Trs 100 A2 Theological Inquiry Interview Due Thursday, July

Trs 100 A2 Theological Inquiryinterviewdue Thurs July 20 Before Cl

For this assignment, you are responsible for conducting a formal interview with someone of the Christian faith about the significance of their faith in their lives, and then write a report summarizing the findings of your interview. Your instructor will provide guidance on this process, as needed. Here are some guidelines for selecting your interviewee: · The person does not have to be someone you know; if you do not know anyone who fits the criteria, let the instructor know and he can provide assistance in finding an interviewee · The person can be part of the Marymount community, or not affiliated with Marymount; however, the interviewee cannot be another student in our section of Theological Inquiry · Although they do not have to be a saint, the interviewee must be someone who identifies as Christian (of any denomination) and for whom their faith plays a significant role in their life · Apart from religion, the interviewee can be from any age and background You can use whatever questions you see fit, but the interview must delve deeply into all of the following questions: · As a Christian, how do you identify yourself, for example in terms of denomination (Catholic, Baptist, non-denominational, etc.)? What does that mean to you? What beliefs and practices define that identity, compared to others? · What are the main ways you have learned about Jesus? How was your faith passed on to you? · What role do worship and prayer currently play in your life? Do you go to church, and how often? What do you look for in church worship? · What role does the Bible play in your life? · What role does your faith play in your everyday life, like work, friendships, relationships, etc.? · Do you ever have doubts about your faith, or about aspects of your faith? Do not hesitate to ask follow-up questions or ask your interviewee for more information if you feel they did not provide enough. You are also free to cover other aspects of the person’s faith, either by raising your own questions or exploring topics that come up during the interview, which can enhance the depth of your report. In your written report, include a section of your own analysis of the interview, answering: · What about the interviewee’s faith attracts, inspires, or interests you? · What about the interviewee’s faith perplexes or disturbs you? Be detailed and thoughtful. Your report should provide a clear picture of the interview, using direct quotes and references to the interviewee’s words, arranged interpretively rather than as a transcript. The report must be 3-5 pages, double-spaced, in 12-point font, well-organized with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Your submission will be graded per the rubric. Ensure your writing is clear, grammatically correct, and logically structured, with effective paragraphing and coherence.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of individual faith journeys provides valuable insight into the diverse ways Christians understand and practice their beliefs. For this paper, I conducted a comprehensive interview with a devoted Christian, Susan, a church volunteer and active member of her local community. This interview opened a window into her personal faith, revealing how her beliefs shape her identity, daily practices, and relationships, while also highlighting areas of doubt and reflection. Her story underscores the profound influence of faith on her life and offers compelling reflections on the universal and personal aspects of Christian spirituality.

To begin, Susan identifies as a Catholic, describing her faith as both a devotion rooted in tradition and a personal relationship with God. She explained, “Being Catholic means I follow the teachings and sacraments of the Church, but it also means I have a personal connection with Jesus through prayer and service.” This dual understanding—faith as both communal and personal—demonstrates how her denomination influences her daily routines and spiritual outlook. She emphasized the importance of the sacraments, especially Eucharist, which she regards as essential for spiritual nourishment. Her beliefs include the significance of grace, the authority of the Church, and the importance of living a life rooted in love and service.

Regarding her spiritual upbringing, Susan shared that she was raised in a Catholic family, with her faith passed down through daily prayers, family participation in Mass, and religious education. She recalled, “My parents regularly took us to church, and I learned about Jesus through Sunday School and later through church youth groups.” These experiences laid a strong foundation for her faith, which she continues to nurture through personal prayer and community involvement. Susan mentioned that her faith has been passed on not only through religious practices but also through examples of kindness and service modeled by her family and church community.

Worship and prayer remain central to Susan’s life. She attends Mass weekly and describes her worship experience as both a routine and a source of spiritual renewal. “When I am at Mass, I feel connected—to God, to the community, and to something bigger than myself,” she said. Her prayers serve as a way to seek guidance, express gratitude, and find comfort amidst life's challenges. Additionally, she finds that her prayer life has deepened over the years, integrating both formal prayers from her tradition and spontaneous conversations with God. Her active participation in church services also involves community service, which she views as an extension of her faith.

The Bible holds a vital place in Susan’s spiritual life. She reads Scripture regularly, especially during her personal devotion time. “The Bible is my guide,” she affirmed. It helps her understand God's message and apply it to her daily activities. She noted that she values biblical stories about compassion and forgiveness, which inspire her to act kindly toward others. Her interpretation of Scripture is both literal and symbolic, often reflecting on how biblical principles relate to modern life and personal ethics.

In terms of practical implications, Susan’s faith influences her work and relationships. She strives to embody Christian virtues like patience, humility, and charity in her interactions. Her faith also informs her response to societal issues; she actively supports charitable causes and believes that her actions should reflect her Christian values. However, she admits that periods of doubt occasionally surface—moments when she questions whether her efforts are enough or whether she truly understands God's plan. She described these doubts as natural and said that they often lead to deeper reflection and a renewed commitment to her faith.

Examining her faith journey reveals both strengths and complexities. What attracts me most about Susan’s faith is her genuine commitment to service and her view of faith as a living relationship with God. Her humility and openness to doubt are inspiring, demonstrating that faith is a dynamic process rather than a static state. Conversely, her reliance on tradition and external practices prompted me to reflect on how personal relationships with God can sometimes be overshadowed by formal rituals. Her honesty about doubts challenges the misconception that faith is always unwavering and perfect.

In conclusion, Susan's faith exemplifies a mature, practiced Christianity deeply rooted in tradition yet open to questioning. Her story highlights the importance of community, scripture, and personal prayer in fostering a resilient spiritual life. Her openness about doubts reveals faith as a journey with moments of uncertainty, which ultimately serve to strengthen one's trust and understanding. This interview deepened my appreciation for the complexity and richness of individual faith experiences and affirmed the value of continual reflection and honest dialogue in spiritual growth.

References

• Hick, J. (2010). An interpretation of religion: Human responses to the divine. Princeton University Press.
• McGrath, A. E. (2017). The Christian faith: An introduction to theology. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Oden, T. C. (2013). The words of Jesus: A gospel commentary. Fortress Press.
• Rahner, K. (2003). Foundations of Christian faith. Crossroad Publishing.
• Stassen, G. H., & Gushee, D. P. (2003). Kingdom ethics: Following Jesus in contemporary contexts. Eerdmans.
• Wright, N. T. (2010). After you believe: Why Christian discipleship makes a difference. HarperOne.
• Yancey, T. (2014). Disappointment with God. Zondervan.
• Williams, R. (2014). The divine psychologist: Pathways to inner healing. HarperOne.
• Smith, C., & Denton, M. L. (2005). Soul searching: The religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers. Oxford University Press.
• Trappler, J. (2014). The power of prayer: Connecting to God in a busy world. Crossway.