Christianity Flashcards
What were the two historical and cultural features in which christianity began?
Judaism and the roman empire
historical and cultural features in which christianity began
-Judaism
Born in the Holy Land in the centre of the Jewish world
· Jews were oppressed under the Romans
· Judaism was at a low point in their history
· It Gave rise to the division of different sects
· No unified leadership
· Sadducees- Highly conservative: intent on preserving traditional Judaism
· Pharisees – They were a reform group of lay Jews: aimed to observe the Law strictly
· Zealots- Radical Jews who violently opposed Roman rule
· As a result of these three group Messianic beliefs at the time were high
· None of them believed Jesus was the Messiah
historical and cultural features in which christianity began
-Roman empire
The region was ruled by Pontius Pilate
· Romans persecuted the Christians
· Emperor Constantine legitimised Christianity
· State religion: Polytheistic (did not work with monotheistic Christian beliefs)
· Informal mystery cults: served the need for personal religion and laid the groundwork for a transition into Christianity
ministry
Jesus ministry is defined by the parables he told and the miracles he performed
· “I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep” John 10: 4-11
· Miracle: Walking on water
final days in Jerusalem
· As his popularity grew so did the opposition
· The last supper with his disciples, his betrayal by Judas and his arrest
· “This is my body which is given to you. Do this in memory of me” Luke 22:19
jesus crucifixion
Jesus was crucified by Roman prefect Pontius Pilate for claiming to be the king of the Jews
“When they came to the place called “The Skull,” they crucified Jesus there, and the two criminals, one on his right and the other on his left.” (Luke 23:33
jesus resurrection
Jesus was resurrected on the third day after his death
· He appeared to his disciples before ascending to heaven
· “Last of all Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples” Mark 16:14-15
· Jesus gave them the gift of tongues (the holy spirit)
Anglicanism:
It developed as a variation to Catholicism, Theology and politics were behind the separation from the Roman Church and the Pope.
- It is the largest Protestant denomination.
- It was influenced by the theology of Martin Luther.
- Anglicanism does not have the Pope as a central authority.
- Anglicans support two sacraments: Baptism & The Lord’s Supper
- Transubstantiation is not supported. The body of Christ is given, taken & eaten in the supper in a spiritual manner. They are signs of the body and blood of Christ
- Anglicans allow a greater role for women in the priesthood, although this is not universally accepted through all denominations.
catholicism
- Refers to the worldwide unity in belief & conduct that comes from affirming “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5)
• The four marks or essential qualities of Christ’s Church are unity, holiness, catholicity & apostolicity (relating to the Apostles & their teachings. The Nicene Creed affirms this belief “We believe in one, holy, catholic & apostolic Church)”.
• For Catholics worship is sacramental. In general, the liturgy is more formal & ritualised than Protestant Churches but similar to Orthodox.
• It is hierarchical and structured and under the authority of the Pope (highly revered). The teaching of the Pope’s infallibility is a major difference in his authority compared to orthodox organisation. All believers are under the authority of the Pope.
• Unlike their counterparts in both Protestant & Orthodox Churches, Catholic priests take vows of celibacy.
• Distinctive practices include: Emphasis on the importance of Mary, Veneration (worship) of saints, Use of the crucifix and Rosary beads in prayer
• The Eucharist is the focus of worship and Catholics believe that Transubstantiation occurs to make Jesus physically present in the bread and wine. They usually celebrate the Eucharist more often than do Protestants.
• Catholic belief includes 7 sacraments
• There is a strong belief in heaven and hell (& purgatory)
• There is a strong tradition of monasticism in the priesthood and convents.
orthodoxy
After Pentecost, the ‘Church’ remained a single institution under papal authority until 1054 (Great Schism).
• The Orthodox Church has descended historically from the Eastern congregations of the early Christian Church.
• There are at least 7 sacraments in the Orthodox Church.
• In orthodoxy there is a heavy use of icons
• The liturgical celebration is often very long (2 hours) and uses incense. The liturgy is often wholly sung. Parts of the celebration are hidden from the view of the congregation.
• Orthodoxy is also well-known for monasticism
• Only men may become priests, yet they may be married.
• The Orthodox Church is a grouping of self-governing churches, with the Patriarch of Constantinople being the titular leader (in name only but doesn’t possess power)
• Different from the Western Church in that it reflects its unity in a common faith & acceptance of the sacraments rather than a centralised hierarchical organisation headed by the Pope.
pentecostalism
Emphasis is on a group response in worship, speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing & ecstatic experience
• Pentecostals aim to perpetuate (preserve) the teachings, spiritual experiences and communal practices of the first-century Church.
