Religion Depth Study: CHRISTIANITY

Historical and Cultural context in which Chrisitianity began

• Historical

• Cultural

Historical Context

• Christianity began in the 1st century CE in Judea, part of the Roman Empire

• It developed out of Second Temple Judaism

• Jews were living under Roman rule and many expected a Messiah

• Jesus of Nazareth preached about the Kingdom of God

• His followers believed he rose from the dead and was the Messiah

• The movement spread from Judaism into the wider Greco-Roman world, especially through Paul

Cultural Context

• Dominated by the Greco-Roman world (Greek and Roman culture)

• Greek language was widely spoken, helping Christianity spread

• Roman Empire had strong roads and trade networks linking cities

• Society was religiously diverse with many gods and beliefs (polytheism)

• Judaism was monotheistic, which influenced early Christian ideas

Different Jewish Groups

• Pharisees: A group that followed Jewish Law closely and believed in ideas like the afterlife and Messiah

• Sadducees: An elite-temple based group who held power, supported Roman authority and took a literal approach to scripture.

• Essenes: A separist group who lived in isolated in, strict communities as the believed society and and the Temple were corrupt

About the groups

These different groups showed that society was divided in beliefs and responses to Roman Rule, creating tension that contributed to the emergence of Christianity

The Principal Events of Jesus Life

1. Jesus and Bethlehem

2. Birth to Adoloscence

3. Miracle of Jesus

1. Jesus and Bethelehm

• His birth was in Bethelehm

- Luke 2:7-12: “Jesus was born in a manger, visited by shepards who had been told Christ the Saviour had been born

• Jesus was sent by God as a model- to restore peach among people of Judea

2. Birth to Adololescence

• Herod the great was the Roman Ruler at the time

• Jesus Mother was Mary, father was Joseph

• He grew up in a largely agricucltural community

• Every year, Jesus family returned to Jerusalem for the Passover ( Jewish Holiday)

1. The Arrest, Passion and Death (DEPTH)

• The Arrest, Passion and Death of Jesus Christ is when he was betrayed and arrested, suffered through trials and punishment, and was crucified and died.

• KEY SCRIPTURE: “They twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head.” (John 19:2)

What happened?

The Arrest

• After the Last Supper, Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray

• He is betrayed by Judas, one of his disciples, with a kiss

• Soldiers arrive and arrest him

• Shows Jesus willingly accepting what is about to happen

The Passion (Suffering)

• He is falsely accused and sentenced to death

• He is whipped, mocked, and given a crown of thorns

• Forced to carry his cross to the place of execution

• Shows extreme suffering and sacrifice

The Death

• Jesus is nailed to a cross by Roman soldiers

• He suffers for hours and then dies

• According to the Gospels, he forgives those responsible

Meaning

• Christians believe Jesus’ suffering (the Passion) shows his obedience to God and willingness to sacrifice himself.

• Despite injustice and pain, he does not resist, which highlights teachings about forgiveness, humility, and love.

• His death by crucifixion is understood as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins, restoring the relationship between God and humans

The Resurrection (DEPTH)

• The Resurrection is when Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion

• “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6)

Key events

• After his crucifixion, Jesus is placed in a tomb and a large stone is rolled in front

• On the third day, women followers go to the tomb and find it empty

• An angel tells them that Jesus has risen from the dead

• Jesus then appears to his disciples and other followers

• The disciples recognise him and believe he is alive again

Meaning

• It demonstrates a proof of divinity and how Jesus is the son of God

• How victory over death as death is not final

• Hope of eternal life, believers think they can also rise after death

• Foundation of Christianity

The Parables

• Parables are simple stories Jesus told that have a hidden religious or moral meaning

• Spoke a Holy language in human words → to teach.

• He was also aware of the consequences that his radical teachings would have on many of the Jews, especially the Jewish Hierarchy and Romans.

