KEY CONCEPTS

Omnipotent – All powerful, almighty + unlimited nature of God

Omnibenevolent – All loving God

Trinity – Three persons God unity: One God Father transcendent creator, Son God divine human flesh + Holy Spirit​ seed in all Christians guide

Incarnation – Act of God human form of Jesus flesh

Atonement – Belief Jesus death cross healed rift between humans + God

Sacraments – Outward sign of visible + inward blessing God

Evangelism – Preach gospel w intention of convert other

Crucifixion – Ancient capital roman punishment

Salvation – Saving of consequences of sin

Resurrection – Rising from dead

Ascension – Jesus return to heaven mission fulfil

Omnipresent – God in all places

Transcendent – God outside earth space + immanent (acting in world)

NATURE OF GOD

God is omnipotent

(Exodus 7-11) ‘Plagues were so that you know there is no-one like our God’

God is omnibenevolent

(Romans 8:37-39) ‘Nothing can separate people from love of God’

God is three in one

(John 10:30) ‘Jesus said He + God were one’

Evil + suffering in world

(Job 1: 8-12) ‘Job curse God if he experienced pain’

(Job 42:1-6) ‘Job admits belief God can do all, no plan of his can be de-railed’

Problem: Evil and Suffering

Epicurus Greek philosopher

• Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? he is not omnipotent

• Is he able, but not willing? he is malevolent

• Is he both able and willing? whence cometh evil?

• Is he neither able nor willing? why call him God

Christian responses

• Free will given choices humans make = evil + suffering.

• Satan = of evil + suffering.

• Suffering result original sin.

• Suffering help us develop + grow 'soul-making'.

• Existence of evil helps us appreciate good

• Without suffering - not goodness

Problem: Believing ‘Original sin’

• Not explicit state in bible: bad translation

• Old Testament - please God = obedience expected

GENESIS 1-3

Gen 1 - day…

1. ‘Let there be light’ God divide light from darkness day + night

2. God made sky, land + seas

3. God made land grow plants + trees

4. God created sun, moon + stars

5. God created animals for sky + seas

6. God created animals, all living creatures, man in his image

Gen 2

• God created Adam put in Eden

• Adam keep God company/look after world

• God took rib from Adam - woman

• Job - take care of new home

Gen 3

• God warned Adam + Eve of tree

• Eve tempted by snake

• Eve become ‘Like God’

• Disobeyed God - unhappy + fearful of God

• Leave Garden of Eden ‘Nothing will come easily not even childbirth, one day, you will die’

LITERALIST VS LIBERAL

Literalist

Truth of Bible in literal + direct sense

• God spirit move across waters

• Six days x 24 hours God created universe

• Adam formed - dust of earth

• Eve formed - Adams rib

• Conflict between science + religion

Liberal

Bible has some truths - metaphorical

• God created world

• Used natural processes he created

• 6 periods of creation not 24 hours

• No conflict scientific + religion: weave together give full picture life + earth

• Creation story mythical, no literal truth, describe writers of time believe

• Scientific - based on evidence + research, no questions

ROLE OF WORD (John 1:1-5​)

• ‘In beginning was Word, And Word was w God’

• ‘Word was God’

• ‘He was w God in beginning’

• ‘Through him all things were made’

• ‘W/o him nothing was made’

ROLE OF SPIRIT

(Genesis 1:1-2) ​‘Spirit of god was hovering over waters’

Waters - vast expanse of creation given by spirit

Spirits omniscience + omnipotence maintains order in universe

(John 1: 1-15) ‘In beginning was Word, Word was w God, Word was God word became flesh + made his dwelling among us' ​

(Job 33:4) 'Spirit of god made me’

Eternal spirit spend eternity heaven or hell:

• Made in his image: we are eternal

• Choose good from evil

• Free will like creator

INCARNATION

(John 1) - incarnation Word (Jesus) became flesh

(Luke 1) - Jesus born of Virgin Mary

• Mary virgin birth – immaculate conception

• Jesus heal blind man: miracles

• Jesus second 'person' (Son of the Trinity)

• Messiah

• Both fully human + divine

• Jesus as human:

(Romans 5:8) ‘God demonstrates His love, while we are sinners, Christ died for us’

Jesus as divine:

(John 14:6-7) ‘No one comes to Father except through me’

• Save humanity from original sin + repair broken relationship between God +man

Importance

• Show God omnibenevolence

• Show God omnipotence

• Miracle birth - affirm divine characteristic of Jesus fully human + fully God

• Essential part to trinity

• W/o incarnation - couldn’t achieve salvation: separation of God + man remains

• Coming of Messiah foretold in Old testament: affirms validity of Bible

• God present w his people in a new + decisive way

CRUCIFIXION

What is it?

