Winter 2021
REL 211- New Testament
REL 211- New Testament
Course outcomes common to all sections of REL A 211
- Students who successfully complete the requirements for this course will be able to demonstrate that they have acquired an understanding of the New Testament narrative in its historical and cultural context.
- Students who successfully complete the requirements for this course will be able to demonstrate that they have acquired an understanding of the New Testament's fundamental doctrines and principles.
- Students who successfully complete the requirements for this course will be able to demonstrate that they have acquired an understanding of how the New Testament bears witness of the mission and message of Jesus Christ.
- Students who successfully complete the requirements for this course will be able to demonstrate that they have acquired an understanding of how selected New Testament passages can be applied to daily living.
Chris Rose, Charity Perkes and Emmalisa Horlacher
MUSIC
Professor Jared Ludlow
MUSIC
Professor Jared Ludlow
Group Project Write Up
For our project we decided to research different hymns that had a similar topic. The topic that we chose was Jesus Christ as an Example. Each member would choose a hymn to focus their studies on and research with different exegesis methods to learn more about their particular song. Charity chose the hymn Lord, I Would Follow Thee (220), Chris chose Come Follow Me (116), and Emmalisa chose Come, All Ye Saints Who Dwell on Earth (65). The research that we did for these songs included background, literary device, scriptures that were used, doctrine, etc. We then wrote a short paper on our findings. Once everyone did their research on it we came together to discuss our findings and brainstormed ideas of a music number that we could perform that included all of our songs. Chris played the French Horn, Charity played the piano and sang, and Emmalisa sang and edited the video to be presented in class.
We were effective in carrying out our project. On a scale of 1-10 we rated ourselves a 9. We met frequently throughout the semester to brainstorm ideas and communicated through our group messages to figure out what we could do for our project. Everyone had to consistently work on their parts for us to move forward in our project. We originally had a different plan and when it was turned down we had to go to the drawing board and figure out a new project. This made us start a few weeks later in the semester which is why we gave ourselves the rating of a 9 out of 10 on our effectiveness.
We spent about an hour a week/person on this project and in the last weeks with the music video, presentation, and write up the group put in several hours more each week. Each person had their own time commitment to this project. Everyone had to spend a few hours researching their song and dissecting the meaning of the lyrics. We spent many hours brainstorming together and communicating back and forth how to make this group project effective. We also spent several hours figuring out a music piece as well as practicing and recording. We made mini due dates throughout the semester to make sure we kept on top of our assignments for this project.
Throughout the course we have perfected our skills for exegesis research using the experience we gained from researching and analyzing the hymns that we chose. We have also become more in-tune with the spirit so we can be more receptive to promptings; this is something that we built upon using our musical and literary skills. In completing the project we have increased our relationship with the savior by internalizing the lyrics that the hymns contain. As we know, hymns have essential gospel truths and principles in the lyrics that help us come closer to the savior. Something we now know is that God recognizes music as an important form of worship.
For our project we decided to research different hymns that had a similar topic. The topic that we chose was Jesus Christ as an Example. Each member would choose a hymn to focus their studies on and research with different exegesis methods to learn more about their particular song. Charity chose the hymn Lord, I Would Follow Thee (220), Chris chose Come Follow Me (116), and Emmalisa chose Come, All Ye Saints Who Dwell on Earth (65). The research that we did for these songs included background, literary device, scriptures that were used, doctrine, etc. We then wrote a short paper on our findings. Once everyone did their research on it we came together to discuss our findings and brainstormed ideas of a music number that we could perform that included all of our songs. Chris played the French Horn, Charity played the piano and sang, and Emmalisa sang and edited the video to be presented in class.
We were effective in carrying out our project. On a scale of 1-10 we rated ourselves a 9. We met frequently throughout the semester to brainstorm ideas and communicated through our group messages to figure out what we could do for our project. Everyone had to consistently work on their parts for us to move forward in our project. We originally had a different plan and when it was turned down we had to go to the drawing board and figure out a new project. This made us start a few weeks later in the semester which is why we gave ourselves the rating of a 9 out of 10 on our effectiveness.
