The more I learn, the more I know less; the more I apply what I know, the more I grow

Dr. Manges had been with us from 6 pm until almost 8 pm on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. He came into our class and discussed about Church history, almost everything about Church History. He also entertained many questions from my classmates. I have learned a lot from him especially about the intriguing issue on why many of the Filipinos worship Mary. I have also learned about why Rome considered Peter as   their first pope. Mary, historically, was said to remain a virgin even after Jesus' birth, and so she was said to be immaculate. Filipinos were then influenced by the invading Spaniards in the Philippines and were taught about worship of images of variety. Peter was declared to be the first pope because of what Jesus told "on this rock I will build my church." It was suspected that Rome was the place where the church would be built not knowing that it was the people who will follow Christ.

Through learning more about Mary, I can reach out easily to people who are devoted in worshiping her. It is very difficult for me as I think about it but, because of Church History I can connect Mary's life in History and who she really is in the bible. In this modern generation, Mary is seemed to be highly much respected than Jesus, especially by the elders in the Philippines. Studying History can really help in gathering more information in the past and prove the bible to be a true historical book and at the same time the word of God. Interestingly, a lot of places, events, and people from the bible are proven to have existed in the historical accounts. Since, I was in High School I could remember that there was a person who shared to me about Peter being the first pope of Rome. Only when I have reached in my fourth year in College have I been corrected of my wrong stock knowledge.

In the teaching ministry or in any ministry that God will entrust to me in the near future I believe that I can teach what I have learned from Church History class especially to the people who are devoted to Mary and to those who are confused of whom to be worshiped. and who is the true Savior. If the Lord wills for me to teach children in the future I desire to talk to their parents and lead them to Christ in a way which will not offend them. I can also conduct counselling for the mothers who need to be listened to. I can not plan with permanent structure on how I can share Christ to them but I think I will do it in an informal way asking them how they are doing in life. If they have questions I will be open in answering them with the answers I have at the ssme time I will be honest whenever I do not know the right answers they are seeking.