• Roman form execution - design make criminals suffer nailed wooden cross until death Golgotha

• Death Jesus: part of divine plan bring salvation

(Luke 18: 31) Fulfilment of Old Testament - Jesus referred to crucifixion as a fulfilment of prophecies

• Temple curtain tore - mirroring end of segregation between God + man

• Felt pain: human + divine

• Killed on charge blasphemy sentenced by Pontius Pilate

Importance

• Death act of atonement for sins part of process for redemption/salvation of humanity

• Necessary to allow resurrection take place

• Allows humans reach salvation + eternal life heaven

• Saves human from eternal damnation: solution for original sin

• Shows Gods omnibenevolence

• Comforts Christians know God shared their pain

MATTHEW 27:28-50

• Crown of thorns on his head

• Staff in hand

• Knelt + mocked him ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’

• Spit on him + struck him

What happend during it?

• Carry cross to Golgotha

• Crucified him above head placed written : Jesus, king of Jews

• Two rebels crucified w him

• Hurled insults at him ‘Save yourself! Come down from cross, if you are Son of God!’

SALVATION AND ATONEMENT

(Matthew 26:26-29) ‘Until day when I drink it w you in my Father's kingdom'

(Isaiah 53:3-9) ‘We all, like sheep, have gone astray’

Salvation importance

• Key to eternal life w God

• Brought forgiveness of sins + assurance of eternal life

• Reunited w Father in heaven

• Origin: Adam + Eves sin

• Humans sin: punishment justice maintained: all fall short of Gods standard

• God sends himself: punished instead of Christians

Atonement importance

• Repair broken relationship God + man

• Forgiveness of sins possible

• Born original sin: incapable of entering heaven separating from God

• Reunited w God

• Eternal life

RESSURECTION

• (Luke 24: 5-6) ‘He has risen!’

• (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) ‘Christ died for our sins’

• (1 Corinthians 12-14) ‘We all baptised by one Spirit to form one body."

Importance

• Gods omnipotence

• To believe in resurrection = believe in god

• Reminds Christians his absolute sovereignty over life + death

• Validates who Jesus claimed to be

• Proof Saviour of the world

• Validates Old Testament foretold of Jesus' suffering + resurrection

• W/o: Christian faith useless

• We know we resurrect to new life: we can endure persecution + danger for Christ's sake

ASCENSION

(Luke 24: 50-53: 50) ‘ He left them and was taken up into heaven’

Importance

• Signalled end of His earthly ministry.

• God Father lovingly sent His Son into world now Son was returning to Father

• Signified success in His earthly work

• All He come to do accomplished.

• Marked return of his heavenly glory.

• God was pleased w work

(John) Prepare a place for us

• He will return just as He left-literally, bodily, visibly in clouds.

• Left holy spirit - guide Christians

• Reinforces belief of trinity

• Reminds Christians of Jesus' second coming: Parousia

SALVATION

Different ways of achieving:

• Protestant Grace - freely given to those who accept it

• 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you will be saved'

• Roman Catholic Sacraments - living good life like Jesus w sacraments

(James 2:17) ‘Faith by itself, not accompanied by action, is dead’

• Word of God - Bible: a record of Divine Law: rules + law of God Christians choose to live

• Bible: inspired by God a revelation from God

• Interpreted in different ways: literal/liberal

• Other sources of authority Christians refer to:

  • Minister

  • Priests

  • Teachings of church

  • Holy Spirit

  • Conscience

Sin ​

• God's law everyone affected

• Separates from God

• Salvation: rescue, deliverance​

• God sends Holy Spirit to​

• Bring grace + help lives of faith ​

• Prayer 'gifts of Spirit' help believe evangelical worship

Sacraments ​

• Special 'rites' Holy Spirit comes on believers

• help encourage faith

(Acts 2: 1-6) Apostles visit Holy Spirit = grace of God - speak in other languages "filled w Holy Spirit”

THE AFTERLIFE

Eschatological beliefs: death, judgement, resurrection

(John 11:25-26)"One who believes in me will live, even though they die"

(John 14: 2-7) "My Father's house has many rooms... l am going there to prepare a place for you”

Judgement day second coming of Jesus: Parousia

• Death isn't end, resurrected like Jesus - come back spiritually/new body - Judged on lifestyle

(Matthew 25:31-46)"Whatever you did for least of brothers , you did for me"

(Luke 16: 19-31)Lazarus was w Abraham in heaven, rich man "in agony in fire."

