Chapter 10

The last chapter is basically a summary of what we have been reading. Cleveland talks about what are goals should be especially while living a Christian life. As Christians we need to put others first and worry about others rather than focusing on ourselves.
We live in a diverse world and Cleveland focuses on the importance of having "we" and how we should turn "them" into "we". As Christians we need to realize that we are all children of Christ. We need to be aware of what is happening around us but we also need to respect those around us. We need to treat others how we would want to be treated. We need to appreciate the cultural differences instead of pretending that they don't exist.

Chapter 8-9

Many people differ on what they believe. We all have gone through many things or have had different experiences than each other. We are all made unique in Christ's eyes. Just because we aren't the same does not mean we can discriminate again other or see them at worthless of God's love. We are all made in Christ's image and He cares for everyone not only "Dordt Students", etc.

As Christians we are called to share the word of Christ and along with doing that we need to be a Christians example of an individual to everyone we come in contract with. Christianity isn't just an action is a part of life. We need to be understanding and able to listen to those who need it.

Cleveland talks about developing those strong relationships with those who aren't like us. We are all different and letting those know that it doesn't matter your background or your history. We are called to be accepting and let them know that they are loved. Everyone can benefit from Christ and its important to develop those relationships

Chapter 6 & 7

Wars

We often tell people if they are right or wrong. We are surrounded with conflict and Cleveland talks about conflict is on social media. We constantly see this scrolling through our Facebook page. Did that person really say that or so and so is dating him,,, weird.

With the debate going on right now I especially see wars against the two parties. People sharing what they think they know about each candidate and who they are going to vote for. People are very stubborn and I am one of them. If I have my mind stuck towards one thing then it is hard changing my ways,

As Christians we tend to culturally see different. Our competitive relationship with other Christians is made more antagonistic by our penchant for negativity ambiguity towards the black sheep. We tend to see those who are "different" and we pay extra attention to the and focus what they are doing than actually what they are doing. We need to start appreciating people as individuals rather that categorizing them as a group. We can learn and build relationships with others.

Chapter 5

Self Esteem and Identity are powerful sources in our lives, We are often unaware of the negative and bad effects that these two things have. At a young age our self esteem and identity are noticed. It often happens in school, where we try to make ourselves feel better no matter what we say or do to others.This is frustrating to me. Children are teasing and mocking other students because it makes them feel better about themselves. This chapter asks "Who am I?" and the question really comes down who do people think I am? We rely on feedback from other people to gain information about who we are. This is not right. We need to ask Who am I? Who am I as a Christian, as a friend, as a student. It does not matter what others think but it does matter what Christ thinks.

Chapter 3-4

Chapter 3-4
As an individual, I admit I am quick to stereotype others. Cleveland mentions how when working a summer at camp she judged the fraternity brothers. People often do the same with Dordt College. I often hear people making jokes about Dordt about how we are all goody goody's etc. We create categories of groups without even thinking. Cleveland points out how easy it is to jump to gross conclusions concerning out group, and by contrasts to see the high potential in the "in groups".

In chapter 4, the author points out that we look at different denominations as a completely different religion even when they may be similar. We put "other" denominations in the other category. In all reality they should fit in the "us" category. This is something tat we need to focus on. I see this happen often at Dordt. If you are Christian Reformed you are often put into a different category even when they are very similar in beliefs. This is something that I really need to work on and I think Cleveland did a good job explaining this. 

Chapter 1-2

When I first started reading Disunity in Christ I did not really feel like reading it. But once I got started I really started to enjoy it. The first chapter talks about Cleveland's viewpoint on the differences between Christians.  Right Christian vs. Wrong Christian. No one is perfect and in reality there is not a right or wrong Christian.  We often think that the wrong Christian is someone who doesn't attend church on a regular basis, and they probably lack cross-cultural sensitivity. I often think that I am a "right" Christian and that consists of going to church, reading the Bible, and going to a Christian school. Well what I think this is complete bogus. Right and wrong Christians is just a label! Who are we to judge others based on their faith. It shouldn't matter to us. As a Christian we need to stop worrying about what others are doing rather worry about what we are doing, and what we can do better. We still need to be a disciple to others and tell them about Christ, but we need to do it in a careful matter. 

The second chapter was really interesting to me. This chapter was deeper because it was about what our future home will look like, heaven. She pictures what a right and wrong Christian would look like. Everyone would pick which group of Christians they wanted to be with. I do not think this is what heaven will look like. There will be no more judging we will all be together in a perfect world in perfect unity.