Examples

The Good Samaritan — Luke 10:25–37

The Prodigal Son — Luke 15:11–32

The Lost Sheep — Luke 15:3–7

Jesus as a role model for Christian life

1. Jesus Teaching and Actions

2. Commitment to the service of others

3. Importance of Prayer

4. Poor and disadvantaged

5. Modelled forgivenesss

1. Jesus teachings and actions

• Jesus Christ teaches moral behaviour through the Beatitudes and the Golden Rule

• Participated in the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist

• Example: Beatitudes (Matthew 5) teach humility, mercy, and peacemaking

Everyday example: Beatitudes (Matthew 5) teach humility, mercy, and peacemaking

• Anti-bullying programs in Christian schools promote peacemaking and respect

2. Commitment to the service of others

• Jesus sacrafised his life as an act of salvation for many- servant of humanity

Everyday example

• St Anthonys Family, run by sisters of St Joseph ( It is a church-based support group that helps people in need)

3. Importance of Prayer

• Jesus regularly prays alone for guidance (Matthew 6:6)

• Encourages persistence in prayer and trust in God

Everyday Example

• Christians do daily personal prayer or quiet reflection time

4. Advocated for the poor and disadvantaged

• Jesus focuses on helping the poor and excluded

• The Gospels depict him consistently attending to the poor (Matthew 19:16-30)

• Evident in the Feeding of the 5000 ( Matthew 14:13-21)

Everyday example

• Refugee support programs by churches help migrants and asylum seekers

5. Modelled Forgivness

• Forgave  his disciples who betrayed and abandoned him

• He prayed for the forgiveness of his own executioners. (Luke 23:33) 

• Therefore modelled peace upon all people, of love and understanding.

Everyday example

• The families of victims of the 2015 Charestone Church shooting forgave the perpetrator, demonstrating Christian Teachings

Know 3 on how Jesus was a role model ( Depth Study)

• The Importance of Prayer

• Advocated for the poor and disadvantaged

• Modelled Forgiveness

1. The Importance of Prayer

• Jesus Christ models prayer as essential for a strong relationship with God and guidance in life

1. Prayer builds a relationship with God

• Jesus regularly withdrew to pray alone (Matthew 6:6)

• Shows prayer is about personal connection, not public display

• Teaches Christians to develop a deep, private relationship with God

2. Prayer provides guidance in important moments

• Jesus prayed before major decisions and events

• Example: Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46)

• Shows believers should seek God’s will, not just their own

3. Jesus teaches how to pray

• Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13 – the Lord's Prayer

• Includes praise, needs, forgiveness, and guidance

• Meaning: A model for structuring prayer

• Everyday example: Reciting the Lord’s Prayer at church, school assemblies, or at home

How Christians live this out?

Christians live out the example of Jesus Christ by

• Praying each day (morning or night),

• Reciting the Lord's Prayer, praying before decisions or stressful situations like exams,

• Attending church for communal prayer, and showing forgiveness and kindness to others in their daily actions.

2. Advocated for the Poor and Disadvantaged

• Importance of social justice for the poor to be at the forefront of Christian lives.

Jesus prioritised the marginalised

• Jesus Christ focused on helping the poor, sick, and socially excluded

• He spent time with tax collectors, sinners, and those rejected by society

• Showed that everyone has dignity and value in God’s eyes

Evident in : Gospels depict him consistently attending to the poor and marginalised (e.g. women, lepers, children, tax collectors, Samaritans etc) (Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 18:18-30, Mark 10:17-31)

Actions showing compassion

• Healed the sick and helped those in need

• Fed the hungry (e.g. feeding of the 5,000)

• Challenged social exclusion and unfair treatment

• Commanded to “Love Thy Neigbour”

Everyday Examples

• St Vincent de Paul Society – provides food, housing support, and emergency relief to people experiencing poverty in Australia

• The Salvation Army – runs homeless shelters, disaster relief services, and addiction support programs

3. Modelled Forgiveness

• Jesus forgave his disciples who betrayed and abandoned him, he prayed for the forgiveness of his own executioners. (Luke 23:33)

• Taught forgiveness even against the Mosaic law, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

- Under the Mosaic Law, people who committed serious sins like adultery could be punished by being stoned.

- When the crowd brought the woman to Jesus Christ, they expected him to support this punishment.

- Instead, Jesus said: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” - No one is completely sinless, so no one has the right to judge or punish others harshly.

• Therefore modelled peace upon all people, of love and understanding

Everyday Example

• The families of the victims of the 2015 Charelstone church shooting forgave the perpetrator, demonstrating christian teachings.