RESURRECTION

(1 Corinthians 15: 42-55)"Dead raised imperishable''

How important is belief in afterlife? ​

• Faith in God gives - afterlife: centred + focused on God goodness

• Christians - not fear death: God prepared afterlife reward faithfulness in life

• No afterlife, only heritage leave is memories

• Teach Christians follow sacraments

HEAVEN VS HELL

Heaven beliefs

• Physical place

• Spiritual dimension

• No sorrow/death

• Paradise reward for life of faith + good works

Eternal life

• Catholics - good believers heaven

• Anyone believes in Jesus go heaven despite actions

• Gods omnibenevolence: all forgiven + go heaven

Hell beliefs

• Place of suffering

• Absolute separation God: ultimate punishment

• Physical place - burn physical

• Spiritual dimension doesn’t include God

• Punishment for life w/o atonement

Purgatory

• Rest purgatory: cleansed ready for heaven ​

• Prayers said shorten stay - penance​

FORMS OF WORSHIP

• Liturgical: Structured set routine patterns of prayer established rituals service book

• When: Sunday

• Who: Members of church eucharist for baptised/christened

• Informal: Varied spontaneous elements no pattern society evangelicals

• When: Sundays

• Who: Members of church + public

• Individual: Alone prayer personal reading bible/pattern

• When: Everyday

• Who: Individuals

Importance of prayer

• Follows Jesus

• Communication w Jesus

• Any time feels need to pray

• Types of prayer

  • Adoration (praise)

  • Confession (sorry)

  • Thanksgiving (thank you)

  • Supplication (asking for others)

(Matthew 18:20) ‘‘How glorious to know that the Lord Jesus is my living head’

Lord's prayer

• What: Pattern Jesus disciples

• When: Recited or sung in services, or individually

• Importance: Pattern Jesus gave, perfect prayer, completely selfless

Charismatic worship

• What: Informal worship - Holy Spirit w them prayer free-flowing services.

• Importance: Gospel of John ‘Worshippers must worship in Spirit'

• Spirit guides ceremony: carry out God's wishes

Evangelical

• What: Christians clap + shout services worship w whole bodies speak in tongues

• Importance: Creates a relationship between god and believer

• God sets them free, parent figure

Society of friends (Quakers)

• What: Private meditation and personal reflection

• Importance: Being in the presence of God

SACRAMENTS

Protestant:

• Baptism

• Confirmation

• Eucharist

• Marriage

Catholic/Orthodox :

• Baptism: Beginning of spiritual life, infants free from original sin

• Confirmation: Bishop anoints chrism oil gifts of holy spirit received, affirming baptism

• Eucharist: Receiving body + blood wine + bread commemorate last supper

• Penance: Confess to priest: purification

• Anointing sick: Priest anoints sick w blessed oil

• Holy orders: Men ordained priests serve God + spread word

• Marriage: Unites man + woman, man need partnership - Adam

THE ROLE, MEANING CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM

What:

• Anglican & Catholic: sacrament

• Entry child Christian family

• Parents & Godparents promise bring up in Christian life

• Rite indicates choosing member church: obedience example of Jesus

When:

• Anglicans or Catholics babies or young children

• Baptists or Pentecostals baptism immersion during service any age

Importance:

• Rite of entry mark membership Christian church

• Remove sin Jesus baptised as adult Presentation

ROLE, MEANING CELEBRATION OF EUCHARIST

What:

• Service memory death Jesus bread + wine last supper w disciples

• Bread symbolise - body of Jesus

• Wine symbolise - blood of Jesus

• Anglican & Catholic sacrament

• Catholics mass

• Protestants communion

When:

• Anglicans Catholics Sunday

• Protestants service less twice monthly Easter + Christmas

Importance:

• Instituted by Jesus at last supper

• Bread and wine symbols of blood and body of Jesus

• Humans receive salvation

• Jesus told followers share bread memory of death

• Eucharist - thanksgiving

• Anglicans Catholics liturgical service: set pattern structure followed

DIFFERENT ATTITUDES SAME RELIGION

• Bread + wine significant, not just symbol of body + blood of Jesus

• Symbols of need for spiritual food

• Catholics (transubstantiation)

• Protestant bread + wine symbols only of body and blood of Jesus,

• Presence of Jesus spiritual

• Baptists + Pentecostals - spiritual presence

• Communion Service act of remembrance

PILGRAMAGE

• Journey to sacred place

• Act of religious devotion

• Holy Land, 'travelling in the footsteps of Jesus' popular

• Pilgrimage faith in action: journey represent Christian's journey from earth to heaven.

