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<font color=”#000000″><font face=”Arial, sans-serif”><font size=”3″>Discussion
Board Initial Post – Jennifer Carroll</font></font></font><font color=”#000000″><font face=”Arial, sans-serif”> Theology
connects with real life in many ways. It helps us to interpret the
world around us. I know it is created by God, yet not itself divine.
When I see suffering I don’t see it as a reflection of God’s
character, but rather a result of the fall of humanity. I can
attribute the good to the Lord and thank Him for it, and my faith is
not shaken by the sin and suffering I see.</font></font><font color=”#000000″><font face=”Arial, sans-serif”>
Secondly,
theology shapes our response to what we experience. One example of
this would be the LGBT movement. Without understanding God or His
ways, my response would be down to personal preference, likely
influenced by the prevailing culture. However, biblical morality
shows me that homosexuality and transgenderism are sinful. They
contradict the pattern of creation by which the Lord reveals a type
of His relationship with His church. Nevertheless, my treatment of
people involved in this is loving due to their dignity as made in the
image of God, and His nature as a God of love. My understanding of
soteriology means I can pray, believe for, and preach the gospel to
these people. </font></font>