Osama Bin Laden – Special Post

photo © 2007 MIke Kline | more info (via: Wylio)
After 10 years of searching for the mastermind behind the al Qaeda September 11, 2001 attacks, the US military has found, shot, killed, and disposed of Osama Bin Laden.

Many people know about Osama, al Qaeda, and the September 11th attacks. However, many of you might be fuzzy on some of the details. Thanks to one of my favorite friends, Wikipedia, as well as a number of other news sources, I want you to read, recall, and understand the many events from the past decade (and beyond). Please click on the following links and watch the videos or read the articles*:

photo © 2009 Surian Soosay | more info (via: Wylio)
The Shorter Version

A 10 minute video from CNN’s Student News. This video provides a broad overview of who Osama Bin Laden was, what he did, and the meaning of his death.  At minimum, please watch the video.

The Longer, In-Depth Version

If watching the CNN video was not enough for you, I’ve provided a number of links to help you further understand what all the fuss is about. The are not mandatory to click, but I highly recommend you do.

1. The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001
2. The mastermind, Osama Bin Laden
3. Osama Bin Laden’s terrorist network, al Qaeda
4. Article of Bin Laden’s death from the Huffington Post
5. Obama and the White House, a video to watch
6. Want to know some numbers on the cost to kill Bin Laden? Here’s another blog that can give you a rough estimate: Man Vs. Debt
7. Also, our own ICS teachers are getting involved on the discussion. Check out some brief thoughts from Mr. Hogshead on his blog: The Curious Task

Now What? Further Directions

photo © 2008 Steve Rhodes | more info (via: Wylio)
After you’ve read, skimmed, and/or perused these links and videos, please write a reflection post based on this historic incident and the recent closure that many Americans have found. I’m not looking for any sort of “right” answer, but rather your thoughts on this incident, whether good, bad, or a mix of the two. You might also want to answer a question such as: How might Jesus want me to respond to this? If you’re struggling how to respond as a Christian, you might want to check out this article: The Christian Response to Bin Laden’s Death.

*By the way, you are also welcome to view any other news, articles, or links related to Osama Bin Laden’s death! I’ve only provided an overview so that our class will have a common foundation.

DUE: Thursday, May 05 (PE) and Friday, May 06 (SC and EB)

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Matthew 18 Post – An Experiment

Here’s something different for your next post on Matthew 18. You’re going to do an “experiment” that involves you doing some legwork before you can actually start writing on your blog. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Read Matthew 18
2. (BONUS: For fun, I highly recommend you check out this site about sheep facts)
3. Find one verse, part, lesson, etc. that you either learned, thought was helpful, or was really cool/enjoyable
4. Tell someone (NOT IN 8th GRADE) what you learned, thought was helpful, or really enjoyed
5. Remember their reaction or the conversation you had
6. Then write about this converstation you had

When you write your post, please include:

• The verse, passage, or particular thing you were drawn to in Matthew 18
• The first name (last optional) of the person you spoke to. (you can also speak to your family)
• How the conversation went and the reaction of the person you spoke to
• Any other thoughts you have on the “experiment”

Questions? Please see me sooner than later.

DUE: Monday, April 18th (PE) and Tuesday, April 19th (SC and EB)

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The Prodigal Returns

Today we read and briefly discussed the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15. It’s a beautiful, complex, and powerful parable from Jesus. To continue the conversation, I want you (my Bible students) to comment on this post.  Please respond to the following statements/questions:

• Which of the two sons was “WORSE” and why?
• Imagine the party the dad organized. What do you think was going through the younger son’s mind? or the older son?

Feel free to comment more than once!
Cheers and happy Friday!

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