Exploring the Religions of Our World

1. Exploring the Religions of Our World Chapter 3: Christianity

2. Chapter 3: Christianity: Introduction Followers of the Nazarene • 2,000 years old • Sect of Judaism to world’s largest religion • Saints and sinners • Tremendous diversity—Sunday morning television • Three main branches of Christianity—Catholic, Orthodox, & Protestant • Growth out of Judaism, expansion, & splintering into denominations • Content of Ecumenism & new view of Christianity • Jesus of Nazareth—center of Christianity • Life, death, and Resurrection = meaning & instruction on how to live • Feasts commemorate as well as saints/holy people who participated in • Home or church but church more sacred • Church (Gk. Ekklesia) = people & location • Heavily doctrinal religion—define themselves by what they believe = doctrines • Can vary greatly between denominations along with traditions/practices • Same core beliefs—Jesus is Lord, risen from dead, love God & neighbor

3. Chapter 3: Christianity: Introduction cont. Many churches Christianity Jesus of Nazareth Many doctrines Many denominations Same core beliefs

4. Chapter 3, Section 1: A Brief History of Christianity • Christian origins & early history recorded by followers of Jesus (Gospels) • Both historical facts & faith statements—biblical scholarship has helped tell • Non-Christian sources as well—Jewish & Roman Jesus of Nazareth • a

5. Chapter 3, Section 1 cont.: A Brief History of Christianity • a a • a

6. Chapter 3, Section 1 cont.: A Brief History of Christianity • a a • a

7. Chapter 3, Section 1 cont.: A Brief History of Christianity Jesus of Nazareth: • Birth was a fulfillment of Jewish prophecy • Was the long awaited Jewish Messiah • Taught: the kingdom of God was at hand • Was publicly crucified for being an insurrectionist; not the expected “messiah” • Rose from the dead; Pentecost filled followers with a “Holy Spirit” and zeal to share Good News

8. Chapter 3, Section 1 cont.: A Brief History of Christianity

10. Chapter 3, Section 1 cont.: A Brief History of Christianity Two major and lasting divisions 1. The Great Schism (1054) Contributing factors: • Constantine moved the capital to Byzantium • Increased authority of the bishop of Rome • The spread of Islam in the East • Differences in language, customs, rituals • *The filioque controversy

11. Mandeanism Gnosticism Manicheanism Arianism Nestorianism Oriental Orthodoxy Iconoclasm Old Believers Eastern Orthodoxy Anglicanism Protestantism Roman Catholicism

12. Chapter 3, Section 1 cont.: A Brief History of Christianity Two major and lasting divisions cont. 2. The Protestant Reformation (1517) Contributing factors: • Interference by kings in Church affairs (Investiture Controversy) • Cooperation (interdependence) between church and state • Growth (and consequential issues) of temporal power in the Western Church • Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses

14. Chapter 3, Section 1 cont.: A Brief History of Christianity Movements within Protestantism Fundamentalism – holds that the Bible is to be understood as literally true Evangelicalism – focus on one’s personal faith in Jesus Christ and the Bible as the sole religious authority; proselytize and conversion Pentecostalism – focus on charisms of the Holy Spirit (Prophecy, Speaking /Interpreting Tongues, Singing, Praying,…) • Catholic version are Charismatics

16. You Tube Videos: Christian History • Crash Course: Christianity • The Great Schism: Catholicism & Orthodoxy

17. You Tube Videos: Christian History • Crash Course: The Crusades • Crash Course: Luther & The Protestant Reformation

18. Chapter 3, Section 1 Review Questions What do Christians believe about Jesus of Nazareth? Why is Pentecost significant to Christians? What was the role of Paul in the spread of Christianity? Explain the significance of the Emperor Constantine in the history of Christianity? Name two important Christian doctrines that were defined at the Church councils between the fourth and fifth centuries? Who was Benedict? Briefly trace the events that led to the division between the Church in the East and the Church in the West.

19. Chapter 3, Section 1 Review Questions cont. What major doctrines and beliefs do most Protestants share? How did Anglicanism begin? How did rationalism and empiricism affect Christianity during the modern period? What is the ecumenical movement? Define fundamentalism, evangelicalism, and pentecostalism.

