SOR I CHRISTIANITY

what is martin luther’s significance?

- influenced other varieties of protestantism to emerge (Lutheranism, Calvanism, Anglicanism)
- central to the development of Lutheranism
- new approach to christianity → theology, 5 solas (Principal Beliefs of Protestantism)
- contributed to a new focus on the christian relationship with God, bringing the tradition back to its foundations with the Bible, Jesus, and God

Sola Scriptura

“Scripture Alone” - the Bible alone is the highest authority i.e. for decision making
formed the point of distinction between Protestant and Orthodox/Catholic churches

Sola Fide

“Faith Alone” - achieve salvation through Faith alone in Jesus Christ
- justification through faith in Christ, all people have to do to achieve salvation is have faith in God, nothing else will save them

Sola Gratia

“Grace Alone” - Achieve salvation by the Grace of God alone
- crucial in all his contributions to Christianity

Sola Christus

“Christ Alone” - Jesus Christ alone is Christians’ ‘Lord and Saviour’

Soli Deo Gloria

“Glory of God Alone” - Christians live for and glorify God alone
- changed how individuals interact with God by bridging the gap between God and the Individual giving them more opportunity to develop a personal relationship

Institutional Reform

95 Theses
Addressed the corruption of the church i.e. Selling for Indulgences and Nepotism. Luther’s central idea that God intended adherents to seek repentance and faith alone, not deeds, would lead to salvation. Put pressure on the church to overhaul their malpractices.
“My conscience is captive to the Word of God” (Martin Luther)

Theology

Translation of the Bible into the vernacular
Translate the Bible to German, closely following biblical passages, speaking in the language of the people, filled his sermons with experiences of real life and faith. Wrote hymns, catechism, and instructions in German → translations served as model for later translators. Emphasised his 5 solas and allowed for individual interpretation
“All who call on God in true faith… will receive what they have asked and desired” (Martin Luther)

Liturgical Reforms

Mass in the Vernacular
Returned Mass to its original state - a celebration of the Word of God (Sola Scriptura). Proposed the Deutsche Messe (German Mass) providing worship in language of the people. Changed how individuals interact with God by bridging the Gap between God and the Individual. Allowed adherents to have more capacity to express their faith.Focused only on Baptism and Eucharist.
“Luther encouraged Bible reading by the laity, as did Vatican II" (Joseph F.Kelly)

Luther’s Role in Reformation

He catalysed the Protestant Schism and Pluralism through his 95 Theses and writings.

Luther’s writings

Catechisms for adults and children to access knowledge and understanding. Important sources of contemporary Lutheran doctrine.
- Bondage of the Will
- To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation
- On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church
- On the Freedom of a Christian

Luther’s role in Counter Reformation

Protestant Reformation led to this. Focused on a re-evaluation of Catholic objectives. Attempted ro revive Catholic tradition and the devotional life of an adherent aligning with 5 solas. Clarified doctrine, effective communication, reformed practices. Council of Trent (1545-1563) ruled against Luther’s doctrines but brought significant overhaul to the Catholic tradition.
“Luther’s actions served as the impetus for the church” (Francesco Cesareo)

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

BAPTISM IS A CHRISTIAN SACRAMENT OF INTIATION INTO CHRISTIAN FAITH.

WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF BAPTISM?

- REAFFIRMS COMMUNITY'S COMMITTMENT TO BAPTISMAL PROMSIES.
- COMMUNITY IS TO GUIDE THE NEW INITIATED INDIVIDUAL
- THE CHURCH IS ENRICHED BY THE NEWLY INTIATED

WHAT IS THE INIDIVDUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM? (2 DOT POINTS)

SALVATION:
BAPTISM CLEANSES ADHERENT OF ORIGINAL SIN WHICH OFFERS ETERNAL LIFE AND BRINGS HOPE INTO THE LIFE OF THE ADHERENT.

COMMITMENT TO FAITH:
ADHERENTS RECOGNISE THEY ARE TO FOLLOW JESUS' MINISTRY AND TEACHINGS AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHURCH.

