Social Justice, True Religion And Divine Love
Overview
Social justice, true religion, and divine love are fundamental themes that run through the scriptures, offering profound insights into the relationship between humanity and the divine. In this course material, we will embark on a journey through the texts of Amos and Hosea, delving into the core aspects of these themes as presented in the Bible.
Social justice and true religion: The prophet Amos brings to light the pressing issue of social injustice prevalent during his time. Through passages such as Amos 5:1-25 and 8:4-14, Amos condemns the corrupt practices that were rampant in Israel. The call for true religion in the face of this social injustice is a central message that resonates throughout these texts. We will explore what constitutes true religion according to Amos and how it relates to issues of justice and fairness.
Examining the ills that led to the call for social justice during Amos' time will provide us with valuable insights into the socio-political landscape of ancient Israel. By understanding the context in which these calls for justice arose, we can draw parallels to modern-day situations and reflect on the enduring relevance of these messages.
Divine love and human response: Turning to the prophet Hosea, we encounter a powerful narrative that illustrates the divine love and human response in the relationship between God and His people. Hosea's personal experiences, as depicted in chapters such as Hosea 1-3 and 6:1-11, serve as a poignant metaphor for the unconditional love of God and the faithlessness of humanity.
We will delve into Hosea's portrayal of divine love, exploring the depths of God's compassion and mercy despite human failings. The intricate dynamics between divine love and human response as revealed in Hosea's writings will challenge us to reflect on our own relationships with the divine and the ways in which we respond to His calls.
As we navigate through these texts, we will not only gain a deeper understanding of social justice, true religion, and divine love but also be prompted to critically assess our own beliefs and actions in light of these foundational teachings.
Objectives
- Analyse Hosea’s Portrayal Of Divine Love And Human Response
- Examine The Condition In Israel During Hosea’s Time
- Determine What True Religion Is
- Identify The Ills That Led To The Call For Social Justice In Amos’ Time
Lesson Note
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Social Justice, True Religion And Divine Love. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- What was one of the causes of the call for social justice during Amos' time? A. Idol worship and pagan rituals B. Oppression of the poor and needy C. Lack of festivals and sacrifices D. Ignoring the Sabbath day Answer: B. Oppression of the poor and needy
- In Hosea's time, what was the primary focus of his message regarding divine love and human response? A. Repentance and restoration B. Wealth and prosperity C. War and conquest D. Political power and influence Answer: A. Repentance and restoration
- In Amos 5:24, what does the prophet say that God desires from His people? A. Offerings and sacrifices B. Fasting and prayers C. Justice to roll down like waters D. Songs and hymns of praise Answer: C. Justice to roll down like waters
- What is the key aspect of true religion as emphasized in James 1:27? A. Attending religious ceremonies B. Caring for orphans and widows C. Accumulating wealth and possessions D. Achieving political influence Answer: B. Caring for orphans and widows
- According to Hosea 6:6, what does God desire more than sacrifices and burnt offerings? A. Obedience to His commands B. Wealth and riches C. Public displays of worship D. Human sacrifices Answer: A. Obedience to His commands
- In Amos 2:6-8, what specific sin did God address that showed the lack of true religion among the people of Israel? A. Neglecting the Sabbath day B. Selling the righteous for silver C. Failing to offer sacrifices D. Engaging in idol worship Answer: B. Selling the righteous for silver
- What was the significance of the cleansing of the temple by Jesus in the New Testament? A. Establishing a marketplace in the temple B. Restoring the purity of worship C. Performing miracles for money D. Teaching the priests a lesson Answer: B. Restoring the purity of worship
- How did Jonah initially respond to God's call to preach to the people of Nineveh? A. He eagerly obeyed and went immediately B. He fled in the opposite direction C. He asked for a sign from God D. He recruited other prophets to go in his place Answer: B. He fled in the opposite direction
Recommended Books
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Amos and Hosea: A Commentary
Subtitle
Understanding Social Justice and Divine Love
Publisher
HarperOne
Year
2001
ISBN
9780060666776
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|
The Prophets
Subtitle
Volume 1 - The Assyrian Age
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Year
2018
ISBN
978-1107426241
|
Past Questions
Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Social Justice, True Religion And Divine Love from previous years
Question 1 Report
Why does the Lord bring us into this land, to fall by the sword? our wives and our little ones will become a prey;... On which occasion was this statement made? When the