San 1

Catherine San
Mrs. Hope and Mrs. Lucarelli
Unit 1 Portfolio: Religion and Philosophy
November 2015

Interview with a Religious Leader (Christianity)

I interviewed Christian youth minister David Wu from Chinese American Bible Church in
Freehold, NJ.

1. Q: What are 3 main goals of Christianity? What is this religion all about?
A: Christianity is a monotheistic religion which teaches that we should love each other and take
care of Gods creation. Gods creation is the environment, its animals, and humans. One of the
most important goals of Christianity is to be in a restored relationship with God and believe Jesus
is the Savior and Son of God. We should love God with all our hearts, minds, and strength.

2. Q: How is your religion viewed in todays society? Does this affect you?
A: A lot of people have mixed emotions about Christianity. They dont really understand it. A
sensitive topic is the legalization of gay marriage. Christian faith doesnt particularly support
this, so people think Christianity is offensive and intolerant of other beliefs. This doesnt just
apply to the topic of homosexuality. Generally, people think that religious people believe their
religion is the only correct way and that we believe all other belief systems are wrong. Our
beliefs can contradict with the things going on in the world. This does not and should not affect
us. We should firmly follow Gods laws and teachings.

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3. Q: How is Christianity is viewed in other religions?

A: I dont think other religions have problems with Christianity. Aside from having
completely different beliefs, theres not much hate. I think Christianity is viewed as a good thing,
as long as it isnt exclusive. Other religions will not have a problem with us as long as we do not
act like we are the only religion with correct beliefs. They want us to accept them.
4. Q: How does Christianity deal with those who are against your beliefs?
A: I would say Christianity is very tolerant towards opposing views. We wont shun someone
just because they dont see eye to eye. However, were encouraged to witness to others. We
should engage them in conversation to exchange religious ideas. God also instructs His followers
to show love and compassion to all, Christian or not.
5. Q: What are some similarities and differences between your faith and others?
A: Christianity has a set of rules and moral standards. Of course, we should all try to do the
right thing. Judaism teaches that only Jewish religious people can go to heaven because they
were Gods chosen people. They also dont believe in Jesus as the Son of God. Christianity
teaches that anyone can get to heaven as long as they attain salvation through Jesus Christ, the
Savior. We have one god, which we worship and pray to. Hinduism has hundreds of gods.
6. Q: Who and what plays the most important role in this faith?
A: I would say Jesus plays the most important part in Christianity. Hes the only way we can
get to heaven. Hes the reason why we are here on this earth. Jesus is Gods son. God allowed

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Jesus to die in order to save us from our sins. The Trinity is Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit
rolled into one. God made us, Jesus saved us, and the Holy Spirit guides us.

7. Q: Are there any moral codes within Christianity?

A: Judaism and Christianity both follow the Ten Commandments, which are a set of laws
given by God. They teach basic moral lessons like being honest, not stealing, not killing, and
worshipping only one god.
8. Q: What do you believe to be the most important belief in Christianity?
A: The most important belief of Christianity is to believe and trust that Jesus is the way, the
truth, and the life. He is the only way to heaven. You have to have faith in Him as your Savior. A
lot of people think you can buy your way to heaven by doing good things, like helping the poor
and donating to charity. Thats great and encouraged by God, but you must attain salvation to go
to heaven. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and resurrected after 3 days. Then, you will be
saved.
9. Q: Do you believe in an afterlife/salvation? What are your views on death?
A: Yes. There is definitely an afterlife. There is eternal heaven and eternal hell. Followers of
Christ will go to heaven with God. Non-believers will go to hell with the devil.
10. Q: What does Christianity offer the world?
A: Christianity offers the world a second chance of hope and restoration through Jesus. I
really think that your life can be transformed when you trust in the Lord as your Savior.
11. Q: What is the meaning of life according to your faith?

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A: Christianity teaches that the purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him. We are also
here to care for his creation, which includes humanity.

12. Q: Are there branches/sects of Christianity? If so, which do you follow?

A: Yes, there are branches of Christianity. We are a non-denominational or evangelical
church. Some other sects are Presbyterian and Pentecostal. Presbyterian churches believe in baby
baptisms. Pentecostal churches believe in speaking in tongues.
13. Q: What do believers do to follow the religion?
A: Christians read the Bible, go to church, and follow Gods commands. We learn everything
God expects of us by reading His scripture. Going to church helps us better understand what the
Bible says. God wants us to follow his laws and it pleases Him when we do.
14. Q: What is a religious service in Christianity like?
A: A Christian service includes worship, prayer, and a sermon. We worship God through
music, hymns, and songs. They glorify and honor God. Sermons sort of interpret Bible teachings
and scripture. By listening to what a pastor or preacher has to say, we can learn how to apply
Christian beliefs to our everyday lives. We use prayer as a way of talking with God. We praise
Him and thank Him for what he has given us.
15. Q: What impact does Christianity have on a followers life?
A: I fully believe that Christianity can change a life. God teaches us to serve and love others.
All of us could become kinder and better people.
16. Q: What meaning do sacred writings or rituals have in this religion?

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A: The sacred writing of Christianity is the Bible. It was given by God and written by His
prophets. Communion and baptism are 2 rituals. Communion symbolizes a way to remember
Jesuss death and resurrection for our sins by consuming the body and blood of Christ. Baptism
represents what happens inside a believers heart when they trust God as their Savior.
17. Q: Are there any celebrations that have religious meaning to Christians?
A: Christmas and Easter are major holidays. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. Easter
celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Without Jesus being born and sent by God, we would not
have been saved from our sins. Without Jesus rising from the dead, his death would have been
meaningless. We wouldnt really have been saved.
18. Q: What is something that you would like Christianity to accomplish in the future?
A: I would like Christianity to accomplish peace between all. I also want it to create more
God focused conversations. If we all follow Gods commands, the world would be a much more
peaceful and kind place. Having God focused conversations would also enable more people to
hear the good news of Jesus Christ.