We spent about an hour a week/person on this project and in the last weeks with the music video, presentation, and write up the group put in several hours more each week. Each person had their own time commitment to this project. Everyone had to spend a few hours researching their song and dissecting the meaning of the lyrics. We spent many hours brainstorming together and communicating back and forth how to make this group project effective. We also spent several hours figuring out a music piece as well as practicing and recording. We made mini due dates throughout the semester to make sure we kept on top of our assignments for this project.
Throughout the course we have perfected our skills for exegesis research using the experience we gained from researching and analyzing the hymns that we chose. We have also become more in-tune with the spirit so we can be more receptive to promptings; this is something that we built upon using our musical and literary skills. In completing the project we have increased our relationship with the savior by internalizing the lyrics that the hymns contain. As we know, hymns have essential gospel truths and principles in the lyrics that help us come closer to the savior. Something we now know is that God recognizes music as an important form of worship.
Hymn Findings Paper
Exploration of Hymn 65: Come, All Ye Saints Who Dwell on Earth
Hymn 65 was written by William W. Phelps and was first published in the church’s hymnal edited by Emma Smith’s back in Kirtland Ohio 1835. Since then it has found its way into 11 different hymnals. It was originally done in common meter with only 3 verses. In our current hymnbook it was given a fourth verse by repeating the last line of the second phrase. The song is about gathering together to praise God, finding the straight and narrow path and following it and then finding perfection through Christ in heaven. It relates back to Luke 29:23 which calls all men to “deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” -me being Christ. JST Matthew 16:26 helps to clarify what it means to take up the cross as it says to “deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.” This hymn relates to these verses specifically in the lyrics, “he has marked a road to bliss.” It is my own interpretation that the road he has marked is the one where we take up our own crosses and follow him. 2 Nephi 31:19-21 talks about pressing forward and finding perfection through Christ. The last line of the hymn speaks to just that as ‘time forever there’ -in heaven- “we are perfected by Christ.” This hymn came at a time when the saints were gathering together in zion. They were seeking to be perfected through Christ by following his commandments and the path that he outlined. This hymn is a product of those convictions.
Exploration of Lord, I Would Follow Thee (220)
Hymn 220 was written by Susan Evans McCloud in 1945 based on her experiences that she had in her life and her testimony of the Savior in which she learned by studying the scriptures and going to church. The first verse discusses the main topic of the song which is how Jesus Christ is an Example for us and He wants us to follow in his footsteps. Throughout the entire song there is a repetition of the line “Lord, I would follow thee” at the end of every verse. This allows the writer to put emphasis on this phrase. Perhaps Susan McCloud wanted to emphasize this phrase because it is a reminder that our testimony and salvation is personal in which we have the agency to choose if we will follow our Savior. As well as this phrase that is repeated, McCloud repeats the first line of every verse at the end of the verse. Each repetition emphasizes the main lesson that should be learned from each verse. These lessons are to love our Savior, to not judge another, to be our brother’s keeper and to love our brother. The second verse describes the author’s personal experience. McCloud had recently lost her niece and soon after went with her and took her sister (who lost her daughter) shopping for funeral preparation. She explains that while shopping she hoped that others that they encountered would be nice to her sister because she was going through a difficult time. McCloud then discusses a time where she realized that those who she encountered may also be going through difficult times in their life and she should not judge them based on their actions (McCloud). This experience is expressed in the second verse in which she writes, “Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can’t see”. This experience is similar in Christ’s life when he says in John 8 to the woman who is accused of adultery that whoever is perfect will be the one to cast the first stone.
Several scriptures of the New Testament are alluded to in this song. In the third verse Susan writes about the healer’s art which references to different miracles that were performed in the New Testament some of which are found in Luke 17 and Luke 18 when he healed the sick, the blind, the woman with the blood disease, and the lepers. Another reference could be when McCloud writes “to the wounded and the weary I would show a gentle heart” which alludes to the story of the Samaritan and when Jesus, being the Good Samaritan, helped the wounded and weary traveler. Finally, the fourth verse addresses John 13:34. In John 13:34 it says “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”. McCloud exemplifies this commandment through the words that “Savior may I love my brother, As I know thou lovest me”. This could be seen as the second greatest commandment that was given to us to follow. Through our obedience to this commandment we show our love for our Savior by loving our brothers. This song is a direct representation of not only Susan McCloud’s testimony but the commandments of how the disciples can show their love for him. Christ is the perfect example for us and he teaches us through his life and parables of how we can return back to our Heavenly Father and have eternal life.
