PRELIMINARY RELIGIOUS TRADITION DEPTH STUDY: CHRISTIANITY REVISION GUIDE PRELIMINARY RELIGIOUS TRADITION DEPTH STUDY: CHRISTIANITY REVISION GUIDE Students learn
Students learn about:
about:
S
Sttuuddeenntts s lleeaarrn n ttoo:: NNootteess:: Origins
Origins
the historicalthe historical and cultural and cultural context in context in which which Christianity Christianity began began
Jesus Chri Jesus Christst thethe development of development of early Christian early Christian communities communities cultural cultural
context in which Christianity context in which Christianity began:
began:
examine the principal events ofexamine the principal events of Jesus’
Jesus’ life life
explain why Jesus is the modelexplain why Jesus is the model for
for
Christian life Christian life
describe the early developmentdescribe the early development of
of
Christian communities after the Christian communities after the death
death of Jesus: of Jesus:
Living Religion (LR) pages !"#!$% Living Religion (LR) pages !"#!$% &potlight (&) pages '#'":
&potlight (&) pages '#'": Notes on
Notes on: LR p !*# +stages of: LR p !*# +stages of development of early Christianity% development of early Christianity% then notes on the wor, of -eter then notes on the wor, of -eter James (brie
James (brie.y) and -.y) and -aul# what heaul# what he established through his missionary established through his missionary /ourney
/ourneys% the heart of hs% the heart of his theologyis theology (which helped develop Christian (which helped develop Christian beliefs)#& p' right hand column beliefs)#& p' right hand column middle paragraph% name " or * middle paragraph% name " or * other apostles and the churches other apostles and the churches they helped establish #& p '"% two they helped establish #& p '"% two main uses of the term 0church’ up main uses of the term 0church’ up to c$11C2 #LR p !$
to c$11C2 #LR p !$
-rinciple events: -rinciple events: Jesus was bor
Jesus was born in 3ethlehem to his motn in 3ethlehem to his mother 4ary and father Jher 4ary and father Josephoseph 5ollowing Jewish practice Jesus was circumcised and every year Jesus and 5ollowing Jewish practice Jesus was circumcised and every year Jesus and hishis family travelled bac,
family travelled bac, to Jerusalem for -assover he also had to Jerusalem for -assover he also had a 3ar#4it6vah ata 3ar#4it6vah at "
"
&pent most of his life i
&pent most of his life i n 7a6areth 8e was a carpentern 7a6areth 8e was a carpenter 9hen Jesus was *1
9hen Jesus was *1 he was baptised by he was baptised by John the 3aptist in John the 3aptist in the Jordan Riverthe Jordan River his is when he bega
his is when he began his ministryn his ministry Jesus and his disc
Jesus and his disciples then preaciples then preached for three yehed for three yearsars 2ventually his minister
2ventually his minister arrived in Jerusalem where Jesus was arrested andarrived in Jerusalem where Jesus was arrested and -ontius -ilate sentenced him to death by
-ontius -ilate sentenced him to death by cruci;xioncruci;xion Jesus then r
Jesus then resurrecesurrected for the death ated for the death and ascended in to nd ascended in to heavenheaven Jesus acts as
Jesus acts as a role model for Ca role model for Christian life as he is the ehristian life as he is the embodiment of hismbodiment of his Christian teachings <lways practiced what he taught <s
Christian teachings <lways practiced what he taught <s the 0perfect human’the 0perfect human’ Christians model from his attitudes towards =od and
Christians model from his attitudes towards =od and others his actions inothers his actions in social /ustice and his
social /ustice and his admirable characteristics and personal >ualitiesadmirable characteristics and personal >ualities <fter Jesus’ death the developme
<fter Jesus’ death the development of Christianity is identi;ed by nt of Christianity is identi;ed by four mainfour main stages:
stages: #
# ?eat?eath and Resuh and Resurrrrectioection of Jesus is announn of Jesus is announcedced "#
"# he Churche Church learns its h learns its ;rst lesson ;rst lesson about expaabout expansion the gonsion the gospel messagespel message is not tied to Jerusalem
is not tied to Jerusalem *#
*# he &econd he &econd lesson: you dolesson: you don’t have to n’t have to be a Jew be a Jew to follow Jeto follow Jesussus +#
+# he Churche Church expands th expands through -hrough -aul’s 4issionary -aul’s 4issionary -aul had estaul had establishedablished new Christian communities in the 4iddle 2ast and =reece and his new Christian communities in the 4iddle 2ast and =reece and his letters were included in the 7ew estament
letters were included in the 7ew estament
outline the historical and outline the historical and
Christianity: – Anglicanism – Catholicism – Orthodoxy – Pentecostalism – Protestantism of: – Anglicanism (Church of England)
Living Religion (LR) pages !!#!@% &potlight (&) pages '"#'!:
Notes on: 5or each of the $ ma/or variants of Christianity outline (that is s,etch in general terms the main points only) when it emerged in history% the main practices or emphases in belief that distinguishes this variant from the others% any denominations or groupings within the variant
