Scoles 1

Cooper Scoles
Ms. Rebecca Agosta
UWRT 1102-018
November 4, 2014
Annotated Bibliography on Christian Identity
What is the perspective on a Christian from a Christian point of view?
Cranor, Blake "Perspective on Christianity." Personal interview. 31 Oct. 2014
1.) What is your opinion on Christians in todays era in general?
In my opinion I believe that Christians for the most part are genuinely good people,
clearly this is true because I am one. Christians usually live by morals which is a very
essential part of life, and making the world a better place.
2.) In your opinion what are some typical stereotypes of Christians either positive or negative?
Some typical stereotypes of Christians would be that they are all good people which is
not necessarily true and that Christians go to heaven after they die which in my opinion
is the truth and that is where I believe I am headed after I leave this world.
3.) Do you believe Christians Ostracize those who do not share their beliefs, why or why not?
I believe for the most part Christians do not shun away others but are very accepting
group of people.
4.) How do you believe a religion, specifically Christianity affects the everyday decisions of a
person?
I believe that because people are Christians due to the morals that the Bible teaches, a
Christian would be more likely to make the right choice in a time peer pressure or
similar circumstance.
5.) In your opinion what does it mean to be a Christian?
In my opinion being a Christian is simple, it means to truly accept Jesus Christ into
your heart as your Lord and Savior.
In this interview Blake Cranor was the interviewee, he establishes himself as a Christian
who attends church regularly. Blake makes it evident that he believes Christianity plays a
big role in an indivduals identity. He makes the point that the majority of Christians are
good people whom seek out to make the world a better place, along with choosing to do
the right thing. Thus he clearly shows he has very positive outlook on Christians in
general.

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Blakes views led me to desiring why such a strong faith in Christianity has such a strong
impact on some individuals while in others lives it is not so significant. I can relate to Mr,
Cranors views because I share many of the same beliefs as him and also think that the
majority of his answers would match that of my own. I believe he is a very credible
resource because he is very educated person currently enrolled in an elite collegiate
program, thus giving a certain extent of credibility to his name.
What might a person have such strong faith in Christianity while others completely deny
its legitimacy?

Where might Christian identity in a person be derived?

Gee, J. P. "Chapter 3: Identity As An Analytic Lens For Research In Education." Review of
Research in Education (2011): 99-125. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
In this journal excerpt written by James Gee, Identity is discussed. Gee talks about the
various aspects or roles different pieces of life play on ones identity. One aspect of the
identity he talks about is known as n-identity or nature identity, this type of identity
means the influences on your life outside of society, such as your genes and how your
family raised ones self. Gee argues that nature identity plays a vital role in who someone
ultimately becomes through the eyes of both themselves and others. Gees proposal
assists in answering this inquiry question by establishing a connection between
Christianity and ones family, and or caregivers.
Gees writings led me to understanding what a crucial role being brought up in a
Christian family could have on ones identity as a Christian. I believe that my identity as
a Christian could have definitely been derived by being raised to believe in a higher
power in such a way as I currently do. I believe Gee to be a very credible source due to

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his extensive research on all the various concepts that go into creating ones identity,
along with the use of numerous relevant examples to back up his claims.
What might the role of an institution such as a Church have on ones Christian Identity?

What is the perspective on a Christian from a non-Christian point of view?

Pfeifer, Briona A. "Perspective on Christianity." Personal interview. 21 Oct. 2014
1.) What is your opinion on Christians in todays era in general?
I think that Christians, or anyone else who is religiously affiliated, lack certain
characteristics as well as share strong ones. In terms of lacking, I feel that Christians are
very closed-minded in an ever-changing world. I feel that the Bible is not applicable for
this time in history. I think also Christians have the incorrect idea about heaven as well. I
feel that being a good person and being a Christian are two separate ideas. Not all
Christians are good people and not all good people are Christians. Being sent to heaven
shouldnt be dependent on being Christian, but rather on the type of person you were in
the mortal world. Although, the Bible and church do teach very good morals, having
good morals doesnt require being taught in a religious setting.
2.) In your opinion what are some typical stereotypes of Christians either positive or negative?
I think two prominent stereotypes would be Christians are forgiving and good people
and all Christians go to heaven. With what I stated previously, I think Christians abuse
their religion, which I dont think was intended when religion was a forming theory.
Many Christians are constantly saying, God forgives me, as reassurance to themselves
for the wrong they have done rather than fixing what has been broke. Some things are
not meant to be forgiven. I personally believe that God would want someone to make an
effort to fix the situation, not just sit and pray about what they did wrong. It was Gods
plan is my most hated saying. God did not plan for kids to starve, for parents to abuse
their kids, for someone to get cancer and leave their loved ones. What kind of plan is
that? Who would ever plan that for someone? It is a statement used to avoid the
negativity and avoid giving an answer in defense. Something I will never understand.
3.) Do you believe Christians Ostracize those who do not share their beliefs, why or why not?
In terms of sharing their beliefs, yes. Christians isolate themselves from those who
arent. Of course not in all cases, but in almost every case. Like I said, we live in an everchanging world that many have grown ignorant of due to a book. A book that half of them
dont follow correctly. The Bible mentions gay marriage about once or twice and
mentions sex before marriage over 100. Being gay is a sin, says the non-married, nonvirgin. Groups of people will always draw away from the crowd to make their own, but
Christians are the most brutal when it comes to accepting other groups. So much for
Christians being forgiving.
4.) How do you believe a religion, specifically Christianity affects the everyday decisions of a
person?

