Beginning in chapter 12 Paul discussed how Christians are to live. In Romans 12:1 Paul urges the Christians: “in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” Paul continuously reminds the people to live above reproach and renew their minds so that they do not become part of the world. In the entire book of Romans Paul discusses the topic of how we as Christians should live, but Moo makes a great point in our book of how chapter 12 is a more in depth teaching on this matter. Moo states that "All theology is practical, and all practice, if it is truly Christian, is theological. Paul's gospel is deeply theological, but it is also eminently practical.
The First Crusade began in 1095 after the speech of Pope Urban at the Council of Clermont. There were many reasons as to why people joined the First Crusade, including religious, economic and social factors. I believe that the most important reason is the religious factor. This is because since religion was so important and present at this time, people were constantly reminded of the fact that it was their right as Christians to kill the infidel and claim their ‘rightful’ holy place in Jerusalem. Pope Urban, in 1095, gave a speech which called people to crusade.
Charlemagne or Charles the great, Carolingian monarch. He was a very strong element in unifying Western Europe through the blessing of the church. Charlemagne Grandfather had partnership with the church during his period of time; he was the one who started the process to bring Western Europe together, in the belief that everyone should be Christian. Charlemagne father, Pepin the short contiutued this process thought the Western Europe and passed his beliefs on to Charlemagne. All three Carolingian monarchs wanted the church to reform, wanted to reorganize the church under the pope; all this would help raise their power as the Carolingian dynasty.
He taught us to be kind and not to judge, to treat our neighbors respectfully. He taught us to turn the other cheek and to have faith in God’s word. Jesus taught us not only to love ourselves but to love mankind as well. Jesus taught us how to walk the road to righteousness and to have faith in God our heavenly father. Jesus addressed many issues during his sermon on the mount.
In order to inspire these people to move into action, Pope Urban II made astounding proclamations; proclamations that played on the people’s faith and devotion to God. It’s almost as if he used fear to herd the people into action as one account recalls, “But if you are hindered by love of children, parents, or of wife, remember what the Lord says in the Gospel, `He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me', 'Every one that hath forsaken houses, …, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.' Let none of your possessions retain you, nor solicitude for you, family affairs…” (Robinson 312-316). In more condensed words, “If you don’t go to war for God, and leave behind everyone who loves you, you are not good enough for God”. I don’t feel that this has ever been God’s message.
The Muslims believed that this is where the ascension of the prophet Mohammad who was the prophet for Allah. The Holy Land is significant to Christians because this is where the Biblical prophets of the Old Testament prophesied of Christ coming, but most importantly this is where Christ did all of His earthly ministry. The final straw which brought about the start of the Crusades was when Jerusalem was overtaken by Muslim Turks who slaughtered 3000 Christians. This event lead down to a path which would be known as the starting block for the
On October 27, 312 while Constantine’s armies were preparing for battle as they started marching Constantine looked up to the sun and saw a cross of light above the cross were the words “You shall conquer”. That same night he had a vision. The God of Christianity told him he would intervene and help him win the battle, but Constantine had to fulfill his commandment. God commanded Constantine to delineate a heavenly sing on the shields of all his soldiers. The sign was the first two letters of the word Christ.
The military expeditions planned and fought by western European Christians that began around 1095 are known today as the Crusades. The main purpose of these expeditions was to overtake and gain control of the Holy Land, Jerusalem, Pope Urban II initiated the first crusade. On November 27, 1095, Pope Urban preached to his followers outside the city of Clermont-Ferrand about the action, which needed to take place. Preaching words about how God wouledition. Small groups began to form, each planning their own path to Constantinople; that was where they would meet.
But in chapter 12, Paul begins to take a more in depth look at how Christians ought to behave and act. Prior to this section, Paul speaks of orthodoxy, but nor begins to look at orthopraxy. Moo mentions, “All theology is practical, and all practice, if it is truly Christian, is theological. Paul’s gospel is deeply theological, but it is also eminently practical. The good news of Jesus Christ is intended to transform a person’s life.” The power of the gospel is the force which drives sanctification in the lives of those who follow Christ.
Being able to give an answer to everyone who asks is known as apologetics, which means to “give an answer.” 1{Hindson, Caner, 28} Paul said in 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (NIV). Peter does not simply suggest that we be prepared, but he compels us to be prepared always. Christianity is under attack not only by those within Christianity, but also by those in cults and other faiths.