5ormed from the "nd schism 8enry the Ath formali6ed the separation between
the Church of 2ngland and the Roman Catholic Church (over the issue of divorce 2stablished in $*+ and abolished the -ope’s authority 0nominal head’ Bueen 2li6abeth however authority is with the <rchbishop of Canterbury
?on’t believe in the transubsitation of the 2ucharist Retained concepts on the nature of faith and grace
he bible is central to belief and contains everything necessary for salvation 2vangelical: highlights the importance of personal conversion
8igh(more Roman Catholic) and low(more protestant) <nglican Church
– Catholicism
Dariants: 2astern Rite Catholics
he Catholic Church teaches that it is historically lin,ed to the ;rst disciples of Jesus currently it is the largest and most widespread of all denominations
5ollowers believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church presided over the -ope the bishop of Rome Eey belief that =od’s teachings have been preserved thought the guidance of the holy spirit and places emphasis on Jesus’
teachings
3elieves in trans;guration (changing of bread and wine in to the body and blood of Christ) and also the 7icene creed &even main sacraments: 3aptism 2ucharist Con;rmation <nointing of the sic, holy orders and matrimony
Orthodoxy
2astern Frthodox $ self governing churches 2g =ree,
5ormed in 1$+ after the st schism leadership with Constantinople for 2astern
Frthodox
2mphasis on =od the 5ather previously disagreed on the status of 4ary 0?ivine Liturgies use several symbols and icons% they are particularly noted for their length and use of incense he Frthodox Church has a profoundly view of existence and church membership 3elieves in the ' sacraments and cites the 7icene Creed
– Pentecostalism =roup of Churches identi;ed thought their ecstatic worship and emphasis of
8illsong <postolic
the gifts of the 8oly &pirit one of the fastest growing Christian denominations 2mphasis on the holy spirit believes that the 0spirit of baptism’ becomes apparent when the person spea,s in tongues 2mphasis on the cooperative element in worship meaning group response of the congregations hey sought to restore the 0gifts of the holy spirit in to Christian practices thoughts and worship
– Protestantism: (!rotest)
Lutherans Calvinism 3aptist 4ethodist -resbyterian
5ormed from the "nd schism in the !th century two ma/or reformers who
rebelled against the Roman Catholic Church#4artin Luther and John Calvin hey don’t ac,nowledge the -ope
hey are several variants within but generally%
hey accept the bible as the only source of revealed truth and the centre of authority
<ccepts baptism and 2ucharist only
?on’t accept saints and believe that faith is alone enough to save you from salvation
2mphasis on preaching 0the word’ and minimi6es liturgical and sacramental aspects
2mphasis on the transcendence (total otherness) of =od and the eGects on original sin
Princi!al "eliefs the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ
the death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ
the nature of =od and the rinity
Revelation &alvation
regarding
the di#inity and humanity of $esus
Christ
Living Religion (LR) pages '1#'% &potlight (&) pages '!#'':
Notes on: 9hat exactly (and brie.y) do Christians believe about Jesus Christ’s natureH Living
Religion (LR) pages '! Notes on: identify a ,ey >uote
Christians aIrms the full divinity and complete humanity of Jesus Christ (Jesus is both fully divine and fully human) he Christian doctrine of the ncarnation 8oly trinity claims that Jesus was =od yet became a f ull human Remaining fully divine and for the salvation of the world the second person of the holy trinity god the son too, upon himself a complete human nature and became human in Jesus Christ Christians believe that the human person of Jesus reveals the divine person of =od the son 8is divinity shows us the close uni>ue relationship which exists between himself and =od Kf you ,now me you will ,now my 5ather also (John !:!#')
8is humanity meant he had the same human li mitations# slept ate and had normal emotions 8elps Christians appreciate the pain and suGering that he endured for humanity and gives greater signi;cance to his ultimate sacri;ce “The word became fesh and made his dwelling amongst us, ull o grace and truth……glory as the only Son o the ather” John 1:1
the death
and resurrection of $esus Christ for
Christians
Living Religion (LR) pages '#'"% &potlight (&) pages '':
Notes on: 9hat exactly do Christians believe about Jesus Christ’s death and resurrectionH 9hy is this important for
ChristiansH
Living Religion (LR) pages '! Notes on: identify a ,ey >uote and its scripture reference that you can use in an exam answer to illustrate the particular belief
Jesus’ death and resurrection con;rms his divinity and nature as the son of =od herefore his teachings are reinforced as credible and true 8is ,ey message to love =od and love others is given divi ne signi;cance KLove the Lord your =od with all your heart (4ar, ":*1)
3elief and faith in the resurrection of Jesus is the basis of our understanding that even after his physical death Jesus is alive and present with us today and continues to preach to us the same message he did during his days on earth Kf Christ has not been raised then emptyM is our preaching% empty too your faith ( Corinthians $:+)
