Jesus - His Birth

Jesus – His Birth

Two Gospels that include Jesus’ birth stories: Matthew and Luke.
Matthew’s birth story: Joseph’s point of view.
Luke’s birth story: Mary’s point of view.
Visitors in Matthew’s Gospel: The wise men (Magi).
Visitors in Luke’s Gospel: The shepherds.
Dangerous event in Matthew’s Gospel: Herod tries to kill Jesus.
Holy Family escape in Matthew’s Gospel: Egypt.
Setting showing Jesus' humble birth in Luke’s Gospel: A manger.
Gospel including the angel Gabriel speaking to Mary: Luke.
Gospel focusing on Jesus as the Jewish Messiah: Matthew.
Gospel emphasising peace and humility: Luke.
Do the two birth stories contradict each other? No, but they focus on different things.
“Harmonisation”: Combining both stories into one timeline.
Example of harmonisation: The shepherds (Luke) came first, then the wise men (Matthew).
“Redaction criticism”: Studying how Gospel writers shaped their stories to fit their message.
Matthew highlights about Jesus: He is the fulfilment of Jewish prophecy.
Luke highlights about Jesus: He came for the poor and humble.
“Incarnation”: God becoming human in Jesus.
“Substantial Presence”: Jesus is fully God and fully human from birth.
Divine signs showing Jesus is God in the birth stories: Angels, prophecies, and the name Emmanuel (“God with us”).
“Kenotic” meaning: Comes from a Greek word meaning “self-emptying”.
Kenotic Model teaching: Jesus gave up divine power to become human.
Bible passage supporting the Kenotic Model: Philippians 2:6–8.
Jesus’ birth in a manger reflects the Kenotic Model: It shows God chose humility and limitation out of love.
Why are the birth stories important to Christians? They show Jesus is both truly God and truly human.

Jesus – His Resurrection

Rudolf Bultmann: A German theologian who believed the resurrection was symbolic, not historical.
Bultmann on the resurrection: It wasn’t a literal event but a spiritual truth about faith.
Bultmann's “demythologise”: Removing supernatural elements from the Bible to focus on its deeper message.
Main message of the resurrection according to Bultmann: New life, forgiveness, and transformation.
N.T. Wright: A British scholar who believes Jesus physically rose from the dead.
N.T. Wright on the resurrection: It really happened in history with a real, physical body.
Evidence Wright uses to support the resurrection: The Gospels and letters like 1 Corinthians 15.
Wright believes the resurrection proves: Jesus defeated death and gives Christians hope for their own resurrection.
Resurrection teaches Christians about death: Death is not the end—Jesus overcame it.
Matthew 10:28 says about the soul: The soul cannot be killed, even if the body dies.
1 Corinthians 15 says about the body: The body is like a seed—dying and rising new and transformed.
Kind of body Christians will have after death: A new, spiritual body.
Philippians 1:21–24 says about death: “To live is Christ, to die is gain”—being with Christ is better.
Paul feels about life and death: He wants to help others but believes being with Christ after death is better.
John 20–21 after Jesus rises: Jesus appears physically—he eats, speaks, and is touched.
Why is Jesus appearing physically important? It shows resurrected life is real and not just spiritual.
Bultmann focus on in his view of resurrection: Faith in Jesus and the message of transformation, not proof.
Wright focus on in his view of resurrection: Historical truth and the future hope of physical resurrection.
Why is the resurrection central to Christian belief? It shows Jesus’ victory over death and the promise of eternal life.
Resurrection says about God’s power: That God can conquer death and give new life.
Difference between soul and body in Christian belief: The soul lives on after death, and the body is transformed at resurrection.
Why is 1 Corinthians 15 important? It explains resurrection and the nature of the resurrected body.
How does resurrection bring hope to Christians? It promises life after death and reunion with God.
“To live is Christ, to die is gain” mean? Living serves others, but dying brings the reward of being with Jesus.
How does resurrection affect daily Christian life? It inspires hope and motivates faithful living.