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I think being a Christian is tossed around daily. I think people live in fear of not being
Christian, rather than not being a good person. I think people fear if they dont pray then
they wont receive what they are hoping for. I think that Christians settle for Sunday
church visits to make up for their Monday through Saturday wrongs. I think Christians
should spend less time during their day trying to be more Christian.
5.) In your opinion what does it mean to be a Christian?
What really makes a Christian a Christian? Going to church every Sunday? Having a
Bible in your attic? Putting a Bible quote on your Instagram bio? I dont think anyone is
truly 100% Christian, and I dont think anyone can be in 2014. To be a Christian I
believe you follow the basic morals the Bible teaches: dont lie, dont cheat, dont steal,
etc. I think you should accept everyone rather than forgive everyone. I think you service
others before yourself. Being a Christian is not confined by how much you go to church
or how much you donate to Christian run organizations. I think it is personally having a
relationship with God that you keep inclusive. Religion should not be how you address
yourself. Hi, I am Christian. Okay? That doesnt tell anyone anything.
In the interview conducted, Briona Pfeifer was interviewed; she is currently established
as a non-Christian and represents the non-believer side of the religious equation. Briona
answers my questions very well by stating she believes the religion is flawed, due to
many factors, such as hypocrisy, and the unforgiving natures of many self-proclaimed
Christian people. The Interviewees main ideas stem from Christians not practicing what
they preach, for example they preach against sin and being inclusive of outsiders, but
Briona claims many self- proclaimed Christians do not follow these guidelines very well.
Brionas answers led me to realize that not everyone has the same outlook upon
Christians and Christianity as myself. I think due to her intellectual answers and ability to
give a form specific pieces of evidence to support her claims, Briona Pfeifer would be
consider a very credible source.
What factors growing up might cause a person to sway away from Christianity?

What is the perspective on a Christian from a non-Christian point of view?

Pfeifer, Rachelle "Perspective on Christianity." Personal interview. 31 Oct. 2014

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1.) What is your opinion on Christians in todays era in general?
My opinion on Christians is that their religion does not define them as a people, I know
both Christians and non-Christians who are both good and bad people.
2.) In your opinion what are some typical stereotypes of Christians either positive or negative?
I think a stereotype of Christians is that they are all good and holy people, which in my
opinion as I said before is that their religion does not define them because there are
Christians who claim to be genuine followers in Christ yet take part in some very ungodly
or unbiblical actions.
3.) Do you believe Christians Ostracize those who do not share their beliefs, why or why not?
In my opinion this question is also similar to the others because I believe
some Christians do but I know many Christians who do not seem to ostracize others and
are very accepting of most of those who come around them.
2.) In your opinion what are some typical stereotypes of Christians either positive or negative?
In my opinion some typical stereotypes of Christians would be that they are all good
people and are all going to Heaven, however I believe that this is not true at all
because I know good people who are Christians but I also know good people who are not
Christians along with vice versa.
4.) How do you believe a religion, specifically Christianity affects the everyday decisions of a
person?
I believe that people who are truly devoted to the standards and morals of Christianity
do live a better life and more pure life due to the morals as I said that Christianity sets
fourth, I just believe there are many proclaimed Christians who are not very dedicated to
this lifestyle.
5.) In your opinion what does it mean to be a Christian?
In my opinion being a Christian means to follow the standards and guidelines set fourth
by the bible which very few so called Christians in my opinion actually are able to do.
In this interview Rachelle Pfeifer was the interviewee, she considers herself a nonChristian, although she does claim not be an atheist and absolutely believes in a higher
power of some sorts. Rachelle answers the questions very precisely, making it clear that
she believes religion is not the defining part of a person. She claims to know many
Christians who are genuinely not commendable people, yet she also knows many nonChristians who are not commendable people as well and vice versa. She believe people
define themselves and that religion is just an addition to a person and not an aspect of the
persons complete identity.
Rachelle led me into wondering what roles Christianity might play on a persons life if it
does not actually define who a person may be. Rachelle made it clear to me that many

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people do not have the same views as myself, yet still have views that are very logical as
shown in the context of Rachelles responses. I believe Ms. Pfeifer to be a very credible
source due to her strong points made on religion not defining a person along with her
numerous experiences in this modern day world.
What role does Christianity play if it truly isnt a defining factor of who a person is?