• Experience deepen/develop spiritual faith

• Specific reason pilgrimage e.g. healing, rededication or thanksgiving

WALSINGHAM

Norfolk, England

Why place:

• 1061 wife Lord of Manor: dream Virgin Mary ask build replica of house in Nazareth: birth of Jesus was announced

Importance :

• Commemorates announcement birth of Jesus

What happens:

• Services every day pilgrims pray (saying rosary)

• Mass is celebrate midday

• A national pilgrimage every year on Spring Bank Holiday

• Pilgrims walk slowly to shrine

• Some Catholics walk last mile barefoot: act of penance

• Daily service: 'Sprinkling of Well' water believed special

TAIZÉ

France

Why place:

• Roger Schutz founded a com France 1940

• Monks different Christian traditions live a life of communal prayer

• Catholic + Protestant monks focus on reconciliation, resolution of conflict

Importance :

• Young people curiosity, adventure

• Act religious devotion

• Walking in footsteps of people of faith

• Act atonement

• Act supplication (asking for something)

What happens:

• Pilgrims join monastic community

• Set times prayer in 'Church of Reconciliation' (3 times a day)

• Spend time in private prayer

• Bible study groups

• Music & chants from Taize popular

CHRISTMAS

• Celebrating birth Jesus

• Has a period of spiritual preparation (Advent)

• Rehearsing story of Nativity

• Incarnation explain Jesus God born in human flesh

• Services Christingle candle an orange symbolising Jesus light of world

• Traditionally Christmas Carol

• Midnight Mass communion services Christmas Eve mark beginning of Christmas

• All Christmases give of presents family + friends: Remembrance gift of Jesus to world

• Saviour - Jesus

EASTER

• Easter after Lent, 40 day period Ash Wednesday remember Jesus desert fasting + praying 'give up' something for Lent symbol - abstinence

• Ash cross marked foreheads service for Catholics

• Services include candles + darkness - symbols of death + resurrection

• Thursday - Maundy Thursday last supper Jesus symbolise Jesus wash disciples feet before meal Good Friday : remember death of Jesus

• Easter Sunday resurrection empty tomb easter eggs (new life) Easter cards

• Resurrection - assurance new life w God eternity

CHRISTIANITY IN BRITAIN

• 2001 census: increase diversity in religious + non-religious beliefs

• 2011 Census Christianity as largest religion (59.3%)

• Increase in diverse beliefs

• Second largest Muslim (2.7 million 4.8%)

• Increase in atheists 1/4 (25.1%).

• Decrease (by 12.4%)in number of Christians,

• Largest increase Muslim (by 1.8%). 

• London most diverse

UK LAWS FESTIVALS + TRADITIONS

• Christianity brought to Britain by Romans

• Embed in laws, festivals + traditions

• 'Keep holy Sabbath' commandment - shop hours restricted on Sundays

• Witnesses court of law swear tell truth: done placing hand on Bible (other holy book)

• UK mark rites of passage (birth, marriage) not religious

THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN LOCAL COMMUNITY

Church perform function w local com

• Meal for the homeless

• Youth club

• Prayer meetings 

• Weddings 

• Funerals 

• Foodbank  

CHURCH GROWTH

• Decline UK church attendance (Anglican and Catholic) churches close

• Evangelical grow - lively worship

• Church planting: establish new non-traditional church

• Fresh Expressions: movement Anglican Church change ways worship + attract people

• Worldwide church growth: Africa, Asia + South America.

IMPORTANCE OF MISSION EVANGELISM AND CHURCH GROWTH

• Share faith : believe message Jesus + salvation available: good news

• Explain Christians speak about faith even face consequences as a result

Evangelism

• Preach good news: aim grow church + spread faith

• Share good news w people

• Standing up on platform + preach

• Living life of faith: testimony to others who ask questions

• Leaflets/pamphlets w Christian messages

Mission

• Christian message salvation/evangelise

• Help Christians live a life of faith + grow it

TEARFUND CHRISTIAN BELIEFS IN ACTION

What Charity:

• End poverty help com escape worst effects of poverty + disaster

What do they do:

• Help poor worldwide

• Emergency aid after natural disasters

• Long-term projects to support local com in eradicate poverty

• Work in 50 countries

• Colombia:

  • Over 30 sports clubs football training

  • Safe place no gang culture

  • Socialise + receive help + training life skills

  • Importance: awareness issues: poverty + discrimination worldwide

  • Campaigns against causes of poverty worldwide 

  • Practical help - act out teachings of Jesus help

PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS PAST AND PRESENT

• Jesus martyr: warned followers persecuted

• Divine command: spread good news of Jesus, even means = danger

• Christians treated unjust: terrorist organisations ( Islamic State, Boko Haram)

• Target attacking them violently

• Organisations (Christian Freedom International, Open Doors)

• Help persecuted Christians Providing Bibles

• Emergency support

• Campaigning for human rights

Ecumenical: relating different Christian churches, bring denominations closer promote unity

WORKING FOR RECONCILIATION THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT

Ecumenical movement

• Trying to unify Protestant Churches of the world

• Various conferences and councils to promote Christian unity

• Bringing about greater cooperation between Christian churches, e.g. shared buildings, joint services, supporting common projects

• Led to the formation of The World Council of Churches

The World Council of Churches

• Catholics not members of WCC, but participate in national + local ecumenical organisations + events ‘Churches Together in England'

• Works 110 countries

• Hold week of Prayer - Christian Unity each year

• Attempts bring common Christian witness + service across world