Christianity - Comprehensive Study Notes (Markdown)

Overview

• Christianity is considered the world's largest religion by adherents. It began around the 1st century C.E. and developed out of Judaism during the Roman Empire in West Asia.
• Central focus on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is regarded as the Messiah or Savior of humanity.
• The most common Christian symbol is the cross. Christians believe Jesus died on the cross to redeem humanity from sin and to restore humanity's relationship with God the Father.
• Core belief in the Holy Trinity: God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• Christians believe God the Father sent His only Son, Jesus, to redeem humanity from sin so that people could avoid eternal punishment.
• Judaism prophesied a coming Messiah; Jews do not accept Jesus as the fulfillment of that promise and wait for the Messiah to come.
• Christians view Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise. Christianity is typically regarded as one of the earliest monotheistic faiths and shares beliefs with Judaism (prophets, angels, judgment day, etc.). Christianity, Judaism, and Islam trace origins to the patriarch Abraham.
• The core message: a loving God sent His begotten Son to redeem humanity from eternal damnation.
• In the Philippines, Christianity is highly familiar and widespread, with Catholicism spread during Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to the 19th centuries; Catholicism remains a dominant legacy.
• Followers are called Christians. As of 2010, there are more than $2{,}000{,}000{,}000$ Christians worldwide, comprising more than 30 ext{%} of the world population of $6.9 imes 10^9$.
• World Christian distribution (top 10 by country, as reported):
  • United States — Estimated Christian population: $246{,}780{,}000$; share of population: 79.5 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 11.3 ext{%}
  • Brazil — $175{,}770{,}000$; share of population: 90.2 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 8.0 ext{%}
  • Mexico — $107{,}780{,}000$; share of population: 95.0 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 4.9 ext{%}
  • Russia — $105{,}220{,}000$; share of population: 73.6 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 4.8 ext{%}
  • Philippines — $86{,}790{,}000$; share of population: 93.1 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 4.0 ext{%}
  • Nigeria — $80{,}510{,}000$; share of population: 50.8 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 3.7 ext{%}
  • China — $67{,}070{,}000$; share of population: 5.0 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 3.1 ext{%}
  • DR Congo — $63{,}150{,}000$; share of population: 95.7 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 2.9 ext{%}
  • Germany — $58{,}240{,}000$; share of population: 70.8 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 2.7 ext{%}
  • Ethiopia — $52{,}580{,}000$; share of population: 63.4 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 2.4 ext{%}
  • Subtotal for the 10 countries: $1{,}043{,}880{,}000$; share of population: 40.4 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 47.8 ext{%}
  • Total for Rest of World: $1{,}140{,}180{,}000$; share of population: 6.3 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 52{,}2 ext{%}
  • World Total: $2{,}184{,}060{,}000$; share of population: 31.7 ext{%}; share of world Christians: 100.0 ext{%}
• Symbols summarized: cross, crucifix, and the fish (ichthys) as central symbols.

Origins and Historical Background

• Christianity emerged in Palestine around 100 C.E. as an offshoot of Judaism; Jesus is regarded as the Son of God and Messiah/Savior.
• Christianity survived and expanded beyond Judaism and other religions in terms of adherents.
• The three major historical Christian sects are: Roman Catholicism, Greek Orthodox Church, and Protestantism.
• These sects are subdivided into denominations with differences in beliefs and practices, yet all worship Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

Founding and Early History

• Judea (Palestine) was the historical home of early Christianity; Judaism was the dominant local religion, associated with the land promised by God.
• Over centuries, West Asia saw successive powers conquer the region: Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian (Achaemenid), Greek under Alexander the Great, and Roman control by 63 B.C.E.
• The Pax Romana under Augustus provided a relatively favorable social climate for new ideas, including the expectation of a messianic figure.
• The birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus served as the foundation for Christianity; Jesus’ ministry began in his early thirties, focusing on critique of religious elites and emphasis on service, love, and a new covenant.
• Jesus taught that he was sent by God to redeem humanity from sin, restore the relationship with God, and accomplish salvation through his death and resurrection three days later.
• After Jesus’ teachings, a group of followers (disciples) formed around him and spread his message; Christians see Jesus as the Messiah foretold in Old Testament prophecies.
• Jews at the time did not accept Jesus as the Messiah and awaited the promised fulfillment.

Beliefs and Doctrines

• Monotheism: belief in one God; God is creator, sustainer, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnibenevolent; God is sacred, moral, unchangeable, compassionate, graceful, and timeless.
• Holy Trinity (Three Persons in One Essence): Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit; affirmed at the Council of Nicea in 325 C.E. to counter Arianism (which denied the divinity of Jesus).
• The Trinity is central to many denominations (Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, most Protestant traditions) but is rejected by some groups (LDS Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Unitarians, Oneness Pentecostals, etc.).
• Biblical basis for the Trinity includes passages such as:
  • Matthew 28:19 (baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit)
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 (grace of Jesus Christ, love of God, fellowship of the Holy Spirit)
  • John 14:16-17 (Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, while acknowledging the Father and Spirit as distinct but unified)
• The doctrine of the Trinity explains relationality within God and underpins how salvation, creation, and divine action are understood within Christian theology.
• Sacred Scriptures form the basis of belief and practice; the Bible is the canonical source for doctrines about God, Jesus, salvation, and ethical living.

