Sean Murphy

Outline the main events of Acts underlining the universality of Christianity and show how these challenge Christians in the modern world to respond to racism and sectarianism.’

The universal outreach of the Church is an important theme of the Acts of the Apostles. The early Christian Church is traced from its earliest roots in Jerusalem after Pentecost to the progress of the gospel to the “ends of the earth.” Acts gradually unveils the new Christian faith as universal for both Jews and Gentiles and confirms that it is not simply a Jewish sect.

Racism is a form of discrimination. It happens when a person or a group of people are treated badly simply because of their race or where they come from. Racism can occur at a personal, cultural, structural level. There are people from over 160 different nationalities living in Ireland today yet racism still occurs from day to day all over the country. Sectarianism can be defined as prejudice or discrimination based on religion or cultural association. The purpose of this assignment is to examine the growing problem in our society and to see how Acts challenges Christians to deal with these problems.

Jesus’ words before his ascension defined the universal nature of the mission, Jesus said “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The words “to the ends of the earth” inform us that Christianity was for the whole the world and not one nation or culture. It was to reach beyond Jews in Jerusalem. Christianity is distinct from Judaism. It does not promote exclusivist behaviour rather it is an inclusive faith regardless of race, gender etc. It is embracing and welcoming to all who have faith in Jesus Christ.

Pentecost is a symbol of this unity where many people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities gather. When they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, each one of them is able to speak in different languages. This is very significant as God wanted everyone to hear his message so he give the apostles power to speak in different languages, in doing this it is clear that God intended the scope of the gospel message to be world wide. “Pentecost symbolises a new unity in the Spirit transcending racial, nation and linguistic barriers” (J.W Stott). Pentecost is a great example to Christians today as it stresses the accord and unity of all people.

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There is a challenge for Christians today to treat all people equal. On a personal level, I discovered 3 years ago that I had entrenched prejudices. My family and I travelled abroad on holidays for the first time. I was 14 years old and we went to Salou in Spain. I was naturally excited but nervous because I could usually make friends with people very easily on holidays, as we would only travel to somewhere in Ireland. This time various cultures and races would be present. Most of the population of the hotel seemed to be English and I ...

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