It is debated whether it is possible for Christians today to be true disciples.
A03
It is debated whether it is possible for Christians today to be true disciples. In order to investigate this, I must investigate the meaning of discipleship, and what it means for us in the modern world.
If discipleship demanded perfection, it would be practically impossible, as nobody is perfect, and as humans, it is in our nature to make mistakes. As humans, I think that our will is too weak to resist temptation, and it is therefore impossible to be a complete saint. Keeping this in mind, some would ask whether it is possible to be a true disciple. However, I think that we must remember that the twelve disciples were not perfect. There were many occasions when the apostles failed to recognise Jesus’ identity and denied him; when Peter denied knowing him, and when Judas betrayed him. But in order to be a disciple, we must try our best and never give up hope in God.
It is argued whether in this modern world we can be a true disciple, but I believe it is still possible if one is fully committed to their faith, and is willing to sacrifice their time for God. I would consider a true disciple to be committed, dedicated, willing to help others and wanting to share in Jesus' faith and expectations. Just like the first disciples, we received a call to live out our discipleship; this occurs at baptism. Having been baptised, Christians are expected to act as the disciples did, by showing faith towards God, loving and caring for our neighbour, and by giving to those less well off than ourselves. There are many examples of people who actively live out their vocation and act as true disciples. The most famous of these is Mother Teresa, who gave her life to helping others. She sacrificed all she had to help improve the lives of poorer people in deprived countries, and is an example of a true follower of God. I believe that working for justice and peace is very important, if nobody did so; the world would be in very serious trouble. It is my opinion that in order to be a true disciple, we must certainly stand up to wrongdoing and speak out against injustice. Campaigning for peace and justice can be on different levels, global, national, and local. Some would say that true disciples are only people like Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King, because they have stood up against injustice, have had a huge effect and are known famously to this day, and always will be. But I don't think that to be a true disciple you need to make big waves by campaigning for big global issues, there are many everyday people who live their lives by following Jesus’ example. Parents, for instance, live out their discipleship by raising their children in the way of God. Nurses and doctors too, live like disciples by helping others, as do teachers, voluntary workers and young people. Priests and missionary workers live out their vocation by teaching others of God. They have the task of getting people to think about religion, and they have to survive getting mocked, and being shunned. They have to also give up many of what we would call "life essentials" to do these things, like the disciples had to. Monks and Nuns spend their lives dedicated to God. Various charities dedicate their time to helping others. Groups like ‘Cafod’ and ‘Trocaire’ for example, do all they can to raise money for the underprivileged and starving people in poor countries and communities. These are just some of the modern day examples of people living out their discipleship.