The Bible as a Source of Wisdom and Authority

Christians believe the Bible is more than: A book of old stories—it is a guide for life.
Why is the Bible called a source of wisdom and authority? Because it gives advice, meaning, comfort, and direction.
How does the Bible help with moral advice? It teaches what is right and wrong.
Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 teaches: Fear God and keep His commandments.
“Fear God” means in Ecclesiastes: Respect God and live how He wants.
Luke 6:36–37 teach: Be merciful, don’t judge, and forgive others.
How does Luke 6 encourage Christians to behave? With kindness, fairness, and second chances.
How is the Bible a guide to living? It gives practical advice for everyday life.
Question is asked in Psalm 119:9–16: How can a young person stay on the right path?
Answer in Psalm 119:9–16: By living according to God’s word.
Image is used in Psalm 119:105–112: God’s word is like a lamp lighting the path.
“A lamp for my feet” mean: God’s word shows the right direction in life.
What does the Bible teach about the purpose of life? That life has spiritual and personal meaning.
Genesis 1:26–28 say about humans: They are made in God’s image and told to care for the Earth.
Being made in God's image mean: Humans have value, purpose, and responsibility.
Ecclesiastes 9:5–9 teach: Life is short, so enjoy it and love others.
How does Ecclesiastes encourage Christians to live? By appreciating life and building relationships.
Bible’s spiritual purpose for life: To serve God.
Bible’s personal purpose for life: To enjoy life and love others.
How does the Bible give comfort and encouragement? It offers hope and reassurance in hard times.
Psalm 46:1–3 teach: God is our refuge and strength, so don’t be afraid.
Matthew 6:25 say: Don’t worry about your life—trust in God.
Psalm 46 help Christians feel: Safe, supported, and unafraid.
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 offer: Comfort, reminding Christians that God cares.
How do Christians use the Bible in daily life? For moral guidance, life direction, meaning, and comfort.

The Nature of God – Religious Concepts

Is God male or female? God is neither—God is spirit (John 4:24), not biologically male or female.
Why is God often called “Father” in Christianity? It reflects love, closeness, and protection, as Jesus used this term in prayer.
What can be a problem with using only male language for God? It might make people think God is only male and can exclude women.
How can calling God “Father” be helpful? It gives comfort and shows a loving, caring relationship with believers.
Why might the “Father” image of God be difficult for some? Not everyone has a good father figure, so the image can feel painful or limiting.
Who is Sallie McFague? A feminist theologian who suggested using new metaphors for God.
What metaphor did Sallie McFague propose for God? “God as Mother”—to show nurture, compassion, and life-giving love.
Did McFague say God is literally a mother? No—she said using this image helps people relate to God differently.
What is the main idea behind McFague’s view? We need many ways of speaking about God—not just male images.
What does “impassible” mean? It means God cannot suffer or be affected by emotions.
Why do traditional theologians say God is impassible? Because God is perfect and unchanging—suffering would mean imperfection.
What is the modern view of a suffering God? A loving God must be able to feel pain, grief, and sorrow.
Why do some say God must suffer? Because God deeply cares for the world and its people.
Who is Jürgen Moltmann? A theologian who wrote “The Crucified God” and said God suffers.
What does Moltmann say about Jesus’ death? When Jesus died, God the Father also suffered the pain of that loss.
What does Moltmann’s view show about God? That God is not distant but suffers with humanity.
Why is a suffering God comforting? Because it means God understands human pain and shares in it.
What does John 4:24 say about God? God is spirit—not limited by gender or human form.
What does the use of “Father” show in Christian belief? Protection, authority, and a personal relationship with God.
How might gendered language about God affect believers? It can make women feel less included in the faith.
What’s the benefit of new metaphors for God like “Mother”? They offer fresh ways to connect with God emotionally and spiritually.
Why do traditional views avoid saying God can suffer? Because it seems to limit God’s perfection and power.
What is “The Crucified God”? A book by Moltmann explaining how God suffers with humanity.
What does a suffering God reveal about divine love? That God shares in our pain out of love and compassion.
What is the overall message of modern views about God’s nature? That God is loving, relatable, and deeply connected to human experience.

