The Book of Romans in the Bible is the apostle Paul’s instructions to the new Christian communities growing within Rome. Although the letter illustrates many ideas and themes central to Judaism, Paul also discusses ideologies which are pivotal to the foundation of Christianity. These ideologies center around the equality of mankind, Jesus the savior of humanity, and the unconditional grace and love of God. It is these ideologies which Paul attempts to instill in the growing Christian communities and help establish a strong Christian footing in Rome. To understand the book of Romans and the ideology encompassed within it, the critical examination of its context is crucial. Paul not only wrote his letter to emerging Christian communities, but …show more content…
After the equality has been established Paul begin unpacking Christian ideology. The first ideology discussed by Paul pertains to religious rituals of Judaism, in particular circumcision. Paul draws the conclusion that the act of circumcision is not of importance, rather how an individual lives his or her life is truly important. Romans 2:25-26 elaborates this stance in greater detail, “Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. So, if those who are uncircumcised keep the requirements of the law, will not their uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?” This passage points directly to the equality Paul feels all humans have in the eyes of God. This stance directly opposes Jewish law which places great importance on the act of circumcision. According to Paul, faith in Jesus as the savior of humanity is of most importance. Paul supports his stance by examining Abraham in chapter four of Romans. He draws similarities between Abraham before his circumcision and gentiles who are also uncircumcised. Paul concludes that it was not the act of circumcision that made Abraham so great rather his faith in God. Paul concludes this aspect of his letter stating that it is the faith in Jesus as the savior of humanity which is truly …show more content…
Paul mentions the acts of Jesus, mainly his resurrection, numerous times and discusses the importance this has for humanity. One such example of this can be found in Romans 5:8, “But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God.” This small passage has a great deal of significance for the growing Christian communities. It directly points to the significance of Jesus as the son of God and savior to the world. Through Jesus and his blood those who believe will be saved. This varies with the Jewish where the only way to be saved is through obedience of the 613 commandants. The death and resurrection of Christ also leads to the ideology of humanities sins being taken to the grave with him and allowing us to rise free from sin with his resurrection. Paul elaborates more on this ideology in Romans 6:5, “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” This ideology as Jesus as the sacrificial lamb for humanity is what truly separates Christianity from the other world