Community of believers Flashcards
Summarise the beliefs and goals of the Jerusalem community.
One of the most radical groups of the “Jesus movement”.
Begun and led by well-known personalities (and blood relations of Jesus) Peter and James.
Founded at Pentecost: experience of receiving the HS gave them courage to live as Christians and proclaim Christ’s message.
Atmosphere of persecution- Jews wanted to stamp out Christianity.
Expected imminent Second Coming of Jesus.
Kept Jewish dietary customs (prayed 3x a day at temple, performed Jewish vows of dedication to God).
Summarise the Jewish community lifestyle.
Devoted to Apostle’s teaching.
Worshipped together (3x a day), owned and worshipped in private houses also.
Breaking of bread (simple Eucharist, more like a meal), shared food.
Shared possessions (though no expectation, not commune).
Gave to the needy- had to allocate this job to specific Christians so the Apostles could focus on teaching.
How are modern Christian communities similar to early Christian communities?
Apostle’s Creed said in most Churches (but doctrinal fragmentation since the Reformation).
Mass, Adoration, rosary, Divine Office (psalms).
Eucharist (though different interpretations).
Monks and nuns abandon own possessions.
Charity
Give some differences between the modern church and early church communities.
Doctrinal fragmentation since Reformation- some churches do not say the Apostle’s Creed.
Different interpretations of Eucharist- meals uncommon.
Christians infrequently share possessions.
Give some problems of early Christian communities.
The Jerusalem c’ty was not a standard/ model for other Churches and so can’t be usedas a basis for comparison- the communal living in the Jerusalem community was directly contested by St. Paul’s letters which make clear that members should not give up daily jobs or houses, but should work for a living.
Problems with false behaviour from new converts (Ananias and Sapphira’s deception- dropped dead, very high standards and lack forgiving nature of God).
Uncertainties, even among lead apostles about how Jewish new converts should be. Paul had to remonstrate with them (and later Peter) that it was clear Jesus’ salvation was for all, and they could not run a two-tier church with Gentile or Jewish behaviour.
St Paul had problems with abuses of the Eucharist meal- some ate plentifully, ignoring those who were starving.
Serious immorality among new converts.
Belief in Jewish legalism- being saved by Jewish law rather than faith in Christ (sola fide).
Give the five permanent characteristics of the Church.
Institutional Organisation
A Sacrament- Communion of Grace
A Liturgical Church- offering praise and worship
A Missionary Church- sharing the Good News
A Healing and Restoring Church- for the good of all humanity