What is the perspective on a Christian from a Christian point of view?

Wollin, Ginny M. "Perspective on Christianity." Personal interview. 21 Oct. 2014
1.) What is your opinion on Christians in todays era in general?
My opinion on Christians is mixed. I feel like some walk the walk and talk the talk but
some do not. Some will say they are Christians because they believe Jesus died for their
sins, they say they are Going to heaven and then they lead a different life. They may
listen to vile music and choose less then desirable things to watch on tv and their words
and actions are of the world. I feel like there is hypocrisy in Christianity just like
anything else. The people that spend time in Gods word searching and seeking as well
as focusing on the most important part, a continuous constant relationship, have the most
fulfilling life on this earth and therefore will be good examples and help lead others to
Christ. It is all about leading others to Christ.
2.) In your opinion what are some typical stereotypes of Christians either positive or negative?
Some of the typical stereotypes of Christians would be that Christians do everything
right. They dont drink, swear, steel, listen to or watch less then desirable movies, tv
shows or music. This may be true or some Christians but not most. Because you go to
church on Sunday, you are a Christian. A lot of people to church but are still not
Christians (according to Gods word, not mine). Christians may do all or some of that on
any given day but they also know they are forgiven and focus on the relationship not the
actions. We are human and all have fallen short of the glory of God.
3.) Do you believe Christians Ostracize those who do not share their beliefs, why or why not?
I think most Christians do not ostracize those who do not share their beliefs. Christians
know it is the individuals personal choice and has nothing to do with them. All a
Christian can do is being a good example in his or her life and others will find it
infectious and want to follow Christ also. If the person were to ostracize them for their
choice of religion or even being an atheist, the person would justify their choice saying
This is why I do not want to be a Christian! Christians should be non judgmental and
loving. Christians run their actions and thoughts through a filter, is this a Christ like
thing to do or way to act, or is this decision motivated by anger or my own ego, hate or
pride. Christians need to love and pray even for their enemies. Most of the Christians I
know are like this and they do not ostracize.

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4.) How do you believe a religion, specifically Christianity affects the everyday decisions of a
person?
Christianity affects the everyday decisions of a person by his or her knowledge of Gods
word, which gives advice on how we should live and how we should handle situations
that come up every day. A Christian starts his or her day thinking about the Lord and
asking him to guide them in their decisions and praying for others. Gods word gives you
so much practical information but people relay on themselves and make excuses like, no
time to read Gods word, I believe in this part but not that passage, its too difficult to
understand. They adjust it to their worldly view and their needs. I personally pray for
God to give me revealing words, even in this situation to help turn another heart towards
him. You never know what how your words or actions might influence someone. It is
NOT about us! This life is short and we will stand before God one day and all we want
him to say is Good job my faithful servant! Therefore, Christianity affects every day
decisions, because you read Gods word and try your best to implement it in your life and
all your decisions. You are constantly talking to God and asking him what he wants,
His will be done not your will. You will never know what he wants for you and your
life if you dont have a relationship with him. Once you genuinely follow Christ you feel
convicted and your heart changes and you want to do what he would want you do, and if
you dont, thats ok too because God is forgiving! It needs to be a ripple effect in business
our relationships and family, these choices need to make an example for generations to
come, our kids, grandkids etc.
5.) In your opinion what does it mean to be a Christian?
In my opinion being a Christians means to have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and
Savior. Admitting you are a sinner, along with asking the Lord for forgiveness. And most
importantly truly believing and being a follower in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this interview Ginny Wollin, who establishes herself as a Christian was interviewed,
she claims to attend church devoutly nearly every Sunday. She represents the side whom
follows the bible and believes in Jesus Christ. Mrs. Wollin answers the questions very
well, she states that in general most Christians attempt to follow the bible, and that they
are very open to those around them, both fellow believers and non-believers. She claims
that it is essential to pray and that God gives strength and guidance to those who ask. She
apparently seems to have much success personally with her faith and claims to lead a
happier and healthier life due to her religious choices.
Ginny Wollins answers led me to seeing that many people also have similar ideas as to
myself on the topic of Christianity and religion. I believe that Ginny is a very reliable

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source because of all the evidence she uses to back up her claims, along with much
personal experience amongst subject.
What factors growing up allow for someone to choose to follow in the wake of Christianity?