Christanity - Content

What does it mean that Jesus embodies the Kingdom of God?

It means that God's presence and authority is now on earth through Jesus.

Why does the Kingdom of God make Jesus the model for Christian life?

He embodies perfect love, humility and sacrifice and acts as a human reflection of God.

What is the principal belief of Salvation?

The belief that humans need God to free them from sin and darkness, which cannot be achieved on their own. God gave humans free will, and because people make mistakes, they need God's deliverance and forgiveness.

What is the principal belief of Jesus' death and resurrection?

The belief that through Jesus' death and resurrection, Jesus destroyed sin and gave humans the opportunity for forgiveness through his pain, humiliation and suffering. It also opened the opportunity for eternal life with God in heaven.

What is the principal belief of Revelation?

The belief that God has revealed himself to humanity through the Holy Trinity. God's revelation is one way of communication and an invitation for an active and faithful relationship.

What is the principal belief of the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ?

The belief that Jesus was both human and divine at the same time. He was human as he experienced pain, suffering and humiliation, while he was divine through his miraculous conception by the Virgin Mary and his performance of miracles.

What is the principal belief of the nature of God and the Trinity?

God is one being who has three co-equal persons, referred to as the Holy Trinity, that all co-exist at the same time.

What is the purpose of God the Father?

The Father is the creator of all life.

What is the purpose of God the Son?

God the Son removes sin and darkness and redeems relationships with God.

What is the purpose of God the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit blesses and makes all creation holy.

What happened during the Annunciation?

The angel Gabriel told Mary she was chosen to be the mother of God. Although reluctant at first, Mary accepted the mission.

Describe the Nativity of Jesus.

Jesus was born around 4 BCE in a stable in Bethlehem and was visited by angels and the Three Wise Men.

What miracles did Jesus perform?

Jesus fed 5,000 people, walked on water, turned water into wine, cleansed the temple and healed a blind man.

What are tongues of fire?

Tongues of fire symbolise the Holy Spirit and gave people the ability to speak different languages to spread the word of God.

Describe the baptism of Jesus.

Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River when he was about 30 years old.

How did Jesus teach people?

Jesus taught at the Temple in Jerusalem with authority and used parables such as the Good Samaritan and the Good Shepherd.

Describe Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey while people laid palm leaves before him.

What happened at the Last Supper?

Jesus shared his final meal with his disciples, washed their feet, told them he would die and gave them bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood.

Why was Jesus arrested and crucified?

Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested for claiming to be the Messiah and sentenced to crucifixion by Pontius Pilate.

What happened during Jesus' crucifixion?

Jesus carried his cross to his place of death, fell three times, died at 3 p.m. on Good Friday and forgave those who crucified him. An earthquake occurred and the temple curtain split when he died.

What happened after Jesus' resurrection?

Jesus rose on Easter Sunday, appeared to his disciples, shared the good news and gave them the Holy Spirit through tongues of fire.

What is the Ascension?

After appearing to his disciples, Jesus ascended into heaven and opened heaven to all people.

What happened at Pentecost in 30 CE?

The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, giving them the ability to speak other languages and spread the message that Jesus was the Messiah.

What was the Jesus Movement (30–60 CE)?

Early Christians were originally seen as part of Judaism, following Jewish laws and celebrations while believing in Jesus as the Messiah.

What beliefs did early Christians have during the Jesus Movement?

They believed in Revelation and the Parousia, thinking they were living in the last days before Christ's second coming.

Why was the Council of Jerusalem created?

Different backgrounds caused disagreements within Christianity, so the Council of Jerusalem was formed to overcome divisions and differences.

What changes occurred during the New Testament Movement (45–110 CE)?

The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, Christianity became more organised, moved further away from Judaism, spread through the apostles and Christians were persecuted by the Romans.

How did persecution affect Christianity?

Despite persecution, Christianity grew rapidly because of its secretive nature, practical faith and the missionary journeys of the apostles.

What happened at the end of Christian persecution around 300 AD?

A Roman leader converted to Christianity, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire and it spread rapidly, especially among wealthy people.

What are the main features of Anglicanism?

Anglicanism began during the English Reformation, includes High Church and Low Church traditions, is led by the English Monarch and Archbishop of Canterbury, worships in churches and values the Lambeth Conference.

What are the main features of Catholicism?