Resurrection and ascension provides Christians with hope that they will achieve salvation# that each believer will one day be completely human but transformed# body and soul# for all eternity with =od
Fbedience death and resurrection attains atonement for Christians# restoring human,ind to the right relationship with =od Fnly Jesus’ death can repair the alienation from =od
&ends the vital message that =od loves humanity and will forgive human failings <ctively demonstrates his love and care for humans
outline the !rinci!al beliefs
nature of
%od and of the &rinity Living Religion (LR) pages '"% &potlight (&) pages 'A#'@: Notes on: 9hat exactly (and brie.y) do Christians believe about the nature of =od and of the rinityH
Living Religion (LR) pages '! Notes on: identify a ,ey >uote
Christians believe that there is one =od that who is the supreme being that is to be worshiped and served =od exists as three persons 5atherCreator Jesus the son of =od and the 8oly &pirit this is ,nown as the mystery of the holy trinity the central dogma and deepest reality of Christian faith and beyond anything humans can fully understand or comprehend hree ,ey functions of the trinity: creating (bringing =od’s new life to creation) sanctifying (blessing creation) and redeeming (turning creation from sin and dar,ness)
he concept of the trinity helps Christians understand the nature of =od =od is revealed in the old testament and in the divi nity of Jesus Christ =od is ac,nowledged as the personal unchanging all loving and all powerful create of the universe which is not con;ned to the material world has no gender and cannot be rightly represented in images or de;ned in words =od is
transcendent#not limited by any conditions and is imminent
KMbaptising them in the name of the father and of the &on and of the 8oly &pirit (4t "A:@)
understanding of re#elation
Living Religion (LR) pages '*% &potlight (&) pages A1:
Notes on: 2xplain Christian beliefs about how =od communicates with humans% what does it mean to say that Jesus is the Kagent content and process of revelation (& pA1)H
Living Religion (LR) pages '!
Revelation can simply be understood as the transmission of ,nowledge from the divine to the human Revelation in Christian terms (Latin for 0ta,ing away the veil) refers to the disclosure by =od of what was previously un,nown Christianity claims to be a revealed religion in historical events =od revealed his 9ill and Law to humanity Christians see Christ’s incarnation life death resurrection and sending of the holy spirit as the climax of the process of divine self disclosure Christ was simultaneously the agent the process and the content of revelation meaning through Jesus =od’s revelations are revealed through Jesus’ words teachings and actions
Kn the past =od spo,e to our forefathers through the prophetsM but in these late days he has spo,en to us by his &on (8ebrews :#")
Christians also believe that revelation is also a loving and utterly free invitation to /oin in friendship with =od
outline the beliefs about the
understanding of sal#ation
Living Religion (LR) pages '*#'+%: Notes on: &alvation as a goal or state to be attained (#saved from whatH saved into whatH)% and as the process of coming into union with =od
Living Religion (LR) pages '! dentify a ,ey >uote
&alvation (Latin for 0ma,ing safe’ or 0rescuing’) is a comprehensive term for being delivered from personal or collective suGering or evil t is the belief that human beings re>uire deliverance by =od from the power of sin and dar,ness <ll Christians believe in li fe after death that salvation is received through the grace of =od <ll human,ind is born with original sin and that =od’s grace sent his son Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of man,ind through his cruci;xion and resurrection
t is also the process in which human beings are saved or brought to fullness of life in =od n salvation the role of =od alone is decisive t is to provide salvation and so restore this oneness of the soul with =od that Jesus as the 4essiah Christians believe that to experience =od’s love is to experience the essence of salvation’s meaning and mystery 5orgiveness of sin is granted on the condition that the individual puts their faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord and &avior N9e have peace with =od through our Lord Jesus ChristN (Romans $:) 'acred &exts and ritings 3ible the "ible in Christianity
ole in e#eryday life:
3asic rituals and sacraments -rayer Re.ection ?omestic rituals eg grace before meals
<ids in the physical practice enactment and celebration of Christianity in life 3ible guides Christians in rituals and procedures in order to practice their f aith 2g Jesus prays at decisive moments in his li fe# KFne of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to =od (L, !:") ?evelops 2thical guidelines
8elps develop guidelines on how to act in certain situations how to ma,e decisions and promotes >uestioning of moral boundaries and therefore a