20. Chapter 3, Section 2: Sacred Stories & Sacred Scriptures • Bible (Gk. biblia) = book of books • Christian writings—Sacred Scriptures = Old (Hebrew) & New Testament • Gospels, epistles, Acts, & Revelation (apocalyptic) = agree on 27 • Disagree over Old/Hebrew—39 or 46 • Early Christian writings—apologetical texts (in defense of) The Bible • First Christians were Jews so recognized Old/Hebrew as authoritative • Dei Verbum 11—God inspired human authors in writing • In Greek; 1st century; 27 books; Jewish authors except Luke (Gospel & Acts) • 4 genres—gospel (4); hist. narrative (1); letters/epistles (21); apocalyptic (1) • Gospels are central b/c Jesus is central—life, ministry, death, & Resurrection • Epistles are formal letters to community or individual (letter) • Acts is early history of Christians & missionary activity • Revelation is symbolic & allegorical visions of John of the Kingdom of God • Other Christian writings that did not meet the standard of the canon

21. Chapter 3, Section 2 cont.: Sacred Stories & Scriptures The Bible cont. • Four criteria for canonicity—apostolic; ancient; read widely; truth not heresy • All agree on 27 of New but not 46 of Old; only agree on 39 • Catholics include 7 from 2nd Temple period post Exile; Orthodox even more • Protestants call apocrypha = dubious or dubious authority • General consensus over content but not interpretation • All see as inspired Word of God—reveal God’s divine plan for world • Catholics, Orthodox, & Anglican = human authorship; no error in salvation • Protestants = in general literal Word of God or divine dictation; no error at all • Used publically & privately—prayer, family devotions, study, worship/liturgy Apologetics • 2nd century texts; explain & defend Christianity; written to Christians & non- • Fusion of Jewish bible w/ Greek/Roman philosophy & literature—logos (A.) • Irenaeus of Lyon—Against Heresies (Gnosticism); elitism thru knowledge • Justin Martyr (+165 ad)—best known; disciple of Plato; legitimate religion

22. Chapter 3, Section 2 cont.: Sacred Stories & Sacred Scriptures The Christian Bible includes: The Hebrew Scriptures Old Testament The Christian Bible The New Testament

23. Chapter 3, Section 2 cont.: Sacred Stories & Scriptures To compose the sacred books, God chose certain men who, all the while he employed them in this task, made full use of their own faculties and powers so that, though he acted in them and by them, it was as true authors that they consigned to writing whatever he wanted written, and no more. Dei Verbum no. 11

24. Chapter 3, Section 2 cont.: Sacred Stories & Scriptures Gospels Stories of the life of Jesus The New Testament Four Literary Genres' of New Testament Acts of the Apostles History of the early Christian communities Epistles Letters of the early Christian communities Book of Revelation An apocalyptic work

25. Chapter 3, Section 2 cont.: Sacred Stories & Scriptures Christians Agree On • The authoritative books in the New Testament • The thirty-nine books in the Old Testament • The Bible is the inspired word of God • Apostles Creed Christians Disagree On • The authoritative books in the Hebrew Bible: 39 vs. 46 • Biblical inerrancy • The interpretation of the Bible: Magisterium vs. private/personal • The “Book of the Church” vs. the “Church of the Book” • Scripture vs. Sacred Tradition

26. You Tube Videos: Christian Scriptures • Why Catholics Have 7 More Books in Their Bible • Bp. Barron: Bill Maher & Biblical Interpretation

27. Chapter 3, Section 2 Review Questions Name the four literary genres represented in the New Testament. What is the difference among the various Christian branches with regard to the understanding of the Word of God? List two ways in which Christians use the Bible in their lives. What were the intentions of apologetic writings?

28. Chapter 3, Section 3: Beliefs and Practices • For all Christians, Jesus is central b/c he is the Son of God—human & divine • Christians articulate their beliefs about Jesus & God (the Trinity) in creeds • Apostles Creed—150 ad; post Apostles but teachings; most popular • Nicene Creed—325 ad; bishops of council; used in mass; Trinitarian structure Trinity • Monotheistic but 3 persons; central doctrine; unchanging; desires good • Creator of visible & invisible; all knowing, loving, powerful, & present Jesus • 2nd person of the Trinity; fully divine took a full human nature = Incarnation • Like humans in all but sin so humans could become like God Sin • Helps understand Jesus & need for him—sin is an offense against God • Original Sin of Adam & Eve = disobedience; heaven closed; Baptism but effects

