ORAL REPORT INSTRUCTIONS

PURPOSE
  Sum up the concepts of the class, by explaining how to share the message of salvation with one particular religion

DURATION -- at least a 20 minute report.

HAND-OUT INSTRUCTIONS
  Give each person a printed sentence-outline, about 2 pages long.
    Include bibliography on another page.  
    Include citations for points beyond "common knowledge."
  You will read a sentence from your outline, then add comments and examples
    On instructor's copy, add citations for oral quotes you use.


WHAT IS A SENTENCE OUTLINE?
  Your report is outlined using Roman numerals and letters.
  After each numeral or letter write a complete sentence (subject and verb).

EXAMPLES:
NOT ACCEPTABLE:  I.  Talk about animist's view of God.
ACCEPTABLE: I.  Animists believe in a distant God and that spirits are in things
ALSO ACCEPTABLE:  I.  Animists believe:
                                              a.  in a distant creator God.
                                              b.  that spirits are in things.

GRADING:
    Followed directions?
    Is outline is in sentence form?

    Provided bibliography at end and citations where needed?
    Included sharing mankind's problem and God's answer?
    Included misunderstandings and cut-offs, with solutions?
    Included bridges and handles?


1.  Brief intro, plus sections on misunderstandings, cut-offs, bridges, and handles, with subheadings under each about mankind's problem and God's answer.
2.  Brief intro, plus sections on mankind's problem and God's answer, with subheadings under each for misunderstandings, cut-offs, bridges, and handles.

SAMPLE OUTLINE NUMBER ONE (by aspects of sharing):
I.  Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan.
    A.  In Shinto, locations are thought to have spirits.
          1.  Shrines have been built in these places.
          2.  People worship at the shrines to receive help from the spirits.
    B.  In Shinto, there are many festival days.

II.  Japanese might misunderstand certain parts of the gospel message.
    A.  A Japanese person might think that "sin" is just "offending the spirits."
    B.  A Japanese person might think that "salvation" means reincarnation.

III.  Certain topics might cause a cut-off in conversation with a Japanese

IV.  Here are some ways to build bridges with the needs of Japanese.

V.  Here are some ways to use Shinto concepts as handles to bring up the salvation message.

SAMPLE OUTLINE NUMBER TWO (by parts of message)
I.  Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan.  (as above)

II.  Sharing about the human condition has pitfalls but also solutions:
    A. Japanese might misunderstand sin as mere disrespect for spirits.
    B.  Japanese might stop talking if you make fun of the spirits. 
    C.  Jesus provides freedom from interference by spirits.
    D.  The need for spirits shows we are not complete in ourselves.

III.  Sharing about Jesus' cross and resurrection may be difficult.
    A.  Japanese might misunderstand Jesus as just another spirit.
               --- etc. --

COURSE CONTENT AND THE FINAL REPORT:

Mankind's problem is separation from God due to sin, which is shown by God's law.  Another religion might have a different view of mankind's problem, which would be their view of the human condition.

God loves people, and Jesus is the God/man who has received our punishment in our place.  Those who rely on Jesus will live with God forever, and experience a full life in the present.  Other religions may have a different view of what it would be like to remedy the human condition (view of salvation), a different view of who will help us with this remedy (view of God and the supernatural), and a different view of how to get that remedy (saving method).

Your oral report will try to explore all these areas for the religion you choose.

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