Christianity

Question 1

Origins (historical context)

Answer 1

-Jews were allowed to practice in Judea under heavy rule from the Romans from 63 BCE due to the historical persecution of the Jews and the diaspora

-The division between Gentiles and Jews left the Israelites disillusioned; they held prejudice against anyone who wasn’t one of their own

-Christianity faced persecution at the hands of the Romans for years until Emperor Constantine the Great permitted the worship of Jesus Christ. Constantine legitimising Christianity was the single largest factor in its growth, the size of the Roman empire spreading Christianity across Europe and the Middle East.

Question 2

Core beliefs

Answer 2

-For the semetic faiths, a divine being, God, Yahweh or Allah, is responsible for the creation of the world, thus their transcendence is powerful enough to warrant support of the code of ethics they dictate.

-God provides a moral framework for one’s life that will eventually lead one to their ‘ultimate destiny’ (supernatural dimension/meeting God).

-The Holy Spirit guides Christians to adhere to ethical behaviour and moral guideline set out by Jesus Christ

Question 3

Principal Beliefs

Answer 3

-Divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ

-The nature of the trinity

-Revelation

-Salvation

-Death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ

Question 4

Jesus Christ as a role model

Answer 4

-Jesus lives a life of prayer:

(Luke 5:16)
(Matthew 26:39)
(Matthew 27:46)

-Jesus lives a life of service to others:

(Mark 1:23-45)
(Mark 7:24-30)

Beatitudes and the Golden rule

-Jesus acts as an advocate for the poor:

(John 9:1-41)

Liberation Theology

-Jesus loves and forgives others:

(John 21:1-14)

Seen through sacraments (Baptism)

Question 5

Source of ethics

Answer 5

-10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-7)

-Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12 )

-Jesus commandment of love (Mt 22:37-40)
(Love one another as i have loved you)

Question 6

How do Christians Pray (Lived Expression)

Answer 6

Extemporary
Contemplative
Blessings and adoration (Worship) - Praise God - Church & masses (gloria, etc) - Cardinal Merry del Val’s Litany of Humility.
Petition - Asking God for things an adherent needs (spiritual & physical) - Our Father (shows acceptance of God’s will) - prayers of expiation (express sorrow for sins)
Intercession - Prayer for other people’s needs - Asking God to show mercy on others
Thanksgiving - Prayer of thanking God - Grace before meals
Praise - Acknowledging God for what He is - Psalms - Prayers of love or charity
Express love and devotion, forgive of sins, requests and help