Jesus in Sociology

As a freshman 4 years ago, I was not following Christ, and didn't put a lot of effort in my classes. I was a slacker and my GPA showed for it my first semester. Now as a senior who by God's grace gets to retake 3 freshman classes, I happily get to write essays with the guidelines of...

"relate sociology concept "X" to your life and rationalize what it represents to you."

Chapter 2 Obedience and what Jesus has taught me...

Chapter 2 had much to do with obedience to authority. In the historical Milgram Obedience Studies, researchers found that normal everyday people, Americans at that, when acting in a position where there is legitimate authority them may obey in such a way that pushes the bounds of ethics. The researcher acted as authority over the participants who administered shocks to the confederates. The study reminded me of various war crimes/genocides/ and acts against humanity that have been perpetuated over history. From Nazi Germany. North Korea, China's Cultural Revolution, Rwanda etc, soldiers and normal people have acted in ways that are barbaric and most certainty unethical. I look at authority as a multisided issue, because authority is good, but unethical and immoral authority is not good. Authority is always derived from some power, and thus giving that authority legitimacy.

In the past I always thought that "well if it was me in that situation (insert tragic world event) I would never perpetrate those acts." However to be real with myself, until I became a Christian that would be far from the truth. As a young guy that trusts in Jesus as He who makes me worthy, valued, and right before God, I know that my true obeisance is not to a flag or country but to the King who is over the universe. I know this sounds cliche, however I can only say that knowing God more and more, makes me realize that no one is more worthy of love, and also fear that Him. If I was a soldier or civilian asked to kill another or be killed I will be scared when I put down the gun, but I know that I will be using the spine that Jesus has made strong, and heaven will be way sweeter.

Romans 12:2- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.