Riley Shelton Old Testament Cooper

Answers for Reflection at Mid-term 1. In regards to class participation, I felt that I have provided an adequate amount of insight to class discussions in person. I dont typically interject when we are having a lecture based class, but I nearly always provide some type of discussion when the opportunity is presented to me. My posts on the discussion board could be more enlightening as a whole, but I certainly hit the main focus point of each topic when I post. 2. The Scripture Analysis Journal project has helped me learn to interpret scripture by breaking it down into smaller segments that are easier to understand. Before this class, I simply read scripture for what it explicitly stated instead of trying to discover multiple interpretations and meanings. Our project has created an effective procedure for me to follow when I ask questions about a scripture selection. 3. The most significant thing that Ive determined about the relationship with God and people is that no relationship between the two is going to be perfect. Throughout the Old Testament, there are examples of men and women that have an obvious relationship with God, yet they possess reservations within their faith. People typically resort to their worldly needs and desires while trying to maintain a half-hearted relationship with God. 4. Now that we have reached the halfway point of our semester, I feel decently comfortable with critically analyzing any passage of scripture. Even though historical, textual, and contextual issues are typically found within every form of scripture, I feel confident that I can interpret the overall meaning of any given passage. Formulating an open discussion on these passages has always helped me understand scripture at a deeper level. I typically understand scripture more thoroughly whenever I get a chance to listen to the alternative interpretations from my peers. 5. Unlike the beginning of the semester, I now have an effective technique for interpreting scripture passages. Through a process of asking questions and breaking down key points, I have established a better sense on how to approach scripture. Id like to continue strengthening my process for understanding scripture, while gaining a better understanding of the Old Testament as a whole. I intend to make an A in this class, but I feel that I need to apply more of my time to reading the textbook if I want to achieve this goal.