The Trinity

What is the Trinity? One God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Who is God the Father? The Creator—one Person of the Trinity.
Who is God the Son? Jesus Christ—God who became human.
Who is God the Holy Spirit? God’s presence and power in the world today.
Are the three Persons of the Trinity all fully God? Yes—all are fully God, but there is only one God.
Why is the Trinity important to Christians? It helps explain how Jesus is divine and how He relates to the Father and the Spirit.
What does the Trinity help explain about Jesus? That He is God, not just a human or prophet.
What does “pre-existence” mean in relation to Jesus? Jesus existed before he was born on earth.
What Bible verse supports Jesus’ pre-existence? John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.”
What does “the Word” in John 1:1 refer to? Jesus—showing He was with God from the start.
What does “co-equal” mean in relation to Jesus and the Father? Jesus is just as divine and powerful as God the Father.
What does “co-eternal” mean? Jesus has always existed and was not created.
Why did Jesus pray to the Father? To show the relationship between the Persons of the Trinity.
How can Jesus be both God and the Son of God? Through the Trinity—He is one Person of the one God.
Who is the third Person of the Trinity? The Holy Spirit.
What does the Holy Spirit do today? Acts in the world as God’s power and presence.
What does “Filioque” mean? “And the Son” in Latin.
What was the original belief about where the Holy Spirit came from? That the Spirit proceeds from the Father.
What change did Western Christians make? They added “and the Son” to say the Spirit comes from both.
Why did Eastern Orthodox Christians disagree with the Filioque? They believe the Spirit comes only from the Father to protect the Father’s unique role.
What was the result of the Filioque disagreement? It contributed to the Great Schism of 1054 between Eastern and Western Churches.
What is the Great Schism? The split between Eastern Orthodox and Western (Catholic) Churches in 1054.
Why is the Filioque important theologically? It affects how Christians understand the relationships within the Trinity.
What do Catholic and most Protestant churches say about the Holy Spirit? That the Spirit comes from the Father and the Son.
What do Eastern Orthodox churches believe about the Spirit? That the Spirit comes only from the Father.

The Atonement

What does "atonement" mean? Making things right again between God and humans.
What do Christians believe Jesus’ death did? It dealt with sin and restored the relationship between God and people.
How many main theories of atonement are there? Three: Christus Victor, Substitution, and Moral Example.
What is the "Christus Victor" theory? Jesus’ death defeated evil powers like sin, death, and the devil.
What image does Christus Victor use to explain atonement? A battle—Jesus wins and sets people free.
What is the "Substitution" theory of atonement? Jesus took our place and punishment so we could be forgiven.
What are the two parts of the Substitution theory? Penal Substitution and Divine Sacrifice.
What is Penal Substitution? Jesus took the punishment we deserved for our sins.
Why is Jesus the perfect substitute? Because he is both fully human and fully divine.
What is the Divine Sacrifice idea? Only Jesus, being perfect, could offer the true sacrifice for sin.
What is the "Moral Example" theory of atonement? Jesus’ life and death show us how to love, serve, and obey.
How does Jesus help people in the Moral Example theory? He inspires people to live better lives by following his example.
Are the three atonement theories competing? No—many Christians accept elements of all three.
Why is atonement needed in Christianity? Because sin separates humans from God.
What does sin do, according to Christian belief? It breaks the relationship between people and God.
How does Jesus’ death fix the problem of sin? It restores the broken relationship between humans and God.
What is meant by God's “wrath”? God’s justice—He must punish sin.
What is meant by God's “love”? God’s desire to forgive and save people.
What tension do the atonement theories try to resolve? How God can be both just (punishing sin) and loving (offering forgiveness).
What is the cross seen as in Christian belief? The place where God’s justice and love meet.
What does Christus Victor teach about evil? That Jesus overcame it through his death and resurrection.
What role does forgiveness play in Substitution theory? Jesus dies so we can be forgiven and not face the punishment ourselves.
What is the main message of the Moral Example theory? Jesus saves us and teaches us how to live rightly.
Why must Jesus be divine in the atonement? Because only a perfect being could truly overcome sin.
How do the atonement theories help Christians today? They explain why Jesus died and how believers can be close to God.

