Modules 2 & 3 Flashcards
Judaism
A monotheistic religon developed among the ancient Jewish, based on belief in one God and the principles outlined in the Torah
Christianity
A major world religion based on the life, teachings and death of Jesus of Nazareth, believing Him to be the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Torah
Islam
A monotheistic Abrahamic religion centered on the belief in one God (Allah) and the teachings of the prophet Muhammed
Hinduism
A diverse Indian religious and spiritual tradition,
characterised by the concept of dharma (cosmic order retained through religious living)
with no single founder, scripture or set of teachings but rather a rich collection of philosophies, beliefs and rituals.
Buddhism
A religion originating in India founded by Gautama (the Buddha), emphasising personal and spiritual development through meditation and ethical living to achieve enlightment and liberartion of suffering
Define the term religion
A system of beliefs and practices that guides how people live
Each religion offers insights and understandings about life and express it through religious beliefs, teachings and practices
Characteristics of a religion
- religious teachings
- religious practices
- religious organisation
- religious customs
Religous teachings
Includes beliefs and teachings
e.g. Jesus is the redeemer and fullness of God’s self-revelation
Religious practices
Includes the rituals, worship, events and celebration
e.g. participating in the Eucharist
Religious organisation
Includes the leadership and rules of a religion
e.g. Popes & bishops
Religious customs
Includes dress and tradition
e.g. rosary; praying before you eat
What role does religion play in society
- religous role
- social role
- political role
- cultural role
Social role
by providing a service or support to groups within a society
e.g. hospitals, schools and welfare services
Religious role
by supporting people in their religious way of life
e.g. Catholicism’s aim is to promote, support and develop their ability to listen to and respond to human heart questions
Political role
by promoting, explaining and supporting the beliefs and values of religion within a society
e.g. many Christian leaders may participate in Parliament to reinforce religious ideas
Cultural role
by expressing how people find meaning and purpose of life through culture: art, literature and music
e.g. Christian music that is a method of prayer
Origin of Christianity
When, where, how and by whom
When: first century, after Jesus’ death and resurrection
Where: Palestine
How: They believed that Jesus was the Messiah and Son of God, and sought to live as Jesus taught and preached the Good News
By whom: Jesus’ followers
Stages of Christianity
- the Early Church up until the conversion of Emperor Constantine
- Constantine’s conversion and the split of the Church to the western and eastern churches
- the western Church in the middle ages
- the Reformation
- Post-reformation Christianity
The Early Church up until the conversion of Emperor Constantine
- early church spread the message of Jesus with the Jews and Gentilles
- books of the New Testament written
- beliefs, teachings, customs and practices were first developed
Constantine’s conversion and the split of the Church to the western and eastern churches
- Constantine converted in 313AD
- Christianity was no longer illegal; official state religion
- a cultural and historical gap developped between the west and the east -> East-West Schism in 1054
The western Church in the middle ages
800AD - 1517AD
- the west came under attack and society experienced much turmoil -> government collapsed
- Church leaders abused leadership in government
- Church responded by new monastaries and religous orders
Reformation
1517AD - 1640AD
- Pope had become more political, Christian leaders questioned his authorities and teachings
- Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin
- Catholic Church did counter-reformation by Council of Trent
Post-Reformation of Christianity
- world changed rapidly and emphasis on human reason led some to turn away from the Church
- Religious orders were started to meet various social needs
- World wars led many** soul-searchers** into Christianity
- Christianity became less euro-centric and spread to parts of Africa, Asia and South America
The Council of Trent
The Reformation
1545-1563
- by Pope Paul III
- in Trent, Italy
correction of errors of the Reformers, and reaffirmed the Church’s faith from earliest of times and the sacraments