29. Chapter 3, Section 3 cont.: Beliefs and Practices Salvation • God redeems humanity through Jesus; sinners can be reconciled • Nothing more pleasing & no sin God cannot forgive • For one who follows Jesus, death means salvation & full union with Jesus Christian Living • Bible offers instruction on Christian living—10 & Great Commandment(s) • Various interpretations but foundation for Christian living (love God & friends or love all or avoid temptations…) • Love (charity) is what makes Christianity attractive (Ghandi’s insight) • Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7) elevates love from a legalistic interpretation of the Mosaic Law to a radical personal & spiritual interpretation of the New Law • Kill—anger; adultery—lust; divorce—adultery; revenge—forgiveness; hate—love • Thoughts now included as acts that can break the law = beyond minimum to Jesus • Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)—“it is cruel of God to place the Christian in the world that pressures him to do the opposite of what God commands”; thoughts?

30. Chapter 3, Section 3 cont.: Beliefs and Practices *The Church • Those who accept the divinity of Jesus & the Bible & guided by the H.S. • From the Greek, a convocation or assembly of all people by God • How can we speak of the Church’s oneness with so many divisions • The Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church • Apostles; fullness of truth & means of salvation—faith, sacraments, priesthood • Elements of grace & truth outside the Church—Christian & non-Christian • All can be saved but one mediator & source of the grace that saves • Otherwise there is no savior, mediator, or source of grace or there is another • Goal of religious freedom & reason is to make your own free & rational choice • “I am _____. I freely choose to put my faith in it because I find it reasonable.” • Christianity does not supersede any other religion but fulfills them • Christians are the New Israel who live by the New & Everlasting Covenant

31. Chapter 3, Section 3 cont.: Beliefs & Practices Creed – articulates Christian beliefs The Apostles’ Creed (c. AD 150) I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from then He shall 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 life everlasting.

32. Chapter 3, Section 3 cont.: Beliefs & Practices The Nicene Creed (AD 325) We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light true God from True God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father, through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

33. Chapter 3, Section 3 cont.: Beliefs & Practices Jesus Second person of the Trinity; God in the flesh The Trinity One God in three divine persons Sin Closed the gates of heaven Redemption God chose to save humanity through Jesus The Bible Offers instructions on Christian living The Church The “new Israel”

34. You Tube Videos: Christian Beliefs & Practices • 12 Differences Between Orthhodox & Catholic Churches • Catholicism vs. Protestantism

35. Chapter 3, Section 3 Review Questions According to the Apostle’s Creed, what do Christians believe about God? Define the major Christian beliefs in Trinity, Jesus, sin, and salvation Give examples of two different ways Christians have interpreted the Great Commandment. Define Church. What does it mean to say that the Catholic Church possesses the “fullness of the means of salvation”?

36. Chapter 3, Section 4: Sacred Times • Like most religions, all time is sacred & celebrating it is important • Christian calendar centered around the life, ministry, death, & Resurrection of Jesus (Advent—Nov/Dec to Christ the King—Nov/Dec) • Daily, weekly, & annual liturgies have the power to sanctify—living memorials • More formal the denomination the more holy/feast days • Central holy day is Sunday—the Lord’s day; mini Easter; Resurrection of Jesus • Transferred from Saturday—Jewish Sabbath as most early followers were Jews • All also celebrate Christmas & Easter; most expand out into cycles The Christmas Cycle • Advent—beginning of calendar; for most 4 weeks; for East 40 days = Nativity Fast; preparation for 3 comings of Jesus (original, today, & end of world); winter solstice on Dec. 21 = light comes in the darkness; green wreath with 4 candles • Christmas—ends preparation; 2nd holiest day; most Dec. 25; Orthodox Jan. 7; date unknown; set in 4th century to combat winter solstice of Unconquered Sun • Epiphany—means manifestation or revelation; 12 days after Christmas for most but Christmas for Orthodox; birth, baptism, & first miracle at Cana; celebrations separated in West as birth increased importance; East retained older Epiphany

