Christianity Flashcards
1
Q
Context of Christianity
A
- Christianity grew out of Judaism in the 1st century CE.
- Subject to foreign rule (Roman, Babylonian)
- Judaism and Roman Empire were two main rulers at the time
- Jews looked for peace and justice in the Messiah – free them from oppression
2
Q
Hierarchy of social ruling in Palestine
A
- Pharisees – written and oral law
- Sadducees – deny resurrection of dead, written law only
- Zealots – belief in one God
3
Q
Why is Jesus the role model for Christian life?
A
- Jesus is the embodiment of the reign of God
- Jesus lives a life of prayer
- Jesus acts as an advocate for the poor
- Jesus lives a life of service to others
- Jesus loves and forgives others
4
Q
Role of Paul
A
- Converted Gentiles to Christians through his letters and preachings
- Originally a Jew but converted to Christianity
- Letters = teaching gospel and how to live a good Christian life
5
Q
What is the Council of Jerusalem?
A
Marked official start of Christianity, separate from Judaism
6
Q
5 Varients of Christianity
A
- Catholicism
- Protestantism
- Anglicanism
- Orthodoxy
- Pentecostalism
7
Q
5 core beliefs
A
- Divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ
- Nature of God and the Trinity
- Death and Resurrection
- Revelation
- Salvation
8
Q
What is the divinity and humanity of Jesus?
A
- He is both fully human and fully divine human actions, but a saviour capable of miracles and defeating death coexistence
- This teaching defines the nature of Jesus as a historical, tangible human person AND ‘of the same substance’ as God the Father, thus divine.
9
Q
What is the trinity?
A
- God is in three parts the Father (creator), the Son (saviour) and the Holy Spirit (sanctifier) belief in One God in 3 forms
- Sign of the cross that proves the trinity
10
Q
What is the death and resurrection?
A
- 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
11
Q
What are revelations?
A
- 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.
- God revealed himself to humanity by taking the human form of Jesus Christ
12
Q
What is salvation?
A
- God has the intention to save.
- It is only through the grace of God that humans can attain salvation
- Sin interrupts salvation
13
Q
Why is the Bible central to Christianity?
A
- Foundation of a personal relationship with God
- Provides a model/framework of ethics and behaviour
- Enables spiritual education
- Facilitates public and private worship
14
Q
10 commandments
A
- Form a covenant between God and His followers
- First 4 describe how to have a correct relationship with God
- Other 6 describe how to have a correct relationship with your neighbours
15
Q
Beatitudes
A
- A series of virtues describing the model of a good Christian
- Form a basis of Christian behaviour dictate how Christians should behave and treat others, in order to be praised, or blessed, by God
16
Q
Commandment of Love
A
- Greatest declaration
- Address two aspects of Christian ethics maintaining your relationship with God and your relationship with your neighbours
- Jesus’ focus on love was revolutionary
- Agape love the unconditional love of Jesus
17
Q
Importance of ethics for adherents
A
Guiding behaviour + Living Christ’s message
18
Q
Types of prayer
A
- Formal prayers (Bible, church tradition)
- Public worship (integrated aspect of worship and services)
- Private prayer (directly talking to God praise him, seek help or simply reflect)
19
Q
6 Principal events in Jesus’ life
A
baptism, 40 days in the desert, ministry, final days of Jerusalem, crucifixion, resurrection