Sacred Scriptures

• The Bible is Christianity’s sacred scripture, a collection of songs, stories, poetry, letters, history, and literature.
• It consists of two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
• Old Testament: originally Hebrew Bible, written roughly between $1200$ and $165 ext{ B.C.E.}$; comprises 39 books divided into three parts:
  • The Law (Torah/Pentateuch) — Genesis through Deuteronomy, attributed to Moses; guidelines for living and legal requirements.
  • The Prophets — Former Prophets (historical) and Latter Prophets (prophetic sayings and stories).
  • The Writings — Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and the five Megilloth (scrolls) associated with particular festivals.
• New Testament: written roughly between $50$ and $100 ext{ C.E.}$ and consists of 27 books in two sections:
  • The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) — narrative of Jesus’ life and teachings.
  • The Epistles (Letters) — letters from Christian leaders guiding early Christian communities.
• Acts of the Apostles and Luke describe Christianity’s growth from a small Jewish group to a major world religion.
• Revelation (last book of the New Testament) is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John and is considered both an epistle and an apocalypse.

Apostles’ Creed

• The Apostles’ Creed emerged in the 2nd century CE and was influenced by later creeds such as the Nicene Creed; earliest historical evidence is a Milan edict in 390 CE.
• It serves as a concise summary of foundational Christian beliefs, though it is not written by the original apostles.
• Apostles’ Creed (summary):
  • I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
  • I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
    conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
    suffered under Pontius Pilate, crucified, died, and was buried;
    he descended to the dead.
  • On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
  • He will come to judge the living and the dead.
  • I believe in the Holy Spirit,
  • The holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints,
  • The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
  • And the life everlasting. Amen.

Beliefs/Doctrines: Moral and Ethical Guiding Principles

• Christians are expected to follow core teachings to be considered faithful and to redeem eternal life.
• Ten Commandments (Decalogue) are a foundational legal-moral code given to Israel at Mt. Sinai by Moses; Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:1-21 contain the commandments.
• The commandments guide behavior within family, society, and toward God.

Eight Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount)

• The Beatitudes are eight statements from Jesus at the start of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7):
  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Recognition of spiritual dependence on God; humility and longing for grace.
  • Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
  • Mourning over sin and brokenness; God provides comfort and healing.
  • Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
  • Gentleness and humility under God’s will; God’s people will be blessed with rightful inheritance.
  • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
  • Deep desire for justice and moral integrity; spiritual satisfaction comes from pursuing righteousness.
  • Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
  • Compassion and forgiveness toward others; mercy will be extended to the merciful.
  • Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
  • Sincerity, integrity, single-minded devotion to God; leads to spiritual insight.
  • Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
  • Work for reconciliation and harmony; reflects God’s peace in the world.
  • Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Enduring hardship for faith is rewarded with God’s ultimate reign.

Theological Foundations and Creedal Statements

• The Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds articulate core Christian beliefs about the nature of God, Jesus, and the Church; they function as summaries of core faith commitments.
• The Trinity and Christology (the nature of Christ as both fully God and fully human) are central to most historic Christian traditions.

Worship, Observances, and Time toward God

• Major observances include Advent, Lent, and Pentecost.
• Advent: season of waiting for the birth of the Messiah and anticipating the Second Coming; lasts four weeks before Christmas; colors used include purple/dark blue (seriousness, repentance, royalty) and pink (joy).
• Lent: season of preparation for Easter; begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts forty days before Easter; practices include fasting, repentance, moderation, and self-discipline; marks Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection; rooted in springtime symbolism (lencten/lenctenid) linked to March.
• Pentecost: commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit to the early Christians; considered the Church's birthday; named from the Greek pentekostos (meaning fifty) and related to Shavuot; Acts 2 describes the event (tongues of fire, speaking in different languages) and Peter’s sermon.

Creation and Science

• Story of Creation (Genesis 1): God creates the universe in six days, then rests on the seventh; days cover light/dark, sky/ocean, land/plants, sun/moon/stars, sea/land creatures and birds, humans.
• Creation narrative is a core scriptural explanation for the origin of the universe from a Christian perspective.
• Big Bang Theory: science describes the universe beginning as a very hot, dense point about $14 imes 10^9$ years ago, followed by rapid expansion and cooling, leading to stars, galaxies, and planets.
• Christians often view Genesis and the Big Bang as compatible without requiring a conflict between faith and science, allowing for dialogue between creation narratives and scientific accounts.

