In one paragraph, comment on a book, issue or theological idea that has engaged your attention recently.
I figure I'll be doing better if I can try this out before I send it to them - you'll probably get another one for the long essay, and another for the other short essay, but let's start where we are, shall we?
I recently picked up a text called "An Open Letter to the Christian Nobility" by Martin Luther. Having never before read Luther, I wasn't sure what to expect. I found his style confrontational, his points aggressive, and his position unshakeable. I was most struck, first, by his deep-seated anger at the Pope. I wouldn't characterize most of what he writes as a personal attack, but rather fury at the misuse of the Papal office. I noticed, then, that many of the proposals he made in the first treatise are now institutions of Protestant Christianity. Through consistent logic and thoughtful belief, one man was able to deeply affect Christian thinking. Finally, though, I was struck by the depth of his concern for Christians - going so far as to discourage pilgrimages, on the grounds that people should be invested in their own neighbours. Knowing more of the history of the church, and of one man's passion for the members of the body of Christ, helps me to see what I can do
Please, folks - comment. I need advices on this more than I was expecting.
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Do you want to say that you've never read Luther? I'm sure it's fine that you haven't, but do you want to point that out to people who want you to be well versed in religious scholarship so that they will let you into their school? I'm not sure - just a thought.
"See what I can do"... what? your final sentence seems like it needs something after that final "do" - I think I know what you're saying, but it might help to say what it will help you do within the church.
One of your initial sentences, "I found his style confrontational, his points aggressive, and his position unshakeable.", came across as angry/mad/negative to me. Based on the rest of the paragraph, I don't think you mean to speak negatively about Luther, but that first initial sentence kind of gave that idea to me. Is it possible to say that he seemed confrontational and agressive to those he was writing to, not to you? I definitly get this feeling later in the paragraph, but it seems like a coarse beginning.
If that makes any sense... I imagine we'll talk moure about it in person, but I hope the comments are somewhat helpful! They are just my thoughts, so feel free to not use any of them. :)
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