Exploration of Hymn 65: Come, All Ye Saints Who Dwell on Earth
Hymn 65 was written by William W. Phelps and was first published in the church’s hymnal edited by Emma Smith’s back in Kirtland Ohio 1835. Since then it has found its way into 11 different hymnals. It was originally done in common meter with only 3 verses. In our current hymnbook it was given a fourth verse by repeating the last line of the second phrase. The song is about gathering together to praise God, finding the straight and narrow path and following it and then finding perfection through Christ in heaven. It relates back to Luke 29:23 which calls all men to “deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” -me being Christ. JST Matthew 16:26 helps to clarify what it means to take up the cross as it says to “deny himself all ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and keep my commandments.” This hymn relates to these verses specifically in the lyrics, “he has marked a road to bliss.” It is my own interpretation that the road he has marked is the one where we take up our own crosses and follow him. 2 Nephi 31:19-21 talks about pressing forward and finding perfection through Christ. The last line of the hymn speaks to just that as ‘time forever there’ -in heaven- “we are perfected by Christ.” This hymn came at a time when the saints were gathering together in zion. They were seeking to be perfected through Christ by following his commandments and the path that he outlined. This hymn is a product of those convictions.
Exploration of Lord, I Would Follow Thee (220)
Hymn 220 was written by Susan Evans McCloud in 1945 based on her experiences that she had in her life and her testimony of the Savior in which she learned by studying the scriptures and going to church. The first verse discusses the main topic of the song which is how Jesus Christ is an Example for us and He wants us to follow in his footsteps. Throughout the entire song there is a repetition of the line “Lord, I would follow thee” at the end of every verse. This allows the writer to put emphasis on this phrase. Perhaps Susan McCloud wanted to emphasize this phrase because it is a reminder that our testimony and salvation is personal in which we have the agency to choose if we will follow our Savior. As well as this phrase that is repeated, McCloud repeats the first line of every verse at the end of the verse. Each repetition emphasizes the main lesson that should be learned from each verse. These lessons are to love our Savior, to not judge another, to be our brother’s keeper and to love our brother. The second verse describes the author’s personal experience. McCloud had recently lost her niece and soon after went with her and took her sister (who lost her daughter) shopping for funeral preparation. She explains that while shopping she hoped that others that they encountered would be nice to her sister because she was going through a difficult time. McCloud then discusses a time where she realized that those who she encountered may also be going through difficult times in their life and she should not judge them based on their actions (McCloud). This experience is expressed in the second verse in which she writes, “Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can’t see”. This experience is similar in Christ’s life when he says in John 8 to the woman who is accused of adultery that whoever is perfect will be the one to cast the first stone.
Several scriptures of the New Testament are alluded to in this song. In the third verse Susan writes about the healer’s art which references to different miracles that were performed in the New Testament some of which are found in Luke 17 and Luke 18 when he healed the sick, the blind, the woman with the blood disease, and the lepers. Another reference could be when McCloud writes “to the wounded and the weary I would show a gentle heart” which alludes to the story of the Samaritan and when Jesus, being the Good Samaritan, helped the wounded and weary traveler. Finally, the fourth verse addresses John 13:34. In John 13:34 it says “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”. McCloud exemplifies this commandment through the words that “Savior may I love my brother, As I know thou lovest me”. This could be seen as the second greatest commandment that was given to us to follow. Through our obedience to this commandment we show our love for our Savior by loving our brothers. This song is a direct representation of not only Susan McCloud’s testimony but the commandments of how the disciples can show their love for him. Christ is the perfect example for us and he teaches us through his life and parables of how we can return back to our Heavenly Father and have eternal life.