Worship Leadership: Ecclesiastical Structure and Authority

• The Catholic Church follows a hierarchical governance system with Canon Law; the Pope is the supreme head, recognized as Peter’s successor.
• The Vatican serves as the Holy See; the Pope’s authority includes appointing administrators and church officials.
• Cardin als: Appointed by the Pope; represent the Church worldwide; elect a new pope; part of the College of Cardinals.
• Bishops: Teachers of doctrine, overseers of dioceses, and ministers of church governance; the Pope is itself a bishop.
• Priests: Ordained ministers responsible for administering sacraments (Eucharist, Matrimony, Baptism, Confirmation); may belong to religious orders (e.g., Jesuits, Dominicans, Augustinians) or serve congregations.
• Deacons: Two types — transitional deacons (seminarians preparing for priesthood) and permanent deacons (can marry; assist priests in administering sacraments).

Deity, God, and Holy Trinity (Expanded)

• Christianity is monotheistic; God is the creator and sustainer of the universe; attributes include omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and omnibenevolence.
• The Holy Trinity describes God as three persons sharing one divine essence: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
• Key biblical references and doctrinal development illustrate how the Trinity informs relationships within God, salvation, and the life of believers.

Canon, Creed, and Doctrinal Distinctions

• The Bible comprises the Old and New Testaments; canonical arrangements and interpretive traditions differ among denominations but share core foundational texts.
• The Apostles’ Creed functions as a concise summary of essential Christian beliefs, reflecting the early faith community’s articulation of orthodoxy.

Selected Issues in Contemporary Christianity

• Ecumenism: Efforts to promote unity among Christians; the Roman Catholic Church supports ecumenism as a response to historical disunity.
• Sexuality: The Catholic Church maintains conservative positions on artificial contraception, abortion, and homosexuality; emphasizes procreation in heterosexual marriage as a theological goal and holds that sexual acts are to be oriented toward procreation.
  • Artificial contraception (condoms, birth control pills, IUDs, etc.) are generally considered morally unacceptable.
  • Abortion is considered immoral because life is believed to begin at fertilization.
  • Homosexual orientation is not considered sinful in itself, but homosexual acts are discouraged; same-sex marriage is opposed; persons with homosexual orientation should be treated with respect and sensitivity.
• Family and Divorce: The Catholic Church upholds the sanctity of marriage as a lifelong commitment; divorce is not permitted; annulment (Decree of Nullity) is possible in cases where the marriage was invalid ab initio (e.g., psychological incapacity, concealed information).
• Capital Punishment and Euthanasia: The Church teaches life is God-given and should not be taken by human authority; capital punishment is viewed as immoral where possible; euthanasia (mercy killings) is also condemned as it interferes with God’s sovereign control over life.

Ecumenism and Interfaith Relevance

• Ecumenism aims to promote unity among Christian denominations and foster mutual understanding beyond doctrinal differences (as reflected in Vatican II and later writings).

Story of Creation and Big Bang Theory (Revisited)

• The Genesis creation narrative provides a theological account of creation in six days with a Sabbath rest, while scientific accounts describe the Big Bang as a cosmological origin of the universe; many Christians consider these views compatible rather than mutually exclusive, allowing faith and science to address different questions.

Symbols and Significance

• Cross and crucifix: Cross commonly symbolizes Jesus’ victory over sin, while the crucifix (in Roman Catholic practice) emphasizes Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion.
• Ichthys (fish) motif: Early Christians used the fish symbol as a discreet sign of fellow believers; the Greek acronym ICHTHYS stands for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.

Historical Milestones and Schisms

• Early Christianity developed under Roman rule; Constantine legalized Christianity in the Edict of Milan (313 C.E.).
• The formal split between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy occurred in 1054 C.E. (Great Schism) due to political and doctrinal differences.
• The Protestant Reformation began in the 16th century, sparked by Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses (1517), opposing indulgences and other practices; Luther’s Reformation encouraged the spread of Protestantism and the creation of national churches (e.g., Church of England).
• The Catholic Church’s response included its own Reformation and reforms in various councils and developments (Counter-Reformation).

Key People and Institutions

• Jesus Christ: Foundational figure, teacher, and central figure of salvation.
• Martin Luther: Catalyst of the Protestant Reformation; criticized indulgences; his theses helped shape Protestantism.
• Constantine: Brought imperial support and legalization to Christianity; moved the capital to Byzantium (Constantinople).
• Charlemagne: Crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III in 800 C.E.; influenced political-religious dynamics between West and East.

Summary Takeaways

• Christianity blends monotheism with the doctrine of the Trinity and centers on Jesus as the Messiah and savior who died and rose again.
• The Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the foundational scriptural authority, with creeds like the Apostles’ Creed providing structured profession of faith.
• The Church has developed a rich sacramental life (especially in Catholicism), a structured hierarchy, and widespread influence on culture, history, and ethics.
• Contemporary issues in Christian ethics (sexuality, family, capital punishment, euthanasia) are debated within and across denominations, with Catholic teaching emphasizing life, procreation, and the dignity of all persons.
• Ongoing dialogue (ecumenism) seeks greater unity among Christians while recognizing historical differences.