Development of Early Christian Communties

• After the death Jesus Christ, the 12 apostles continued his teachings

• The 12 were to first carry on the traditional words and deeds of Jesus

• Peter was the main leader and led the group

• Communities were gender exclusive

• Roman Emperor Constantine and his mother made it the official religion of the Roman Empire— Jerusalem returned to its original name “Holy City of Jerusalem”, however a Christian City, not the city of Jews

Pentecost ( The Birth of the Christian Church)

• Occurs 50 days after Jesus Resurrection

• Jesus death and Resurrection is announced at Pentecost, by Peter, marking the beginning of Peters ministry in Jerusalem

• The Holy Spirit gave the disciples courage and the gift of tounge, enabling them to spread the word of God to Gentiles and helping early Christian communties grow

Peter

• First to confess Jesus is the Messiah

• His denial if often interpreted as a symbol of human weakness and sinfulness, which can be overcome through faith in Jesus

- Peter denied Jesus three times mainly because he was afraid and overwhelmed in a moment of intense pressure.

But when Jesus was arrested, things changed quickly:

• In the Gospels, Jesus call him the rock on which the future Church would be built and Peter is seen as a pioneer is preaching to Gentiles ( non Jews)

• Rome became the central authority of the Christian Church, due to Peters death in Rome

Paul of Tarsus

• Became one of the founding members of the Christian Church

• Paul wrote epistles to guide early Christian communities, providing key theological concepts such as agape (selfless love) and soteria (salvation), which continue to shape Christian belief.

• His writing laid the foundation for much of the belief and practse of Christians today

• Through his missionary journeys and writing, he established Christianity as a seperate entity to Judais and exemplified Christs teachings for all people not just the Jews - ACTS 14:27

Council of Jerusalem

• The council of Jerusalem was a meeting of Christian apostles in Jerusalem around 50 CE, that decided Non- Jewish Christians dont need to follow the Mosaic Law ( Jewish Law)

• Circumcision was replaced with the practise of Baptism which is now the initiation into the Christian faith

• By removing the Mosaic Law, Christianity became its own religion

Unique Features of Variants of Christianity

• Anglicanism

• Catholicism

• Orthodoxy

• Pentecostalism

• Protestantism

Anglicanism ( Type of Protestant)

• The Anglican Church is also known as the Church of England

• England was originally part of the Roman Catholic Church, then seperated during King Henry VIII

• In 1562 “ Thirty Nine Articles of Religion”, established Anglican beliefs and teachings

• Heavily influenced by the theology of Martin Luther and other reformed such as John Calvin

2 Strands of Anglicanism

• Bible Anglicans: Stress the word and preaching rather than ritual

• High Anglicans: Stress the ritual and sacramental dimensions

Ordination

• Most Anglican accept in the ordination of women to be priests

Catholicism

• The Catholic church consists of Eastern and Western Traditons

• The entire group can be defined as a communion of churches which recognise their Pope as the leader

Recognise 7 Sacraments

• Baptism

• Reconcilliation

• Eucharist

• Confirmation

• Marriage

• Ordination

• Anointing of the sick

• Catholics believe that faith is exhibited in good work/ deeds

• A strong belief in the existence of heaven, hell, purgatory

Ordination

• Women are not permitted to be ordained

Orthodoxy

• There are 15 self governing churches within Orthodox communion including Constantipole, Alexendria, Antioch, Jerusalem

• The pope was not accepted as having authority over the whole Church

• Differences in the holy spirit

• Centre of Orthodox worship is the celebration of the Eucharist, use of icons

• Monasticism- Isolated from other people, and self disciplined

Pentecostalism ( Type of Protestant)

• Part of Protestant Christianity

• Speaking in tongues (glossolalia) → speaking in a spiritual language as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence

• Belief in divine healing → faith that God can physically and spiritually heal people through prayer

• Hillsong Church

• C3 Church global

Protestantism

• Bible as highest authority: Christians should follow the Bible above church traditions.

• Do not acknowledge the pope

• Principal of the 5 Solas

- Scripture Alone

- Christ Alone

- Faith Alone

- Grace Alone

- Glory to God Alone

• Allow women to be leaders

• Again led by Martin Luther Jr

Principal Beliefs in Chrisitianity

1. The Divinity and Humanity of Jesus Christ

2. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

3. The Nature of God and the Trinity

4. Revelation

5. Salvation

1. The Divinity and Humanity of Jesus Christ

• Jesus Christ is 100 percent human and 100 percent divine - Word of God made flesh (John 1:1)

- Human: Born of a woman (Virgin Mary), was human flesh and lived on earth as a human being.

- Divine: God incarnate → Sent as the son of God on earth to free humanity from sin.

• All humans are created in the image of god

Jesus’ humanity → evident through his life on earth as carpenter, a teacher and through his physical, human suffering on the cross

Jesus’ divinity → evident through his miracles and resurrection - he descended into hell then resurrected into heaven.