Faith and Works (Justification)

What is "justification" in Christianity? Being made right with God—how people are saved and enter a right relationship with Him.
What is the big question about justification? Are we saved by faith alone, or do we need to do good works too?
Who was Martin Luther? A Christian reformer in the 1500s who taught justification by faith alone.
What did Luther believe about salvation? People are saved by faith in Jesus, not by doing good deeds.
What does "sola fide" mean? "Faith alone"—the idea that salvation comes only through faith.
According to Luther, can people earn salvation? No—salvation is a free gift from God.
What does Romans 1:17 say? “The righteous will live by faith.”
What does Ephesians 2:8–9 teach? “By grace you have been saved… not by works.”
How did Luther view James 2:24? He rejected it, calling James an “epistle of straw.”
What did James 2:24 say that Luther didn’t like? “A person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.”
Did Luther believe good works are important? Yes, but only as a result of faith—not as a way to earn salvation.
What was the Catholic Church’s response to Luther? The Council of Trent.
When did the Council of Trent meet? 1545–1563.
What did the Council of Trent teach about faith and works? Both are needed—faith is essential, but good works also matter.
According to Catholic teaching, how is salvation received? By grace through faith, with cooperation through good actions.
What is meant by “cooperating with grace”? Responding to God’s gift of salvation by living a good and faithful life.
Who is E. P. Sanders? A modern scholar who studied Paul and Judaism.
What did Sanders say about Luther’s view of Paul? He believed Luther misunderstood Paul’s message.
What is "covenantal nomism"? The idea that God gives the covenant, and people respond with good works.
According to Sanders, how did Jews view salvation? As a gift from God, with good works as a way of keeping the relationship.
Did Sanders say Paul was against good works? No—he said Paul was showing that faith in Christ is now the way into the covenant.
What is the Catholic view of justification? A process involving both faith and good works.
What is the Protestant view of justification (Lutheran)? Justification is by faith alone, not by works.
How do Catholics and Protestants differ on salvation? Protestants focus on faith alone; Catholics include faith and works together.
What does the debate about faith and works teach Christians today? That living faithfully includes both belief in Christ and living out that faith through action.

The Community of Believers

What is the "community of believers"? All the people who follow Jesus and live out their Christian faith together.
Where do most Christians live out their faith today? In churches.
Where does the idea of the Christian community come from? The New Testament, especially Acts 2:42–47.
What does Acts 2:42 say about the early Christians? “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…”
What did the early Christians do together? Prayed, shared meals, listened to teaching, helped the poor, and worshipped.
Why did the first Christian community grow? People were impressed by their love, unity, and way of life.
What is worship in a church? Praising God through prayer, singing, and sacraments.
What are sacraments? Special signs of God’s grace like Baptism and Holy Communion.
What is religious teaching in a church? Learning about the Bible, Jesus, and how to live as a Christian.
How is religious teaching done today? Through sermons, Bible studies, Sunday school, and youth groups.
What does "mission" mean in a church? Spreading the message of Jesus.
What are some examples of mission? Evangelism, missionaries, and outreach.
What is service and outreach? Helping people in need, like the poor, sick, or lonely.
How do churches help the needy? Food banks, charities, shelters, and support.
What does "fellowship" mean in Christianity? Spending time together in friendship and support.
Why is fellowship important? It helps people feel accepted and encouraged.
How does Acts 2:42–47 inspire churches today? It shows how the early church lived in unity, prayer, and service.
What do all churches aim to do, based on Acts? Worship, teach, serve, share the gospel, and build community.
What is one way churches teach children? Sunday school.
What is Holy Communion? A sacrament where bread and wine are shared in memory of Jesus.
What is the "breaking of bread"? Sharing the Eucharist or meals together as Christians.
Why do churches support missionaries? To share the Christian faith with people who haven’t heard it.
What are modern examples of church outreach? Homeless shelters, food banks, and counselling services.
What does it mean to be a Christian in a community? Living out faith together, supporting each other, and helping others.
What Bible verse shows the power of the early Church community? Acts 2:42–47.