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM? (2 DOT POINTS)

MEMBERSHIP:
BAPTISM IS GENERALLY PERFORMED IN PUBLIC MEANING MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE BAPTISM WITH THE INITIATE, STRENGTHENING COHESION AND STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY.

REAFFIRMS COMMUNITY'S FAITH:
REAFFIRMS COMMUNITY'S COMMITMENT TO BAPTISMAL PROMISES AND CALLS BACK ADHERENTS BACK TO THE CENTRALITY OF THE GOSPEL.

HOW/WHERE IS BAPTISM PERFORMED?

PERFORMED IN CHURCH WHERE COMMUNITY MEMBERS PARTICIPATE AND SUPPORT THE INITATE IN BAPTISM.

WHAT ARE THE P/BELIEFS?

SALVATION
REVELATION
NATURE OF GOD AND THE TRINITY
DIVINITY AND HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST
DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

WHAT IS SALVATION?

FORGIVENESS AND DELIEVERANCE FROM SIN(S)

WHAT IS NATURE OF GOD AND THE TRINITY?

GOD EXISTS AS THREE PERSONS BUT ONE BEING

WHAT IS DIVINITY AND HUMANITY OF CHRIST?

JESUS HAS BOTH COMPLETE AND DISTINCT SIDES, BOTH FULLY DIVINE AND FULLY HUMAN.

WHAT IS DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST?

REAFFIRMS JESUS' HUMAN AND DIVINE SIDE AS HE IS ABLE TO DIE AS HUMANS DO BUT HE IS ABLE TO COMMIT DIVINE MIRACLES.

WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL TEACHINGS (CHRISTIANITY)?

- Stewardship
- Revelation
- Preferential option for the poor

What is revelation?

God reveals Himself in every aspect of creation.
He has given this beautiful world to human beings in sacred trust. The universe God created is incredibly beautiful and incredibly complex.

WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP?

The world has been created for the benefit and enjoyment of all people, so we must preserve it beyond our current generation. ATSI people have exemplified stewardship by using, but not exploiting it for thousands of years.
- People and nations have a responsibility to work together to appreciate the complexity and wonder of nature
"God put man in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it." (GENESIS 2:15)

Sources of Christian Ethics

The Bible, Early Church, Nature

WHAT IS PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR?

Christians are encouraged to share land with the poor, and not exploit the environment at the cost of others.
"To God, belong the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live there." (Psalm 24:1)

Environmental Ethics

the discipline in philosophy that studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents.

Importance of environmental ethics

- Goodness comes from God, therefore creation has an intrinsic goodness
- Both creation stories reaffirm that God Created the world lovingly
- the world is sacramental a revelation of God
- Humans required to treat environment with same love used to make it.
- "God saw all he made, and indeed it was very good" (Genesis 1:31)

Baptism and the divinity and humanity of Jesus

"In his humanity Jesus commissioned people to baptise in his name" (Matthew 28:19)

Baptism and the death and resurrection of jesus

Paul to the romans: 6:3-4: "We are baptised into Jesus' death so we resurrect with him. Plunged, immersed or sprinkled in water to symbolise death and rising again

Baptism and Nature of God and the trinity

The sign of the cross used during the rite in a number of places

Baptism and revelation

Baptism allows christians access to revelations of Gods graces

Baptism and Salvation

"He who is baptised will be saved" (Mark 16:16)

Signs and symbols of Baptism

- Water
- Sign of the Cross
- Oil
- Candles
- Parents
- Godparents

Symbolism of water in baptism

nourishment, purity, washing away of sins

symbolism of the sign of the cross in baptism

affirms belief of trinity

symbolism of oil in baptism

symbolic of gifts of Holy Spirit

symbolism of candles in baptism

symbolise Christ as light of the World

symbolism of parents in baptism

accept responsibility for nurturing child in faith

symbolism of godparents in baptism

supports person being baptised