There are many people and groups who claim to be Christian and yet disagree on any number of things. Yet, Myers and Noebel (2019) in our textbook, Understanding the Times, quote noted atheist Christopher Hitchens as saying, “I would say that if you don’t believe that Jesus was the Messiah, and that he rose again from the dead and by his sacrifice our sins are forgiven, you’re not really in any meaningful sense a Christian” (p. 37).
In a three to four-page paper (not including the title and references pages), answer the following:
Consider the reading and viewing material this week, and discuss what you consider to be the core essential beliefs that comprise Christianity.
What beliefs must a person, organization, or church hold to in order to rightly be considered Christian?
Make sure to explain your reasoning. Use Scripture to support your response.
Your paper must be formatted according to APA standards, and should include at least two scholarly resources. In addition to the two scholarly resources, be sure to use appropriate Scriptures to support your claims.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on add a file, then click submit to upload your assignment by the posted due date. Review the rubric for specific grading criteria.
Due on Jan 28, 2024 11:59 PM
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Rubric Name: Session 2, Session 4 Paper Rubric 50 pts.
Criteria
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Limited
Criterion Score
Introduction and Conclusion 10%
5 points
Introduction engages reader and focuses his or her attention on what is to follow. Clear connection to the prompt. Conclusion examines implications of the main points and gives the reader a substantial closure/summary.
4 points
Introduction highlights the general subject of the paper. Student responds to the prompt. Conclusion summarizes the main points and wraps up ideas.
3.5 points
Introduction does not focus the intention of the paper. Vague connection to prompt. Conclusion is vague and insufficient in summarizing the paper.
3 points
Introduction is not included. No clear connection to the prompt. Conclusion is not included.
Score of Introduction and Conclusion 10%,/ 5
Thesis 10%
5 points
Insightful thesis clearly presents the purpose, subject, or own position. Thesis clearly responds to the prompt and is interesting, specific, and manageable.
4 points
Thesis identifies a topic, indicating the subject matter the writing is about. Thesis clearly answers the prompt.
3.5 points
Thesis or topic sentence is implied but not specific. Response to the prompt is vague or weak.
3 points
There is no clear purpose, subject, or position for the paper. No attempt is made to respond to prompt.
Score of Thesis 10%,/ 5
Development and Evidence 20%
10 points
The thesis, main points, and/or claims are supported with relevant and fully developed examples, the course text, and scholarly academic sources. Student draws insightful conclusion based on a synthesis and analysis of what they have learned and are reporting. Student uses the required number of academic sources for support.
8 points
The thesis, main points, and/or claims are supported with examples, the course text, and some academic sources. Student draws obvious conclusions based on an analysis of what they have learned and are reporting. Student uses the required number of resources, though they may not all be academic in nature.
7 points
The thesis, main points, and/or claims are mostly supported with personal examples, textual sources, and some academic sources. Student draws some obvious conclusions, though they are not thorough and do not address learning. Student uses fewer than the required number of academic resources for support, or uses resources that are not academic in nature. Student describes life experience(s) in light of course content and connects these experiences to prompt requirements.
6 points
Student provides little to no support in their paper or provides little to no connection between main points and supporting evidence.
Score of Development and Evidence 20%,/ 10
Critical Self-Reflection 10%
5 points
Student analyzes and integrates personal assumptions and perspectives in light of course content and connects these experiences to prompt requirements. Student offers a new approach, perspective, or application to/of course content.
4 points
Student analyzes and integrates personal assumptions and perspectives in light of course content and connects these experiences to prompt requirements.
3.5 points
Student describes life experience(s) in light of course content and connects these experiences to prompt requirements.
3 points
Student does not draw in personal experiences, or life experiences mentioned have no clear connection to the course content or prompt.
Score of Critical Self-Reflection 10%,/ 5
Organization, Grammar, and Spelling 10%
5 points
Paper is clearly organized, well written, and in proper format as outlined in the assignment. Student uses strong sentence and paragraph structure with transitions between paragraphs; few errors in grammar and spelling.
4 points
Paper is fairly well organized and written, and is in proper format as outlined in the assignment. Student uses reasonably good sentence and paragraph structure with transitions between paragraphs; significant number of errors in grammar and spelling.
3.5 points
Paper is poorly organized and does not follow proper paper format. Student uses inconsistent to inadequate sentence and paragraph development; numerous errors in grammar and spelling.
3 points
Paper is not organized or well written, and is not in proper paper format. Student submits poor quality work; unacceptable in terms of grammar and spelling.
Score of Organization, Grammar, and Spelling 10%,/ 5
APA Format 10%
5 points
Paper correctly adheres to APA format and includes a title page, in-text citations, and a reference page. In-text citations and references are accurate.
4 points
Paper follows APA format and includes a title page, in-text citations, and a reference page. Citations and references are accurate with only minor errors.
3.5 points
Paper disregards APA format and lacks a correctly formatted title page, in-text citations, and/or reference page. Citations and references contain errors, but an attempt was made to correctly cite support.
3 points
Paper disregards APA format and excludes a title page, in-text citations, and/or a reference page. Little to no attempt is made to adequately cite support.
Score of APA Format 10%,/ 5
Critical Thinking 20%
10 points
Student evaluates alternative perspectives and positions and synthesizes learning into an original perspective/ stance/argument, drawing on course content and relevant academic research.
8 points
Student identifies alternative perspectives and positions and develops a stance/argument, drawing on course content and relevant academic research.
7 points
Student describes a stance/argument with little examination of alternative perspectives; student’s perspective is unclear or not cohesive with course materials and research.
6 points
Student recalls basic information but demonstrates little to no evidence of critical thinking. No stance is developed and information may not be cohesive with course materials and research.
Score of Critical Thinking 20%,/ 10
Integration of a Biblical Worldview 10%
5 points
Student analyzes course content against a biblical worldview. Scripture is integrated appropriately and the effects and influences are examined.
4 points
Student analyzes content against a biblical worldview. Scripture is integrated appropriately.
3.5 points
Student provides vague description of content in light of relevant biblical themes. An attempt to integrate Scripture is made.
3 points
Student does not analyze course content through a biblical worldview. Scripture is not integrated.
Score of Integration of a Biblical Worldview 10%,/ 5