Religion refers to a set of beliefs regarding the nature, cause and the drive of the universe, particularly when regarded as a creation of a superhuman agency that involves ritual and devotional observances, and usually contains a moral code of conduct that governs the affairs of human beings. The Christian religion has drawn the attention of many people all over the world due to the concept of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ. Additionally, the matter of Jesus as the redeemer has had a lot of influence in shaping the understanding of justice and mercy. This paper is, therefore, resourceful in understanding those concepts in the Christian context.
First, it is worthwhile to understand that the Christian religion is centered on Jesus Christ as the messiah and redeemer of mankind. He is believed to be the son of God whom He sent to come and save the people from sin that according to God, attracted a death penalty. Jesus died on the cross in the place of man who was to die because of their sins and to that effect, man was not to suffer death anymore. Jesus Christ being blameless and spotless from heaven; His blood was sufficient to have the sins of the entire mankind cleansed. His persecution, death and resurrection is a source of power to the Christians. That is why Paul, the writer of Corinthians, on the last part of the text given, II Corinthians 11:9-10, says that he would boast more of his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ Jesus dwells in him. He is, therefore, contented with his weaknesses, calamities, hardships, insults and persecutions for Christ’s sake; for whenever he is weak, he is strong instead.
The psalmist also portrays God as the provider and everything are the way they are, depending on His will. In verse 26 to 30, the Psalmist says that all look up to God for food, and when he opens his hands, people are filled. When God hides His face, people are discouraged, and when He takes away His breath, people die and go back to dust. When He sends His spirit forth, there is a new creation, and the face of the earth is renewed.
According, to James F Moore, God is in control of all the forces that govern the Universe. Further, Jesus is God. This can be seen from the article, Transformation, where antiquity Docetism argued, “That Jesus only appeared to be human but was not truly human.” It is right then to conclude that Jesus, being God, is in control of the universe. The concept of mercy comes in the sense that, God is the center of the universe and everything operates as He wishes, we are then at His mercy for survival and continued existence. As for justice, Christians believe in a God who is just, free from sin and through His power, he will one day judge the universe according to their deeds on earth. However, the illustration of God in the bible as a man has left some feminists who see the kingdom of God as patriarchal, wondering whether really that is just. Some feel that it is not, but, since God is supernatural and beyond human understanding, there is no much they can do. In conclusion, the Christian religion is very much founded on Jesus. Christians owe Him the gift of mercy from God and through Him also, God will dispense His justice for mankind in due time.
Works Cited
Ewell, Samuel E and E Velloso Rosalee. "Transformative Presence: God's Accomodation for our Salvation." Journal of the NABPR (2008): 227-239. Document.
Moore, James F. "Cosmology and Theology: The Reemergence of Partriarchy." Zygon (1995): 616-634. Document.
