Christianity Unit Sections 1 &2: Universality & Origins of Christianity

Christianity UnitChristianity UnitSections 1 &2:Sections 1 &2:

Universality & Origins of Universality & Origins of ChristianityChristianity

JesusJesus

Christianity developed Christianity developed through the teachings through the teachings of Jesus.of Jesus.

“ “ Go Teach all nations Go Teach all nations the word of God”the word of God”

Jewish people were Jewish people were meant to spread the meant to spread the word of God.word of God.

OriginsOrigins

Christianity began in Palestine Christianity began in Palestine (Israel)(Israel)

Paul was able to spread this religion Paul was able to spread this religion throughout the Roman Empire as he throughout the Roman Empire as he travelled teaching of Jesus.travelled teaching of Jesus.

Today this spread has reached 33% Today this spread has reached 33% of the worlds population.of the worlds population.

Changes in TraditionsChanges in Traditions

Churches haven’t changed much in Churches haven’t changed much in traditions and beliefs over the years.traditions and beliefs over the years.

If you attended a Christian church If you attended a Christian church 500 years ago you would understand 500 years ago you would understand what is going on.what is going on.

Fundamental Belief SystemFundamental Belief System

All Christian denominations stick to All Christian denominations stick to the belief of being “men for others”the belief of being “men for others”

– Action: Work for the community ex. Action: Work for the community ex. “feed the hungry, heal the sick”“feed the hungry, heal the sick”

– Prayer/worship: Center of Christian life is Prayer/worship: Center of Christian life is praying and thanking God for all he has praying and thanking God for all he has given for you and asking him to forgive given for you and asking him to forgive your sins.your sins.

Origins of ChristianityOrigins of Christianity

Originally written down by the Originally written down by the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

– These Gospels show how Jesus Christ These Gospels show how Jesus Christ brought a New Law to compliment the brought a New Law to compliment the Old Law.Old Law.

– They also explain how Jesus is the They also explain how Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God for the Jewish Messiah and Son of God for the Jewish people.people.

MessiahMessiah

According to the Old Testament:According to the Old Testament:

– The Messiah would overthrow rulers and return The Messiah would overthrow rulers and return the Jewish people to Israel.the Jewish people to Israel.

– He would either be a great teacher, military He would either be a great teacher, military leader, or suffering servant.leader, or suffering servant.

– So in Matthew, Jesus is presented as a leader So in Matthew, Jesus is presented as a leader who descended from Abraham and can lead a who descended from Abraham and can lead a great Jewish nation.great Jewish nation.

Stories of JesusStories of Jesus No evidence of Jesus’ No evidence of Jesus’

existence has been existence has been historically recovered.historically recovered.

Generally accepted Generally accepted that he did live.that he did live.– This asks you to be This asks you to be

what?what?

– The Gospels developed The Gospels developed from stories that were from stories that were told and eventually told and eventually written down.written down.

Jesus’ BirthJesus’ Birth

Around 6 B.C Around 6 B.C Augustus Caesar Augustus Caesar ordered a census be ordered a census be taken in all of Rome.taken in all of Rome.

Return to your home Return to your home town for this (Joseph town for this (Joseph returns to Bethlehem)returns to Bethlehem)

No room at the inn – No room at the inn – head to a stable. head to a stable.

King HerodKing Herod

Felt threatened by Felt threatened by this new “King of the this new “King of the Jews”Jews”

Ordered the murder Ordered the murder of all children under of all children under 2 in Bethlehem2 in Bethlehem

Herod died shortly Herod died shortly after and Joseph after and Joseph returned to returned to Nazareth.Nazareth.

Jesus’ ChildhoodJesus’ Childhood

Little is known about Jesus as a boy.Little is known about Jesus as a boy.

It is assumed Joseph taught him It is assumed Joseph taught him carpentry and Jewish traditions.carpentry and Jewish traditions.

Only incident is at age 12 when he Only incident is at age 12 when he met with rabbis in the Temple of met with rabbis in the Temple of Jerusalem.Jerusalem.

John the BaptistJohn the Baptist

Jesus & JohnJesus & John John preached of Jesus John preached of Jesus

& baptized people a & baptized people a the River Jordan.the River Jordan.

Jesus was baptized by Jesus was baptized by John and then went John and then went into the wilderness for into the wilderness for 40 days after. 40 days after.

