Rel 170 - Exam 1 Questions

Early Ministry of Jesus

Jesus began his ministry around age thirty in Roman-ruled Palestine, specifically Galilee.

Role of Jesus

Jesus acted as a rabbi, teaching the Torah and engaging in preaching and healing.

Jesus' Message

Jesus emphasized loyalty to the kingdom of God over the Roman Empire while upholding the law of Moses.

Interactions of Jesus

Jesus engaged with both social elites and marginalized individuals, including women and tax collectors.

Journey to Jerusalem

Jesus traveled to Jerusalem for Passover, challenging religious authorities and drawing attention from civil authorities.

Crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus was executed for sedition, with the charge "King of the Jews" displayed on the cross.

Resurrection of Jesus

Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and ascended into heaven, appearing to his followers.

Founding Narrative of Christianity

The life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus form the core narrative of Christianity.

Kingdom of God

Jesus' works are seen as signs of the kingdom of God, offering reconciliation to humanity.

Early Christian Practices

Early Christians gathered on Sundays for worship, Scripture reading, baptism, and caring for the needy.

Persecution of Christians

After the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, Christians faced persecution and had to meet in secret.

Constantine's Conversion

Emperor Constantine's vision led to the edict of religious tolerance, transforming Christianity's status in the Roman Empire.

Global Christian Population

Approximately one-third of the world's population identifies as Christian, with over two billion adherents.

Main Subgroups of Christianity

The main subgroups include Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism.

Linguistic Division

Roman Catholicism developed in the Latin-speaking West, while Eastern Orthodoxy emerged in the Greek-speaking East.

Papal Authority

The bishop of Rome claimed primacy in the West, while Eastern patriarchs rejected this claim, leading to conflicts.

Doctrinal Controversies

Eastern debates focused on the Trinity, while Western discussions centered on free will and church authority.

Western Empire Disintegration

The Western Roman Empire disintegrated in the early fifth century, leading to the church in Rome assuming authority.

Apostolic Tradition

Both Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy view the church as a continuation of apostolic tradition.

Protestant Reformation

The sixteenth-century division in the church led to the rise of Protestantism, rejecting papal authority and emphasizing individual faith.

Canon Formation

The process of identifying authentic Scripture, completed in 367 CE, marked the separation of Christianity from Judaism.

Nicene Creed

Established in 325 CE, it affirmed Jesus as fully human and divine, setting boundaries on Christian orthodoxy.

Schism Between Churches

The schism between Eastern and Western churches was marked by disagreements over papal authority and culminated in 1204.

Second Vatican Council

Held from 1962-65, it recognized Protestant faithfulness, allowed local language worship, and condemned anti-Semitism.