We all conform, sometimes for good and sometimes for bad. You are familiar with

We all conform, sometimes for good and sometimes for bad. You are familiar with the words of Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.” These prove to be difficult instructions for many Christians as they attempt to live within secular society and still maintain a distinctly Christian lifestyle. While it is helpful for Christians to be aware of the dangers of conformity, it is also helpful to consider the ways in which conformity can benefit Christians in their daily living.
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For example, consider the following (Kok et al., 2011, p.156):
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During WWII, many Jews were protected by individuals who conformed to their religious communities’ stance against the Final Solution.
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The Christian community conforms to an ordered environment where healthy social interactions are more likely to occur. Sitting and listening during a sermon allows everyone to hear the message. Rules about entering and exiting make it possible for people to gather safely.
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The positive influence of the church can lead its members to conform in such areas as financial giving, prayer, and other spiritual disciplines.
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Before writing this week’s paper, take the following conformity inventory. And then write a two- to three-page paper addressing the following points:
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Give some examples of how Christians conform to secular society.
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What makes it difficult for Christians to take a stand against society?
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Discuss the conformity inventory. Explain the benefits of conformity in the examples that you checked.
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How can Christian communities utilize the knowledge about conformity to bring about positive change in the church?
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Conformity Inventory:
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Place a checkmark next to the scenarios where you believe that conformity is beneficial.
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_____ Tony takes a shower and brushes his teeth every morning because his mom told him that is what all the other kids his age do.
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_____ Maria recently started attending a new Bible study where all of the members are committed to reading the Bible every day; she now finds herself doing the same.
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_____ Mitch’s friends are excited to go see a new movie. Mitch knows that the content of the movie is inconsistent with his Christian beliefs, but he doesn’t want to be alone on a Friday night; he goes out with his friends.
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_____ Kari recently moved to a new neighborhood and noticed that all her neighbors put out recycling tubs every week with their trash. Although it costs more and Kari has never recycled before, she decides to give it a try.
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_____ Beth works at an upscale office and is expected to dress professionally. She feels that it will be a benefit to her in her job to keep up with the latest fashion trends in order to appear contemporary and professional.
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_____ Jerome and his co-workers have put in a long day. Before they may leave work, they are supposed to sweep and mop the floor. Jerome agrees to skip this final task so that his co-workers won’t be mad at him and they can all go home.
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_____ Karen is typically a messy person but has been working hard to keep her things neat because her roommate likes a clean room.
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_____ Since coming to college, James has put more effort into his schoolwork because doing well academically is important to his friends.
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_____ Mary has found that living a Christian life is a lot easier in the context of her church community, which supports her and continually expects her to be working on her relationship with God.
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_____ Marcus’s friends have decided to help at the Special Olympics this coming Saturday. They make it sound like a lot of fun, so Marcus decides to sign up too.
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_____ Juanita is concerned when she sees that a new highway is being planned. However, no one else seems to be concerned, so she concludes that the people in charge must be making the right decision.
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This paper should be two to three pages, double-spaced, and written in proper APA format. In addition to the minimum page count (i.e., two pages and one line minimum), you should also include a reference page in APA format. Additionally, use a minimum of one additional source outside of your textbook to support your points.
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Reference:
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Kok, C., Zwart, L., Hossink, J., Madeiros-Ward, N., & Witteveen, S. (2011). Learning activities for faith and psychology (2nd ed.). Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from https://calvin.edu/centers-institutes/kuyers-institute/files/psychfaithman2.pdf