Key Moral Principles in Christianity

What are Christian moral principles based on? God's teachings in the Bible.
What does “love of neighbour” mean? Treating others kindly and fairly.
What does Leviticus 19:34 say about others? “Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
What two commandments does Jesus say are most important in Luke 10:25–28? Love God and love your neighbour as yourself.
Why is love of neighbour important? It is at the heart of Christian moral behaviour.
What does “God’s love as a model” mean? Christians should act with love, mercy, and compassion like God.
How is God described in Exodus 34:6–7? Compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
What does 1 John 4:19 say about love? “We love because God first loved us.”
What does 1 John 4:20 say about love and truth? If someone says they love God but hate others, they are not truthful.
What is “regard for truth”? The belief that Christians should always be honest and truthful.
What does 1 Samuel 12:24 encourage? Serve God faithfully and truthfully.
What does Ephesians 4:25–27 say about truth? “Speak truthfully to your neighbour.”
Why is truthfulness important in Christianity? It builds trust, justice, and love.
What is “conscience”? The inner sense of right and wrong that helps guide moral decisions.
What does 2 Corinthians 1:12 say about conscience? Paul acted with a clear conscience and sincerity from God.
According to 1 Timothy 1:5, what does a good conscience lead to? A life of love, faith, and purity.
Why is conscience important for Christians? It helps make moral choices, especially in tough situations.
What is “forgiveness” in Christianity? Letting go of anger and offering pardon, just like God forgives.
What does Jesus teach in Matthew 6:14–15 about forgiveness? If you forgive others, God will forgive you.
What does Colossians 3:12–13 say about forgiveness? “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
What does forgiveness bring? Healing, peace, and unity.
Why must Christians forgive others? Because God forgives them.
Which Bible verses support the love of neighbour? Leviticus 19:34 and Luke 10:25–28.
Which verses encourage being truthful? 1 Samuel 12:24 and Ephesians 4:25–27.
How do moral principles reflect God’s character? They show love, truth, mercy, justice, and forgiveness—just like God.

Baptism – Christian Diversity

What is baptism in Christianity? A ritual marking a person’s entry into the Church.
Do all Christians agree on how and when to baptise? No, Christians have different views about infant and believer’s baptism.
What is infant baptism? Baptising babies, usually shortly after birth.
Which early Christian thinker supported infant baptism? Augustine.
What is “original sin”? The sin passed down from Adam and Eve to all humans.
Why did Augustine believe baptism was urgent? To wash away original sin and save the soul.
What happens in baptism, according to Augustine? Sin is washed away and the person is saved.
Who was Ulrich Zwingli? A reformer who supported infant baptism but for different reasons than Augustine.
Did Zwingli think baptism saves you? No, he saw it as a sign, not a means of salvation.
What did Zwingli compare baptism to? Circumcision in the Old Testament.
Why did Zwingli support baptising babies? As a sign of being part of the Christian community.
What did Zwingli believe about parents and faith? Christian parents should raise their children in the faith, beginning with baptism.
What is believer’s baptism? Baptising someone when they are old enough to choose faith for themselves.
Which Christians usually practise believer’s baptism? Baptists and similar evangelical groups.
Who was Karl Barth? A modern theologian who supported believer’s baptism.
What did Karl Barth say about baptism? It should follow personal faith and be a public act of commitment.
Why did Barth reject infant baptism? He believed it should be a free and informed choice.
Whose baptism does Barth use as an example? Jesus being baptised as an adult by John the Baptist.
What makes baptism meaningful for Barth? A conscious decision and act of personal faith.
What’s the main reason for baptism according to Augustine? Salvation from original sin.
What’s the main reason for baptism according to Zwingli? Marking identity and belonging to God’s people.
What’s the main reason for baptism according to Barth? Making a personal, informed commitment to Jesus.
What do all views agree baptism does? Marks entry into the Christian community.
What makes the views of Augustine and Barth different? Augustine says baptism saves; Barth says it follows personal faith.
How does this diversity reflect Christian identity? It shows different understandings of salvation, faith, and community.

