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The Sermon on the Mount (Ethics Paper)
Natural Law
Matthew 5-7 in the New Testament of the Bible.
Jesus was preaching in direct contrast to the Greek philosophy of stoicism, which sought to separate man from his emotions.
Emotions, especially love, feature heavily in the Sermon on the Mount.
It remains ethically relevant over 2000 years later for many reasons, the first of which is the underlying principles behind it.
It includes:
The Beatitudes: Jesus begins the sermon by pronouncing blessings upon those who exhibit certain virtues such as humility, meekness, righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and perseverance in the face of persecution.
Salt and Light: Jesus uses metaphors to illustrate the importance of being a positive influence in the world and living a life that reflects God's values.
Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the true spirit of the Mosaic Law, going beyond mere adherence to its external requirements.
The Golden Rule: Jesus articulates the principle of treating others as you would like to be treated, often referred to as the Golden Rule.
Building on Solid Ground: Jesus concludes the sermon with the parable of the wise and foolish builders, illustrating the importance of building one's life on a solid foundation of obedience to his teachings.
Matthew 25-31-46 (Christianity Paper)
Death and the Afterlife
‘The parable of the Sheep and the Goats.’
Jesus explains that people will be separated into two groups:
those who have lived good lives and believed in God will be put on one side and have a place in Heaven
those who have rejected the belief in God and sinned in their lives will be placed on the other side and will go to Hell
The Parable of the Sheep and Goats strongly encourages Christians to take action to help those in need. In this parable, Jesus makes it clear that a life worthy of the reward of Heaven must involve actively helping people in need. Jesus explains that helping a person, whoever they are, is just the same as helping Jesus himself and is therefore a duty for all Christians.
Mark 6:47-52 (Christianity Paper)
Knowledge of God / Miracles / Resurrection
Jesus walks on water
What happens?
Jesus finished feeding the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish.
Afterward, he sent his disciples ahead of him in a boat to Bethsaida while he went up on a mountainside to pray.
Later that evening, the disciples found themselves struggling against the wind as they rowed across the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus saw them straining and decided to walk out to them on the water.
When the disciples saw him, they were terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost.
Jesus reassured them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.
The disciples hadn't yet understood the significance of Jesus' miracles but now they did
Knowledge of God
This passage demonstrates Jesus' divine nature and authority over nature.
By walking on water, Jesus displays his power over natural elements, which reinforces the belief in his divinity among his disciples.
This event prompts them to question who Jesus truly is, contributing to their developing understanding of God's nature as revealed through Jesus.
Miracles
An example of his ability to perform supernatural acts.
It underscores the theme of divine intervention and the suspension of natural laws.
This miracle serves as a sign to the disciples and others witnessing it, reinforcing Jesus' authority and the validity of his message.
Resurrection
It foreshadows the resurrection of Jesus.
Walking on water demonstrates Jesus' power over death and his ability to transcend physical limitations.
John 9:1-41 (Christianity Paper)
Knowledge of God / Miracles / Resurrection
Jesus healing a man who was born blind
What happens?
Jesus and his disciples encounter a man who was blind from birth.
The disciples inquire about the cause of the man's blindness, asking whether it was due to his own sin or the sin of his parents.
Jesus responds that neither the man nor his parents sinned, but rather his blindness serves as an opportunity for the works of God to be displayed.
Jesus then proceeds to heal the blind man by spitting on the ground, making mud with the saliva, and spreading it over the man's eyes. He washes then comes back seeing.
The man insists that Jesus is a prophet and defends him against the accusations of the Pharisees.
Knowledge of God
This passage highlights Jesus' identity as the Son of God and his authority to perform miracles.
It demonstrates Jesus' power over physical afflictions, showcasing his divinity and reinforcing the belief in his role as the Messiah.
Miracles
The healing of the blind man is a significant miracle in the Gospel of John.
It illustrates Jesus' compassion for the suffering and his ability to bring about miraculous healings.
This event challenges the audience to consider the nature of miracles, the role of faith, and the implications of divine intervention in the world.
Resurrection
The blind man's transformation from a life of darkness to one of sight symbolizes a spiritual resurrection—a moving from death to life.