John was soon John was soon arrested by Herod arrested by Herod Antipas and Jesus took Antipas and Jesus took over his teachings.over his teachings.

BaptismBaptism

John began baptizing people around John began baptizing people around 26 or 27 A.D. 26 or 27 A.D.

Mystical power exists in flowing Mystical power exists in flowing water and can wash away sins. water and can wash away sins.

Need to be baptized because of the Need to be baptized because of the coming of the Messiah.coming of the Messiah.

Jesus’ Teaching MethodsJesus’ Teaching Methods

Preach to the Preach to the common people of common people of IsraelIsrael

He taught:He taught:– On the streetsOn the streets– In the countrysideIn the countryside– By the seaBy the sea– Wherever he found Wherever he found

people to hear his people to hear his messagemessage

Jesus’ MessageJesus’ Message Central message was the Central message was the

Kingdom of Heaven.Kingdom of Heaven.

Prepare people for the Prepare people for the coming of the kingdom of coming of the kingdom of God & Last Judgment.God & Last Judgment.

People are sinful, take up a People are sinful, take up a new life of obedience in new life of obedience in fellowship – Establish fellowship – Establish God’s Kingdom on Earth.God’s Kingdom on Earth.

Jesus Vs. JudaismJesus Vs. Judaism

Jesus – True devotion to Will of God. Jesus – True devotion to Will of God. Not just religious law.Not just religious law.

He drew from Judaic tradition for the He drew from Judaic tradition for the message of love and forgiveness.message of love and forgiveness.

Jesus – preach an emphasis on love Jesus – preach an emphasis on love as opposed to law. as opposed to law.

Jesus Vs. JudaismJesus Vs. Judaism

He did not think that he was He did not think that he was overthrowing Judaic Law.overthrowing Judaic Law.

““I came not to destroy the Law of I came not to destroy the Law of Moses but to fulfill it.” (Matt. 5. 17.)Moses but to fulfill it.” (Matt. 5. 17.)

He has now grown into a Jewish He has now grown into a Jewish leader with a huge Jewish following.leader with a huge Jewish following.

The History of ChristianityThe History of Christianity

Birth of the church – 40 days after Birth of the church – 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection from the deadJesus’ resurrection from the dead

Matthew tells of the disciples’ feeling Matthew tells of the disciples’ feeling lost and deserted by Jesus – but they lost and deserted by Jesus – but they remembered him saying: “I am with remembered him saying: “I am with you always, to the close of the age”you always, to the close of the age”

Acts 2. 2-4Acts 2. 2-4

Read from the Catholic Youth BibleRead from the Catholic Youth Bible

MissionariesMissionaries

The apostles have now gained The apostles have now gained courage and began to fulfill the final courage and began to fulfill the final directive of their risen and ascended directive of their risen and ascended Lord. Lord.

Two missionaries, Peter & Paul made Two missionaries, Peter & Paul made the long trek to Rome to preach the long trek to Rome to preach Christianity.Christianity.

Caesar NeroCaesar Nero

Peter & Paul killed by Nero in Peter & Paul killed by Nero in approximately 64 ADapproximately 64 AD

Began 300 years of Christian Began 300 years of Christian persecution. persecution.

According to Romans – Christianity is According to Romans – Christianity is illegal and many died for their faith.illegal and many died for their faith.

Emperor ConstantineEmperor Constantine

Christianity begins to gain some Christianity begins to gain some ground.ground.

Between the years 280-337 Emperor Between the years 280-337 Emperor Constantine is the first Christian Constantine is the first Christian Emperor of Rome. Emperor of Rome.

By 380 Christianity is the accepted By 380 Christianity is the accepted religion of Rome. religion of Rome.

The Fall of RomeThe Fall of Rome

Rome falls apart in approximately 530 AD.Rome falls apart in approximately 530 AD.

A great Benedictine monastery begins A great Benedictine monastery begins however called Monte Cassino.however called Monte Cassino.

With no Rome it means the barbarians and With no Rome it means the barbarians and legal accomplishments have failed.legal accomplishments have failed.

Monte CassinoMonte Cassino

Thanks to this monastery – Christianity Thanks to this monastery – Christianity and Roman laws and literacy were able to and Roman laws and literacy were able to live onlive on

Monks here studied the Bible and early Monks here studied the Bible and early Roman writings. Roman writings.

Eventually Christian cathedrals, schools Eventually Christian cathedrals, schools monasteries and more were able to monasteries and more were able to develop and grow.develop and grow.

