Christianity - Summary Notes
Origins of Christianity
Historical and Cultural Context
Roman Empire controlled Judea → political tension, heavy taxation, military occupation
Jewish society divided into groups (Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, Essenes)
Strong expectation of a Messiah who would restore Israel
Judaism centred on Temple worship, Torah, and covenant identity
Widespread poverty → desire for justice, liberation, hope
Principal Events of Jesus’ Life
Birth in Bethlehem; raised in Nazereth
Baptism by John the Baptist → beginning of public ministry
Ministry: Preaching the Kingdom of God, healing, parables, miracles
Teachings emphasised love, forgiveness, inclusion, justice
Crucifixion under Pontius Pilate
Resurrection → foudational Christian belief
Ascension → mission passed to disciples
Jesus as the Model for Christian Life
Love: unconditonal, self-giving
Service: helping the marginalised
Prayer: constant relationship with God
Forgiveness: even of enemies
Faithfulness: obedience to God’s will
Early Christian Communities
Formed after Jesus’ resurrection
Led by apostles (Peter, Paul)
Practised Eucharist, baptism, communal living
Faced persecution under Roman authorities
Spread across Mediterranean through missionary journeys
Developed early doctrines and sacred writings
Major Christian Variants
Anglican
Origin - English Reformation (16th century)
Scripture, tradition, reason as authority sources
Broad spectrum - High Church → Low Church
Catholic
Largest Christian tradition
Pope is a spiritual leader
Sacraments are central: strong emphasis on tradition
Orthodox
Eastern Christian tradition
Emphasis on liturgy, icons, and apostolic continuity
Patriarchs lead regional churches
Penetcostal
20th Century movement, founded in America
Focuses on Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, healing
Highly expressive worship
Protestant
Origin: Reformation (Martin Luther)
Scripture alone (sola scripture)
Emphasis on personal faith
Principal Beliefs
Divinity and Humanity of Jesus Christ
Jesus is fully divine and fully human
Central mystery: hypostatic union
Demonstrated through miracles, teachings, resurrection
Death and Resurrection
Jesus’ death = atonement for sin
Resurrection = victory over death; promise of eternal life
Foundation of Christian hope and identity
Nature of God and the Trinity
One God in three names: Father, Son, Holy Spirit
Unity of essence; distinction of persons
Reveals God as relational, loving, active
Revelation
God reveals Himself through: Scripture, Jesus Christ, Creation, Tradition, Holy Spirit
Purpose: guide humanity to truth and salvation
Salvation
Freedom from sin; restored relationship with God
Achieved through Jesus’ death and resurrection
Received through faith, grace, and good works
Sacred Texts - The Bible
Importance of the Bible
Primary source of revelation
Contains teachings, law, ethics, history, prophecy
Used in worship, prayer, doctrine, and personal devotion
Extracts Demonstrating Principal Beliefs
John 1:1-14 → Divinity and Humanity
Luke 24 → Resurrection
Matthew 28:19 → Trinity
Romans 10:9 → Salvation through faith
Core Ethical Teachings
Ten Commandments
Foundation of moral law
Focus on worship, respect, justice, community
Beatitudes
Found in Matthew 5
Teaches humility, mercy, righteousness, peace
Jesus’ Commandment of Love
“Love one another as I have loved you”
Central ethical principle; guides all Christian behaviour
Importance for Adherents
Shapes decision-making, relationships, social justice
Provides moral direction and spiritual growth
Personal Devotion - Prayer
Types of Prayer
Vocal Prayer - spoken words
Meditation - reflection on scripture
Contemplation - silent awareness of God
Intercessory Prayer - praying for others
Thanksgiving - gratitude
Petition - asking for help
Formal prayers - eg Lord’s Prayer, Rosary