37. Chapter 3, Section 4 cont.: Sacred Times The Easter Cycle • Lent—old English springtime; 40 day preparation; Jesus/Moses in the desert/mountain; begins with Ash Wednesday; ashes show life is transitory; prayer, fasting, almsgiving, & abstinence; ends with Holy Week; entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; Holy or Maundy Thursday is Last Supper where Jesus commands to love; Good Friday is death; Holy Saturday is tomb & descent into hell/dead • Easter—holiest day; Jesus’ Resurrection; moveable feast (1st Sunday after 1st full moon in spring); Passover connection; most Easter Vigil; Protestants Easter sunrise service; light in darkness theme for both • Pentecost—means fifty days; after Passover/Resurrection; promised Holy Spirit descends on apostles & disciples; transforms from fear to zeal; tongues, fire, wind; thousands converted; birthday of the Church (birth analogy)

38. Chapter 3, Section 4 cont.: Sacred Times Sacraments • Sacred times for Christians not connected to a particular season • Outward signs, instituted by Christ, to confer grace = effective signs authorized by Christ; transmit Christ’s grace to participants • Catholics & Orthodox—7; all protestants—1; most—2 (Baptism & Eucharist) • Baptism is the gateway; Catholics & more traditional Protestants—infants • Main source of ecumenical dialogue—1 Lord, 1 faith, 1 baptism • Eucharist—fulfills Jesus’ Last Supper command; communion with Jesus & one another = Body of Christ • Real presence for Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, & some Protestants but most symbolic presence Prayer • Another sacred occasion but not seasonal; two way conversation • Individual/communal; formal/informal; long/short; verbal/silent; spoken/sung • Postures, gestures, anytime, anyplace, anybody; Psalms & Our Father • Bible is main source of prayer but also tradition—saints & sinners

39. Chapter 3, Section 4 cont.: Sacred Times Ordinary Time The Liturgical Calendar Advent Celebrates Jesus: life, death, resurrection throughout the year Easter Lent Christmas

40. Chapter 3, Section 4 cont.: Sacred Times Sunday a “little Easter” Sacraments given by Christ Prayer formal and informal

41. You Tube Videos: Christian Sacred Times • The Story of the Christian Calendar • Fr. Barron: The Sacrament of Baptism

42. You Tube Videos: Christian Sacred Times • Ken Yasinski: Do Catholics Worship Mary (and the Saints) • Fr. Barron: The Sacrament of the Eucharist as Real Presence

43. Chapter 3, Section 4 Review Questions Why did the early Christians change their Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday? How is the Christian calendar different from the civil calendar? What are the special events in the Christmas cycle? What are the special events in the Easter cycle? What are two sacraments that most Christians celebrate? Name some of the characteristics of prayer.

44. Chapter 3, Section 5: Sacred Places & Sacred Spaces • Physical place known as church is the most sacred place for Christians • Functions: worship, fellowship, initiation, rites of passage, … • Where Jesus spent earthly life also sacred—Holy Land; modern day Israel Church • Besides being a gathering of people a church is also a building • Exterior architecture is not always indicative of the denomination but interior is • Gothic, urban storefront, mission, romanesque, modern, neo-gothic, … • Catholic—altar in center of sanctuary; pulpit on side; statues • Orthodox—same as Catholic but icons instead of statues • Protestant—simpler; pulpit in the center • How God is worshipped is more important than where; war & persecution shows

45. Chapter 3, Section 5 cont.: Sacred Places & Spaces Holy Land • Since Jesus is the central figure of Christianity it makes sense that where he was born, lived, ministered, died, rose, appeared, & ascended would be sacred • Known as the Holy Land located in the present day State of Israel • Bethlehem—birth • Nazareth—grew up • Galilee—ministry of preaching & healing • Jerusalem—ministry of preaching & healing as well as entry, trial, suffering & death, burial, resurrection, ascension, …

46. Chapter 3, Section 5 cont.: Sacred Places & Sacred Spaces Churches - where the community comes together for worship and fellowship Shrines - a shrine is a church or other sacred place which has the approval of the bishop and which is visited by the faithful as pilgrims. Holy Land – Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Mt. Sinai.

47. You Tube Videos: Christian Sacred Places & Spaces • Stunning Religious Buildings • Sharing Sacred Spaces Project

48. You Tube Videos: Christian Sacred Places & Spaces • History of Church Architecture • Overview of the Holy Land

49. Chapter 3, Section 5 Review Questions Describe the various church architecture depicted in the photos on pages 116-117. Why are Protestant churches often less formally decorated that Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican churches? Name and explain the significance of several sacred places in the Holy Land.

50. Chapter 3, Section 6: Other Christian Denominations through a Catholic Lens • a The Book of the Church • a