Monestaries Monestaries

These are These are independent, self-independent, self-supporting supporting communities of communities of monks.monks.

These monks are These monks are dedicated to dedicated to prayer, work, and prayer, work, and study.study.

Monastic life – Monastic life – withdraw from withdraw from worldly affairs to worldly affairs to devote themselves devote themselves completely to completely to religion. religion.

Monks & Nuns are Monks & Nuns are to live perfectly to live perfectly Christian life.Christian life.

Monks & Monasteries Monks & Monasteries

These monasteries These monasteries were in rural areas were in rural areas outside of citiesoutside of cities

All of this is taking All of this is taking part in the Middle part in the Middle Ages in Europe. Ages in Europe. (600-1100 AD)(600-1100 AD)

Religious Movements Religious Movements

These are These are movements that movements that occur in the 12occur in the 12thth & & 1313thth Centuries. Centuries.

Franciscans & Franciscans & Dominicans Dominicans

Growth of CitiesGrowth of Cities

In the Middle Ages In the Middle Ages cities began to cities began to grow in Europe. grow in Europe.

Because of this Because of this new religious new religious groups were groups were needed in urban needed in urban life.life.

Both Franciscans and Both Franciscans and Dominicans developed Dominicans developed in these citiesin these cities

Franciscans – Founded Franciscans – Founded by St. Francisby St. Francis

Dominicans – Founded Dominicans – Founded by Saint Dominicby Saint Dominic

Franciscans and DominicansFranciscans and Dominicans

Monks that worked in Monks that worked in the cities to fight the cities to fight poverty, developed poverty, developed universities and universities and educate the masses educate the masses through Christian through Christian teachers.teachers.

Thomas Aquinas and Thomas Aquinas and Albert the Great Albert the Great famous Dominicansfamous Dominicans

Gregory IGregory I

United the church so United the church so that it didn’t fall into that it didn’t fall into smaller groups.smaller groups.

He is the first monk to He is the first monk to become Pope.become Pope.

Lived in Rome and Lived in Rome and started the Roman started the Roman papacy.papacy.

Protestant ReformationProtestant Reformation

As the Catholic As the Catholic church has been church has been formed for years a formed for years a few issues begin to few issues begin to arise.arise.

Is the church Is the church gaining too much gaining too much power?power?

Major QuestionsMajor Questions

Should those with spiritual power Should those with spiritual power also hold political power?also hold political power?

Does God save man without man’s Does God save man without man’s efforts?efforts?

Is grace something in man that Is grace something in man that makes him worthy of eternal life?makes him worthy of eternal life?

Martin LutherMartin Luther

These questions and These questions and many more were many more were raised by Martin raised by Martin LutherLuther

Augustinian monk Augustinian monk that nailed the that nailed the ‘Ninety-five Theses’ ‘Ninety-five Theses’ to the door of the to the door of the Wittenberg Wittenberg Cathedral in 1517.Cathedral in 1517.

So what are the ninety-five So what are the ninety-five thesis?thesis?

His challengeHis challenge

This sets up a challenge against the This sets up a challenge against the Roman Catholic church.Roman Catholic church.

Should not be compromised with Should not be compromised with political powerspolitical powers

Too much dependence on human Too much dependence on human work’s instead of trusting in Christ.work’s instead of trusting in Christ.

DivisionsDivisions

Luther believes there are divisions Luther believes there are divisions between between

Political & SpiritualPolitical & SpiritualNatural & SupernaturalNatural & SupernaturalHuman & DivineHuman & Divine

The Roman Catholic church has crossed these The Roman Catholic church has crossed these divisions.divisions.

Sale of Indulgences Sale of Indulgences

People could claim People could claim heavenly rewards heavenly rewards in exchange for in exchange for money.money.

According to According to Luther, faith in Luther, faith in Jesus Christ alone Jesus Christ alone saves you.saves you.

Ultimate MessageUltimate Message

Luther: “Religion Luther: “Religion should always be should always be criticizing a criticizing a dependence on dependence on worldly things and worldly things and earthly power.” earthly power.”

All of these ideas All of these ideas and issues caused and issues caused major fights across major fights across Europe.Europe.

EpiscopaliansEpiscopalians

Name given to those Name given to those that follow Anglican.that follow Anglican.

Often seen as Often seen as churches with red churches with red doors.doors.

