believe God did all things in goodness and life, and he never punishes his people. God created Jesus as an example for all people, not as a "ransom" for those who have done wrong.

Should Osama Bin Laden Be Forgiven?

According to Mike Hayes' article, "Are We Supposed to Forgive Osama Bin Laden" he states that, "...forgiveness does not give assent to the horrible actions committed by another. Forgiveness allows us to heal from harms done to us by moving forward and not allowing this pain to continue to control our lives." Although I agree that fogiveness is necessary in order to truely move on from and accept a wrong one has done, I believe that when the wrong is as amazingly horrific as the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, that Osama Bin Laden, the master mind of the disaster, does not deserve to be forgiven. As Catholics, we are taught incesently to forgive otherso our own sins may be forgiven by God. The Gospel of Mark 11:25 states, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Another example comes from the Gospel of Matthew 6:14-16 stating, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." As well as countless other excerpts from the Bible, we are told that the only way to be forgiven by God of our sins is to forgive those who have sinned against us. However, I believe that there are exceptions to every rule; and when the sins are as grave as those of Osama Bin Laden's, forgiving him would almost be justification for what he has done. I am sure that many people in the world are able to forgive those that contributed to the attacks on 9/11, but I have not found the strength to move on from the suffering and mourning that Osama Bin Laden has caused to millions of Americans and other citizens of the world.