Diversity in the Eucharist

What is the Eucharist also called? Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper.
What does the Eucharist commemorate? Jesus’ Last Supper and his sacrifice.
What elements are used in the Eucharist? Bread and wine (or juice).
What do Christians remember during the Eucharist? Jesus giving his body and blood to save humanity.
Why is the Eucharist important for Christians? It connects them to Jesus, strengthens faith, and unites the community.
What is transubstantiation? The bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ.
Which denomination teaches transubstantiation? Roman Catholic Church.
What words of Jesus support transubstantiation? “This is my body… this is my blood.”
What is transignification? The meaning of the bread and wine changes—they become holy symbols.
What is transfinalization? The purpose of the bread and wine changes—to help people feel closer to God.
How are transignification and transfinalization different from transubstantiation? They focus on meaning or purpose, not a physical change.
What is consubstantiation? Jesus is spiritually present with the bread and wine, which remain unchanged.
Which Protestants may believe in consubstantiation? Some Lutherans.
What is memorialism? The Eucharist is a symbolic act of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice.
Do Baptists believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist? No, they follow memorialism.
What words of Jesus support memorialism? “Do this in remembrance of me.”
What do all Christian views on the Eucharist have in common? They see it as meaningful and spiritually important.
Do all Christians believe Jesus is physically present in the Eucharist? No, only some (e.g. Catholics and some Protestants like Lutherans) do.
How often do churches celebrate the Eucharist? Regularly—often weekly or more frequently.
What happens during a Eucharist service? Bible readings, prayers, bread and wine are shared.
How does the Eucharist build Christian identity? It unites believers and connects them to Jesus' sacrifice.
What is the Catholic view on Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist? He is truly and physically present.
What is a symbolic view of the Eucharist? Memorialism—bread and wine remind believers of Jesus’ death.
What belief focuses on spiritual presence without physical change? Consubstantiation.
Why do views on the Eucharist differ? Christians interpret Jesus' words and actions in different ways.

Diversity in Christian Festivals – Christmas & Easter

What are the two major Christian festivals discussed? Christmas and Easter.
What do both Eastern Orthodox and Western churches celebrate at Christmas? The incarnation—God becoming human in Jesus.
What do both traditions focus on during Christmas? Jesus’ birth, Mary, and God entering the world.
What is common in both Christmas celebrations? Special services, hymns, and traditions.
When is Christmas celebrated in the Western Church? 25 December.
When is Christmas celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church? 7 January (Julian calendar).
What is Advent? A time of preparation before Christmas.
How is Advent observed in the Eastern Orthodox Church? 40 days of fasting and spiritual preparation.
How is Advent observed in the Western Church? A 4-week period focusing on hope, peace, joy, and love.
What kind of Christmas services are held in the Eastern Orthodox Church? Midnight Liturgy with many scripture readings and symbolism.
What kind of Christmas services are held in Western Churches? Midnight Mass or Christmas Day services with carols.
What is the key difference in Christmas celebrations between East and West? The date and length of Advent, with Orthodox fasting more.
What does Easter celebrate? Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
What belief about Easter do both traditions share? That Jesus rose from the dead on the third day.
How important is Easter in both traditions? It is the most important Christian festival.
What are common Easter elements in both traditions? Special services, processions, and joyful celebrations.
Why do Easter dates differ between East and West? They use different calendars (Julian vs. Gregorian).
When does Easter usually fall in the Western Church? In March or April.
What is unique about Orthodox Easter services? They are longer, symbolic, and include the Paschal greeting.
What is the Paschal greeting in Orthodox Easter? “Christ is risen!” / “He is risen indeed!”
What are some Western Easter traditions? Easter Vigil, sunrise services, and joyful hymns.
Do all Orthodox churches celebrate the same way? No, there is some variation in customs and languages.
Is there diversity within Western Easter practices too? Yes, especially in how Lent and Holy Week are observed.
What is one key difference in Easter practices? The Orthodox Church uses older traditions and rituals.
What is the main reason for festival differences? Use of different calendars and traditions developed over time.