• The incarnation of Jesus as a human was an act of love from God for humanity (The Incarnation is the Christian belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ)

• His humanity shows the interrelatedness between God and humans.

There were controversies from the 4th and 5th century centered around debates between Humanity and Divinity.

2. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

• The belief that Jesus Christ dies for the sins of humanity (crucified) and ressurected to heaven on the third day after his death

• Christ suffered for the sins of humanity through the torture and punishment of his crucifiction. He was crucified at Golgotha, alongside two criminals

Death

• The Gospels tell us that Jesus was arrested, tortured, taken to Golgotha outside Jerusalem and put to death by the crucifiction alongside other criminals

• (Matthew 27)

Ressurection

• The gospels affirm that Jesus rose from the dead- many of his followers witnessed this as well

(Matthew 28:1-15)

• It is the belief that each believer will be transformed (body and soul), for all eternity and share in the glorious life of Jesus in the Kingdom of heaven.

(2 Corinthians 4:14)

The Nature Of God and the Trinity

• Adherents believed that God is one, however, embodies three persons; God the Father, Jesus the Son and Holy Spirit as the Sanctifier (The Trinity)

• The term “Trinity” are the three components of God

- God = Father (creator of all things)

- God = Son (God made flesh; Jesus Christ on earth)

- God = Holy Spirit (God at work on earth → lives within the adherents

• Christians believe that God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent → God is all-knowing, all powerful and always present.

The Nature of God and the Trinity

• Early Christian practice indicates a liturgical use of this Trinitarian formula, "In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit".

• The Trinitarian doctrine was further developed and defined at the councils of Nicaea in 325 CE and Constantinople

Trinity has been described in relation to three key functions:

1. Creating The Father (bringing God’s new life to all creation)

2. Sanctifying The Son (blessing and making holy all creation)

3. Redeeming The Holy Spirit (turning all creation from sin and darkness and more fully towards God)

Matthew 28:19

“Go therefore and make disciple of all nations, baptising them in the name name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Revelation

• Revelation is the transmission of knowledge from the divine to the human

• The act of God making Himself and His will known to humanity.

• Revelation allows God to call human beings to respond in faith and action, not just merely accepting doctrines or beliefs of the tradition

• lt is a loving and free invitation to join in a harmonious relationship with God.

• Creation is also seen as a revelation to humanity.

• God’s revelation is also evident within the Bible.

5 Main Parts of Christian Revelation

1. God as the source of Revelation

2. Holy Spirit

3. The Bible

4. Teaching Tradition of the Church

5. Revelation as an Ongoing Process

1. God as the source of Revelation

God reveals the divine nature, purpose, and will through human experience and revelation is not discovered by humans; it is initiated by God.

2. Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God’s presence dwelling within human beings.

3. The Bible

Christians believe that God’s revelation is communicated through the Bible

4. Teaching Tradition of the Church

• The Church teaches that its tradition is guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

• Denominations within Christianity understand the importance of this tradition differently.

5. Revelation as an Ongoing Process

• Revelation is understood as an ongoing process, with adherents believing that revelation is still occurring within the human experience.

Salvation

• Salvation is the belief that people need God to save or rescue them from sin (wrongdoing) and from spiritual darkness

• Jesus' death brings salvation because Christians believe his sacrifice removed the effects of sin, allowing people to be forgiven and reconciled with God.

The New Testament describes salvation in three ways:

1. Forgiveness of sin (Titus 3:5)

   → God forgives people's sins.

2. Living as a saved person (Romans 1:17)

   → A person lives according to faith and God's teachings in their daily life.

3. Looking forward to eternal life in heaven (Matthew 19:27–29)

   → Believers hope for everlasting life with God after death.

3 features of Salvation

1. Salvation is therefore ‘here now’ but not yet fully complete

- Christians can experience salvation now, but it will only be fully completed in heaven.

2. Salvation comes through God's grace

- Salvation is a gift from God, not something people can earn on their own.

3. Jesus Christ is central to salvation

- It is through his life, death and resurrection that God has offered salvation to all of humanity. 