better understanding of self goals etc 2g diIcult ethical teaching K Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (4t $:++)
Communicates ,ey teachings of Christianity 7ature of =od
4inistry and life of Christ O parables
Eey source of revelation# basis of understanding of the Christian faith# explains
describe the Christian
and teaches beliefs 2g Khe 9ord became .esh and made his dwelling amongst us (John :+)
Core Ethical &eachings the en Commandments 7ew estament ethics O the 3eatitudes O Jesus’ commandment of love teachings in:
O the en Commandments O the 3eatitudes
# Jesus’ commandment of love
Living Religion (LR) pages ''#A1% &potlight (&) pages A+#AA:
Notes on: 9hat approach Christians ta,e to the ten Commandments (ie these are interpreted through Jesus’ ethical teachings which are the most important reference points for Christians)% the meaning of the 3eatitudes and the commandment of love(the =reat Commandment) and the 0=olden Rule’ (K?o unto othersM)
2thics are the moral beliefs and practices that clarify what is right and wrong hey also centre upon the belief that human beings are made in the image of =od with intellect free will and self determination therefore enabling them to act with morality
&en commandments (*ecalogue + ten words from %od) # are the guidelines for living that are based on =od’s revelation to 4oses he ;rst three commandments refer to the worship of =od whilst the rest refer to obligations to one’s neighbour and society Christians uphold these commandments in their moral decision ma,ing% the observance of the
?ecalogue is based on l ove not fear he ?ecalogue is an i mportant basis for structuring and living the Christian life it calls Christians bac, to loving =od and helps maintain good relationships with neighbours
&he "eatitudes ( Latin for blessed) the 3eatitudes are the sayings of Jesus from the gospels which form the basis for Christian 2thics they all begin with K3lessed are and praises virtues 8ence the 3eatitudes encourage
Christians to act within moral guidelines
$esus, Commandment of -o#e – Jesus commanded to love in order to become closer to =od 0 KLove =od with all your heart soul and mind this is the greatest commandment’
%olden ule – K&o in everything do to others what you would have them do to you 4 ':"
describe the im!ortance of ethical
teachings in the life of adherents
Living Religion (LR) pages A1% &potlight (&) pages AA#A@
(K<pplication of ethical teachings): Notes on: 8ow Christians use
he ethical teachings of the bible provide a strong structure through which Christians can live their lives 3iblical research allows ethical considerations of issues that did not exist during the time the bible was written he bible and ethical teachings can be use to deal with issues in contemporary life
Christians use their conscience when ma,ing decisions in ethical issues 2g Fne of the 1 commandments says Khou &hall not Eill # this is re.ected on current Christians views on 4urder 9ar and abortion he 3eatitudes also
these ethical principles# are they /ust general guidelines or
something more in the daily life of ChristiansH
allows Christians to consider social /ustice issues
Personal *e#otion
-rayer
of !ersonal !rayer
Living Religion (LR) pages A#A+% &potlight (&) pages A@#@*:
Notes on: he line between personal prayer and public or communal prayer is thin but ta,e notes basically on the diGerent types of personal prayer described on the LR pages
4a,e sure you brie.y note the precise purpose(s) of each type of prayer he &potlight pages @1#@* actually go beyond what the syllabus re>uires
-rayer is an important way in which Christians ac,nowledge the existence of a relationship between =od and humanity
-rayer in Christianity is divided in to two types -ersonal and -ublic prayer but often overlapping (eg -ersonal prayer is performed during public prayer) ?iGerent types of personal prayer:
/ocal !rayer words are recited spo,en or sung 4ay be structured traditional prayers eg Lord’s -rayer 8ail 4ary liturgical texts (bible) or may be original and spontaneous based on personal experience (8elps ,eep attentiveness during prayer and adds intensity)
0ental !rayer process of re.ection that involves the mind i magination and will
0editation: is generally understood as the excursing of one’s spiritual memory based on repetition of words and phrases Psually pronounced aloud and accompanied by vocal and bodily rhythm (Psed to focus attention on the ?ivine and bloc, out distractions)
Contem!lati#e Prayer diIcult to explain using words it is often
experienced as a simple prayer of >uite where the mind and imagination are free to wander t is understood as the pure gift of =od t is focused on a perception of =od’s living presence
-urposes for prayer
?uring suGering# personal or familyfriends gives hope
?uring times of decision ma,ing as,ing for advice guidance
9hen grateful give than,s and appreciation
9hen one has sinned as,s for forgiveness
• 2Gect: -rovides tangible ways in which to come into contact with the mysteries of the Christian f aith -rovides direction sense of community or a sense of /oy Creates ability to act in a more Christ#li,e way and experiences life with the li ving =od 8olds transformative power# alters their life