• They welcome those who repent of their sins and believe that Christ has forgiven and accepted them through his death and resurrection.
• There is great spontaneity in the celebration which is exhibited by the followers.e.g. “Baptism of the Spirit” occurs when a baptized person receives the gift of tongues. (Glossolalia)
• Pentecostals follow the same basic sacraments as other Protestant churches.
• Baptism is usually performed by full water immersion (the person must personally commit to God, therefore infant baptism is not performed)
• In the Communion, Pentecostals don’t accept transubstantiation, but like all Protestants they believe the bread & wine symbolically represent the body & blood of Christ.
• Pentecostals, like other Protestants believe that anyone can directly approach God through Jesus for forgiveness of sins by personal prayer. Penance & reconciliation are organised through ‘altar calls’ where people come forward, kneel & confess their sins.
Protestatism
• Protestantism evolved out of the Reformation period. It is the movement of religious groups in Europe opposed to various non-biblical doctrines of the Catholic Church & not accepting the power of the Pope in Rome.
• The 2 major contributors to the Reformation were: Martin Luther (1483-1546) and John Calvin (1509- 1564)
• Martin Luther especially denounced the (indulgences) and the supremacy of the Pope.
It began with the nailing of Martin Luther’s 95 theses in 1517. Protestants protested against the activities & organisation of the Catholic Church
• The Bible is the source of authority compared to the importance of church leadership/ tradition.
• In worship, Protestants accent the preaching from the Word of God, the Bible, as a means of building faith and living life.
• Protestantism is less liturgical and sacramental than Catholicism. Protestantism places more emphasis on preaching the word of Jesus.
• They have ordained women to the ministry & the Uniting church allows gay ministers.
• Most denominations celebrate the two sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is an act of remembrance & obedience
Divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ:
He is both fully human and fully divine à human actions, but a saviour capable of miracles and defeating death à coexistence
- Jesus’ humanity is supported by fact, his divinity calls for Christians to have faith.
- Helps Christians appreciate the pain and suffering that he endured for humanity and gives greater significance to his ultimate sacrifice.
- This teaching defines the nature of Jesus as a historical, tangible human person AND ‘of the same substance’ as God the Father, thus divine.
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Divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ: quote
“The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. ” (John 1:14)
Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ For Christians
His death & resurrection confirms his divinity and nature of the son of God.
- Basis of our understanding even after his physical death, Jesus is alive and present with us today and continues to preach the same message
- Provides Christians with hope that they will achieve salvation
- Belief that Jesus’ death was important to destroy sin and give humanity the opportunity for eternal life
Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ For Christians: quote
“I am the resurrection and the life… those who live and believe in me will never die.” – John 11:25
Nature of God and Of the Trinity
God is in three parts the Father (creator), the Son (saviour) and the Holy Spirit (sanctifier) à belief in One God in 3 forms
- Sign of the cross that proves the trinity
- Trinity = mystery à beyond human understanding
- Each person of the trinity is distinct but never separate
- Christians believe in a monotheistic, transcendent God that is the Creator of all things
- Not all denominations believe in the trinity (Jehovah’s Witness)
• The concept of the trinity helps understand the nature of God.
Þ Father is transcendent (not confined to the material world)
Þ Son is immanent (God is involved in the world)
Þ The spirit unites and contains these two concepts
Nature of God and Of the Trinity: quote
“in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” – Matthew 28:19
Revelation
The transmission of knowledge from the divine to the human
Knowledge given by God to human beings about persons, events and things that were previously unknown.
Invitation to join in a relationship with God.
Christians believe that God revealed himself to humanity by taking on the human form of Jesus Christ
Fullest revelation of God can be found through his words, acts of charity and the events of his death and resurrection
revelation quotes
“The One whom God has sent speaks God’s words, because God gives him the fullness of the spirit” – John 3:34-35
salvation
The freedom from sin that only God can give Christians through his relationship with them
• Holistic aspect of Christian life (past, present, future)
• Salvation is the belief that human beings require deliverance by God from the power of sin and darkness, yet it is also the process or way in which human beings are saved or brought to fullness of life in God.
• Salvation cannot be achieved by yourself (requires the grace of God)
salvation: quote
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life” – John 3:16
