Description of my core convictions

Description of my core convictions

            According to Kotsko (2016), the core convictions mainly refer to the underlying beliefs that are held by an individual, group or organization. Such guiding principles tend to edict the behavior of an individual and are also known to assist in the understanding of the differences between wrong and right (Davis et al, 2017). The core convictions additionally assist one to establish whether he/she is on the apt path and meeting his/her goals through the creation of the unswerving guide. Some of the core convictions I hold include the observation that I believe in the existence of God and that for an individual to be considered complete, he has to be affiliated to a religious institution. I also hold that core conviction in being a better resource steward and exercising frugality to ascertain that future generations can get the resources and survive. Lastly, I also hold the conviction that honesty will always be the best policy for any person wishing to attain a successful life and that one has to earn trust.

Sources of Core convictions

Some of the important sources for the core convictions I have developed include the scriptures. The Bible, for instance, teaches on various occasions on the existence of an all-powerful God who rescues his people from bondage and other situations that threaten their lives (Kotsko, 2016). This has, therefore, made me believe that God exists and for one to live a complete life he or she must be affiliated to a religious institution that is dedicated to worshipping God. The other notable source of my conviction includes the experiences I have gained over time. Having interacted with individuals from different backgrounds, I have developed the belief that for one to develop successful relationships with others, there is a need for him to be honest in his dealings with others as this results in the others developing trust in him (Davis et al., 2017). Lastly, the parents and elder siblings are also considered as sources of the core convictions given that parents tend to play an active and positive role with regards to the perceptions of life that one develops and how one handles different circumstances.

Discussion of the Required Reading

Though one is prone to find their work mis-titled, McLaren and Tony Compolo’s work has turned to be one of my favorite books given the differences in the authors’ opinions, and the subsequent agreement on certain points. This is vital given that it shows how Christians can argue and also agree on certain issues. All through their work, the authors have expressed diverse opinions on different matters even though they have failed to clarify how the point has been missed. Before reading the work, one might believe that it explains the manner in which Christians have got caught up in their attempts to prove the point to others that they end up forgetting the point, which mainly entails drawing the non-believers and the lost to Christ. This is not, however, what the book contains. Though McLaren and Campolo touch on the subject on a limited number of occasions even though they lay a lot of emphasis on their notions regarding how individuals can live Christian lives within the extant cultures (Campolo & McLaren, 2006). The notions fronted by the authors mainly fall on the side of things considered as moderate. However, in case one is a fundamentalist, one is likely to disagree with a larger proportion of the book and the authors’ opinion. However, the two authors have changed my opinions with regards to Christian living and on the importance of listening to different opinions and views on an issue or matter. Given the level of honesty that they offer concerning their understanding of Christian living through their opinions, McLaren and Compolo have strengthened my core conviction that honesty will always be the best policy and that success requires one to be affiliated to a religious institution.

How My Core Values Impact My Everyday Life

My core convictions have different impacts on varied aspects of my daily activities. For instance, by holding the core conviction that honesty is the best policy, I always ensure that I am brutally honest in all my dealings including business activities, family life and in all social aspects in which my input is required. As a result, I have been able to accomplish a lot in life and attract people who are not only honest but also trustworthy.

Secondly, by holding the core conviction of being a better resource steward, in addition to practicing frugality, I have been able to join various organizations dealing with environment and natural resources. These organizations and group’s have not only enlightenment me on the need to conserve the environment but also assisted me in understanding the reasons why conserving the available natural resources for future generations remain a vital function for all individuals globally. One activity geared towards being a better resource steward entails the conservation of water that I use in my house. As natural resource water is not only a basic human need but is also vital for the survival of all animals and plants, as well as the continued existence of humans. As such, the conservation of the available water and other natural resources tends to a key activity that I strive to do on a daily basis. I also attend seminars and give talks on natural resources, their conservation, and use.

Thirdly, my core convictions have enabled me to differentiate between wrong and right with regards to everything that I partake in. For instance, as a young man, I tend to come across a lot of temptations each day. These always require that I choose with regards to whether I should join others in a given activity or refrain from such activities. The core convictions, in such cases, enable me to determine whether what I am doing is right or wrong based on the likely outcomes of the actions. As a staunch Christian, I subscribe to the belief that humans will be judged based on their actions and deeds in this life and that wrong deeds and actions will attract punishment while good deeds will be rewarded. Furthermore, the core convictions offer me the necessary guidance on aspects of behavior and treating other humans, as well as the assistance to the determination of whether the paths I have chosen are the right ones and will lead to success.

Overarching Emergent Questions

One of the overarching and emergent questions concerning the APU course regards the question of what entails Christian living. Several authors have made attempts geared towards explaining what Christian life should be. As a result, different individuals understand Christian living differently, and, therefore, tend to live differently while all considering themselves as living Christian lives. This can be seen in how members of different churches live and believe Christian lives should be. Finding comprehensive answers to this question is appropriate as it will not only offer an efficient response to the query but will also unite all Christians globally.