Universalizing Process of Identity Essay Example

Introduction

Religion is a complex old age concept. It gives people a sense of identity. People have been having a certain faith, they belong to a community, a spirituality, they have morality. Religions have a lot of benefits in society because more often they are based on morality. Ethnic religions a less forceful and are peaceful. They provide a stable sense of identity. Universalizing means making something available and accessible to all. Religion is a choice, and anyone can choose which religion to follow (Whitfield 110). However, for those who were not born into a religion, they usually undergo a process of indoctrination where they are taught disoriented and made to choose and follow a religion. It is not forceful; the teachings are taught, and one is left with the choice of whether to choose the religion or not. Each religion has its teachings based on a religious holy book. The Christians have the Bible while the Muslims have the Quran. Christianity is a major religion, is the world's largest religion and widely diffused over a wide geographical area. This essay discusses how the universalizing process of identity is produced through stories, figuration, and ultimately the conversion narrative. This essay investigates the reasons into why the figural identity with a book so effective in creating subsequent large-scale communities.

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Universalizing Process of Social Identity

The Bible

Universalism is the concept that at the end all the human beings receive salvation and will live an everlasting life with Jesus Christ. It is also within universalism that many people who will be found innocent will be punished by God in the final judgment to come.

As indicated in the Bible, "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive" (The King James Bible, 1 Corinth. 15.22). this verse stresses the concept about all. All here brings the notion of everybody. Everyone without any restriction. This new testament verse shows how the gospel of Christ is fully accommodating everybody into the kingdom. This idea can also be translated to mean that the bible has no, whatsoever limits to who is welcome. Hence even the sinners will find refuge in the religion.

In another verse, "For in him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross" (The King James Bible, Col. 1:19-20). This verse again emphasizes that all, everybody, regardless of who they are, they are welcome and through God, they have been saved. In the book of Romans, "Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man's obedience many will be made righteous" (The King James Bible, 5.18). In this verse, the act of Jesus Christ dying on the cross saved every mankind and therefore, everyone is made righteous.

Biblically, Christianity is a religion that is universal. It is for the humankind and practically no other has come out clearly to claim this. These principles were stated in the old testament and echoed in the new testament. It is a faith that was declared by the Apostles and the church. It has no restriction and opens to everyone who will accept the doctrines.

The Bible in its way of giving us universalism has given humanity identity. A universal identity of our appearance and make. Regardless of one race, skin color, the bible says that we all have the same image, and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Even the bible talks about another form of beauty. Our soul. "Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered" (English Standard Version, 1 Pet. 3:3-7)

Figuratively, a lot of instances have been portrayed in the Bible of instances where for instance Jesus Christ interacted with the sinner. Zacchaeus a tax collector dined with Jesus signifying that the gospel seeks to give people an identity, to be called with Christ. "Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So, he came down at once and welcomed him gladly" (New International Version, Luk. 19:1-10)

Augustine's Confession

Augustine has narrated of an immensely passionate life and his conversion. The conversion of Augustine can be attributed to God's work of salvation. He has narrated of the so many evils and confessed of acts that are sinful. He remembers of the many people that he has met in his life and he is fully convinced that salvation comes to every human being through other people and life events. He expresses of how God's grace was available to him and he went through events that triggered his change of life. He mentions some instances like the Hortensius when his best friend died n Thagaste. The encounter with a drunk. The impromptu visit of Ponticianus. All these experiences had a reformed effect on him.

Conversion Narrative

For those who accept the gospel, they undergo another stage of conversion which involve confessing to accepting Jesus Christ as the savior and baptism. A conversion narrative is a religious practice where a person gives testimony in front of the people who are witnesses to the transformation (Moulin 580). The conversion narratives are religious genres in which a convert confesses of his or her new faith and religion.

The use of a supernatural being in the holy books is used to create a sense of highest authority and power. To create a distinction between what the normal mortal human being can do and to what the supernatural being can do. Is used to instill fear and reverence.

Conclusion

According to the doctrines of the Bible, human beings are equal. All humankind is given an opportunity for salvation (Gronlie 131). This doctrine teaches that finally all human beings will be saved. This doctrine creates a sense of human beings are all equal.

References

Gronlie, Sian. "Conversion narrative and Christian identity: how Christianity came to Iceland'." Medium Aevum 86.1 (2017): 123-146.

Moulin, Daniel. "Tolstoy, universalism and the world religions." The Journal of Ecclesiastical History 68.3 (2017): 570-587.

Whitfield, Bryan J. "Teaching Augustine's Confessions in the Context of Mercer's Great Books Program." Religions 6.1 (2015): 107-112.