Tag: HIST 332

Benjamin Randol

Martin Luther: The Political Reformer

Most people know Martin Luther as the instigator of the Reformation whose ideas forever changed Christian theology and practice. However, few people realize the magnitude of influence that Luther’s ideas had on contemporary Western European politics, specifically, Luther’s doctrine of “Two Kingdoms”. In fact, Luther’s “Two Kingdoms” was the most politically revolutionary doctrine during the Reformation for a few reasons. First, Luther’s “Two Kingdoms” directly challenged the authority of the papacy, the leading governmental and religious body in all of Western Europe at the time. Second, Luther’s “Two Kingdoms” also challenged many sacramental laws instituted by the Roman Catholic Church. Lastly, Luther’s “Two Kingdoms” doctrine was one of the first to advocate for the distancing between religion and politics that eventually led to the political practice of separation between church and state.

HIST 332, History of Christianity

Melisa Ortiz Berry

P103

1 – 3 PM

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Cameron Binaley

The Effect of Pentecostalism on Contemporary Christian Music

The assignment that will be presented is my argument that the Pentecostal movement has propelled Contemporary Christian Music to its current form today for History 332: History of Christianity II. The first part of the presentation will include an introduction and explanation as to what Pentecostalism is and its immediate impact on Christianity in the early 1900s. The second part of the presentation will discuss how modern gospel music derives its roots from African American Spirituals, with many of the first songs of worship sung at the Azusa Street Revival being African American Spirituals. The third part of the presentation will discuss how the effect of Classical Protestant denominations embracing charismaticism leads to a need for Contemporary Christian Music to help evangelize to the youth. The fourth part of the presentation will discuss how with the rise of Protestant denominations Pentecostalizing and churches like Hillsong have grown into a worship music powerhouse, Contemporary Christian Music becomes more than just worship music, but as God’s presence and divine healing. The last part of the presentation will conclude with a recap and ending with stating that whether we know it or not, what we sing in church becomes our theology, so it is important to understand where our music comes from.  

HIST 332, History of Christianity II

Melisa Ortiz Berry

Bushnell History Symposium: 11:00 – 11:20 AM

Join our Zoom meeting here. The presenter and faculty advisor both have the password.

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Emmalee Rusk

Unitarian Universalism VS Coexistence

Unitarian Universalism is related to the term “coexist”, but it is not the same as Unitarian Universalism. It is important to understand the difference between these two to not muddle the intent and authenticity of both. Unitarian Universalism is a religion while the term “coexistence” is a social cry out for religious and social tolerance. From when Unitarian Universalism and the “coexist” symbols were originated, one far in the past and the other extremely recent, to the furthered development of theological history Unitarian Universalism possesses in its own origination and the arguments of social peace in comparison to religious security and peace surrounding each side: Unitarian Universalism and coexistence are not the same belief.

Unitarian “1. one who believes that the deity exists only in one person and 2. a member of a denomination that stresses individual freedom of belief, the free use of reason in religion, a united world community, and liberal social action.”  Universalism is thought to be traced back to Origen, the well-known theologian, around A.D. 140-150. Unitarian Universalism was forged from Unitarianism and Universalism in the mid-20th century, specifically in 1961, seeing that their religions, since they were similar enough, would be stronger in their efforts together.

The “COEXIST” sticker began at a competition in Jerusalem, created by Piotr Mlodozeniec.  The design was originally with just the David Star, the crescent moon “c” and the cross. The David Star is a symbol for Judaism, the Crescent moon is for Islam and the Cross is for Christianity.

Unitarian Universalists seem to collectively agree that coexistence ideology is part of UU principles but is not an adequate description of their beliefs. There is no denying that these two are similar, but they are clearly not the same. Distinguishing the two comes down to an argument of Religion versus Social argumentation.

Unitarian Universalism is a religion while the term “coexistence” is a social cry out for religious and social tolerance. From when Unitarian Universalism and “coexist” were originated, to the furthered theology UU possesses than coexistence, and the arguments surrounding each side: UU and coexistence are not the same belief. The two beliefs are both commendable in their own way and have similarities in their desires, but due to their differences in root desires, historical upbringings, and modern applications of social or religious arguments they are related by a desire for unity, but by nothing more significant.

HIST 332, History of Christianity II

Melisa Ortiz Berry

Bushnell History Symposium: 10:30 – 11:00 AM

Join our Zoom meeting here. The presenter and faculty advisor both have the password.

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Conner Borigo, Anthony Galindo, Chantel Hall, Ruth Meeker, De’Onte Menefee, & Luiz Munoz

NCU’s Famous Missionary: Finding a biography in the Kellenberger Archives

The History of Christianity II class has been studying the work and impact of missionaries across the globe.  Librarian Steve Silver helped them uncover the life of NCU’s most famous graduate, E. R. Moon by giving access to the NCU archives and the ‘Congo Collection’ of Kellenberger Library. The missionary, E.R.Moon, served in Congo (1908-1923) where he planted many churches and translated the Bible into the local Bantu dialect. With the financial support of Oregon churches, he transported 1200 boxes of pieces which he rebuilt into a boat in Congo and dubbed the “Oregon.” Upon return from Africa, he spent many years as a professor in College of Mission in Indianapolis and College of Religion in Butler University and six more years in Jamaica. He retired in Springfield giving over a thousand talks on life and ministry in the Congo before his death in 1962.  

The History of Christianity students have prepared a PowerPoint using pictures from the archives and authentic artifacts from the Congo to share this NCU graduate’s life in ministry.  Conner Borigo will share on Moon’s family, his childhood, academic preparation, call to missions and the ministry and help of his wife Bessie. Anthony Galindo will give us the bigger picture of the geography and political history of the Congo in this era as it suffered from and then emerged from the brutal Belgian colonialization. Ruth Meeker will explain the mechanics and mission of the boat “Oregon” which provided transport on the Congo River for locals and missionaries alike.  Chantel Hall uses Moon’s book on Congo to describe Congolese dietary customs, community life, marriage, roles, and native religion. Luiz Munoz explores the spiritual impact of Moon’s ministry. De’Onte Menefee concludes the presentation by telling why Moon left Africa and how he finished strong by training others for missions and going himself again to Jamaica.

Each portion of the PowerPoint is illustrated by quotes and pictures of Moon from the NCU Kellenberger archives.  The presentation will also include a display of articles such as a beheading knife, chief’s throne, neck rings worn by chief’s wives, massive metal jewelry to display wealth, weapons, etc.  held by the NCU museum collection.

HIST 332, History of Christianity II

Kathryn Hain

P103

2 – 3 PM

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