Theology Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Theology Paper - Essay Example The spirituality that I envision is the Spirituality of Service, which has for its ideal the motto that service to mankind is the highest form of service to God. Spirituality of Service is part of the Judeo-Christian tradition. It has its roots in the teachings of the Holy Bible and is greatly influenced by the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. This spirituality of service emphasizes that love expressed to God must be made evident by love expressed to humanity. This concept of spirituality can also be called the Spirituality of the Hammer. Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity, a Christian ministry that builds homes for the homeless, says regarding the theology of the hammer "our Christian faith mandates that we do more than just talk about faith and sing about love. We must put faith and love into action to make them real, to make them come alive for people. True faith must be acted out." (p.7). The Spirituality of Service looks to the Holy Bible as the source of its inspiration. The two great commandments of the Bible regarding loving God and loving one's neighbor are the pivots of this spirituality. The major emphasis of this spirituality is putting faith into action. ... e of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it"(Holy Bible, James 2:14-17 NIV). People deprived of the basic necessities of life need much more than comforting words, they need food, clothing and shelter. The spirituality of service seeks to serve God by identifying and meeting the needs of the poor and outcasts of society by community effort. This spirituality's concept of God is of an eternal being of infinite goodness existing as the Trinity - the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. God's goodness is evident in creation and this goodness is expressed in a continual giving on God's part. The highest gift of this good God is the person of Jesus Christ, the incarnated Word, who died on the cross to liberate man from the bondage of sin and established for man, a new way to fellowship with God. The concept of man in this spirituality is of a created being. Man's ultimate goal in life is to live in intimate fellowship with God and this is made possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in man. Man's broken relationship with God was restored at the cross and now to live in close fellowship with God, man is commanded to love God and love his neighbor. The bottom line is that love to God must be expressed in social action. Apostle John giving a practical application of this commandment says "If anyone has material possessi ons and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."(Holy Bible, 1 John 3:17-18.NIV). Meditating on the philosophy of human existence, this spirituality holds the view that achieving the consciousness of God is closely linked to the consciousness