Exploration of Come Follow Me (116)
Hymn 116 was written in the 1860s by John Nicholson, who was a Scottish Convert. It first appeared in the fourteenth edition of the Latter-day Saint Hymnbook in Jan 1871. This was before the hymns were written out with music, only the lyrics were there. The hymn has had four different tunes written for it throughout the years. The first tune was first recorded circa 1883 and used through 1927 but was given the lyrics later. This tune was slow and somber and beat in ¾ time, similar to the present tune. The second melody was written by Samuel Mcburney around 1889 and is used in today’s hymnbook. The third melody was written by Joseph Ballantyne in 1909 and used through 1948 and used in the “Deseret Sunday School Songs”. This tune used 3/2 time and a slow but bright melody. The last tune was written by T. Chemain Evans in 1980 and is a much more flowery and pretty melody converted to common time. The lyrics of the song are stacked in an interesting way, as if each verse is building upon the principles taught in the former. This hymn is often given a bad rap because of its slow, monotonous tune, but the lyrics show that we must first build our foundations in Christ before we can become perfect disciples; and eventually perfect like He is.
The hymn has six verses, yet we usually only sing the first four. The final two have a great message as well, and I think it would be a good idea for the church to include the final two as a replacement for two of the first four verses just to get some diversity out of an old hymn. The associated New Testament verse is Matthew 4:19, in which Jesus beckoned Peter to come follow him and “I will make you fishers of men”. We can think about the phrase “Come Follow Me” in two ways: one of which is to follow Jesus’ example and the other is to emulate His character. The question when singing the hymn is “how best can I follow Christ?”.
Hymn 116 was written in the 1860s by John Nicholson, who was a Scottish Convert. It first appeared in the fourteenth edition of the Latter-day Saint Hymnbook in Jan 1871. This was before the hymns were written out with music, only the lyrics were there. The hymn has had four different tunes written for it throughout the years. The first tune was first recorded circa 1883 and used through 1927 but was given the lyrics later. This tune was slow and somber and beat in ¾ time, similar to the present tune. The second melody was written by Samuel Mcburney around 1889 and is used in today’s hymnbook. The third melody was written by Joseph Ballantyne in 1909 and used through 1948 and used in the “Deseret Sunday School Songs”. This tune used 3/2 time and a slow but bright melody. The last tune was written by T. Chemain Evans in 1980 and is a much more flowery and pretty melody converted to common time. The lyrics of the song are stacked in an interesting way, as if each verse is building upon the principles taught in the former. This hymn is often given a bad rap because of its slow, monotonous tune, but the lyrics show that we must first build our foundations in Christ before we can become perfect disciples; and eventually perfect like He is.
The hymn has six verses, yet we usually only sing the first four. The final two have a great message as well, and I think it would be a good idea for the church to include the final two as a replacement for two of the first four verses just to get some diversity out of an old hymn. The associated New Testament verse is Matthew 4:19, in which Jesus beckoned Peter to come follow him and “I will make you fishers of men”. We can think about the phrase “Come Follow Me” in two ways: one of which is to follow Jesus’ example and the other is to emulate His character. The question when singing the hymn is “how best can I follow Christ?”.
Summary (Our Testimonies)
Emmalisa: I loved the discovery that came when I put in the work to learn more about the songs in the hymn book. It is true that when we sacrifice and work for things more, we appreciate them more. By working on this project I gained a greater appreciation for the songs as well as the scriptures that inspired them. Christ as our exemplar will always inspire us to do the right thing, even if it is not always the easiest. Even if it means that we have to carry the burden of our own everyday crosses.
Charity: From this experience I gained a testimony of the truth that our songs in our hymnbook have as they teach doctrine. Christ was the perfect example for us and he continues to teach us each day through those around us whether that's through his prophet, apostles, or a songwriter. I am so grateful for music and how it can teach us the truths of the gospel and helps me in my own life to feel the Holy Ghost testify of my Savior.
Chris: In doing this project I felt the spirit testify to me the truthfulness of what I was reading, researching and analyzing. I gained a stronger testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as of the correctness of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The power of the spirit influences us to home in on things that guide us to Christ, and I feel that I was guided to research and look into my specific hymns. I know that I have gained a greater testimony through the work I have done.
Link of our Music Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uap0fM0Qsx8
Emmalisa: I loved the discovery that came when I put in the work to learn more about the songs in the hymn book. It is true that when we sacrifice and work for things more, we appreciate them more. By working on this project I gained a greater appreciation for the songs as well as the scriptures that inspired them. Christ as our exemplar will always inspire us to do the right thing, even if it is not always the easiest. Even if it means that we have to carry the burden of our own everyday crosses.
