2008 Woodie Awards
CDI speaker hits high points of Christianity
JoLynn Elkins
Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: Campus Life
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The Center for Diversity Initiatives held the first discussion event in this semester's series on religious diversity on Tuesday, September 18 at 5:00 p.m. in the Library's Multi-purpose room. The discussion was on 'Exploring Christianity' with guest speaker the Reverend Norman Suggs, Campus Minister and Director of the Wesley Foundation at Tarleton State University.
The director of the Center for Diversity Initiatives, Dr. Aziz Talbani said that the past semester's series had a "…good turn out to most events. The talks on Scientology and Islam were well attended." Talbani said. Nineteen people attended Tuesday night's event.
Suggs started the evening with an explanation that there are many forms and ideologies in Christianity that many may not know about.
"Christianity is most commonly known religion in the United States, but you may not know it at all. You know what you know and don't know what you don't know." Suggs said. A political sketch of the time at the birth of Christ was next, followed with a chronology of Christ's life.
Suggs then moved to the matter of faith and how it is essential to followers of the Christian religion. Suggs brought to attention many facts and concepts that the audience had apparently not been aware previously.
"Christians were originally called 'Followers of the Way' and were a sect of Judaism and there wasn't a problem [between Judaism and Christians] until they started allowing gentiles into their worship services." Suggs said.
It was not until the early 40's After Common Era, or A.C., that the Christian church was starting to meet independently.
Suggs then gave an overview of the Bible, the books that compose of the New Testament and the more prominent authors.
"Paul was most influential in the creation of the Church, even more so than Jesus." Suggs said. Paul brought a practical view to the faith "addressing things more pragmatically." Suggs said.
He also spoke of a series of writings that were not included in the official Bible canon that was created in the fifth century. These writings were not included because the Church of the time did not think they reflected the commonly accepted works. Suggs suggested that those interested in other Christian writings read the Apocrypha, which contains most of the omitted writings.
The director of the Center for Diversity Initiatives, Dr. Aziz Talbani said that the past semester's series had a "…good turn out to most events. The talks on Scientology and Islam were well attended." Talbani said. Nineteen people attended Tuesday night's event.
Suggs started the evening with an explanation that there are many forms and ideologies in Christianity that many may not know about.
"Christianity is most commonly known religion in the United States, but you may not know it at all. You know what you know and don't know what you don't know." Suggs said. A political sketch of the time at the birth of Christ was next, followed with a chronology of Christ's life.
Suggs then moved to the matter of faith and how it is essential to followers of the Christian religion. Suggs brought to attention many facts and concepts that the audience had apparently not been aware previously.
"Christians were originally called 'Followers of the Way' and were a sect of Judaism and there wasn't a problem [between Judaism and Christians] until they started allowing gentiles into their worship services." Suggs said.
It was not until the early 40's After Common Era, or A.C., that the Christian church was starting to meet independently.
Suggs then gave an overview of the Bible, the books that compose of the New Testament and the more prominent authors.
"Paul was most influential in the creation of the Church, even more so than Jesus." Suggs said. Paul brought a practical view to the faith "addressing things more pragmatically." Suggs said.
He also spoke of a series of writings that were not included in the official Bible canon that was created in the fifth century. These writings were not included because the Church of the time did not think they reflected the commonly accepted works. Suggs suggested that those interested in other Christian writings read the Apocrypha, which contains most of the omitted writings.
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