This narrative serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own resurrection and the promise of new life for believers.
Matthew 5:17-48 (Christianity Paper)
Personhood of Jesus
Part of the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus moral teaching on:
Repentance and Forgiveness
Inner purity and moral motivation
These teachings demonstrate his authority as a moral teacher and his reinterpretation of Jewish law.
Jesus presents a deeper understanding of righteousness that focuses not only on external actions but also on the attitudes and intentions of the heart.
This highlights Jesus' role as a moral exemplar and his emphasis on the transformation of individuals' inner selves.
These teachings also provide insight into Jesus' understanding of the Kingdom of God and the ethical principles that characterize life within i
Luke 15:11-32 (Christianity Paper)
Personhood of Jesus
The parable of the Prodigal Son
Jesus moral teaching on:
Repentance and Forgiveness
Inner purity and moral motivation
What happens?
In this story, a man has two sons. The younger son asks for his inheritance early and goes off to live a life of wild living.
Eventually, he squanders all his wealth and finds himself destitute, feeding pigs for a living. He decides to return to his father's house, hoping to be treated as one of his father's hired servants.
When the son returns, instead of being met with anger or rejection, his father runs to greet him with open arms. He throws a big celebration, much to the displeasure of the older son who has stayed loyal to his father.
The father explains that they should rejoice because the lost son has returned home, and there is cause for celebration.
What does it mean for this topic?
Emphasis on forgiveness and redemption: This reflects Jesus' message of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Inclusion of the outcast: Jesus often associated with sinners and outcasts, much to the chagrin of the religious leaders of his time. The parable of the Prodigal Son emphasizes God's inclusive love and acceptance of all, regardless of their past mistakes or social status.
Revealing the nature of God: The father in the parable represents God, and his actions demonstrate the compassionate and loving nature of God. This portrayal challenges traditional views of God as judgmental and punitive, instead emphasizing God's boundless mercy and grace.
Comparison with the elder brother: The parable also addresses the attitude of the elder brother, who represents the Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus' time. His resentment towards the father's forgiveness mirrors the religious leaders' self-righteousness and lack of compassion.
Mark 5:24-34 (Christianity Paper)
Personhood of Jesus
Jesus heals a sick woman
What happens?
Jesus healed a woman with an issue of blood hemorrhaging for 12 years.
The woman heard of Jesus and found him and touched his cloak from behind as she knew he could heal/cause miracles
Jesus felt the power leave him and turned around and praised her for having blind faith in him
What does it mean for this topic?
The purpose of this lesson for Christians is to help understand how to draw on the Savior's power in their lives by exercising their faith in Him.
Jesus as a healer and helper of minority groups
Reinforces Jesus identity as God’s son and the saviour of mankind
Luke 10:25-37 (Christianity Paper)
Personhood of Jesus
The parable of the Good Samaritan
What happens?
In this story, a man is robbed, beaten, and left half-dead on the road.
A priest and a Levite both pass by without helping him, but a Samaritan, who was traditionally despised by Jews, stops to help the injured man.
The Samaritan binds his wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care.
What does it mean for this topic?
It demonstrates Jesus' emphasis on love, compassion, and the importance of caring for others, even those who are different from us or who may be considered outsiders.
Jesus challenges societal norms and prejudices by elevating the despised Samaritan as an example of how one should treat others with kindness and mercy.
Ephesians 5:22-23 (Christianity Paper)
Gender and Theology
Ephesians 5:22-23 (NIV):
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior."
Mulieris Dignitatem 18-19 (Christianity Paper)
Gender and Theology
John Paul II emphasizes that women are not simply equal to men, but rather complementary to them, each possessing their own distinct qualities that enrich humanity.
In section 18:
John Paul II reflects on the dignity of women and their role in the creation narrative.
He highlights the significance of the creation of Eve as a companion to Adam, emphasizing that woman is created as a partner and helper, equal in dignity but with her own distinct role and gifts.
In section 19:
John Paul II discusses the role of women in the family and society, emphasizing their unique capacity for nurturing and fostering relationships.
He speaks about the importance of motherhood and the role of women as educators and caregivers, highlighting the essential role they play in shaping the values and character of future generations.
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