Blog Post #11

1. Which event that you learned about from the Church History textbook presentations did you find most interesting and why?

I think that the most interesting events that we learned about were the Crusades. The Crusades were the most interesting to me because they showed the importance of religion in politics and wars. The point of the Crusades was to essentially conquer Jerusalem in the name of religion. This is incredibly interesting to me because it presents the idea that the God from any of the three religions was assumed to urge the people to fight for the so-called Holy Land. Although the people may not have received direct communication from God, they still felt the need to conquer Jerusalem in God's name and make religion a central if not the most important part of their lives.

2. Which person whom you learned about from the Church History textbook presentations did you find most interesting and why?

I found Saint Francis of Assisi the most interesting of all the church religious figures that we learned about. He was extremely influential in the church but was also a good citizen and example in his own community. The most important takeaway from the life of St. Francis is that unity and connections are much more important than material things. He showed that it is most important to give back to your community and to the people in the world than to take from it.

3. If you end up being known as an influential figure in history, what do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for not always making the most popular decisions but making ones that are the best for the society or community and its people in general. I would also like to be known as a logical, critical, and benevolent leader. These qualities are important to me because I value honesty and sincerity very highly in people, especially political or other types of leaders. It is important to be a respectful and understanding person, but to also take into account the sacrifices and compromises that need to be made so that one can achieve success in one's goals and simultaneously work together with the people around you. I would also like to be known as someone who works well with others and listens to the ideas and opinions of others before voicing my opionion or ideas. This quality shows a great deal of leadership and reflects the idea that no leader or person can achieve success or benefit others without the support of a community or large group of people.

4. How have you personally experienced growth (either mentally, emotionally or spiritually) after your own challenges in life?
After I broke my back while studying abroad in Germany, I experienced great mental and emotional growth. My injury made me appreciate my life more and see my life as precious and fragile. I became much more positive and developed a happier and kinder outlook on life. I was able to grow and realize something that most teenagers do not realize until much later on. I realized that I am not invincible, and that my body and my soul are my temple and that I should treat them with respect. I also learned that every action has its consequence. I will probably never jump off of a high cliff or from a rope swing ever again, and I am okay with that. My health and body are more important than any adrenaline rush I could ever get from doing something like that.

Meditation. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2017. <http://solybreath.com/meditation>.