Charity: From this experience I gained a testimony of the truth that our songs in our hymnbook have as they teach doctrine. Christ was the perfect example for us and he continues to teach us each day through those around us whether that's through his prophet, apostles, or a songwriter. I am so grateful for music and how it can teach us the truths of the gospel and helps me in my own life to feel the Holy Ghost testify of my Savior.
Chris: In doing this project I felt the spirit testify to me the truthfulness of what I was reading, researching and analyzing. I gained a stronger testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as of the correctness of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The power of the spirit influences us to home in on things that guide us to Christ, and I feel that I was guided to research and look into my specific hymns. I know that I have gained a greater testimony through the work I have done.
Link of our Music Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uap0fM0Qsx8
Lyrics of Hymns Referenced
Come All Ye Saints Who Dwell on Earth
1. Come, all ye Saints who dwell on earth, Your cheerful voices raise,
Our great Redeemer’s love to sing, And celebrate his praise,
Our great Redeemer’s love to sing, And celebrate his praise.
2. His love is great; he died for us. Shall we ungrateful be,
Since he has marked a road to bliss And said, “Come, follow me,”
Since he has marked a road to bliss And said, “Come, follow me”?
3. The straight and narrow way we’ve found! Then let us travel on,
Till we, in the celestial world, Shall meet where Christ is gone,
Till we, in the celestial world, Shall meet where Christ is gone.
4. And there we’ll join the heav’nly choir And sing his praise above,
While endless ages roll around, Perfected by his love,
While endless ages roll around, Perfected by his love
Lord, I Would Follow Thee
1. Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee--
Lord, I would follow thee.
2. Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can’t see.
Who am I to judge another?
Lord, I would follow thee.
3. I would be my brother’s keeper;
I would learn the healer’s art.
To the wounded and the weary
I would show a gentle heart.
I would be my brother’s keeper--
Lord, I would follow thee.
4. Savior, may I love my brother
As I know thou lovest me,
Find in thee my strength, my beacon,
For thy servant I would be.
Savior, may I love my brother--
Lord, I would follow thee.
Come Follow Me
1. “Come, follow me,” the Savior said.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
For thus alone can we be one
With God’s own loved, begotten Son.
2. “Come, follow me,” a simple phrase,
Yet truth’s sublime, effulgent rays
Are in these simple words combined
To urge, inspire the human mind.
3. Is it enough alone to know
That we must follow him below,
While trav’ling thru this vale of tears?
No, this extends to holier spheres.
4. Not only shall we emulate
His course while in this earthly state,
But when we’re freed from present cares,
If with our Lord we would be heirs.
Come All Ye Saints Who Dwell on Earth
1. Come, all ye Saints who dwell on earth, Your cheerful voices raise,
Our great Redeemer’s love to sing, And celebrate his praise,
Our great Redeemer’s love to sing, And celebrate his praise.
2. His love is great; he died for us. Shall we ungrateful be,
Since he has marked a road to bliss And said, “Come, follow me,”
Since he has marked a road to bliss And said, “Come, follow me”?
3. The straight and narrow way we’ve found! Then let us travel on,
Till we, in the celestial world, Shall meet where Christ is gone,
Till we, in the celestial world, Shall meet where Christ is gone.
4. And there we’ll join the heav’nly choir And sing his praise above,
While endless ages roll around, Perfected by his love,
While endless ages roll around, Perfected by his love
Lord, I Would Follow Thee
1. Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee--
Lord, I would follow thee.
2. Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can’t see.
Who am I to judge another?
Lord, I would follow thee.
3. I would be my brother’s keeper;
I would learn the healer’s art.
To the wounded and the weary
I would show a gentle heart.
I would be my brother’s keeper--
Lord, I would follow thee.
4. Savior, may I love my brother
As I know thou lovest me,
Find in thee my strength, my beacon,
For thy servant I would be.
Savior, may I love my brother--
Lord, I would follow thee.
Come Follow Me
1. “Come, follow me,” the Savior said.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
For thus alone can we be one
With God’s own loved, begotten Son.
2. “Come, follow me,” a simple phrase,
Yet truth’s sublime, effulgent rays
Are in these simple words combined
To urge, inspire the human mind.
3. Is it enough alone to know
That we must follow him below,
While trav’ling thru this vale of tears?