Catholicism traces its origins to Jesus' first disciples, is led by the Pope, bishops and priests, worships in churches and believes in the Holy Spirit and the 7 sacraments.

What are the main features of Orthodoxy?

Orthodoxy was founded by Jesus, includes Eastern and Oriental Orthodox branches, is led by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, worships in churches and values liturgy, sacred icons, the Holy Spirit and the 7 sacraments.

What are the main features of Pentecostalism?

Pentecostalism emerged in America in the late 1900s, has little central authority, worships in churches and focuses on the Parousia, gifts of the Holy Spirit, baptism and the Eucharist.

What are the main features of Protestantism?

Protestantism began during the English Reformation and includes groups such as Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists and Quakers. It values the Bible, singing, baptism and the Eucharist, and worship takes place in churches, chapels and temples.

What beliefs do all Christian denominations share?

All Christians believe in one God (monotheism), use the Bible as their sacred text, believe in the supernatural and worship in places such as churches, temples or chapels.

Why is the Bible important in Christianity?

The Bible creates meaning, answers questions, gives ethical and practical guidelines and helps Christians live according to their faith.

How do the Ten Commandments guide Christians?

The Ten Commandments teach Christians to worship one God, respect human life, love others and live peacefully.

What do the Beatitudes and the Commandment of Love teach?

They teach peace, love for God, love for neighbours, the sanctity of life and Agape (unconditional love).

What is meant by "love your neighbour"?

Christians are taught to love and care for others as they love themselves because everyone is created in the likeness of God.

What is the sanctity of human life?

The sanctity of life means human life is sacred, valuable and should be protected and cherished.

How does the Bible help Christians make decisions?

The Bible provides moral guidance and teachings that help Christians make decisions that align with their beliefs.

How does the Bible model Christian life?

The Bible teaches Christians how to live through the example and teachings of Jesus and other biblical figures.

What is prayer in Christianity?

Prayer is communication with God and the supernatural dimension that strengthens a Christian's relationship with God.

Why do Christians pray?

Christians pray for reflection, forgiveness, gratitude, worship, guidance and comfort.

What are the main types of prayer?

Main types of prayer include formal, informal, public, private, vocal, mental and meditative prayer.

How do the Ten Commandments guide Christians?

The Ten Commandments provide rules from God that guide Christians in how to live morally and faithfully. They teach people to worship only God, respect others, honour parents, tell the truth and avoid harming others.

How do the Ten Commandments promote peace?

The commandment "Do not kill" teaches Christians to value peace, avoid violence and treat others with respect, helping create peaceful relationships and communities.

How do the Ten Commandments show love for God?

The commandments teach Christians to worship only one God and remain faithful and committed to Him above all else.

How do the Ten Commandments teach the sanctity of human life?

By teaching "Do not kill", the commandments show that human life is sacred, valuable and should be protected.

How do the Ten Commandments teach love for neighbours?

The commandments encourage honesty, respect, kindness and fairness toward others, helping Christians love others as themselves.

What are the Beatitudes?

The Beatitudes are teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount that describe the attitudes and behaviours that lead to blessings and closeness with God.

What do the Beatitudes teach about peace?

The Beatitudes teach Christians to be peacemakers, show mercy, forgive others and promote peaceful relationships.

What do the Beatitudes teach about love for neighbours?

The Beatitudes encourage compassion, mercy, humility and care for all people, especially those who suffer or are poor.

What do the Beatitudes teach about the sanctity of human life?

The Beatitudes teach Christians to value and care for all people because every person is loved by God and made in His image.

What is the Commandment of Love?

The Commandment of Love teaches Christians to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbour as yourself.

How does the Commandment of Love teach love for God?

Christians show love for God through worship, prayer, obedience and faithfulness to His teachings.

How does the Commandment of Love teach love for neighbours?

Christians are taught to treat all people with kindness, respect, compassion and forgiveness.

What is Agape in Christianity?

Agape is the unconditional and selfless love of God for all people, regardless of their background, mistakes or social status.

How do the Beatitudes and the Commandment of Love influence Christian life?

They guide Christians to live with compassion, peace, humility, forgiveness and unconditional love toward both God and others.

Why is Jesus the Model for Christian Life?

He embodies the Kingdom of God, lives a life of prayer, demonstrates how to pray to God, lives a life of service to others, advocates for the poor, and loves and forgives others.