Michael: During last week’s class, the discussion shifted from Judgment to Grace. Judgment and Grace are very different from each other. Judgment is administered by people most of the time. However, our religions teach us that God is a grand judge as well. There are many verses in the bible to support this. On the…

After last week’s class was over, I was left feeling very uncomfortable, as if something bad had happened. First of all, I didn’t have any intention to politicize my message. It is applicable to everyone regardless of politics or religion. Second of all, and more importantly, this issue of judgment is just so annoying. It…

Michael: Last week, we discussed Jesus’s commandment of “Do not Judge”. We noted that judgment may be an innate feature of our humanity, it comes instantaneously and automatically. It occurred to me that asking if we can stop judgment is similar to Nicodemus’s question if we can be born again by returning to the mother’s womb.…

Michael: Last week we examined how our genetics and environment could be a cause for us or others to commit grievous sins. If factors outside of me caused me to commit a sin, is it fair that I pay the price of my sins? How do we judge this situation? These factors complicate our understanding…

Michael: Last week we discussed how our genetics have major influences on our personality and attitudes. Having this knowledge may change how we perceive and experience pain and suffering. We also discussed how genetics and the environment, known as nature and nurture, also influence how we worship, participate in religion, and our outlook on the…

Sharon: I’d like to delve into the intersection of personality and genetics, in the context of our ongoing discussions about pain and suffering. Today, I’ve woven in elements that touch upon the genetic influences on how we perceive and process pain. Let’s ground our conversation in a Bible verse that emphasizes the universality of divine…