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In addition to the thread, you are required to reply to the threads of at least 2 classmates. Each reply must be 125–150 words and include the word count in parentheses. Outside sources are not required, but any cited sources must be in current APA format.

2 days ago

Michelle  

DIscussion Board 4

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While the beginnings of the Reformation were found in the practice of worship, it was not long before the people applied their new found religious freedoms to other areas of their lives. Just as the people had a newfound freedom from religious authority, they began to desire a freedom from governmental authority as well. This was a natural extension for at least two reasons. First, Dennis Rawls (2016) stated, “The values of a culture will determine the behavior and actions of that culture, so to change the actions you must change the worldview” (p. 429). This shift in religious values began to affect long-held societal worldviews in every area. Secondly, the church and the state had become so connected to be virtually indistinguishable from one another, and the people began to demand changes in both. Those seeking religious freedom in Europe set out for the New World in order to find freedom of every kind, and this mindset continues with Americans today. Individualism, promoted by Luther in discerning what Scripture teaches, helped people to see that they are able to think for themselves and make decisions about their futures, not just in the realm of religion but in politics and finances as well. This undoubtedly led to our recognition of the rights of the individual and the privilege of voting. Furthermore, we now carry within us the same desire to govern our own lives, not just at the political and religious level, but in individual freedoms. No one dictates where we are required to live and work. We have choices for our future and the freedom to the way of our choosing. Americans still vigorously defend all of these freedoms and celebrate their free exercise in countless ways daily. 

(Word count: 289)

Reference

Rawls, D. E. (2016). A narrative of western culture. Ann Arbor, MI: XanEdu Publishing, Inc.

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18 hours ago

Ernestine  

The Impact of the Protestant Reformation

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The Impact of Protestant Reformation

Ernestine Jackson

Liberty University

                As a result of “Protestant Reformation,” there was a division in the Catholic church. This division formed Catholic, Protestant and subsequent belief systems. This reformation came with significant cost.  There was an assault on religion by religious people themselves as well as bloodshed and loss of life by the government on Catholics, Protestants and other rebellious groups. There were some negative consequences and some positive consequences. The obvious negative impact is the hurt, harm and danger against and among the people who had to run, hide and uproot their families to search for safety and security which no longer existed toward their church or government. A positive aspect would be the hope for a future peace where they could live free and be treated equally. In search for this freedom some escaped to America to pursue individual, religious and familial freedoms to be expressed by the direction of God, not man. The relocated risking their lives to attain a view of life separate from overbearing religious and governmental influences. They desired the intimacy of a relationship with God and His Word to direct their paths just as we have today. Today there remains a separation of church and government. People of all religions are free to worship as they please, raise their families according to their faith or lack of and it does not affect our citizenship because we live in a democracy where we get to choose government officials. Just as the bloodshed of Christ on the cross of calvary liberated man from sin, death and its consequences, the death and bloodshed of martyrs made a way for the freedoms we are afforded today.  (Rawls, 2016) w/c 288

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