Sacred Texts and Writings

• Bible

What is the Bible

• The Bible is a collection of sacred writings that Christians believe that is inspired by God, containing two main sections of the “ New Testament and Old Testament”

• It provides assistance in ethical decison making and can be used in daily rituals

Old Testament

• 39 books ( Jewish Bible)

• Stories of Gods relationship with Israel before Jesus

• “Hebrew Scriptures”

• 600 BCE

New Testament

• 27 books

• Based on the life and ministry of Jesus

• “Christian Scriptures”

For christian adherents, major aspects of their beliefs derive from “ New Testament”

Apocrypha

• Additional 7 books, containing historical, poetical and additonal writings

• Not accepeted by Protestant church

• It is accepted by Catholic and Orthodox churches, as part of the old testament

Genres in the Bible

1. Poetry: Expressive and rhythmical (Psalms)

2. Wisdom: Brief, wise sayings ( Proverbs)

3. Parables: Made up story to teach a moral ( Prodigal son)

Bible Translation

• The Bible has undergone many translations

• In 250 BCE the Hebrew to Greek translation occured and is known as the “ Septuagint Bible”

• In modern context, there are multiple versions of the English Bible, with translations of the New Testament with over 1000 languages

How is the Bible used?

1. For personal devotion: To create a close relationship to God, learn from God, seek prayer

2. Public Worship: Prayer, liturgy, guidance, teaching and praise

3. Ethical Instruction: How to live as Gods people

4. Doctrine and Beliefs: Examine what Christians believe

Core Ethical Teachings

1. The Ten Commandments

2. The Beatitudes

3. Jesus’s commandment of love

1. The Ten Commandments

1. You shall have no other gods before me

2. You shall not make idols

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy

5. Honour your father and your mother

6. You shall not murder

7. You shall not commit adultery

8. You shall not steal

9. You shall not bear false witnesses agaisnt your neigbour

10. You shall not covet

Decalogue

• Also known as Ten Commandments

More about Ten Commandments

• They were given by God to Moses as a revelation for life

• A summaration of the relationship between humanity and God

• Rules to be practised out of love for God, not fear or damnation.

• The nature of the relationship between God and Humanity mirrors the way in which all human beings should behave when interacting with each other

Importance of Ten commandments

• The Ten Commandments are important because they provide a basic moral framework for how people should live in relation to God and others

• They remain influential today because many of their principles are reflected in modern laws and ethical systems.

• They also establish the foundation of covenant law in Judaism and Christianity, showing the relationship between God and His people based on obedience and faithfulness.

• Jesus use of the Ten commandment is notably evident in his Sermon of the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

New Testament

• The Beatitudes

• Jesus commandment of love

The Beatitudes

• Series of blessings taught by Jesus

• Found in

- Matthew 5:2-12 (Sermont on the mount)

- Luke 6:20-36. (The sermon on the Plain)

What do they teach

• They teach adherents to live by Gods value, even when those values are different from what society values

• Valuing spiritual qualities, over materialsitic qualities such as wealth, power and possessions, as those are temporary

Purpose of Beatitudes

• To encourage people to develop good moral qualities, that reflects Gods will

Jesus’s commandment of Love

• Greatest commandment ( Matthew 22:37-39)

- “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”

• Can be broken down into

- Love of God

- Love of ones neighbour

• Within his ministry Jesus elevates the commandment to “Love thy neighbour” to a whole new level

• In the book of Romans, Paul notes that love is the element that fulfils the laws

The Importance of Ethical Teachings in the lives of Adherents

• Provides guidance which enable adherents of Christianity to make informed moral choices

• Christianity provides a broad overall guidance to Christian adherents through scripture

3 major aspects of direction of life for Christians

1. The Ten commandments( Exodus)

2. The Beatitudes (Matthew and Luke)

3. The Greatest Commandment ( Matthe and Luke)

More forms of Ethical Guidance

1. Life and Ministry of Jesus

2. Pauls Epistles

3. Agape (Love)

1. Life and Ministry of Jesus

• The life and ministry of Jesus becomes the guide for adherents actions

• The Christian ETHOS of caring for those in need, can be directly attributed to the example of Jesus

• Love and forgiveness demonstrated through life of Jesus

2. Pauls Epistles

• Pauls summary of Christian ethics is found in Roman 12\

IMPORTANT: He claims how we should allow Jesus Christ to transform our minds to discern Gods will, and make decsions that reflect love, compassion and holiness in everyday situations

• Paul describes the Christian life as “Faith, Hope, Love”

3. Agape ( Love)

• Refers to selfless, unconditonal love that is focused on the good of another person, rather than personal gain

• It is the from deliberate will, as it reflects Gods love for humanity

1 Corinthians 13:4-8