Red represents Red represents Christ’s blood shed for Christ’s blood shed for sinners sinners

Origins from Church of EnglandOrigins from Church of England Has a combination of Has a combination of

Protestant & Catholic Protestant & Catholic elementselements

Puritans and many others Puritans and many others came to America to start came to America to start reform movements.reform movements.

Revolutionary War almost Revolutionary War almost ended Anglican work in ended Anglican work in America.America.

Protestant Episcopal Church`Protestant Episcopal Church`

In USA this is what In USA this is what the Anglican the Anglican Church turns into.Church turns into.

Developed their Developed their own bishops, own bishops, prayer books and prayer books and servicesservices

BeliefsBeliefs Book of Common PrayerBook of Common Prayer

This includes Nicene and This includes Nicene and Apostles’ CreedApostles’ Creed

Eucharist – Don’t believe it Eucharist – Don’t believe it is body and blood – but is body and blood – but requires more special requires more special ceremony as it holds ceremony as it holds supernatural powers.supernatural powers.

Must attend church Must attend church servicesservices

However, Bible However, Bible readings personally readings personally outside of church outside of church are extremely are extremely important.important.

BaptistsBaptists

Second largest group Second largest group of Christians in the of Christians in the United States. United States.

How do you figure out How do you figure out who’s a Christian – who’s a Christian – Profess your faith and Profess your faith and then seal it with then seal it with baptismbaptism

Founded by Roger Founded by Roger Williams – churches Williams – churches ought to be composed ought to be composed of those people of those people who’ve made a who’ve made a conscious choice to be conscious choice to be included. included.

Members are present Members are present based on their own based on their own free will.free will.

Baptists in AmericaBaptists in America

Southern Baptist Southern Baptist Convention – Convention – largest movementlargest movement

Baptists exist as Baptists exist as individual individual communities and communities and congregations.congregations.

Born AgainBorn Again

Only adults not Only adults not infants can be infants can be baptized.baptized.

Born again – intense Born again – intense spiritual experience spiritual experience in which a person in which a person comes to terms with comes to terms with sin and asks for sin and asks for forgiveness.forgiveness.

Baptist Beliefs Cont.Baptist Beliefs Cont.

Some Baptists Some Baptists believe that Jesus believe that Jesus died only for a died only for a ‘selected’ group of ‘selected’ group of peoplepeople

Others believe that Others believe that he died for he died for everyone.everyone.

Unrefined Unrefined preachers fill their preachers fill their pulpits rather than pulpits rather than seminary-trained seminary-trained professionals. professionals.

Sermons are Sermons are delivered directly delivered directly from the Bible. from the Bible.

Mormons Mormons

Sacred Texts: The Sacred Texts: The Bible, Book of Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine Mormon, Doctrine and Covenantsand Covenants

Founder: Joseph Founder: Joseph Smith Jr. Smith Jr.

Christian religion Christian religion made in the USA.made in the USA.

Church of Jesus Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Saints.

Joseph Smith in the Joseph Smith in the 1830s spoke with 1830s spoke with an angel named an angel named Moroni. Moroni.

Book of MormonBook of Mormon

Moroni told him all Moroni told him all churches were churches were corrupt and gave corrupt and gave him a book to him a book to translate to translate to English.English.

This book includes This book includes Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Matthew, quotes from quotes from Malachi & Isaiah, & Malachi & Isaiah, & The Lord’s PrayerThe Lord’s Prayer

Features the saga Features the saga of the Nephites – of the Nephites – ancient North ancient North American raceAmerican race

Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon.

Jesus appeared to Jesus appeared to them and gave them and gave them instructions to them instructions to create a true church create a true church on American soil. on American soil.

Moroni was the only Moroni was the only survivor (son of survivor (son of their leader their leader Mormon) Mormon)

He buried their He buried their book in the hills of book in the hills of New York where New York where Joseph Smith found Joseph Smith found it. it.

Joseph SmithJoseph Smith

BeliefsBeliefs

Tobacco, Alcohol & Tobacco, Alcohol & caffeine are caffeine are unacceptable. unacceptable.

Anyone can Anyone can become a God. become a God.

Father, Son & Holy Father, Son & Holy Spirit are separate Spirit are separate Gods. Gods.

Sealing – meaning Sealing – meaning you and your you and your family are always family are always connect even when connect even when you die. you die.

Communion is just Communion is just a memory – use a memory – use water instead of water instead of wine.wine.