Christianity Flashcards
After his conversion, overall what did Paul of Tarsus achieve?
He became a Great Missionary
He was the first New Testament Writer and interpreter of Jesus’ word
Paul would lay the foundations of Christianity through his would in both the development and expression of the faith.
Who was Saul of Tarsus?
He was a devout Hellenistic Jew born in Turkey in 10CE
He persecuted Christians but would eventually convert after seeing a vision of Jesus on the way to Damascus (Acts 9: 3-7)
He was also a Roman citizen
How did Paul influence the Expression of Christianity?
He preached about the Love of God being the focus of Christianity, as well as the love for one another
Paul taught how Christ is our Saviour, and the core focus of mankind’s existential questions
He also showed how belief in God/Christ leads to eternal life
How did Paul contribute to the development of Christianity?
By establishing Christianity as an evangelising faith and triggering the Hellenisation Process
How did Paul make Christianity an evangelising faith?
He began preaching to not only Jews but also Gentiles, even Romans
He undertook 4 major missionary journies: Cyprus, Antioch, Corinth and Thessalonica
As a Roman citizen, he had greater freedom whilst travelling.
How did Paul trigger the Hellenisation Process?
He allowed Roman converts, as difficult as it was.
He also removed the dietary laws/circumcision at the Council of Jerusalem (49AD), pitting the Hellenists against the Hebrews.
Paul began to shift away from Judaism to promote individual faith over ethics as well as encourage more converts.
Jesus would become the figure of universal salvation
What was Paul’s impact on Christianity?
He was one of the first and main sources of Christian Theology, influencing the style/formality of modern worship as well as inspiring future Christian writers e,g, Aquinas, St Augustine, Luther
His Hellenisation process introduced a Greek perspective, loosened Mosaic Law, and forever removed circumcision and the dietary laws
What are the Christian views surrounding Marriage/family?
Catholic- Sacrament/covenant, permanent Union
Anglican- ideal context for procreation, rearing of children
Lutheran- reflection of God’s love for us, covenant not sacrament
Orthodox- expression of continuous love, sacrament, couple offer their lives to the Church
What are the Christian views surrounding Birth Control?
Catholic- artificial contraception is morally wrong, billing method is acceptable, against good of procreation, violates marriage covenant
Anglican- morality must be seriously considered, accepts use today
Lutheran- welfare of the mother is acknowledged, number of children is matter of conscience, procreation is a part of marriage
Orthodox- strongly discouraged, artificial/natural are treated the same
What are the Christian views surrounding Homosexuality?
Catholic- intrinsically wrong, no finality of marriage, there is a difference between transitory/definitive homosexuality
Anglican- there is a gay laity, but clergy is debatable
Lutheran- distinguishes propensity and behavioural, perhaps God’s mysterious ways? They deserve justice, but unions not allowed
Orthodox- immoral, no finality of sex, questions God given sexuality
What are the Christian views surrounding Premarital Sex?
Catholic- must be in marriage context, always possibility of children, premarital sex is sinful/offends dignity of marriage
Anglican- grave sin, not grave punishment
Lutheran- wrong
Orthodox- similar to Catholics, marriage safeguards fullest expression of love
What is Natural Law in Christianity?
It is an understanding, which is objective and comprehensive, which defines proper sexuality through the natural biological structure of the human body.
What is some background information about marriage?
Marriage is a sacrament/public ceremony
Participants must be over 18yrs old
Often occurs within a Church
Participants include the couple, 2 witnesses, family, friends, priest/minister
What are the main elements of marriage?
Readings- represents God’s presence, reminder of religious purpose, God’s love in the union
Wedding Vows- expression of love, nature of marriage (FLGCR)
Rings- reminder of the couple’s eternal love and God’s love
Prayers- God’s presence
Nuptial Blessing- couple asks for blessing from God/priest/community
Witnesses- minister/community identify whose involved, rite of passage
What Christian beliefs does Marriage express?
God’s love/will- covenant, bond, procreation, mutual joy, reflect his love
Jesus’ teachings and love for the Church- sacrifices for love
The Holy Trinity- reflects it’s relationships, couple and God
Revelation- revelation for couple/community
