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Throughout the discussion in class, I have learned many things about racism that before I wouldn’t have even thought of. Before this class I went through life viewing cultural issues as little importance. This Cor 200 class has broadened my mind to look at life in a more serious manner. In this section we talked about racism within blacks and whites. Now I knew that racism still existed but I did not realize how prevalent it still was. From the discussions in class I was able to see that I was not the only one who felt the same way. Being able to hear everyone’s opinion and observations of racism helped me understand the way other people viewed this issue. I now understand the urgency to stop correlations between blacks and whites. People view it as not that big of deal but in retrospect it is bringing people down and tearing others apart. I do not disagree with anything that we have learned thus far. I think that as Christians we are responsible in setting the bar to how we react to these racial issues. We are told to treat others how we want to be treated. Christians can set the example by treating other respectfully and loving one another just like Christ would want us to. These racial issues make my faith stronger, to try and be a better Christian for others to look up to. Acts 4:12 says that there is no other name, and he would want us to treat people like brothers and sisters in Christ, and not view them by the color of their skin.
 * Taylor Lange **

Between reading the book, participating in discussions in class, and doing the daily quizzes I have learned quite a bit about relations between the majority and minority. Possibly the most significant assignment to me was the daily quiz where we looked up census statistics on our own hometowns. I did not realize the population had as much diversity as it did and I learned many interesting facts about crime and incarceration in my neighborhood. In addition to the quizzes, I found the discussions very helpful and was able to relate with many of the kids in class. I related to the book as well as I live in a St. Joseph like neighborhood that is very close to a Benton Harbor. Between this book and the class Core 200 as a whole, I have come to realize racial issues in America and their prevalence today. I was naive and believe that they were not a very big deal but now see that they are. I believe that it is up to us as Christians to fix these issues. Christ taught us to love one another and to treat everyone equally. Romans 2:11 says that God shows no partiality and I believe that we should not either. If we lead by example, others will follow and we will finally be able to break down the barriers of racism in America.
 * Matt Carden **

 I learned a few new things in this section of Core 200. I realized that I truly have a lack of understanding of minorities. I believe that racial and multicultural issues do come from a lack of understanding each other. In America the majority truly doesn’t understand that minority. I learned that there are probably more small towns like St. Joseph and Benton Harbor in America. I have never lived in a divided community like that and I can’t really imagine what that would be like. I never realized that if could affect such small towns as the two I mentioned. I think Luke 6:31 is a relevant Bible verse to this topic. “To do others as you would want done to you,” Luke 6:31. I think we need to treat everyone equally no matter what race or cultural background they are from. I have never really been racially discriminated, but I know that I would not like the feeling at all. God calls us to treat everyone fairly and this verse indirectly basically says we should not profile or discriminate others. I know I have done it before and this is something I need to change in my faith in order to live a life more like Christ. Jesus treated outcasts, the sick, and tax collectors are fairly and treated them like friends. I feel that as Christians we are called to do this with others races and people who are different then us. We need to love more and hate less. The whole slavery thing makes this somewhat hard because it is something that black people still hold against us and is something that gives us an idea that we are better than them. Hopefully we can come together and continue to work out our difference and understand each other better.
 * Jake Walker **

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