Write a 400-500-word essay on a suggested response of the modern
church to a “post-Christian” society. State your reasons and give examples to illustrate your point.
In the wake of the French Revolution, Europe moved away from its Christian past. Some Christians responded
by withdrawing from the world in sectarian groups (ex. Plymouth Brethren), while others sought to engage the
world through social action (the abolition of slavery).
QUESTION: Current Western culture has been described as “post-Christian.” Your textbook identified the
response of the church to secularism in terms of withdrawal or engagement. In light of what you have studied
in your lesson, which approach (withdrawal or engagement) do you think should be the response of the
modern church? Give reasons and examples.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCUSSION FORUM POSTS
Instructions:
Initial forum post is due by Friday night, 11:55 p.m. EST
Interactive Response #1 (100 words) – due by Sunday night, 11:55 p.m. EST
Interactive Response #2 (100 words) – due by Sunday night, 11:55 p.m. EST
1. Use the following format in formulating your forum post.
Students must use the SEE-I method as the foundation for their forum post. Use of the method will provide the
student with a means of identifying, defining, and illustrating critical questions, ideas, and viewpoints. An
example is given below.
S: State – the first step is to state briefly and coherently. To state something is to say it briefly, clearly and
precisely in the simplest terms. The definition may be taken from a textbook, a Bible Dictionary, Bible
Handbook, or a reliable resources – see the list of resources posted on Moodle. When resources are used, the
student must cite the source (author’s name, title, page numbers). The definition should be stated in a simple
sentence beginning with
“A definition of academic reading is . . . ” “A definition of devotional reading is . . .”
E: Elaborate – this step elaborates or expands the definition. To elaborate a definition is to expand it, explain
the definition in greater detail using your own words. The student is to use his or her own words to explain the
‘stated’ sentence. The elaboration is a sentence beginning with
“In other words . . . ”
E: Exemplify – In this step, the student provides an example of the critical issue/topic for the purpose of
clarification. The exemplified sentence should begin with the phrase
“For example . . . ” or “By contrast . . .”
I: Illustrate – The last step is to provide an illustration. An illustration of a concept or topic provides a picture to
clarify one’s thinking. An illustration could be a chart, table, picture, etc. that provides a visual image of the
concept. The illustrative sentence should begin with the phrase
“It is like . . .”
2. Responses to an Initial Post
Responses to initial forum posts should evaluate the clarity, accuracy, fairness, relevance, depth, logic – does
the post make sense, and the breadth of post.
