religion- christianity

Essential Questions in Christianity

  • Unifying Elements:

    • Common beliefs and practices that unify followers.

  • Diversifying Elements:

    • Differences in interpretation, practice, and beliefs among denominations.

  • Questions of Suffering:

    • Understanding the reason for human suffering and paths to relief.

  • Questions of Afterlife:

    • Beliefs regarding what happens after death.

  • Human Role:

    • Discussing the purpose and responsibilities of individuals in life.

  • Influences on Early Christianity:

    • Factors that shaped and defined early Christian thought and practice.

  • Christianity vs. Gnosticism:

    • Key differences in beliefs and doctrines.

  • Historical Changes:

    • Impact of significant events (Council of Jerusalem, Constantine, Great Schism, Protestant Reformation, Colonialism, Postcolonialism).

  • Christ's Role:

    • Understanding who Jesus represents for Christians.

Vocabulary Insights

Ritual-Practical Terms:

  • Sacraments and Rituals:

    • Baptism: Initiation rite.

    • Eucharist: Celebrating Communion.

    • Prayer: Key practices, including the Lord's Prayer.

    • Gregorian Chant and Hymn Singing: Elements of worship.

    • Praying the Rosary: Devotional prayer practice.

    • The Examen: Reflection on one's conscience.

Mythic-Narrative Components:

  • Old Testament:

    • Torah: The first five books.

    • Ketuvim: Writings.

    • Nevi'im: Prophets.

  • New Testament:

    • Epistles: Letters, particularly from Paul.

    • Canonical Gospels: Accounts of Jesus' life, teachings, and parables.

    • Acts of the Apostles: Early church history.

    • Revelation: Prophetic Book.

  • Creeds:

    • Apostles' Creed: Statement of faith.

    • Nicene Creed: Council-established declaration.

Doctrinal-Philosophical Influences:

  • Hellenistic Influences:

    • Judaism: Foundation of monotheism and covenant.

    • Zoroastrianism: Concepts of ethical dualism.

  • Mystery Cults:

    • Influence on Christian thought from various cults, such as Orphic and Mithras.

  • Gnosticism:

    • Comparison with orthodox Christian beliefs.

Key Christian Beliefs:

  • Important Doctrines:

    • Trinity: Concept of one God in three persons.

    • Incarnation: Divine becoming flesh.

    • Crucifixion and Resurrection: Core events of faith.

    • Second Coming: Future event in Christian eschatology.

    • Grace and Atonement: Importance of forgiveness and redemption.

    • Original Sin and Salvation: Theological foundations.

    • Predestination: Belief in divine predetermination.

Social-Organizational Structures:

  • Positions in the Church:

    • Church: The body of Christ, community of believers.

    • Pope and Bishops: Leadership in Catholicism.

    • Ministers and Clergy: Roles within the church including authority figures and worship leaders.

Ethical-Legal Teachings:

  • Core Ethical Codes:

    • Ten Commandments: Fundamental moral instructions.

    • Golden Rule: Ethical directive to treat others as one wishes to be treated.

    • Metanoia: Concept of repentance and transformation.

Artistic-Material Culture:

  • Expressions of Faith:

    • Church Architecture: Houses of worship.

    • Crucifixes and Ikons: Artistic representations of faith.

    • Stained Glass: Symbolic imagery as educational tools and worship enhancement.

Experiential-Emotional Aspects:

  • Key Emotional Experiences:

    • Guilt and Forgiveness: The experience of sin and the need for redemption.

    • Mystical Union: Deep spiritual connection with the divine.

Historical Overview of Christianity

First Century CE:

  • Life of Jesus:

    • Key events from birth to resurrection.

Growth of Early Church (1-400 CE):

  • Emergence of house churches and the development of Catholic traditions.

Significant Historical Events:

  • Great Schism (1054 CE): Division of Christianity into Eastern and Western branches.

  • Protestant Reformation (1500 CE): Challenges to Catholic doctrines and practices.

  • Modern Era (1600-2000 CE):

    • Impact of colonialism and post-colonialism.

    • Vatican II: Major ecumenical council that modernized church practices.

Contemporary Expressions of Christianity

Main Divisions:

  • Distinct branches include:

    • Roman Catholicism

    • Eastern Orthodoxy

    • Various Protestant denominations.

Movements Within Christianity:

  • Key movements include Ecumenism, Fundamentalism, and Progressive Christianity.