No, this extends to holier spheres.
4. Not only shall we emulate
His course while in this earthly state,
But when we’re freed from present cares,
If with our Lord we would be heirs.
References
McCloud, Susan Evans. “The Writing of ‘Lord, I Would Follow Thee’. Deseret News, Deseret
News, 10 Mar. 2010.
.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/hymns/come-all-ye-saints-who-dwell-on-earth?lang=eng
https://hymnary.org/hymn/LDS1985/65
https://hymnary.org/hymn/SHSS1891/page/19
https://hymnary.org/text/come_all_ye_saints_who_dwell_on_earth
https://hymnary.org/person/Phelps_WW1
https://hymnary.org/text/come_all_ye_saints_who_dwell_on_earth?extended=true#instances
McCloud, Susan Evans. “The Writing of ‘Lord, I Would Follow Thee’. Deseret News, Deseret
News, 10 Mar. 2010.
.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/hymns/come-all-ye-saints-who-dwell-on-earth?lang=eng
https://hymnary.org/hymn/LDS1985/65
https://hymnary.org/hymn/SHSS1891/page/19
https://hymnary.org/text/come_all_ye_saints_who_dwell_on_earth
https://hymnary.org/person/Phelps_WW1
https://hymnary.org/text/come_all_ye_saints_who_dwell_on_earth?extended=true#instances
Individual Write Up
What worked well or didn’t work so well in your group project? Do you feel that your group project was equal effort by all group members or did you have some issues with getting everyone’s participation?
I think what worked well in our group project was how we were able to stay on task and focused. It was obvious that we each cared about the project and wanted to do well on it.
What didn’t work well was trying to plan out and get our schedules coordinated. We each have such crazy schedules that trying to find a place and time to meet was like trying to find a four-leafed clover, extremely difficult.
Overall I felt like we have each given equal effort. Participation was never a problem for any of us.
How much of your project was collaborative with your group or done alone by yourself?
I would say about 50% was done by ourselves and the other 50% was done together. We did research and practise on our own but then came together with the things we acquired.
Write about how the project was meaningful for you and what you learned through the project.
What was meaningful to me about this project was learning about Christ as an example. Learning about bearing the cross, really, just the theological part of the assignment and delving into Christ’s role in our lives. What really stood out to me was learning about the history behind hymn 65 and it’s relationships to the early pioneers. They wrote that song almost as a call to gather, a call to come unto Christ and let his example lead you. That was something I found very beautiful.
Is there some aspect of this project that you could see yourself applying to your personal life?
If anything about this project I would like to apply that it helps to make things more meaningful once you’ve put effort into it and found the hidden gems that they hold. I would never had known the history behind hymn 65 and now that I know it, that makes the hymn that much more meaningful to me. I would like to do that with more things in my life, to give it meaning and knowledge.
What worked well or didn’t work so well in your group project? Do you feel that your group project was equal effort by all group members or did you have some issues with getting everyone’s participation?
I think what worked well in our group project was how we were able to stay on task and focused. It was obvious that we each cared about the project and wanted to do well on it.
What didn’t work well was trying to plan out and get our schedules coordinated. We each have such crazy schedules that trying to find a place and time to meet was like trying to find a four-leafed clover, extremely difficult.
Overall I felt like we have each given equal effort. Participation was never a problem for any of us.
How much of your project was collaborative with your group or done alone by yourself?
I would say about 50% was done by ourselves and the other 50% was done together. We did research and practise on our own but then came together with the things we acquired.
Write about how the project was meaningful for you and what you learned through the project.
What was meaningful to me about this project was learning about Christ as an example. Learning about bearing the cross, really, just the theological part of the assignment and delving into Christ’s role in our lives. What really stood out to me was learning about the history behind hymn 65 and it’s relationships to the early pioneers. They wrote that song almost as a call to gather, a call to come unto Christ and let his example lead you. That was something I found very beautiful.
Is there some aspect of this project that you could see yourself applying to your personal life?
If anything about this project I would like to apply that it helps to make things more meaningful once you’ve put effort into it and found the hidden gems that they hold. I would never had known the history behind hymn 65 and now that I know it, that makes the hymn that much more meaningful to me. I would like to do that with more things in my life, to give it meaning and knowledge.